The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-04-09
The Camp Chair.
IN TWO PARTs-PART III.

After Annie mad passed tne cOmpll-
ments of the evening, Mrs. Page said,
"Now, Annie, what do you think the
major said when he saw you coming"
"Ipresume he said there comes another
beggar; for there are many around TO-
night"
"No, Annie, but if we had such a
child as Annie Hillyer, l would be the
happiest man living"
az don't see very we'll, major, how that
can be brought about, since you have no
sons, but yet you can give me something,
if cannot be your daughter-in-law. Just
imagine me your own daughter, now, and
open your heart and purse"
81 told him." said Mrs. Page, shat he
had better be taking out his pocketbo
cpl tell you, major, why L came to
you now, and am sure you will help me-
went to Captain Richards and Deacon
Perry to get them to buy some votes for
the campchair, and they each said, '1'll
Page So came to you quickly, believ-
ing you would do something handsome
for me, and then will return to them"
What, what Did those men say
that, Annie p said the fat major.
eyes, sir; and Mr.. Albee heard them"
"Do you hear that, wife? good
chance for me, and I'll improve it, For
tune always favors the brave. l always
was kind of Universalist. People don't
have to wait for the next world to get all
their reward. Are you sure, Annie, that
they promised to give as much again as
l did ?"
ayes, am sure; and | called Mr.. Al
bee to bear witness to the same"
"Let's see," he said. twenty-five
fifty apiece-yes, that will make it, settled.
I'll give you twenty-five dollars, and you
may do the voting, Annie"
Do you mean that, major Are you
really telling me what you will certainly
do ? 1t is too good to be true !"
eyes, mean it !; call them to me so
they can see me pay you; and [ must see
them do the same"
Annie left him to seek the deacon and
captain, and when they saw her approach
ing they started to meet her.
"Well," said the captain, I" are you 60
ing to get fifty cents out of us ?"
Yes, captain, not only fifty cents, but
shall demand fifty dollars apiece"
They stopped short and looked at each
other In blank despair.
"You don't mean what you say, Annie?"
said the astonished deacon.
Yes / do,' replied Annie.
never swear, deacon, in the presence
of ladies, but if it were ever justifable it
might be in this case, said the captain.
He is having his revenge, and we have
fixed the rope for the major to hang u.s."
eyes," said the deacon eve have even
helped him to do it but the only thing
now is to face the music"
81 haven't fifty dollars to my name"
said the captain, stamping his foot.
You must both raise it some way"
said Annie, "snd that very soon, or am
afraid the major will be sick of his
promise"
"You don't know his object as we'll as
we do" replied the captain, /" or you would
have no fears. We will go out and get
the money, Annie, and soon be back"
After they had left her she turned to
Mr.. Albee and said, "There is mystery
about the manner in which those men
talk. They speak of revenge and re-
ward and rope etc. What does it
mean 2"
Why, don't you know? Captain
Richards and the deacon went around
town few weeks ago with paper to get
people to sign a petition to close the
majors distillery. He is making more
drunkards OF our young men than you
have any idea. He has a crowd of youn e
men around the distillery all the time,
and he even goes so far as to send bottles
of cider brandy to the young ladies, and
80 the young men get treated in many
ways. | tell you, Miss Annie, it is ter.
rible curse. Our boys even, are being
enticed to taste of the apple juice. 1t
will do no HARM This is what he said
to my sop. Everybody was ready to sign
the paper, but all felt sorry for his WIFE"
swell" said Annie, how did it come
out ?"
They closed the distillery, and forbade
him selling fer six months under a penalty
OF paying fine of five thousand dollars.
think it cost the major besides about
fifty dollars. You know this is his best
time for making, so it will be great loss
to him financially"
al now see why matters have taken
this turn" said Annie, "but was not
aware that he was doing such a great in
jury to the community"
How much, Annie, did the major say
he would give ?"
twenty-five dollars" said Annie.
"Why," replied Mr.. Albee, that will
make the captain and deacon give fifty
dollars apiece. Will they do itP"
"What else can they do, Mr.. Albee ?
They have promised, and in your presence,
too. l wonder if anyone has ever talked
to the major, and shown to him the evil
he is doing ?"
81 do not think so, Annie, for he is old
enough to see for himself"
"That is very true, Mr.. Albee, but he
is 80 interested in making money that he
may be blinded to all else"
"Suppose you do little missionary
work, Annie? 2"
81 will, before | return to my school.
There comes the deacon and captain. |
will 60 and meet them. Perhaps you had
better accompany me- to bear Witness"
They walked towards the approaching
gentlemen, who looked very much like
two boys who had been severely whipped.
"Well," said Annie, smiling, care you
both ready to give me fifty dollars 2"
"Not until we see the major hand over
his twenty-five, and then we are ready"
said the deacon.
They walked to the other side of the
hall, followed by an immense crowd, who
were anxious to see the result of the chal-
lanoa