The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1879-05-15
.:lRAvENNA, O., THURsI,AY, NAY 15,3 1879.

really don't know that ought to men
ton il. though, if it. should get alon,
it might make trouble Hs,aaa a.,o
I'll never lisp q syllable of it t
any living SOUL was the eager re
sponse. ,.e- .a.aa.. .,,.s ..rs.o -...st
Well'-here the deacon lowered hi
voice to an impressive, whisper
have q book at homo which has every
word of II in.' rs .;d sv.,i a4a.,s,
| Here the train for which Deacon
Brown was waiting came rushing ul
to the depot. taow w
lis it possible 2 .ejaculated Mr.
Quimby, with ,uplifted eyes and hands
But you haven't told me- .or
Deacon Brown was already up the
steps, smiling and waving his adieux
from the platform of the rear car
which rapidly disappeared around q
curve in the road, aaE .acH .sFn5i
He was absent nearly q; week. When
he returned, he found not only the
church but the whole village in state
Of excitement.and.c .commotion. N
| He had not been home moro than
an hour when Elder Wakeman called
on him, and in the cosrse of the day he
was waited upon by two deacons and
several chuich members, to say moth
ing of being intervied by various OF
his acquaintances and neighbors, all OF
whom were anxious TO ascertain il
there was any truth. in the rumor OF
the grave charge he had brought
Deacon Brown, though evidently
somewhat startled at first by a result
SO little anticipated, took all this with
his usual calmness and serenity. He
was very reticent on the subject, as
serting that he had saids nothing that
he was not able and willing TO prove
when the proper time came to do SO.
His interview with Elder Wakeman
was a private one, but it was noticea-
BILE at its close that the countenance of
the latter had serene, almost smiling
aspect. But as the Elder took no
measures to prevent the meeting of in
vestigation that had been called, no
particular Importance 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 ex-
plain what he had every reason to be-
lieve he had said about him.
The meeting in question was beld
at the vestry, which was filled to its
utmost capacity before the two chiefly
interested, Elder Wakeman and Dea-
con Brown, entered, ,and who appeared
to be the least excited ones present.
Mr.. Quimby was there, full Of i'm
portance, and with an exultstion of
look and manner only thinly veiled by
the gravity that overspread his coun-
tenance. He was standing by the
stove, the center of an interested aud
.cuiiaus circle, when the two entered,
but he avoided meeting the eye OF
either. .rstf.
At the motion of Elder Wakeman,
one of the deacons called the meeting
to order, briefly explained its object,
the serious nature of the imputation
under which their pastor rested, and
appealing to deacon Brown to put a
,s<~,, - tho <oll> - ho1 oooos;onoA -,
either denying or proving his asser-
ton.
Rising to his feet, Deacon Brown
looked around upon the excited and
curious faces that were directed
toward him. sliss..l
Behold brethren, how much mis-.
chief the tongue can dol I said few
words to one of you, under a pledge OF
secrecy. think it was under pledge
of secrecy, Brother Quimby2'
Il considered it my duty to tell what
you told me- said the individual ad-
dressed, turning very red. ..-s
tYou are to be commended for hav.
ing performed your duty so thorough
ly,' continued the deacon a very
painful duty, as it is easy to seel 1
understand you have said that told
you Elder Wakeman stole his ser.
mon from q book in my possession, are
you sure that used the word STOLE
Brother Quimby7'
'You said that you had book that
had every word of itin! Where's the
difference, I'd like to know p was Mr..
Quimby's prompt and triumphant re-
joinder.
There might be none at all, and
again, there might be good deal,' re-
sponded the deacon. 10 'a
Il did use the language ,ascribel to
me by Mr.. Quimby.' continued Deacon
Brown. addressing the rest of the au-
dience; 'moyed thereto by his evident
desire that should say something to
our pastors discredit, and without a
thought that it would lead to all this
trouble and excitement. I declare,
furthermore, that have seen book
containing every word of his sermon
in Elder Wakeman's own library. 1
have taken the liberty of sending for
it, and will offer it as evidence as to
the truth of my statement
Taking the ponderous volume from
the hands of his son, who had just en-
tered, Deacon Brown laid it on the
table before tho presiding officer, who
carefully adjusting his spectacles,
opened 1t.
Giving one glance at its outspread
pages he raised his eyes to the serene
aud kindly face opposite.
why, this is "a dictionaryP
VERY true,' responded Deacon