Anonymous
’sbeardwasglazedbywinter’.
Heheardthefaint, , , thenanotherpassedby, , , theoldmancaughttherider’seyeandsaid, “Sir, wouldyoumindgivinganoldmanaridetotheotherside? Theredoesn’tappeartobeapassagewaybyfoot.”
Reininghishorse, theriderreplied,“.” Seeingtheoldmanwasunabletolifthishalf-frozenbodyfromtheground, , buttohisdestination, whichwasjustafewmilesaway.
Astheynearedthetinybutcozycottage, thehorseman’scuriositycausedhimtoinquire, “Sir, , onsuchabitternight, ?”
Theoldmanloweredhimselfslowlydownfromthehorse, lookedtheriderstraightintheeyes, andreplied, “I’.” Theold-timercontinued, “, , thenandthere, thatyourgentlespiritwouldwelcometheopportunitytogivemeassistanceinmytimeofneed.”
Thoseheart-warmingcommentstouchedthehorsemandeeply.“I’msogratefulforwhatyouhavesaid,” hetoldtheoldman.“MayInevergettoobusyinmyownaffairsthatIfailtorespondtotheneedsofotherswithkindnessandcompassion.”
Withthat, TomasJefforsonturnedhishorsearoundandmadehiswaybacktotheWhiteHouse.
