The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-02-16
THE PARSONS CANOE TRIP.
ENct 4nge

Old MT B,,1estoa had charming house and grounds on the Thames. near Marlow, including pretty little eyot. One snltry afternoon he was enjoying a placid doze in shady arbor near the waters edge, when he was aroused by the splashing of oars, and beheld young man Tn a boating costume in the act of -a4lLa.ahtl,ng- lnnnn the lawn. MI, ElllIesson sprang 10 his feet in an instant. prepared to lose hIs temper on small provocation. He knew the strangers crTand, for he had received half dozen promiscuous visits of this kind Tn the course of the day. When the young man drew near he proved 10 be rather a mild-looking youth who wore spectacles and seemed ditiident and embarrassed.
 Have the pleasure of speaking to the proprietor of this island.' he in- quired, politely lifting his straw ha, from his head
 " Yes. the island belongs to me-" said Mir. Bittlcs,on, shortly.
 Will you permit me to hand you my card, said the stranger, producing card case.
 Mr Bi,,les,on felt somewhat mollifed by the young mans polite and respectful dcmeanor. and he took the card. It bore the following inscription: The Rev. Mark Avery, V Hayter. St. Georges in- ihe-East.'
 "Oh, you are clergyman" remarked the old gentleman. who had a good old fashioned regard for the cloth
 Yes, in spite of my dress, which IS decidedly anti-elerieal, said the young man, smiling =" suppose you can guess why l troubled you We are on our way 70 Oxford. and wished your permission 10 camp out on your island for the night with my friends.
 I'm sorry ,o say ,ha, I've been obliged to pu, sop To that" said Mir Biuleston I'm afraid cannot make an eNce.tion n your case.
 "l hope you will. sir, said the parson. persuasvely; " plead not so much for myself as for my two companions. They are both very worthy young men, and this little trip, which have eTsan'zed. is pleasure which they have never before experienced. One Is a teacher ai our schools, and the other is assistant in the night school. They have both earned holiday. and wish to do all can to promote their enjoyment
 ou will md plenty of aCcommoda- ton al MaTlow, al all events said Mir. Blttles,on
 Undoubtedly. btu, the fact Is, We can not afford to pay for it." returned the Rev. Mark, Candidly; my companions have no money, and my own purse is. unfortunately, very narrow"
 "Oh, then you are the paymaster." said the old gentleman. whose kind hear, sas ,ou he'd by the parsons artless con- fession.
 "Yes, il is my treat, in fact" answered he Rev. Mark. smiling of course. if you object to our landing on your island. we must try elsewhere. But 1t is a con- venient spot, and hoped"
 Well. well. for this once will make an exception" interrupted Mir. Bit,leston. unable to resist any longer. ii must ask you to tix your camp on the most remote corner of the island and not damage the underwood"
 We will do nothing that can possibly offend you, returned the young man. offering his hand 10 NIT. Bit,leson, who grasped it in a friendly fashion: !" l am exceedingly obliged to you for your kind ness
 Don, mention it." said the old gen tleman. walking by she parsons side across the lawn !" any little thing we can do for you, or supply you with, do no, hesitate to ask. Have you any fresh milks know iha, Il Is commodity which Is generally Tn request"
 Thank you. We won't uespass further on your kindness returned Rev. Mark, heartily; we have our provisions
 Would you and your companions come and dine al the house with me to- nigh, ," inquired Mir. Bl,,les,on. who was hospitable old gentleman, and had taken rather fancy to the young man :; my wife and daughters would be pleased"
 You are extremely kind, bu, the lac, IS my companions, though excellent young raen, are no, quite refined enough 10 sit a, your table" said the Rev. Mark. cautiously lowering his voice, so that the occupants of the boat should not hear him :. for myself" he added aloud, "l should only be too pleased, but. unfor- tunately, have no clothes bu, these stand up in. We are only away for the inside of week, and must be back on Sunday
 Never mind yoer clothes" said old Mr. Bittleston i've shall be alone to- night, and my wife and daughters are ae- eus,omed 10 see guests in boating cos ,ume'
 ' In that case, shall only be too happy" said the Rev. Mark. as he ssep- ped into the boat: wha, time do you dipe:n