The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-04-10

" III.
Here the train for which Deacon
Brown was waiting came rushing up 70
the depot.
"It is possible ?" calculated Mr..
Quimby, with uplifted eyes and hands.
"But you haven't told me----"
Deacon Brown was already up the
steps, smiling and waving his adieux
from the platform of the rear car, which
rapidly disappeared around curve il
the road.
He was absent nearly week. When
he returned, he found not only the
church but the whole village in a state
of excitement and commotion.
He had not been home more than sn
hour when Elder Wakeman called on
him, and in the course of the day he was
waited upon by two deacons and several
church members, to say nothing of being
interviewed by various of his scquain-
taDces and neighbors, all of whom were
anxious to ascertain if there was any
truth in the rumor of the grave charge
he had brought against his pastor.
Deacon Brown, though evidently
somewhat startled st first by a result
so little anticipated, took all this with
his usual calmness and serenity. He
was very reticent on the subject, assert
ing that he had said nothing that he was
not both able and willing to prove when
the proper time came to do 80. His
interview with Elder Wakeman was a
private one, but it was noticeable at its
close that the countenanoe of the latter
had a serene, almost smiling aspect.
But as the elder took no measures to
prevent the meeting ofinvestigatior that
had been called, no particular impor.
lance was attached to this. He did not
seem disposed to talk much about it,
merely saying that he thought the
deacon ought to have an opportunity to
prove or explain what he had every
reason to believe he had said about him"
The meeting in question was held at
the vestry, which was filed to its utmost
capacity before the two chiefly interest
ed; Elder Wakemsn and Deacon Brown,
entered, and who appeared to be the
least excited ones present.
Mr.. Quinby was there, full of impor-
lance, and with an exultation of look
and manner only thinly yelled by the
gravity that everspread his countenance.
He was standing by the stove, the center
of an interested and curious circle, when
the two entered, but he avoided meeting
the eye of either.
At the motion of Elder Wakeman,
one of the descens called the meeting to
order, briefly explained it's object, the
serious nature of the imputstiOn under
which their pastor rested, and appealing
to Deacon Brown TO put stop to the
talk it had occasioned by either denying
or proving his assertion.
Rising to his feet, Deacon Brown
looked around upon the excited and
curious faces that were directed toward
him.
- Behold, brethren, how much mis-
chief the tongue can de1 | said a few
words to one of you, under a pledge OF
secrecy. l think it WAS under pledge
ofsecrecy, Brother Q1imby ?"
q considered it to be my duty to tell
what you told me-" said the individual
addressed, turning very red.
d" You are to be commended Tor hav-
ing performed your duty 30 thoroughly"
continued the deacon; "a very painful
duty, IS it is easy to zee understand
you have said that l told you Elder
Wakeman stole his sermon from book
in my possession; are you sure that
used the word STOLE Brother Quimby ?''
"You said that you hsd a book that
had every word of it in! Where's the
difference, I'd ike to know was Mr..
Quimby's prompt and triumphant re-
join1er.''
There might be none at all, and,
agsin, there might be a good DEAL -
responded the deacon.
81 did use the language sscribed to
me by Mr.. Quimby," continued Deacon
Brown, addressing the rest of the assem-
blage; "mOved thereto by bis evident
desire that l should say something to our
pastors discredit, and without thought
that it would lead to all this trouble
and excitement. declare, furthermore,
that have seen book containing every
word of his sermon in Elder Wakemsn's
own library. l have taken the liberty
of sending for it, and will offer it as evil
dence as to the truth of my statement, "
Taking ponderous volume from the
hands of his son, who had just entered,
Deacon Brown laid it on the table before
the presiding officer, who, carefully ad.
justing his spectacles. opened it.
Giving one glance at its outspread
pages he raised his eyes to the serene and
kindly face opposite.
"Why, this is "a dictionary"
every true" responded Deacon
Brown But you'll find every word o.
Elder Wakeman's sermon in tiff you
look long enough"
al must confess, however" added The
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