Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1923-02-03

luSy WSTS HUI CuIlOuS SIl1lcS UuI
smiles of real friendlincss. At the
door each of the six ushers stopped
him and shook his hand warmly, with
an invitation to return again.
For a moment the "bum" forgot he
was "bum."
At the Mount Vernon Place Metho-
dist Episcopal Church:
Beside the snow-covered Washing
ton Monument stood a shivering, hun
cry individual. A limp cigarette hung
from his lips. From time to time he
pulled slowly. Little clouds Of smoke
crept up over the battered brim Of
his hat.
With eye that longed for shelter
and for warmth he watched the fash
ionable crowds entering Mount Ver-
non Methodist Episcopal Church a
cross the way. Glistening limousincs
drew up at the curb, footmen in livery
sprang down and assisted stylish
churchgoers to alight. There was a
staggering of walking sticks swish
ing of silks, and an aroma of sweet
perfumes.
Through the snow and the slush in
the street, the"tramp" crossed over to
the church steps. One by one, slowly
and with hesitancy that grew on
him more and more as he approached
the critical moment, he mounted the
steps until he was in the vestibulc.
There he paused, hat in hand, a pitt
full, pleading look upon once clean
face,
Two women passed him by with
strange looks. Then came a man who
said; "Come on in," And motioned TO-
ward the door.
The tramp" still hesitated.
Another man extended the same in
vitation.
The ''tramp" accepted and holding
his dilapidated hat in his hand, he en-.
tered.
The great organ was pealing out
its rich tones, the choir was singing.
The black-robed minister waited i'm
pressively to announce the laws of the
Gospedl.
The pews were filled with a we'll
dressed congregation. All was state
ly, all was fashionable and overpower-
ing to the man who stood crumpling
an old hat in his hands. He waited.
An usher in black frock coat, dress
ed with fastidious care, came forward.
bowed and beckoned to the stranger.
Down the aisle, down to the very
heart of the church, walked the
strange pair, the usher leading, the
tramp" following meekly.
After he had been bowed into his
seat the "bum" fidgeted and fumbled,
uncertain what to do next.
The minister said something about
responsive reading and the "bum"
fumbled with the hymn book. But his
discontinue did not last long. A kind
woman behind him found the right
place in her book, reached forward
and gave it to him. He was em-
barrassed at this, but accepted the
book and read his answers as did the
rest.
Things went along uneventfully UNI
til the time came for the collection.
AS the plate approached him the
"bum" gave signs of uneasiness. And
it seemed as if this same feeling were
transferred to the people around him.
He was the cynosure of every eye az
the plate approached. The usher,
thinking perhaps to save the poor
chaps feelings, made feint with the
plate and then proceeded to pass on.
But the "bum" was resourceful. With
one dirty hand he reached over the
back of the pew and dropped in the
box with a resounding clink-one
nickel.
Thus he sat there, mute attentive
end uncomfortable. When the service
closed the "bum" prepared to make
sneak for the door and freedom.
Halfway down the aisle he realized
with a pang of sorrow that his plans
for an easy getaway were about to be
forestalled. An usher made his way
through the crowd, leaving behind
some one who had, until that moment
taken all his attention.
With hand extended he greeted the
"bum."
every glad you came" he said.
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