Jerry moved along until he came
to the gate, and, hesitating a moment,
he opened it and went to the back
door. His gentle knocking -brought
forth the butler.
"Will you give me something to
•at?"
The servant gave him a frigid look,
told him to wait and closed the door.
He went to the white-hfclred .old man.
"There's a tramp at the ba,ck door,
sir, who begs for something to eat,"
said the butler.
"Well, well, give him a bite," said
the old man, "and send him on his
way. But wait, Huxley," he went on.
"Bring him in here! I 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 to soap, wa
ter and towel, and after the young
man was as presentable as it was pos
sible for him 'to be, he was escorted to
the rich dining room.
"Fetch a chair to my right, Huxley,"
ordered the old man. "It shall be the
seat of honor."
Jerry sat down and immediately
apologized for his appearance.
"Tush, tush," said the old man. "I
don't care how you look., I want to
see a hungry man eat"
"I don't think you will be disap
pointed in that, sir," smiled Jerry. The
young man's voice, indicating refine
ment and polish, caused the old man
to lift his brows in surprise.
"Have you always been a tramp?"
"Not always, sir. I have seen bet
ter days."
"What is your name?"
"I prefer hot to tell you, sir."
"Proud, eh? Oh, very well, then.
