The Oskaloosa herald., 1900-02-22
other wanting food. There's no dan

ger, ] know"
He flung the door wide open and call
ed out in his clear. hearty voice:
Anything you want, friend? Come
up and ring the bell if you want to get
in and know us instead of standing
there on the walk catching cold and
making us wonder who you are"
In response to this frank and inform
nj invitation the figure came forward
and slowly mounted the steps Of the
porch AS the face came into view
more clearly Philip started and fell
back n little.
1t was not because the face was that
of an enemy nor because 1t was re-
pulsive nor because he recognized an
old acquaintance. 1t was face he
had never to his knowledge seen be-
fore. Yet the impulse to start back be-
fore it seemed to spring from the rec
objection Of just such a countenance
moving over his spirit when he was in
prayer or in trouble. 1t all passed in
seconds time, and then he confronted
the man as a complete stranger.
There was nothing remarkable about
him. He was poorly dressed and car
ried small bundle. He looked cold
and tired. Philip, who could never re-
sist the mute appeal Of distress in any
form, reached out his hand and said
kindly: ''Come in, my brother; you
look cold and weary. Come In and
sit down before the fire, and Wen have
a bite Of lunch. was just beginning
to think of having something to eat
myself"
Philips wife looked a little remon-
STRANGE. but Philip did not see it, and
wheeling an easy chair before the fire
he made the man sit down, and, pull
ing up rocker, he placed himself OPP
posite.
The stranger seemed a little surpris-
ed at the action of the minister, but
made no resistance. He took off his
hat and disclosed head of hair white
as snow and said in a voice that
sounded singularly sweet and true:
You do me much honor. sir. The
fire feels good this chilly evening, and
the food will be very acceptable. And
have no doubt you have a good,
warm bed that l could occupy for the
night
Philip stared hard at his unexpected
guest, and his wife, who had started
out Of the room to get the lunch, shook
her head vigorously as she stood be-
hind the visitor as a sign that her hus-
band should refuse such a strange re-
quest. He was taken aback a little,
and he looked puzzled. The words
were uttered in the utmost simplicity.
why, yes, we can arrange that all
right" he said. There is a spare
room, and-excuse me for a moment
while l go and help to get our lunch"
Philips wife was telegraphing to him
to come into the other room, and he
obediently got up and went.
Now, Philip" she whispered when
they were out in the dining room, you
know that is risky thing to do. You
are all the time inviting all kinds of
characters in here. We can't keep
this man all night. Who ever heard Of
such thing as perfect stranger COM
Ing out with a request like that? |
believe the man is crazy. 1t certainly
will not do to let him stay here all
night"
Philip looked puzzled.
81 declare 1t is strange! He doesn't
appear like an ordinary tramp. But
somehow / don't think he's crazy.
Why shouldn't we let him have the
bed in the room off the east parlor. /
can light the fire in the stove there
and make him comfortable"
"But we don't know who he is. You
let your sympathies run away with
your judgment"
swell, little woman, let me go In and
talk with him awhile. You get the
lunch. and we'll see about the rest
afterward."
So he went back and sat down again.
He was hardly seated when his visitor
said:
"If your wife objects to my staying
here tonight, Of course, don't wish to.
l don't feel comfortable to remain
where I'm not welcome"
ooh. you're perfectly welcome" said
Philip hastily, with some embarrass-
ment. while his strange visitor went
on:
"fm not crazy, only little odd, you
know. Perfectly harmless. 1t will be
perfectly safe for you to keep me over
night"
The man spread his thin hands out
before the fire, while Philip sat and
watched him with certain fascination
new to his interest in all sorts and
conditions Of men.
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