Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1910-01-21
The Bishop S
Kitten
A Christmas Story
BY FRANK II. SWEET
Copyright. i9vJ, by American Press
Association.
A Christmas Story
BY FRANK II. SWEET.


O"O"O"O"O~'O"OO" Os'O'sON'OeO%S
IL was Christmas eve. The secretary
had paper aud pencil ready and a type
writer beside him. The bishop Of
Winchester sat In the window in
straight backed chair, for 1t appeared
that he could not even allow himself
the luxury OF resting when he might
have rested
"a note of 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"
mo answer needed" said the bishop
briefly.
"A letter from Mr. Hanlon> for help
for poor family. He says he has
found 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.. Qulntard In ref
erence to young Cooper. the theological
student. He has married and so has
forfeited his right to continue his
course and enter upon his career I'M
less you are willing to make an excep-
ton In his case"
The bishops face flushed and his
lips set In 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 grindstone he may keep II there.
He is to tell him from me that he can
seek out some humble employment for
himself"
Are you going out. slr" asked the
secretary as the bishop put on his
OvercUat.
YES" replied the great man sim
ply. Il promised to give talk to the
workIngmen tonight at the Dayton
mission"
There was a world of personal his
tory In the simple answer. II was Il
cold and dismal night, aud the fire was
burning cheerlly 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. unbendlng man, the self
sacrificing sympathizer with the poor
what contradictions were IN this mans
nature.
The mission stood In the midst of a
thlckly 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. II did
not think was too early"
Nothing stirred about the house ex-
cept n little furry kitten which sat on
the steps and rent the air with ago
nlzed bowls.
Mercy, what a voice" exclaimed
the bishop uneaslly. 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 and stroked its
head. II opened Its mouth wide and
walled for something 1t missed and
could not explain. It surely must be
almost frozen. No one was coming
yet. The bishop unbuttoned his over
coat at the top and thrust the kitten
In.
III see any one coming | can take
It out" he thought. perhaps one of
the workmen will take II home to the
children"
LuIled by the warmth. the kitten
was quiet for moment, but all at
once 1t realized that there was some
thing else needed. II crawled up, put
out It's head and howled louder than
ever.
"Mercy ON US" exclaimed the Dish
op. ut must be hungry. II the men
would only come
Sure enough. there was some one
walking up the street with a 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-
mo; it's Christmas night" said the
man. hurrylng on.
He had mistaken the night, and all
this long journey! 100 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 a
place where they would give you
little milk and maybe adopt you"
A little distance farther on there
was house where there was a FIRE IN
the front room, and ne could hear
mans voice within All, here was the
place! A man would understand the
situation.
A ring at the bell ana tho door was
flung open and man stood on the
threshold. THAT you. Tredr be ask.
ed, peering into the darkness.
mo, II is not Fred" replied the bish-
op mildly. and then be repeated his
formula.
"See here. my man." said the person