St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1888-11-22


any of the neighbours houses. One
of the Maynard boys, standing in the
open barn, threw up his cap as they
passed. At the Walkers David caught
a glimpse, through the window, of the
old gentleman standing before small
looking glass and just beginning to
shave. Actually at Deacon Smiths
they were studying their Sunday
school lesson in the sitting-room. He
hoped no one but himself had made
these observations.
They drove to their usual hitching-
post under a rock maple tree, and
alighted. Tim hurried to open the
gate.
1t was locked. No trace of the sex
ton even only the cool, sweet air
rustled through the trees. Above, the
white clouds rolled up in great fleecy
masses, as if they were trying to afford
deeper look into the blue sky, and
the Sabbath morning stiffness rested
upon the sacred place like the peace of
God. Four people looked inquiringly
at each other. owe are making up
for past Offences" said David, with a
faint smile.
"Perhaps there isn't any meeting to-
day." suggested Susie, and Immediate
ly felt as if deception was driving her
deeper and deeper.
otis the strangest thing | ever
knew" remarked Mrs. Baker, and then
wondered if she hadn't told a lie.
They found window that was I'M
fastened. The boy crept in and opened
a side door. He proposed that they
take ride, but this plan was promptly
vetoed by his mother. When the fam
lily entered the building and looked at
the clock, it was five minutes past
nine.
The young minister, who had been
writing new sermon through the
week, had not succeeded in rounding
off the closing period. 1t had occurred
to him that a few minutes alone in the
church might furnish the needed iu-
SEPARATION. Living close by, he walked
over; but what was his amazement to
be met near the entrance by Mr.. Baker,
and after him by the whole family.
"What is the meaning of this Z" he
exclaimed.
Mr.. Baker had by this time returned
to his usual sense of humor.
"Why, you see, brother, you made
such an impression upon US last Sun
day that we thought we wouldn't go
home at all, so we stayed through the
week, and here we are"
mo-" interposed Uncle David, "that
is stretching the story; we came here
last night so as to be up in good season
this morning."
"But, what is it, friends? You are
giving me an awful sense of RESPONSE
bility."
"Well," answered Mr.. Baker, "I'll
own up. l thought I'd be ON time and
please my wife and daughter this
morning, so l gave the clock a little
push, and l suppose sent it too far
ahead-that is all"
ooh, pap cried Susie, with burning
cheeks, sit is all my fault. got up
and put the clock ahead twenty min
utes, so we could come early to-day"
This was too much for Uncle David's
generosity.
ooh, come, put it along this morn
ing myself half an hour when | first
went out"
"Well," burst in Mrs. Baker, 81 did
better than any of you, for | put it
along twenty minutes last night when
| locked up the house."
By this time the minister had drop
ped upon Il seat, while the family,
after staring at each other for Il mo-
ment, followed him in Il paroxysm of
laughter. Then the clergyman wiped
his eyes, shook hands all round, and
FASTENED home just as the sexton APP
peared in the yard. The minister en-
tered his pulpit at the usual time in
some trepidation, for fear that a
glimpse of the Baker family would
overcome his gravity.
But no such result followed. The
hearty laugh had only reused quick
ness of thought and energy of speech,
and he preached with unusual power.
The family clock was never made to
swerve from it's faithful timekeeping
again, but steady improvement of
Mr.. Bakers punctuality in church
going was apparent from that date.