Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1900-03-08

Thnd n uife She's dcod-of consun,p-
tiOn.n
ton and answered for n few minutes
you say that YOU meant TO roll me,
taking me for another mani
Yes. thought you was the mill
man. What is his name? Wntcry"
"WhY did you want to rob him 2"
The man looked up and said hoarse-
ly, almost savagely because he has
money. and | was hungry"
GLOW long have YOU been hungry"
81 hay" not had anything to eat for
almost three days"
"Thcrc is food to be had at the poor
commissioners. Did YOU know that
factr'
The man did not answer. and Philip
asked him again. TIL" reply came in
a tone Of bitter emphasis that made
the minister start:
"Ncs; | knew il. would starvc be-
fore would 80 to the poor commits
sioncrS for food"
cor Stoalf" asked Philip gently.
yes. or steal Wouldn't yout"
Philip stared out into the darkness
Of the court and answered honestly,
II don't know"
There was a short pause. Then he
asked
cant YOU get work."
II was hopeless question 10 put 10
n man in town of over 1000 idle
mon. The answer was what he knew
it would he:
"Work. can | pick up bu>h"l Of
gold in the street out there: Can II
man get work where there amt any,"
what have YOU been doing"
81 was fireman at the Lake mills.
Good job; lost it whom they closed
down last winter"
what have YOU been doing since:'
"Anything could get
Are You n married mani
The question affected tho other
strangely He trcmblcd all over. put
his head between his knees. and out Of
his hearts anguish flowed the words
81 had a wife. She's dcad-Of con-
sumption. | had little girl. Shes
dead too. Thank cod" exclaimed the
man. with a change from sob 10 Il
curse. "Thank God, And curses on
all rich men who had it in their power
TO prevent the he'll on earth for other
people and which they will feel for
themselves in III" other world"
Philip did not say anything for some
time. What could any man say to an
other at once dudor such crclm-
stances? Finally he said:
"Wh1t viii you do with money if
give you >omc:"
81 don't want your money" replied
the man.
Il thought YOU did little while ago"
at was the mill owners money
wanted You're tn" preacher, amt
you. up at calvary church,"
Eyes. How did YOU know"
"I'vc seen YOU; heard You preach
once. | never thought should come
to thiS-holding mp a preacher down
here" And the man laughed a hard,
short laugh.
"Then you're not Philip hardly
know how to say it. He wanted to say
that the man was not connected in any
way with the saloon element. "You're
driven to this desperate course on your
own account? The reason | ask is be
cause have been threatened by the
whisky men. AMI nj first | supposed
you were one of their men"
NO. sir" was the answer. almost in
disgust. Il may be pretty bad. but I've
NOT got so low rs that"
"Thon your only motive was hun
GER"
That was all Enough, amt it,"
I'VE can't discuss the matter here"
said Philip. He heSitatcd, rose and
stood there looking at the man. who sat
now with his head resting on his arms
which were folded across his knees
Two or three persons came out of Il
street near 10y and walked past. Phil
ip knew them and said good evening
They thought he was helping some
drunken man, Il thing he had often
done, and they went along without
stopping. Again the street was de-
serted.
"What will you do now? Where will
you 20"
"God knows am an outcaSt on his
EARTH"
Have you no homeE'
Home. Yes; the gutter the street,
the bottom of the river"
My brothcr,' Philip laid his hand
on the mans shoulder come home
with me- have something to eat, and
stay with me for aW lille"
1t was all said so calmly. So lovingly.
so honestly that the man softcnrd UNI
der il. \ tear rolled over his cheek.
He brushed his hand over his eyes. II
had been long time since any one had
called him "brothcr.'
Come" Philip reached out his hand
and helped him to rise. The man stag
gcrrd and might have fallen il Phllip
had not supported him. II am faint
and dizzy" he said,
Courage. man! My home is not far
off. We shall soon be there" His
companion was sllcut. As they came
up to the door Philip said. Il haven't
asked your name, but it might save
little awkWardneSs if knew it,"
William - Philip did not hear