, 1876-11-10

=
to his neighbors?'
g Yes. sir, ever since 1 can remem-
Der
Then. my dear sir, Welton is clearly
liable. If you will come with me, We
will step into Mr.. Garfeld's, and have a
suit commenced at once"
Mr.. Garfield was the trial justice.
All this happened on Friday evening
On Saturday it had become Doised
abroad in the farming district that there
was not only serious trouble between
the neighbors Welton and Bracket,
but that they were going to law about it.
On Sunday morning John Welton
told his wife he should not attend
church. She had no need to ask her
husband why he would not go out. She
knew he was unhappy, and that he
could not bear to meet his old neighbor
in the house of God while the dark
cloud was upon him. Nor did she wish
to meet either Mr. or Mrs. Bracket, so
they both stayed at home.
Peter Bracket was even more misera-
BILE than John Welton, though perhaps
he did not know it. He held in close
ompanionshlp the very worst demon
man can embrace-the demon of wrath
full vengeance, and, in order to main
tain himself at the strain to which he
had set his feelings, he was obliged to
nurse the monster. He did not attend
church on that day, nor did his wife.
Two OF three times during the calm,
beautiful Sabbath, as he glanced over
toward his nPighbor' dwelling, he found
himself beginning to wish that he had
not gone to see John Welton in such
heat of anger; but he put the wish away,
and nursed back his wrath.
On Monday, toward noon, the consta-
BILE came in from the village, and read
to John Welton an imposing legal doc
ument. 1t was a summons, issued by
William Garfield, Esq, a justice of
the peace, ordering the said John
Welton to appear before him at
two of the clock on Wednesday, at his
Office, then and there to answer the COM
plant of Peter Bracket, etc. The Off
GER read tbe summons, and left with the
defendant copy.
1t was the first time John Welton had
ever been called upon to face the law.
At first he was awe-stricken, then he was
wroth. He told himself that he would
fight it to the bitter end. And now he
tried to nurse his wrath, and became
more unhappy than before.
On Tuesday evening, Parson Surely
called upon Mr.. Welton. The good man
had heard of the trouble, and was ex-
ceedingly exercised in spirit. Both the
men were of his flock, and he loved and
,.ac,,aoka1 khar, IL olo,,a
with Welton, and asked him what it
meant.
"Tell me, calmly and candidly, all
about it" he said.
After a little reflection, Mr.. Welton
told the story. He knew the old cler-
gyman for o true man and n whole
hearted friend, and he told everything
Just as he understood it.
"And neighbor Bracket thinks, even
now, that you shot the dog, knowing
that it was his"
I suppose so
A" If you had told him the exact facts
in the beginning do youthink he would
have held his anger?"
This was a hard question for John
Welton, but he answered it manfully.
" Truly, parson, l do not think he
would"
Were you ever more unhappy in
your life than you have been since this
trouble came ?"
think not"
"And, if possible, neighbor Bracket
is more unhappy than you"
Do you think so?"
"Yes. He is most angry and re-
vengeful."
A brief pause, and then the parson re-
sumed:
" Brother Welton. with you are need
ed but few words. You are more a man
than Brother Bracket. Doyou not be-
lieve he has a good heart ?"
" Yes"
at wish you could show how true
and good your heart is"
" Parsonr'
81 wish you could show him that you
possess true Christian courage"
" Parson, what do you mean?"
g I wish you had the courage to meet
and conquer him."
How would you have me do it?"
"First, conquer yourself. You are
not offended?"
"No. Go on"
And theFeupon the good old clergy
man drew up his chair, and laid his
hand upon his friends arm, and told
him Just what he wodld have him do.
He spoke earnestly, and with tears in
his eyes.
Brother Welton, have you the heart
and courage to do this ?"
The farmer arose and took two or
three turns across the floor, and finally
said:
81 will do it,"