Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1909-12-10
THE STRANGER.

The members of Moreton Street Con-
gregational church were very proud OF
their literary guild.
The president was an Irishman, and
bv his wit and social bearing had trans
formed deadly dull society into
joviaI circle of friends.
A few of the church officers regarded
its proceedings as slightly unorthodox,
but admitted they were wholly enjoy
able They boosted of their broad
mindedness and their fine scOrn of red
tape Some of the members belonged to
the church, the others were outsiders; all
were bound together by the ties OF fell
lowship and good feeling.
To this guild there came at the begin
ming of the session a little, middle aged
man. The three parts of his costume
were of different patterns, his linen was
dull of hue, his tie cheap and shabby,
"a little weed of a man." somebody
called him. Nobody knew where he came
from or what he did. Though he had
crushed look, there was nothing
cringing in his manner-quite the re-
verse. He was no respecter of persons,
and never seemed conscious that his suit
contrasted strangely with those of the
other men.
| He soon became famous for his rude
little remarks. The guild did not know
how to take them at first Among them
selves there was plenty of banter; the
wearisome votes of thanks had long
given place to sharp hail of good
natured criticism, but they were all old
| friends, and this stranger spoke with
as much freedom as if he had known
them for years. He never laughed and
did not smile when making his com
ments. At one debate lie promised to
support the girl who opposed the mo-
tion. She was astonished beyond meas
ure when on rising to speak, he took
the other side Afterward she demanded
explanation.
Il didn't forget my promise" he said
but yours was such silly speech
didn't like to be on your side
| For a moment she was silent then the
impudence of his words caught her fancy
and she laughed "You don't fail in
candor. anyhow" she said From that
day his rudeness was treated as a Joke
The girl whose speech he had called
silly took a liking to him. He would
sit beside her and pour out his little
comments in a low, even tone, as if he
were communing with himself
After a few weeks he joined the So
ciety, but it was noticed that though he
came faithfully to the regular meetings,
on nights when members had to pay he
was absent A friendly offer of ticket
| for an entertainment was so CURLY re-
| iected that no one dared to repeat it.
| About the middle of the session the
treasurer was taken i'll and the little
man was asked to take his place. 1t
was discovered then that he lived in a
mean street ON the outskirts of the
town.
At the end of the season the commit
| tee held business meeting to settle the
accounts and elect the officers. 1t was a
cold night in March, and the church par
lor was a scene of comfort. A large fire
blazed at one end of the room, and round
it the committee was gathered; the
president in an armchair, and the rest
grouped as they pleased. The treasurer
sat little way apart, looking more in
significant than usual The minister
was leaving and the guild wanted to give
a parting present.
1--WE are in pretty good way finan-
cially," said the president; I'VE have
about so shillings in hand, have we not y
The treasurer rose, giving a sudden air
of formality to the meeting, which
hitherto had been a fireside chat There
was tinge of color in his cheeks, and
a show of spirit in his blue eyes His
voice was passionless as usual.
Il think had better explain" he said,
that the guild has nothing in hand, be-
cause l have taken the money. 1t has
been clear case of stealing; | never
thought for moment | could refund
it in time. You can put the law on me
if you like, l don't care. l meant to-
to go away and say nothing, but changed
my mind" He moved as if to sit down.
then drew himself upright and con.
tinued-
Perhaps I ought to say l was hungry
when l tok the money. | suppose no.
body here knows what it is to face
starvation, | have been down on nv
luck for long time. You can see am
not strong man, and lately neither
my head nor my hands have been able
to earn me living. An account of what
have been doing would merely bore
you. My last job was distributing cir
culars about metal polish, but that was
temporary thing. l have never stolen
before; the guild money stood between
me and starvation. Ii would have been
more heroic to starve. l am no hero"
He moved toward the door, but the
isecretary slipped between it and him.
"Ah, you'd use force, would you! Well
you're eight to one and the man sank
into a chair
Don't be an IDIOT" said the secre.