Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-02-10

How long have you been hungry"
IL have not had anything to eat for
almost three days"
"rhere Is food to be had at the poor
commissioners. Did you know that
fact"
The man did not answer. and Philip
asked him again. The reply came in
tone Of bitter emphasis that made
the minister start:
"Yes; | knew it! would starve be-
fore | would 60 to the poor commits
sioners for food"
"Or steal?" asked Philip gently.
"Yes. or steal. Wouldn't you"
Philip stared out into the darkness
Of the court and answered honestly.
IL don't know"
There was a short pause. Then he
asked:
Cant you get work."
1t was q hopeless question to put to
a man in q town Of over 1000 idle
men. The answer was what he knew
it would be:
Work! Can pick up bushel Of
gold in the street out there? Can
man get work where there amt any?'
What have you been doing"
81 was fireman at the Lake mills.
Good Job: lost it when they closed
down last winter"
what have you been doing since"
Anything | could get"
Are you a married man"
The question affected the other
strangely. He trembled all over. put
his head between his knees. and out Of
his hearts anguish flowed the words:
81 had a wife. She's dead-of con-
sumption. had a little girl. She's
dead too. Thank Cod" exclaimed the
man. with a change from a sob to q
curse. Thank God! And curses on
all rich men who had it in their power
to prevent the hell on earth for other
people. and which they will feel for
themselves in the other world"
Philip did not say anything for some
time What could any man say to an
other at once under such circum-
stances? Finally he said:
What will you do with money If /
give you some"
81 don't want your money" replied
the man.
81 thought you did little while ago."
"It was the mill owners money I
wanted. You're the preacher, amt
you. up at Calvary church?'
"Yes. How did you know"
"I've seen you: heard you preach
once. never thought ! should come
to thiS-holding up preacher down
here" And the man laughed hard,
short laugh.
"Then you're not Philip hardly
| knew how to say 1t. 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 Eare been threatened by the
whisky men. and at first | supposed
you were one Of their men,"
"No. SIR" was the answer. almost in
disgust. II may be pretty bad, but I've
not got so low as that"
"Then your only motive was hun.
ger?"
THAT was all. Enough. amt it?"
I'VE can't discuss the matter here"
said Philip. He hesitated. 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 u
street near by and walked past. Phil
ip knew them and said good evening.
They thought be was helping some
drunken man, 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 go"
God knows. am an outcast on his
earthw
"Have you no home?'
Home. Yes; the gutter the street,
the bottom of the river"
MY brother" Philip laid his hand
on the mans shoulder. Come home
with me, have something to eat, and
stay with me for awhile
1t was all said so calmly. so lovingly,
30 honestly, that the man softened I'M
/ der it, 4 tear rolled over his cheek.
He brushed his hand over his eyes. 1t
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
gered and might have fallen if Philip
had not supported him. Il am faint
and dizzy" he said.
Courage, man! My home is not far
off. We shall soon be there" His
companion was silent. AS they came
up to the door Philip said, 81 haven't
asked your name, but it might save
little awkwardness if knew it."
civilian -" Philip did not hear
the last name, it was spoken in such a
low voice.
Mrs. Strong at once set food upon
the table, and then she and Philip with
true delicacy busted themselves in an
other room so as not to watch the
| hungry man while hp ate When he