The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1879-07-24
VOLUME ".

| and he pOndered tne questlon lonS ai.t
earnestly in his own mind. Upon the
whole,'' said he, bringing down his palm
upon the table, ~ amt sorry that those
investments of mine in the Maripcsa Sll
yer Company have proved a failure"
"What do you mean," said Miss Mahala
Ann, curiously cycling him over the top OF
her spectacles.
But the deacon only shook his head
and smiled. 49, ~
"Time will show" said he, "time will
show
The news that Deacon Grinder was
wrecked in Mariposa Silver Mining stock
flew like wildtirc through the peaceful
community at Fitchyille -Four Corners.
SWELL" said Miss Philena Peck, 81 am
beat.''
ssHe never had no judgement in money
matters,'' said the widow Clapp.
'I've thought all a long that he was
living too fast" said Barbara Bowyer.
s'Those poor little children, what is to
become of them:" said Naomi Poole,
wistfully.
The next day the deacon made his ap-
pearance at Miss Peck's homestead, pale
| and rather shabby, with child in each
hand, and one following him.
have heard the news?'
"Yes," saiu Miss Peck, looking vinegar
| and tack nails. eff it's your failure as
you mean.'
81 think OF going to California" said
the deacon, ''to see what can do, and if,
in the meantime, you could be induced
to give my children home"
ooh, dear, no!' said Miss Peck. 81
never could get along with a pack of chill
dren da1e say you could find some
half orphan asylum or place of that sort,
by inqniring little"
Miss Peck sat so very upright, and
glared so frightfully out of light blue
eyes at the deacon, that he was iain to
b at a retreat as soon as possible.
He knocked next at the widow Clapp's
door A slipshod scrvant-maid opened
it.
us Mrs. Clapp at home?" he asked.
A head was thrust over the stair rail
ing and the widows shrill voice cried
out:
"Is that Josiah Grinder, with his
swarm O. young ones! Tell him l am
particular engaged. Do you hear, Bet
sey,-particular."
Miss Barbara Bowyer was arranging
trimmed hats and rolls of bright colored
ribbons in her bow window as the dea
con and his little ones entered the shop.
"Miss Bowyer," said the deacon, ''you
were evera genial and charitable soul.
1t is to you that l trust to make a home
for my motherless little ones, while en-
deavor to retrieve my fortunes in the far
West"
81 couldn't thing of such thing"
said Miss Barbara, droppinga box of ar
titcial flowers in her CONSERVATION. And
l really think, Deacon Grinder, you
haven't any business to expect it of me E!
It's all can do to support myself, let
alone q pack of unruly children. | dare
say the poor master could do something
for them, Or"
81 thank you," said the deacon, with
dignity" | shall trouble neither you
nor him.
"Well,' said Miss Bowyer with a toss
OF her head, ''you needn't fly into {; rage
because neighbor offers you bit of
good advice!'
But Naomi Poole ran out to the little
garden gate, as the forlorn deacon went
by.
"Dcacon GRINDER" hesitated she, turn
ing rose-red and white by turns, "is this
true?"
''About my Mariposa Investment?
Yes"
+ ''And that you are going to California;"
81 am talking of it" said the deacon.
"Would-could you let me take care of
the little ones while you are gomez" said
Noami, tenderly drawing little Dolly to
her side 81 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
it privilege to be able to do something
for YOU"
And poor sof1-hearted little Naomi
burst into crying.
There was moisture on the deacons
eyelashes, too.
"God bless you, Naomir' aaid he, "You
are good girl.a very good GIRL
"Ain't it true?" said Philena Peck.
"Well," said Mrs. Mopsley, cit is, and
amt. lie did lose what he invested in
them Mariposa mines, but it was only
thousand dollars; and the rest Of his mon
ey's all tight and safe in United States
bonds and solid real estate.
''Bless mel" said Barbara Bowyer.
"Well, I never' said the widow Clapp,
with discounted countenance.
"And," went on Mrs. Mopsley with evi-
dent relish in the CONSERVATION she was
causing, they are building new wing to
the house, and he is to be married to Mao
mi Poole in the fall
"a child like that!' said Mrs. Clapp'
'sWith no experience whateverr' said
Barbara Bowyer, scornfully.
II only hope he won't repent of his
bargain.' sighed Miss Philena Peck.
And Miss Philena's charitable hopes
were fulfilled. The deacon never did re-
pent of his bargain.
How to Deal with Hard Times.