The Randall County news. (Canyon City, Tex.) 1908-1926, 1909-12-17

writer beside him The bishop OF
Winchester sat in the window in a
straight backed chair. for il appeared
thai he could not even allow himself
the luXury "f resting when he might
have rested
"A note pf thanks from the president
Of the board of managers of the Home
For the Homeless" said the secretary,
opening another letter. with lit
tie sigh of relief, for he was near the
end of the pile. He says that your
magnificent contribution has saved the
home from serious difficulties and that
this will enable them to go through
the winter comfortably"
NO answer needed" said the bishop
briefly
"A letter from Mr.. Hanlon for help
for poor family. He says he has
found n family in great distress. and
he looks to you for advice and assist
ance.'
He doesn't need advice. He needs
assistance Tell him to draw on me
and do what he thinks necessary"
"A letter from Mr. Quintard in ref
erence 10 young Cooper the theological
student. He has married and so has
forfeited his right to continue his
course and enter upon his career un.
less you are willing to make an excep-
ton in his case
The bishops face flushed and his
lips set in a line like iron.
Write Mr.. Quintard." he said in icy
tones, that he will please convey to
the young man my compliments and
tell him that since he has put his nose
to the grudstone he may keep it there.
He is to tell him from me that he can
seek out some humble employment for
himself"
Are you going out. sir?" asked the
secretary aS the bishop put on his
ovcrcoat.
Yes" replied the great man sim
ply. Il promised to give talk to the
workingmcm tonight ut the Dayton
mission
There was world of personal his
tory in the simple answer. 1t was a
cold and dismal night, and the fire was
burning cheerily in the crate, yet this
man, who might have taken his ease.
was going To the farthest extremity of
the city TO talk to grimy workingmen.
The secretary watched him with Won
der and curiosity in his face. The
hard. stern, unbending man. the self
sacrificing sympathizer with the poor
what contradictions were in this mans
nature.
The mission stood in the midst of
thickly settled district populated chief
ly by the workmen from the foundries
and mills that abounded there. The
mission house was small and plain
and not too comfortable. as the bishop
knew. for he had spoken there before.
To his surprise, the doors were closed
and the place was dark
Strange" he said to himself. Il did
not think | was too early
Nothing stirred about the house eX-
cept little furry kitten which sat on
the steps and rent the air with ago
nized bowls.
Mercy, what voice. exclaimed
the bishop uneasily. Are you cold.
poor little kitty
Looking up and down the street to
see that no one was coming, he took
the tiny kitten up aud stroked its
head. 1t opened its mouth wide and
walled for something it missed and
could not explain. 1t surely must be
almost frozen. No one was coming
yet. The bishop unbuttoned his over
coat at the top and thrust the kitten
in.
IF see any one coming | can take
it out" he thought. Perhaps one OF
the workmen will take it home to the
children"
Luled by the warmth. the kitten
was quiet for a moment, but all al
once it realized that there was some
thing else needed. 1t crawled up, put
out its head and hOwled louder than
ever.
Mercy on us" exclaimed the bish-
op. 1T must be hungry. If the men
would only come
Sure enough. there was some one
walking up the street with rapid
swing. But he was about to pass
when the bishop stopped him.
Pardon me. my friend" he said,
but | expected there would be serv-
ice in this house tonight. Can you tell
me-
NO; it's Christmas night" said the
man. hurrying on.
He had mistaken the night. and all
this long journey. Too bad, kitty"
he said to the head which was just be-
Meath his chin and which was giving
utterance TO the widest and most hope
less bowls "As | have nothing else
to do. though perhaps | might find
place where they would give you
little milk and maybe adopt you"
4 little distance farther on there
was a house where there was fire In
the front room. and he could hear a
mans voice within. Alb. here was the
place. man would understand the
situation.
A ring AT the bell and the door was
flung open and man stood on the
81 y-o,, EraH ~ ba och