Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1888-09-24

rumor of the grave charge made
against his pastor.
Deacon Brown, though somewha
startled at first by result so littl,
anticipated, took all this with calm
ness and serenity. He was very ret
icent on the subject, asserting thai
be had said nothing that he was no
both able and willing to prove wher
the proper time came to do so. His
interview with Elder Wakeman was
private one, but it was noticeable
at its close that the countenance OF
the latter had serene, almost sml-
ing aspect. But as the elder took
no measures to prevent the meeting
of investigation that had been called,
no particular Importance was attach
ed to this. He did not seem dispos-
ed to talk much about it, merely say
ing that he thought the deacon ought
to have an opportunity to prove .or
explain what he had every reason to
believe he had said about him."
The meeting in question was held
at the vestry, which was filed to the
utmost capacity before the two chiefly
terested-Elder Wakeman and
Deacon Brown-entered and who
appeared to be the least excited ones
present.
Mr.. Quimby was there full of inn
portance, and with an eXultation of
look and manner only thinly veiled
by the gravity that overspread his
countenance. He was standing by
the stove, the centre of an interested
and curious circle, when the two en-
! tered, but he avoided meeting the
eye of either.
At the motion of Elder Wakeman,
one of the deacons called the meeting
to order, briefly explaining its object,
the serious nature of the imputation
under which their pastor rested, and
appealing to Deacon Brown to put a
stop to the talk it had occasioned by
either denying or proving his asser-
ton.
Rising to his feet, Deacon Brown
looked around upon the excited and
curious faces that were directed to-
ward him.
"Behold, brethren, how much mis-
chief the tongue can do! said a
few wordf to one of you under a
pledge of secrecy. think it was un-
der a pledge of secrecy, Brother
Quimby?"
Il considered it my duty to tell
what yon told me-" said the individ-
ual addressed, tn urning red.
"YOu are to be commended for
having performed your duty SO thor
oughly," continued the deacon "a
very painful duty,as it is easy to see
l understood you said that | told you
Elder Wakeman stole his sermon
from book in my possession; are
you sure that | used the word stole,
Brother Quimby?"
"You said that you had book
that had every word of it in. Where's
the difference, I'd like to know 2" was
Mr.. Quimby's prompt and triumphant
rejoinder.
"There might be none at all, and
again ther "a ght be a great deal"
the deacon.
81 did use the language ascribed
to me by Mr.. Quimby," continued
Deacon Brown, addressing the rest
of the assemblage, "moved thereto
bv his evident desire that | should
say something to our pastors discred-
it, and without a thought that it would
lead to this trouble and excitement.
l declare, furthermore, that | have
seen book containing every word of |
his sermon in Elder Wakeman's own |
library. | have taken the liberty of |
sending for it, and will offer it as ev-
idence as to my own statement"
Taking a ponderous volume from
the hands of his son, who had just |
entered, Deacon Brown laid it on the |
table before the presiding officer, who,
adjusting his spectacles, OPP
ened it.
Giving one glance at its outspread
pages, he raised hes eyes to the Sc
rene and kindly face opposite.
"Why, this is a-dictionary ?"
every true" responded Deacon
Brown, "but you will find every word
Of Elder Wakeman's sermon in tiff
you look long enough"
81 must confess, however, added
,he deacon, as soon as the general
laughter and astonishment had sub
sided little, glancing smilingly
across the table at Elder Wakeman,
that there are not many that can
string them together so as to form
such an interesting and instructive
discourse.
Here the elder and the deacon
shook hands, which was a signal for
4 general Misunderstanding, congratula-
ions and good feelings. No one was
dissatisfied, with the exception of
Mr.. Quimby, who, mortified and con-
ounded at the unexpected turn af-
airs had taken, had skunk from the
'oom.