The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1899-12-21

man is vending his way-at short inter
walls he stops suddenly, gazing over the
hedge side, where the moon Is shining
through the leafiess snow-covered trees
advancing a few PAGES he stops once
more before a ruined tower, fast crum-
bling TO decay.
God bless the dear old landmarks" hc
murmurcd, many and many time have
| stood beside you in my dreams when
the great ocean rolled between us--at
last. like the load-stone that attracts the
needle. you have brought the wanderer
back. Oh. sweet install, the smallest
blade of grass that grows in your green
dells is a million times more precious 20
me than all the wealth and grandeur
have seen on foreign shores"
Having reached the cottage, he was
met at the door by a tall,well-built, ven
cradle looking man.
Can you give me shelter for short
time?' asked the stranger.
Il can, or for long time, il you need
it-though not very long. now l come TO
remember, for in few weeks / won't
be able to call this house my own. Isn't
that the truth, Mary?" he added, looking
at his wife, busily plying her needle near
a bright turf fire.
ut is indeed-the bitter truth-may
God in his mercy protect u.s." said his
wife.
And how long have you lived in this
cosy cottage?" asked the stranger.
Fifty years, sir. My father built it. l
married the good wife you see beside me
in it. | reared big family in it, but
they're scattered far away from us now
Some Of them, I'm afreerd, III never see
again. Our oldest boy I've not heard
from in ten years. He was sent into
penal servitude for the part he took in
the rising of '6I."
What was his namef"
Redmond O'Hara. But in troth IL
go on in this way Ill be disgracing the
proud ovid name Of our family. Here,
take Whit o this ovid dhudeen; twill
help to Danish sad thoughts
Before l light my pipe" said the
stranger. II wish you would tell me why
it is that you will be compelled to leave
this cottage in few weeks"
THE answer is simple" replied his
host. Il am only small farmer, and
cannot afford 10 pay Lord Leech the
heavy taxes that are yearly imposed on
NY Oh II t!uc hOut. WlluDul al
ORTIZ of help from his lordship. That's the
who.c OF it in 4 nutshell"
And SO you are 10 be evicted:'
That's it exactly" replied the host.
Not if ! can save YOU said the stran-
ger.
''Saltpeter couldn't save US
There is something more potent than
saltpeter."
Maybe ye name dynamite" said his
host.
What have reference to is more pow
erful than even dynamite" replied the
traveller, although it is not so noisy.
What allude TO is the power of gold.'
During the foregoing the farmers wife
had prepared a supper which the trav-
elcr seemed TO relish with 4 zest that be-
tokened keen appetite. Having finished
his meal he relit his pipe, drew his chair
near the fire and became more communi
cative.
on seem to be Il cOnversab!e man,
said the host. ''and I'm proud Of your
company; if you ike to sleep under this
roof tonight you are heartily wc.kim.
and we'll spend pleasant Christmas day
together"
You are too kind, SIR" said the
stranger. But | accept the invitation
"Of course" said the farmer, you'll
have to take pot luck with US; he have no
dainties to offer you, but there was
time when a prince couldn't find fault
with our table on Christmas day, when
we could spread before you turkey. geese,
ham, lamb and almost every delicacy I'M
der the blessed sun. but them times have
passed away like the SNOW"
God bless you and your good wife, sir,
for the cordial welcome you have given
to the poor stranger. Ii reminds ME Of
the gay old times when l was happy
boy under the roof-t-ec of my parents,