Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1878-04-15
Joe Beckley.

ample porch OF the Agricultural Club.
He looked forth with disgust upon the
dense fog in which London was envel-
oped, and then gazed with delight upon
ticket for Calais which he held in his
hand.
Mr.. Joe Beckley had an exceedingly
rural air. Large and brawny and griz-
zled, his brown face covered with scrub
by beard, his joints all clumsily devel-
oped. he looked like a backwoodsman.
Being a bachelor, also, his toilet lacked
that adjustment which wifely touch or
suggestion imparts, and intensified his
rural air.
But that Mr.. Beckley possessed intel
ligence was proven by his vide-awake
eyes, and by the fact that he had bro't
no baggage to Europe, except the little
sachel now depending by strap from
his muscular shoulder.
The Hon. Felix Plimpot, M. P, step.
ped out on the porch with him.
"BOn Uoyage, Mr.. Beckley. When
you get back to America, pray forward
us your articles in the Spade and Hoe
whenever they appear"
"Good-by, Mr.. Plimpot. The best
time I've had in England I had on your
demesne, sir; and when the land ques-
tion comes up in Parliament again 1
hope you'll send me a copy of your
speech
with pleasure, sir
The two shook hands heartily, and
Mr.. Joe Beckley departed.
Ere he had gone half block, a seedy
gentleman in gray approached and slap
ped him Familiarity on the shoulder.
"How do ye do, Barry? When did
ye get in from Ploverton ?''
"You are mistaken in your man, sir, :"
said Mr.. Beckley.
What Amt this Barry Baxter %
mo, sir. My name is Beckley."
81 beg pardon. l mistook you for
Baxter. Same build-same whiskers
Where are you from, sir ?"
81 am an American
Possible? | have a brother in
America. What part are you from ?'
"Near Springfield, Mass"
"Ah, yes, my brother has been there.
Stopping in town with your family. sir -
with my family 2" replied Mr.. Joe
Beckley, a sly twinkle creeping into his
eyes. "Yes. My wife and the twins
are staying at the Merry-Go Inn !''
"Ah Well, sir, if you see my broth
er when you get back, please give him
my love-" and the seedy man in gray
walked away.
Mr.. Beckley looked after him in some
surprise, then turned and went on.
Half square beyond voice hailet
him. t
Cab. sir ?"
"No; I'll walk replied Mr.. Beckley
The cabman dashed on, and, just a
Mr.. Beckley turned back his head, some
body stumbled out of the fog agains
him. 1t was tall, spare man, in cler
ical garb and necktie, with sanctimo
NOUS air.
spray excuse me-" he exclaimed
"What Is this Mr.. Beckley? 1t Gel
> tainly is How do you do, sir? Ho,
h do you do?''
And the spare man shook hands CO..
It daily with him.
o "Really, you have the better of me,
said Mr.. Joe Beckley, perplexed, 81 q
: not recollect your name"
e "Cowper, sir, Cowper ! We met
Massachusetts some months ago, you r
3 member"
a "Oh, did we? Where was it-at IL
Horticultural meeting ?" inquired M
Beckley.
d He could have sworn he had nev
met the man before
nr "Yes, that was the time. How is MI
We Beckley, sir? And how are the twi
getting on? 1 should like to see the
all. Are they in London ?''
on A light broke over Mr.. Beckle,
face. All his uncertainty vanished.
,e ''They are with me, Cowper, at t
Merry-Go Inn," he said.
TO 'Ah ! Glad to hear it. You are goi
w that way? l shall be pleased to acco
lit pany you. When did you come over
10 "Last month" responded MIR. J
Beckley. And the two walked on,
~ parently full of good feeling.
mus m II am proud to welcome you to {
st, country. And what do you think
'se Hengland, Mr.. Beckley ?"
"Well. l think it superior to Amer
Ter in some respects, but l wouldn't care
.o 200 live in England. You are we'll org
,lv lied here, while America is still cruc
his but, after all, you have a great ma
poor people, while we have almost no
What business are you in. Cowper 2"
y "Stock-raising. l am just testing
n theory of my own. I've learned in W
ar temperature cattle will fatten fast
We, and have built sheds, so as to keep tt
in that temperature all the year rou
ber Don't know how twill operate. I'm