Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1886-02-25

with uplihed eyes aud hands. but you
haven't told me-"
Deacon Brown Was already up the steps,
smiling and waving his adieux from the
platform Of the rear car. which rapidly dis
sppeared around a curve in the road.
lie was absent nearly week. When he
returned. he found no, only the church bat
the whole village in a state Of excitement
and commotion.
lie had no, been home more than an hour
when Elder Wakeman eslled on him, and in
the course Of the day he vas waited upon
by two deacons and several church mem
hers, to say nothing Of being interviewed b,
various Of his scquaintances and n-ighbors
sll Of whom were anxious to ascertain If
there was any truth in the rumor Of the
grave charge made agains, his pastor.
Deacon Brown, though evidently some
what startled at first by result so little an
ticipa,ed. took all this with his usual calm
ness and serenity. He was very reticent on
the subject asserting that he had said moth
ing that he was no, both able and willing
to prove when the proper time came TO do
So His interview with Elder Wakeman
was a private one. but 1t was noticeable at
its close that the couutenance of the latter
had a serene. almost smiling aspect But as
the Elder took no measures to preven, the
meeting of investigation that had been
called, no particular Importance was at
,ached TO this He did not seem disposed
10 talk much about it. merely saving 'that
he thought the deacon ought TO have an op-
portunity to prove or explain what he had
every reason 10 believe he had said absu,
him
The meeting in question was held al the
ves,ry, which was filed TO its utmost capac-
i'y before the two chiefly interested. Elder
Wakeman and Deacon Brown. entered. and
who appeared to be the least excited ones
present.
Mr. Quimby was there full of importance,
and with sn exul,ation Of look and manner
only 'hinly ,eiled by the gravity ,ha, over
spread his countenance. lie was standing
by the sfoye. th. centre Of an interested and
curious circle, when the two entered, but be
avoided meeting the eve of either.
Al the motion Of Elder Wakeman. one Of
the deacons called the meeting TO order.
briefly explained It's object. the serious
nature Of the imputa,ion under which their
pastor rested, and, appealing to Deacon
Brown 70 pu, stop to the talk it had oc-
casioned b! either denying or proving hi.
assertion.
Rising to his feet, Deacon Brown looked
around upon the excited and curious faces
that were directed toward him.
Behold brethren, how much mischief the
tongue can do | said few words to one
Of you. under pledge OF secrecy. think
j, ,ras under pledge Of secrecy. Brother
Qumby ?"
Il considered i, to be my duty to tell
what you told me" said the individual ad
dressed, turning red.
You are to be commended for having
performed your duty 50 thoroughly" con
tinaed the deacon "a very painful duty. a.
i, Is tasy 10 see understand YOU said tha,
| told YOU Elder Wakeman stole his sermon
from book in my possession; are YOU sure
used the word stole Brother Quimby P
You said that YOU had book tina, had
every word Of it in Where's the difference,
Id like to know ?" was Mr. Qaimby',
prompt aud triumphan, rejonder.
There might be none at all. and again,
there might be great deal responded the
deacon.
Il did use the language ascribed TO me BY
Mr. Quimby," continued Deacon Brown. ad-
dressing the rest Of the assemblage moved
thereto by his evident desire that should
say something TO our pastor. discredit, and
without thought that it would lead to this
trouble and excitement. ! declare, further
more. that | have seen book containing
every word Of his sermon in Elder Wake
ulsu own l!NfaEh. nave taksn Tue nUtF-
" Of sending for II, and viii offer it as eyl-
dence as to the truth cf my statement"
Taking a ponderous volume from the
hands Of his son. who had just entered,
Deacon Brown laid il on the table before the
presiding officer. Who, carefully adjusting
his spec,acles, opened il.
Giving one glance at is outspread pages,
be raised his eyes 10 the serene and kindly
face opposite.
Why, this is "a dictionary" :"
Very true" responded Deacon Brown.
But You'll fnd every word Of Elder Wake
mans sermon in it-if you look long enough -
Il must confess. however" added the
deacon, as soon as the general laughter and
astonishment had subsided little, gancng
smilingly across the table at Elder Wake
man. THAT there are not many that can
string them together SO as to form such an
interesting and instructive DISCOURSE
Here the elder aud deacon shook hands,
which was the signal for general hand
shaking, congratulations, and good feeling
No one was dissatisfied, with the exception
of Mr.. Quimby, who, mortified and con-
founded at the unexpected turn affairs had
taken. had skunk from the room.