The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-06-18
CHAPTER III.

that day, for each one had something to say on
the general subject, for surely II was as mystical
rs the vcricst gossip could desire. The more
Tckler thought upon his leak tho more uncom-
Portable he felt ut its possible consequences.
Even II Dppuing should tell the hdth rs far as
be knew It, II was doubtfdl if the Doctor would
believe him. Look at It which way he world,
the only feasible plan seemed to bo to 90 to the
Doctor and confess the whole thing at once.
Tick,cr and his companion had been walking
In perfect silence since they Left the church.
When he had folly made up his mind, Ticker
looked up aud found that they were near the
reservoir.
where docs the Doctor i've p he askel,
abruptly.
'what doctor = ask Gibson, IN rctuin.
'why, where we've been been to church, Of
course said Sam, testify.
.Oh! Dunning's doctori He lives N Twenty
ninth street, near Lexington avenue. whyi'
Nothing particular, only want to sec
him.
'what fort Hold ont
'Can't, Good-day! and Tick'er trrncd and
!. .a,.,ppearcd down the avenue.
Although the drcction was somewhat obscure
he soon found the house, aud was informed that
the Doctor was in his library.
'Plcasc show me up Immediately, my business
Is important
The scene which met Tickler's eyo was not
calculated 10 make his task any easier
In the centre Of the room stood the Doctor,
his tall form appearing Titan-likc in his majes-
tic anger. His face, rel with uncommon
wrath was set with unrelent'ng sternuess, and
his cy,s flashed with very unpleasant light.
In front of-we might almost say beneath-him,
sat his pretty daughter, in tiuid, shrinking
way, trying ftebly to stem the torrent Of her
fathers displeasrre
what concern Is II Of yours, I should Ike to
know, that you are trying to excuse thi, piece
ofkuavery p said the Doctor severely.
Tckler walked boldly into the room. Il beg
your pardon, SIR he said, 'for this intrusion,
but IN occurrence took place at your church
this morning which needs explanation
quite agrco with you,' said the Doctor,
icily. pray, sir, has Mr.. Dunning sent you
to me to pallaie bis oIencet'
'Mr. Dunuins Is not aware that am here,
and Is equally isaorant that he has committed
any offence said Sam, calmly. And as am
the only person who can explain the affair, with
your pei elmission I will do so.'
If Sam had needed any inspiration to make
him ingenious, the pleading looks Of the young
lady had been enough. The Doctor with unre-
leuting dignity, motioned him to proceed.
Beginning, as has my narrative, with the
account OF the sporiivc challenge in the College,
Sam made clean breast Of the whole matter,
not sparins himself, but telling the whole
truth ut ihe same timc presenting as strongly
the ladicrous side Of the picture, and giving
very graphic account Of his startling discovery
OF the church door.
When he had finished he stopped.
The Doctor unused few moments, with IN
impressive face.
'You.s is very improbable story, SIR he
said, at length. what arguments can you
oGsr to attest its crelibilityr
The s,ill greater-I might say, the utter
improbability Of your sermon being taken inten-
tionslly to be preached In your pulpit said
Sam, eagerly.
The same shallow Of smile which he saw
before on the Doctors face swept over II again.
He had evidently began to relish joke. This
Is certainly very singular explanation he
said.
so singular m occurrence nc ne,essitates II,
replied Ssm.
The servant knc led at tho door MIR.
Dunning Is in the parlor, sir. aud would like
to see you
SHOW him up
lam confident said Sam, anxious to speak
good word for his friend, that Dunning has
come to tell you he did not write that sermon.
He's too honest to deceive any one.'
Suppose you step behind that crrtain,' said
the old gentleman, bis sense Of fun beginning to
overcome his displcasurc, 'aud let me hear what
he has to say for himself
Duuning cniercd, aud, just casting glance
at the young lady, addressed her fathcr:-
Ever since the service, Doctor. my mind has
misgiven me. and have como to asksyou II I
have done wrong. The sermon preached this