The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1882-05-04

| priest, tht iOfHtf bcchuse ho h"u NSs'"SN'
against Jean Philippe in case about
fence, 1.-THE latter because in the catechism
lie gave the first place in the class to the
burgo- masters son, who, saving your
presence, was not only not 80 bright as
Jean Phllippes own boy, but was indeed
an ass.
II is not so easy task as thought,
said the farmer, with a sigh, and taking
counsel with his wife, he resolved that, as
there seemed 10 he no honest men in that
part of the country, he should take him
and 20 in search Of one. So he set forth on
his pilgrimage and presently OF course II
was midnight and as he was passing
through lonely wood-he met man who
by the light OF the stars, seemed to be as
tall and as thin as hop-pole, and who was
carrying a scytheas long Ias himself
Whoever you may be, good man, said
the farmer, halting this strange figure,
lend me pipeiul of tobacco My pouch
is empty
Without a word the mower drew forth
tobacco pouch to the farmer, who while
filling his pipe, had an opportunity OF e1-
amining the strangers appearance He
was strange looking man, indeed, il lie
was man at all; his head was bald and
shining, his eyes were small and sunken;
his nose was fiat, and his mouth immense
ly large, showing few grinning teeth.
His cheeks were hollow, and his skin was
like parchment, and when he moved, bis
joints cracked like swinging sign
Thank you, friend, said Jean Philippe,
returning the pouch. The moving bust
ness does not seem to be a very paying
one, to Judge from your looks-you are
leaner than tithe hen. Take care OF
yourself, you had better, ifyou don't want
to make old bones.
Don't worry yourself friend; my old
bones will see you under the ground.
And the old mans little eyes sparkled
like sprinkle Of salt cast into the fire.
What are you doing out of doors at this
time of night? he continues questioning
the farmer
Well you see my wife has just been
brought to bed Of thirteenth boy, and as
the little thing is only skin and lone, /
have wished to see if l couldn't better his
luck by giving him just man for god
father. Now, have been three days and
three nights on the search, and
And haven't found one?
And haven't found one. / didn't think
righteous people were so scarce.
Suppose you take me? said the mower
with grin intended for smile.
Yes Are yon an honest man? Well,
yes, you look lean and poor, and so per
haps you are. But what is your name?
Death
Death? The deuce! And so that is the
scythe that you
Preciselyl That is the scythe that l.
HUM After all, said the farmer, reflect.
lively, ! don't see said that could do
any better. Death is Just His scythe cuts
do wn impartially the rich and the poor,
the great and the humble. Shake hands
on it, god papa, and I'll answer that the
christening shall be worthy Of thesponsor
Very good When is it to be?
On Sunday next, at Onesne Rabbit In
quire for Jean Philippe, the farmer; any
one will show you the house.
A bargain. Goodnight friend
Good night, Death
Jean Philippe went home with light
heart. Wife, said he, I've secured a
famous godfather, and il he only takes
an interest in the child, il won't die teeth
ing. But AZ women, particularly
when i'll. are apt be easily
alarmed and upset, he did not enter into
any further explanations
When Sunday came around Jean
Philippe donned his bot,le-green velvet
breeches, his silver buckled shoes and his
camle, waistcos,. to do honor TO his god.