The Plymouth Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1878-1901, 1879-08-14
pany have proved a failure. y


But the deacon only shook his
head and smiled.
"Time will show" said he. slime
will show"
The news that Deacon Grinder was
wrecked In Mariposa silver mining
stock flew like wildfre through the
peaceful community at Fitchville
Four Corners.
"Well," said Miss Philena Peck, Il
am beat"
He never had no judgment in
money matters" said the Widow
Clapp.
Ave thought all along that he was
living too FAST" said Barbara Bow
yer.
Those poor little children, what is
to become OF them?" said Naomi
Poole, wistfully.
The next day the deacon made his
appearance at Miss Peck's home
stead, pale and rather shabby. with a
child in each hand and one following
him.
~Miss Peck" said he, "I suppose
you have heard the news?"
"Yes," said Miss Peck. looking vim
egar and tack nails. If it's your
failure you mean."
Il think OF going to California,
said the deacon, "to see what I can
do. and II, in the meantime, you could
be induced to give my children a
home"
20, dear, mol" said Miss Peck. II
never could get along with a pack of
children! l dare say you can find
some orphan asylum or place Of that
sort, by inquiring around litile.'
Miss Peck sat so very upright, and
glared so frightfulIy out OF her light
blue eyes at the d-acon, that he was
fain to beat a retreat as soon as pos.
sible.
He knocked next at the Widow
Clspp's door. A slip shod servant.
maid opened ii.
rs Mrs. Clapp at homer" he asked.
A head was thrust over the stair
railing, and the widows shrill voice
cried out:
Its that Josiah Grinder with bis
swarm OF young onesl Tell him /
am particularly engaged. Do you
hear, Betsey-particularly,"
Miss Barbara Bowyer was arrang
ing trimmed hats aud rolls OF bright.
colored ribbon In her bow. window as
the deacon and the little ones entered
the shop.
Miss Bowyer." said the deacon,
you were ever a genial aud charita-
ble soul. 1t Is to you that trust to
make home for my motherless little
ones, while / endeavor TO retrieve my
lost fortunes in the far West"
IL couldn't think OF such thing,
said Miss Barbara. dropping a bCx of
artificial rose buds in her consterna.
ton. And really think. Deacon
Grinder. you haven't no business to
expect it OF me! It's all can do to
support myself, let alone a pack Of
unruly children. / dare say the poor
master could do something for them,
or"
Il thank YOU" said the deacon,
with dignity. Il shall trouble neither
you nor him."
well. said Miss Bowyer, with a
toss OF her head, you needn't fly into
a rage because neighbor offers you
u bit OF good adyicel"
But Naomi Poole ran out to the lit
tie garden gate as the forlorn deacon
went by.
Deacon Grinder hesitated she,
turning rose red and white by turns,
is this true?"
About my Mariposa Investment
Yes"
"And that you are going to Caliior-
nia?"
Il am talking Of it, said the dea-
con.
"Would-could you let me take care
OF the little ones while you are gone p
said Naomi, tenderly drawing little
Dolly TO her side. II am very fond
OF children, and would take the best
care OF them. And you have been SO
kind to mother and me, Deacon
Grinder, that we should feel 1t priv.
ilege to be able to do something for
YOU"
And poor soft hearted little Naomi
burst out crying. There was mois.
ture on the deacon's eyelashes, too.
God bless you, Naomil" said he
You are a good girl-a very good
girl"
@Ain't it true?" said Philena Peck
"Well." said Mrs. MOpsley. ut Is
and ii amt He did lose what he in
vested 10 them Mariposa mines, bu,
it was only a thousand: and the resi-
OF his moneys all tight and safe
In United States bonds and solid real
estate"
"Bless me-" said Barbara Bowyer.
well, 1 never" said the Widow
Clapp, with discomfltted counte
nance.
And" went on Mrs. Mopsley. with
evident relish In the copsternatior
she was causing, "they are building 1
new wing to the house, and Le Is tC