Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1864-09-14
AZ never read any O. his books. never


peruse novels. They are pernlclous.
He put that back wrong side up, and
took down little volume in green and
gold
Perhaps you like poems better, said
|. That is Jean lnglelow's book. This, .
| continued, touching the books as | named
them, is Bryant's last; this is Long
fellows, here is 'Pelayo, beautiful new
epic by lady-Mrs. Beach; and here
are several of the standard poets.
81 seldom read poetry, said he and put
Jean Inglelow back wrong side up. 1t was
curious what a faculty he had for stand
ing my books ON their heads. 1t made
me nervous to look at him
Have you any religious works =? SAID
he.
"Oh yes, Here is Sawyer's Translation
of the New Testament
"a sacreligious iruovator,' he mur-
INJURED,
And here is Farrar's Critical History
of Free ThOught'-a fine work Or if
you like abstruce, theological dissertations,
here are several works of my friend, Flea
nor Lord, on Plenary Inspirations and
kindred themes thought | began to
perceive the young mans drift
These all appear to be works Of mod
ern pretenders, said he, and contain lit
tie pure food, no doubt. Have you Bax-
ter's Saints Rest or any other works
Of that class ?
Why, no my library includes few the
illogical works except by modern writers
have Bible Would you like to see It ?
4 am familiar with the Bible, said
that young man in a crushing tone
What are your religious teliefs ?,
we attend service at the Episcopalian
Church.
The next thing to Papacy in my opin-
ION
That young man sat down with his hat
between his knees and surveyed me anx-
iously
DO you have regular family prayer 2
said he
No sir
He dropped his hat on the floor. When
he picked it up he put it on his head, and
proceeded to AXE hold of the doorknob
Fortified by that grasp, he stood there and
read me a tedious lecture on the necessity
of family prayer in my household, and
coniured me to release myself from the
semi-Papistic mummery of Episcopalian-
ism. After which he handed me 9 tract,
which he desired my wife to read. 1t was
entitled, Come TO Jesus, and as my wife
is devoted church member of many years
standing, it struck me as a superfluous If
not a saucy act in that youAg man, who
must have been ten years her Junior.
Truth compels me to add that my wife
neglected to read the tract
| closed the door on that young man at
last with a sigh of relief Good gracious,
| would not have such bore in my house
on any terms
What pity to loose such an excellent
young mani said my wife,
4 consoling remark | thought that
But it did not console me to my cold din
ner, which | ate in mute rebellion.
The next day punctual to the moment
when | was busilv carving. the door bell
rang again, and Bridget brought in the
card of Mr. Allen. The naae had fa-
milliar look, but for the life of me | could
not tell where | had seen it before.
Mr.. Thomas Allen was young gentle
man in q broadcloth suit, and with a tall
hat of marvellous gloss His shirt front
was adorned with a glittering pin, and he
wore massive watch chain. As enter
ed the room he was stuffing into his vest
pocket a huge roll Of greenbacks. Now
thought nv wife has the young man with
plenty of money if he's only moral too ;
but hang it, he mustn' be too moral
He certainly didn't look as if morality
was his besetting weakness.
Called to see about board, said Mr..
Allen, rising. My card, ana he offered
"Yes, have your card, Mr.. Allen.
Would you like to see the room p
''Got tired of those hotels, you know,
said the young man, without deigning to
answer my question. Thought I'd try
on the private style of thing for a change
Give you reference, you know, and all
that if you want'em Tom Allen is pref
ty well known, though"
Tom Allen Where had l seen that
name ?
PAY in advance, if you like. All on
the square. Where's the room :?
| took him up stairs and showed him
the room.
Nice little hole said he, when you
get it furnished up. My trunks fill uT
some. What's the figure?
The price for board?
'Umph :? Meaning yes, | took 1t
Il don't know exactly. Wen have to
ask Mrs Dobbs about that
All right; let's 90 down and ask her.
fancy you II suit me.
Wife was called from her dinner, and
told Mr. Allied the price, to which he at
once agreed.
III move my trunks up tonight, said
he i sbalIswant a latch key you know.
All. that indeed looked at my wife
You see, Mr. Allen went on, i m in
the minstrel business. May have heard
of me And | have 10 be out evenings
any objections to my bringing friend W
once in a while &?
The fact is, said l my wife is opposed
to latch keys
Don't want to sit up for me, then?
i fear we should not be able to accom-
odate a gentleman IN your line of bust
ness said l. We are very quiet people.
oh, l don't mind how quiet you are.
Il think we shall have TO decline taking
YOU. Mr.. Allen. We should not suit you
at all
| hope he understood that; but he didn
| had a fearful time impressing on that
young artist in burnt cork the fact that
we did not want him in our house. I
at last | succeeded; and then | went out
TO cold dinner again.
The conviction forced itself upon me
at this state in the business that had Sc
lected an unfortunate hour for interviews
x,-;+b -ba r,roSpaariva hon riars | do not