Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-01-27
Preying Upon the Pastors.

Among the downtown clergymen, says the
Philadelphia Mercury, is one who, for the pur-
pose Of this mention, it is only necessary to
describe as Rev. Mr. Smith. Into Mr. Smiths
parlor, last Monday night, couple entered
They did so for the purpose Of being united in
hymenial bonds The pastor made bis appear
ance. As usual on such occasions, the worthy
gentleman was all smiles and dressing wrapper,
benignity and gold "specs." In his usually
happy manner, be first tied the knot. lie then
impaired his blessing to the welded pair.
Having done this the bridegroom proceeded to
draw portemonnaie, and placs in tho hands OF
Brother Smith 800 BILL 81 should like Mr.
Smith, said the happy groom. ito give you
the whole Of this, but the fact is that didn't
expect TO marry so soon, and just now money
with me is rather tight. but, my dear sir yourfec
shant be less than ten dollars, and you may
take it out Of this note In that part Of tbs
city few marriage fees are more than five dol
lars. 4 good many are even less. For this
reason the good dominic was satisfied. Ho
deposited The twenty in his treasury, and han
deG TO the siver the requested change.
Next morning as If in great trouble, dashins
up Fifth street. Rev. Brother Smith met his
neighbor, Rev. Brother Brown. He very
naturally inquired the reason for the rush.
The reason Why word has just been sent
me that Mrs. Brown is now detained in Huck-
abacka store in Eighth street"
detained What do you mean?'
Igavc her 500 bill to buy a fur cape
The storekeep.r says it's counterfeit. Hs
detans her until he can get her identified as
my wife. Will you go with mc?'
Certainly" was brother Smiths reply
How did you get that twenty dollar nOte?'
"GOt it from couple that married on
Monday nisht''
"At what hour on Monday night"
"Nine o'clock. The bill was given to me,
and gave the man ten dollars change"
"Did the man wear blue coat with metal
buttons?' inquired Brother Smith.
"He did,"
"And the woman bat with marabout
feather?"
"She did,"
"Tbep, by Hokey," said Brother Smith.
l married that same couple three-quarters Of
an hour before you did"
POSSIBLE
Must be-and what's further, more than
suspect that my twenty is as much a stick as
yours ?" As he said this the brother muttered
something that sounded as though it began
with I'D" and ended with alton"
The two clergymen reaching the store Oh
Huckaback & Co., found that lady consiera-
bly, agitated. Hacksback, however, did the
handsome. The bill was redeemed aud tho
parties went their way.
Brother Smith arrived at bis home. As ho
reached the door step Dutch baker was exc
cutting fantasia upon bis door bell
whats the matter with you asked
Brother Smith.
"Ds matter? Dcre Is matter enough, Yea
minister goes around shtickin' honest peoples
nit counterfeit dwendy tollar bills, den it %
tam near time TO do something nit en-
Brother Smith grasped the full idea Of the
case. He molIi6ed the wrath Of the latter.
and reduced the note. The clerical baker will
apply his own moral. The last We saw Of
Brothers Smith and Brown they were trembling
lest their adventure should be chronicled, as it
now is, in the columns Of the Mercury. Mur-
! der, they again see, will out"