Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1888-12-26

l'IlnlllI1nInnlnMnunnnunn
oe good Joke to have them mink I'm late,
ar usual-a pretty good joke. and I'll do It-''
BY the time he had turned the minute hand
forward II was seven O'Clock Calling 10
his wife that she must hurry up or she'd be
late, he went out 20 the barn in a state Of
inward delight.
An interested observer would have no
tccd that little Tim was the only one CT
tirely At his ease through breakfast. When
the family started Of in the csrryall, each
one, except the child, began 10 have a secret
msgiving that by some mistake the clock
was turned too far ahead. II seemed sur
prismgly early. There was altogether a
lack Of dircciness in the suns RAYS, not
usually noticeable ON their weekly ride. No
sign of churcil-gohg was visible at any Of
the ncgh0ors' houses. One Of the Maynard
boys, standing in the open barn, threw up
his cap as they passed. At the Walkers
David caught glimpse, through the win
dow, OF the OLD gentleman standing before
a small loohing-glass and just beginning 20
shave. Actually M Deacon Smiths they
were studying their Sunday-sehool lesson
In the sitting-roOm. He hoped no one but
himself had made these observations.
They drove 20 their usual hitchIng1post
under a rock maple tree, and alighted
Tim hurried 20 open the gate.
II was locked No trace OF the sexton
even; only the cool, sweet air rustled
through the trees. Above, the white clouds
rolled up in great lcecy masses. as il they
were trying 20 afford a 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. 1--WE are making up for past
ofTenses,n said David. with faint smile.
Perhaps there isn't any meeting today"
suggested Susie, and Immediately felt as
II deception was driving her deeper and
deeper.
tits the strangest thing ever knew
remarked Mrs Baker, and then wondered
II she hadn't told lie.
They found "a window that was I'M
fastened. The boy crcpt in and opened a
side door. He proposed that they take "A
ride, but this plan was promptly vetoed by
his mother. When the family entered the
building aud looked at the clock, II was five
minutes past nine.
The young minister. who had been writ
ing a new sermon through the week, had
not succeeded in rounding of the closing
period. IL had occurred 10 him that few
minutes alone in the church might furnish
tho needed inspiration. Living close by, he
walked over; but what was his smazement
to be met near the entrance by MIR. Baker,
and after him by the whole family.
What is the meaning of thisr' he ex-
claimed.
Mr. Baker had by tins time returned 70
his usual sense OF humor.
Why, you see, brother. you made such
an impression upon US last Sunday that we
thought we wouldn't go home at all, so we
stayed through the week. and here we are"
No" interposed Uncle David, "that is
stretching the story; we came here last
night 50 as TO be up in good season this
morning"
Z" But what is It, friendsl You are giving
me an awful sense OF responsibility"
Well,n answered Mr.. Baker, an own
up. thought I'd be on time and please my
wife aud daughter this morning, so / gave
the clock little push, and suppose sent IL
too far ahead-that is ALL"
"Oh, pa" cried Susie, with burning
cheeks. at is all my fault got up and put
the clock ahead twenty minutes, so we
could come early to-day"
This was too much for Uncle David's
generosity
"Oh, come. I put IL along this morning
myself half an hour when first went out. y
Well" burst in Mrs. Baker, 81 did bet
| twenty minutes last night when locked uT
/ the house,
| BY this time the minister had dropped
! upon n seat, while the family, after staring
| at each other for moment, followed hin
| in "A paroxysm of laughter. Then the
! clergyman wiped his eyes, shook hand;
/ all round, and fastened home just as the
sexton appeared in the yard. The minister
entered his pulpit at the usual time in somt
trcpidatiou, for fear that "a glimpse of thu
Baker family would overcome his gravity
But no such result followed. The heart.
laugh had only reused quickness of though
and energy OF speech, and he breaches
with unusual powsr The family clock wa
never made 20 swerve from its faithful
time-keeping again, but a steady improve
ment OF Mr.. Bakers punctuality in churc
going was apparent from that date
Hdrrietie Red, in Christian Union.