파수꾼의 등불

The Man Nobody Saw

Every evening, old Samuel put on his gray coat. He took his little lamp down from its hook. Then he stepped out into the dark streets of Bellbrook. Most people never saw him walk by at all. They were already asleep in their warm, quiet beds.

Samuel was the watchman of the village. His job was to guard the town while it slept. He had done this same work for thirty long years. Nobody clapped for him, and nobody said thank you. But Samuel did not mind the quiet very much. "God sees the night shift too," he liked to say.

Small Jobs in the Dark

Samuel's rounds were full of small, careful jobs. He lit the tall lamp at the top of the bridge. He checked the heavy lock on the grain store door. He oiled the hinge of the great warning bell. He counted the little boats tied along the river bank. Last of all, he walked along the old stone dam. He pressed his rough hand against the cold, wet stones. "Still strong," he would whisper, and then walk on.

As he walked, he passed the dark, sleeping houses. He said a small prayer for each one. He prayed for the baker and her three noisy sons. He prayed for the doctor, the farmer, and the mayor. The stars watched him, and he watched the town.