The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1905-07-22

Gus. Only the poor know the curse VI
poverty. They know how heavily III
falls, crushing the heart OF man, and
ito use my fayorite expression) they
can at once put themselves In the I'M
fortunate ones place and appreciate
the difficulties, and are therefore al
ways ready to render assistance, as
far as they are able. If Mr.. Merton
had the least idea what and my fam
lily had to- 80 through, I think he
would be willing to wait several years
rather than distress us."
With what emotion the stranger
listened may be imagined. A new
world was being opened to him. He
was passing through an experience
that had never been his before. Shortly
after the conclusion of the meal he
arose to take his leave, thanking Mr..
and Mrs, Bishop for their kind hospi-
tally. They invited him to stay ali
night, telling him he was welcome to
what they had.
He thanked them. and said:
II will trespass on your kindness no
longer. think can reach the next
village before dark, and be SO much
| farther on my Journey"
Mr.. Merton did not sleep much that
night; he lay awake thinking. He had
received a new revelation. The poor
had always been associated in his
mind with stupidity and ignorance,
and the first poor family he had found
were far in advance, in Intelligent
sympathy and real politeness, of the
exquisite and fashionable butterflies of
the day. ..
The next day boy called at the
cottage and left package in a large
blue envelope addressed to Mr. Bishop
Mrs. Bishop was very much alarm
ed when she took 1t, for large blue
envelopes were associated in her mind
with law and lawyers, and she
thought that it boded no good. She put
1t away until her husband came home
from work, when she handed 1t to
him. +#E
He opened 1t In silence, read Its con-
tents, and said fervently:
THANK heavenw
what is it, John~ inquired his
anxious wife.
Good news, wife," replied John;
''such news as / never hoped for or
even dreamed Of" -
"What Ii it-what is itP Tell me
quickHI want to hear If It's any
thing geedP'
''Mr. Merton has Cancelled the mort
gage-released me from the debt, both
interest and principal--and says any
time l need further assistance, If l
will let him know, shall have it."
Il am 30 gladi 1t puts new life into
me-" said the now happy wife. But
what can have come over Mr.. Mer-
tonf'
Il do not know. It seems strange
after the way he talked to me yester-
day morning. 1 will go right over to
Mr.. Merton and tell him how happy
he has made u.s."
He found Mr.. Merton in, and ,ex-
pressed his gratitude In glowing terms.
what could have induced you,"
he asked, ITO show us SO much kind.
nessT
II followed your suggestions" re-
piled Mr.. Merton, land put myself In
your place. expect it will surprise
you very much TO learn that tho
strange traveller to whom you showed
SC much kindness yesterday was my
self" sa .r
Indeed" exclaimed Mr.. Bishop.
"Can this be true? How did you dis
guise yourself so well2"
II was not 20 much disguised, after
ALL. but you could not very readily as
ISOLATE Mr.. Merton, the lawyer, with a
poor wayfaring mania! hal hap
laughed Mr. Merton.
well, it Is a good joke" said Mr
Bishop: good in more senses than
one. 1t has terminated very pleasant
y for me-"
II was surprised" said Mr.. Merton,
''at the broad and liberal views you
expressed of men and their actions
generally. l supposed I had greatly
the advantage over you in means and
education; yet how cramped and mar
row-minded have been my views be-
side yoursi That wife of yours Is an
estimable woman, and that boy of
yours will be an honor to any man.
/ tell you, Bishop" said the lawyer,
becoming animated, you are rich
rich beyond what money could make
you; you have treasures that gold will
rot buy. tell you, you owe me no
thanks. Somehow l seem to have
lived years since yesterday morning.
What l have learned at your house is
worth more than you owe me, and 1
am your debtor vet. Hereafter l shall
take as my motto, put yourself In his
place. and try to regulate my action
by it"-Waverley Magazine.