The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1876-11-11

land. and through his shed, had been
freely Welded by him as right of way
to his neighbors?'
eyes sir. ever since | can remem-
ber."
"Then my dear sir, Welton is clearly
liable. If you will come with me, we
will step into Mr.. Garfields, and have n
suit commenced at once"
Mr.. Garfield was the trial Justice.
All this happened on Friday evening.
On Saturday it had become noised
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 so out. She
knew he was unhappy, and that he
could not bear to meet his old neiShbor
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
companionshlp the very worst demon n
man can embrace-the demon of wrath
full vengeance, and, in order to main
tain himself ut 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 or three times during the calm,
beautiful Sabbath, as he glanced over
toward his neighbours dwelling, he found
himself beginning to wish that he had
not gone to see John Welton in such a
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 summons, issued by
William Garfield, ESD, 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 the summons, and left with the
defendant Il copy.
1t was the first time John Welton had
ever been called upon to face the law.
At first he was 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
respected them. He sat down alone
with Welton, and asked him what it
meant.
Tell me, calmly and candidly, all
about it, he said.
After n little reflection, Mr.. Welton
told the story. He knew the old cler-
gyman for true man and 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?"
suppose So
:" If you had told him the exact facts
in the beginning, do you think he would
have held his anger?"
This was hard question for John
Welton, but he answered it manfully.
Truly, parson, l do not think he
would"
We're You ever more unhappy in
your life than you have been since this
trouble came?'
I" think not"
"And, if possible, neighbor Bracket
is more unhappy than you"
DO you think SOP"
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 man
than Brother Bracket. Doyou not be-
lievc he has good heart ?"
Yes"
Il wish you could show how true
and good your heart is"
Parson"
L" wish you could show him that you
possess true Christian courage"
Parson, what do you mean?"
wish you had the courage to meet
and conquer him.
How would You have me do it ?"
60 First, conquer yourself. You are
not otiended?'
"No. Go on"
And thereupon the good old clergy
man drew up his chair, and laid his
hand upon his friends arm, and told
him Just what he would have him do.
He spoke earnestly, and with tears in
his eyes.
Brother Welton, have you the heart
and courage to do this ?"