Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-11-14
Ia had nlentr OF room.

lie had plenty or room.
After the service Jerry trudged
down the avenue until - came to a
mansion on a corner. he .Nrne0 int0
the cross street and looked into 3 win
dow. There's sitting at table fairly
heaped with flowers. sat a white-haired
old man. his thumbs together and his
gaze straight before him.
Jerry moved along until he came
20 the gate. and. hesitating a moment.
he opened It and went to the back
door, His gentle knocking brought
forth the butler.
Twin you give me something to
eat?"
The servant gave him a frigid look,
told him to wait and closed the door.
He went to the whits-haired old man
There's a tramp at the back door.
sir. who begs for something TO eat
said the butler.
Wen. well. give him a bite" sGid
the old man. and send him on his
way. But wait. Huxley" he went on.
Bring him in herel have eaten
alone on Christmas day for 20 years.
with Just that vacant chair at the
other end OF the table. and to-day I
am not going TO eat alone. Bring him
in after he has been washed clean"
The surprised Huxley bowed and
went away. He led Jerry 70 soap. wa
ter and towel. and after the young
man was as presentable as II was pos
sible for him to be, be was escorted to
the rich dining room.
Fetch a chair TO my right. Huxley"
ordered the old man 1T shall be the
seat OF honor"
Jerry sat down and Immediately
apologlzed for his appearance.
"Tush. tush." said the old man. Il
don't care how you look I want to
see hungry man eat"
Il don't think you Will be dfsap-
pointed In that. sir" smiled Jerry. The
young mans voice. indicating refine
ment and polish. caused the old man
10 lift his brows In surprise
Have you always been a tramp
mot always. sir. I have seen bet
ter days"
What is your Manner
Il prefer not 20 tell you. sir"
Proud. eh2 oh, very well. then.
How long have YOU been tramp"
only few months"
Cant you find work."
Y haven't found more than enough
TO keep body and soul together, sir.
up 20 date"
The men conversed throughout the
sumptuous meal the old man becom-
ing deeply interested In his lone com
panion. He was surprised at his re-
nnement and education. Before the
dessert was brought in he said:
III see what I can do for you.
young man. 7 believe that you de-
serve better things How would YOU
like 20 work in one OF my lumber
yards?"
1 am grateful to you sir" said Jer-
~, and he was plainly embarrassed.
"but-where is your lumber yard2"
Here in Portland" and the old
man frowned little.
AS / said sir. am lnexpressibly
thankful 10 you for the interest aud
kindness" said Jerry. hut / don't
think the climate here-so far north
will agree with me. and"
Don't YOU want 20 work." snapped
tho old man. red IN the face. DO you
want 70 keep ON being an object of
charity2-
Jerry could think Of nothing to say
before the old man fairly roared:
You are a lazy dog, Get out OF this
house and never let me see you againt
Don't wait FOR the dessert. for you1I
not set another mouthful in this
house. sir"
AT the first outburst Jerry was cut
OF his seat and coldly bowirg his way
70 the door.
Huxley" cried the tuning old man.
throw this worthless fellow into the
street"
Huxley, frail little Engllshman OF
middle age, took on an expression OF
severity that caused Jerry TO smile.
He moved towards him. but stoned
abruptly when Jerry flashed a vicious
glare from his eyes.
Come on, SIR. come on-no loiter-
Ing. no lettering. sir" said Huxley in a
cracked, trembling voice. touching his
arm ever so lightly. The moment his
fingers touched his arm Jerry's hands
were elenched and his face was red.
Take that hand off Of met" said
Jerry, softly-then fercely: Take IL
on l say. or III throw you through
that Window"
The old mans chin dropped In
amazement and poor Huxley backed
up until the wall stopped him. his face
as white as ghost.
I'll walk out OF this house" Jerry
went on calmly. without anybody's
assistance. Open that door for me.
huxley a minute later the back
door was slammed against him.
God pity the poor richl" Jerry
smiled 10 himself as he turned I'D his
coat collar and started for the street.
(To BE CONTINUED