Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-04-01
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People called him Rambling Robin"
You could have seen him almost any
day walking along with his head hang
ing down, and his eyes fixed on the
ground. Nobody spoke to him, nor did
he speak to anybody. His clothes were
In rags. He Wore no collar. Sometimes
a red scarf was fastened round his
neck, but oftener than not his neck and
chest were bare to the cutting winds.
Nobody knew where he came from, and
nobody cared.
Some said he had been an actor at
one time-others that he had been a
doctor, while many maintained that he
was a man who had gambled away a
large fortune. Whatever he might have
been. we could all see that he was no
common vagrant.
do not know whether the peace and
good will which are supposed to come
to all men at Christmas time had any
thing to do with 1t, but when passed
him one Christmas eve a few years
ago, as I was hurrying off home, a
sudden impulse led me to stop.
"Wnl you come home with me and
have your supper, Robin"' said.
He stopped and lifted up his head.
Poor fellow! noticed the tears spring
to his eyes. Kind words were
strangers to him.
"My-my supperr he gasped. Il
never have any supper"
quite believed him. In fact. If he
had said he never had anything to ca.
at any time should not have contra
dicted him.
But make an exception tonight"
urged. christmas time. you know.
People break the ordinary routine Of
their lives al Christmas. Come along"
He made no answer; at least. not
with words. but his eyes spoke plainly
enough. and. quickening his pace. we
strobe along together toward my home
At last we reached the house, and my
wife opened the door. My little Mabel
came toddling to meet me, and as I
lifted her up and carried her back on
my shoulder | told my wife l had
brought a friend home for supper.
Robin and l sat talking together
while Annie was getting the meal
ready. His face had frightened, and
his brilliant conversation confirmed the
opinion l had formed Of him, that he
was man of culture.
Mabel climbed down from my knee
and went across to Robin.
'Have 90 no little drip she lisped.
He stroked her hair gently, and shook
his head.
"And no mamma:" she asked. look
ing first at me and then at the smiling
face Of my wife.
Robin turned his face away. Trust
child for finding the way to mans
heart.
mo, no mamma" he replied. after
pause
Mabel sighed, and came across to me.
us &c poor MANI" she asked.
The intervention Of my wife with
the informa ton that supper was ready
saved me from replying.
The meal over. my wife rose to take
Mabel to bed. but before she left the
room the little girl ran hack, and climb
ing on Robins knee, kissed him ''dood
night" Then Robin and pulled our
chairs to the fire. His eyes were shin
ing. He seemed a different man.
handed him cigar, and we sat smok-
ing for awhile without speaking.
Would you like to hear the history
Of Rambling Robin?'" he asked, bend
ing forward. If you would, l will tell
you the first part. The second part only
begins tonight. You shall
hear that In year or two"
did not quite understand him. but |
| nodded and waited for him to start.
Two lines" he began, frequently
occur to me. You remember thsm: