The Benton weekly record. [volume] (Benton, Mont.) 1880-1885, 1883-08-18

.FrOm Virginia, you see, sdiu " III
row, putting the paper in his pocket again
s.And came here about the same time yo'
say you did. Butyour names Dan. Ger
tainly. 1t looks to me like a trick of tn
police to get hold of a criminal"
$50 it does me-
'sGoing, Ell? Proctor's busy" with
fellows like MS now"
:'No.'' The Major stood a moment
watching Johns eager gestures and the
bright, flushing face bent over him. No;
be has no more need of me-" he said
quietly, and turned away with Il bow as
he passed the carriage, though neither OF
them saw him.
Mr.. M'Murray with the young clergy
man in his office again, safely trapped,
could not let him 70 without 4 word on two
of rebuke. ssShould you accept it, (they
were talking of the call) ''you must be
careful, my dear sir. to avoid even the ap-
pearance of evil. You are young and i'm
pulsiye, fond of your friends. The
dignity of your position would
render improper many associates whom
you knew as boy; unless, indeed, you
approach them officially, administering the
Word as the hope of salvation. This
Major Standish, now, for example"
81 am very uncertain about accepting
this church at all, J" broke out Jack. There's
Il place in the West that suits my ways
better. But I could nos marry on their
salary. It's the merest pittance. l
could barely live on it"
M'Mur ray paused and answered with
deliberation: In the matter of marriage
must you consult that point of salary at all,
Mr.. Proctor? The wife you select may
will, in all probability independent.
A woman ought to feel honored in being
called to share the spiritual work of a
Christian minister, and should rejoice to
bear her part in his temporal burthens. y
':I'll never be supported by rich wife, y
said John bluntly." III be frank with you,
Mr.. M'Murray There is woman whom
[ have loved long and faithfully. | will
marry her, if [ can. If she has money,
we'll and good; but | must be the pro-
wider in my own homestead.
cit is natural feeling and manly
one," said M Murray, not ill-pleased.
eve differ, too, in the matter of asso-
ciates," obstinately resumed John. 81
have never felt that my CLOTH, as the yul-
gar phrase has it, placed me one wit apart
from other men. When [ measure myself
with prince, or. 1affian in the dock, by
his courage or good sense, or faithtulness
to his friend, touch a brotherhood be-
tween us stronger shars any church bond.
We get our naked hands together, you un-
gives the Word to me than | to him. he
added under his breath.
Mr.. Nj Murray checked the angry re-
buke ON his lips. All young men were
tltghty, nowadays, and given to this Wis
lonary. He remembered John Proetor's
brilliant reputation in the church, the
crowds that pressed to hear him as he
went from city 10 city. Ii Clara were his
wife, no w.man in the church could hold
higher rank. 81 cannot understand," he
said, gently, what bearing this has on
your intimacy with MAJOR Standish, par
icularly''-raising his voice when Proc
tor would have spoken-when / have ev-
cry reason to believe that the police are on
his track as long, escaped criminal.
Johns face burned as though he, him.
self, had been accused. ''What proof have
you of this?" he said, rising.
There is New York detective here to
identify him now," in mysterious whis-
per. 81 could learn no more from him than
that Standish is living under an assumed
name. But fear the worst, Mr.. Proctor,
the very worst"
'sBah,' muttered John to himself.
sWhere is this fellow?" I'll 60 TO him at
once," putting on his hat.
M'Murray arose and put out his hand.
1t was high time that he became the
uaouthpiece of the church and Clara.
Mr.. Proctor, beg that you will not
espouse this disreputable old mans cause
so vehemently. His name is public by
word of infamy among newspaper men.
A vaporing boaster and liar.'
Newspaper men know but one side of
the fellow,'' retorted John, hotly. could
tell you tales Of him, of his unselfishness
and noble charity, that would put the lives
of many of our professors to shame. Be-
sides, he was kind to me when was a boy.
I'll not turn my back on him now.'
M'Murray's sallow cheek began to burn.
.sThen regret to say, Mr.. Proctor, that
yeu must make your choice between the
church and your very boyish impulse. A
clergyman who makes an associate of so
doubtful character is hardly suited to
our society. AS for his good traits, |
know nothing. do know the righteous
ness of the carnal flesh is filthy rags
"And know that courage and self
sacrifice are proofs of as good metal in
poor old Standish as in church member,
and come as direct from the Master OF
both. / must judge for myself in these
matters"
'sAssuredly. But if your judgment in
points so essential differs so widely from