Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1874-02-20
Snles ann SsshetiRes. s
MISSING.

''Those are hard things to throw in a
mans teeth, uncle, and 1 shouldn't like to
think you meant them ALL"
So spake John Birch, the carpenter, as
he stood up before the old bird-fancier-
tall, sinewy and strong, with his handsome
face in hot glow, and flash of temper in
his eyes-a specimen of fine physical
type, showing in marked contrast with a
puny, pale young man about his own age,
who sat in corner apparently reading,
but in reality intently watching what was
going on.
1.-THE harder the better, so that they hit
the mark but what have said tonight 1
am ready to say again-aye, and mean
them, too.''
John Birch had never won much favor
| from the little, Manufactured old man, who
kept the bird shop, and lived there with
his pretty granddaughter. But tonight
he had been insulted, and before witness,
between whom and himself, there was an
open feud, for it was as rivals that they
met. Tom Bartlett, the soft-spoken school
master, had managed to insinuate himself
in the favor of David Birch, and was also
striving to supplant the young carpenter in
the regard of his cousin Polly. The old
man was the first to speak.
"You need not glare at me like that, be-
cause have found out what brings you
sneaking round here"
II never sneak, uncle that does not be-
long to the Birches."
mo, it does not, my lad" the old man
replied in n slightly Modified tone, adding,
land am sorry you don't take after them.
There's 4 spicerof your mother"
John Birch interrupted him, saying pas
sionately, "Silence, Uncle David, you must
not dare to say word against her."
This to my face Get out of the house,
and never dare to cross my doorstep again
till you are sent for, which will be long
enough, for tell you once for all that, if l
can hinder it, Polly Carson shall never
marry an idle, beggarly fellow a; always out
of work, who can find nothing better to do
than live on his sisters earnings"
This was the stab that cut the keenest OF
all. The young mans voice quivered as
he said THAT is too bad, Uncle David,
you don't know what feelings you stir in
me-" and in his excitement he laid his
hand on the old mans arm.
At that moment the sly, watchful reader
in the corner came forward, and, wilfully
misunderstanding his intention, thrust
himself between them, saying, 'Come, no
violence, it would be pity, and l should
be sorry you ought to remember Mr..
Birch is your uncle and an old man."
In an instant he found himself put back
with just the amount of force which n
strong man would feel needful to use in
dealing with some puny obstruction which
he held in contempt
mind your own business, Tom Bart
lett, and don't meddle with mine; it doesn't
need your sly tongue TO teach what ought
to remember. My uncle is in no danger
from me, and you know it," Then turn,
ing to the old man he added: "Uncle,
shall not want telling twice to 60. know
you bear me ill-will, but didn't think it
was in you to upbraid man for what is
no fault of his; for L defy any one that
knows me to say that l ever shirked work
when / could get it to do. | am sorry fol
what has passed tonight, and perhaps you
will be before you are many days older >
and snatching up his cap, he strobe angrily
through the shop into the street, without
deigning another look at Tom Bartlett
who had skunk back into his corner, ant
was once more taking mental note ofevery
thing he saw and heard.
| II.
To the surprise of the neighbors, Davit
Birch had not taken down his shutters
though it was nearly II O'Clock sucl
neglect of business had never occurred be
fore within their remembrance. But
greater marvel still was the circumstanc
of the old man himself being dressed in hi
best black suit, which he only wore on i'm
portant occasions. 1t was clear that b.
was going to keep holiday that day, ant
that something unusual had happened
They would have been convinced of this
! they had penetrated to the little back par
= lor and heard the old man talking in hi
unwonted flow of spirits.
"Put on thy best gown, Polly, and wea
y it in honor of the good fortune that's con-
!, ing to us thou shalt be dressed in silks
4 my bOnny one"
i, 81 would rather you gave some of tn
money to poor Nellie Birch, grandfather.
a shade crossed his face. eyes, give
;, to her to support her idle brother-not
shilling 1t is enough that the will give
it to him after my death, more the pity
,s 1 could keep it from him would"
] "Oh, grandfather ~