The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1888-08-29

plain what he nad every reason 10 De-
lieve he had said about him."
The meeting in question was held at
the vestry, which was filled to the ut
most capacity before the two chiefly in
erested-Elder Wakeman and Deacon
Brown-entered, and who appeared to
be the least excited ones present.
Mr.. Quimby was there full of i'm
portance and with an exultation of look
and manner only thinly yelled by the
gravity that overspread his countenance.
He was standing by the stove, the CEN
ter of an interested and curious circle,
when the two entered, 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 assertion.
Rising to his feet, Deacon Brown
looked around upon the excited and
curious faces that were directed toward
him.
Behold, brethren, how much mis-
chief the tongue can do! / said few
words to one of you under pledge of
secrecy. / think it was under pledge
of secrecy, Brother Quimby ?"
considered it my duty to tell what
you told me-" said the individual adj
dressed, turning red.
You are to be commended for hav-
ing performed your duty so thor
oughly," continued the deacon ga
very painful duty, as it is easy to see!
understand you said that l told you
Elder Wakeman stole his sermon from
book in my possession; are you sure
fused 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" was Mr..
Quimby's prompt and triumphant re-
joinder.
"There might be none at all, and
again there might be great DEAL"
responded the deacon.
81 did use the language ascribed to
me by Mr.. Quimby," continued Deacon
Brown, addressing the rest of the as
semblage, moved thereto by his evil
dent desire that l should say something
to our PASTORS discredit, and without a
thought that it would lead to this
trouble and excitement. l declare, fur
thermore, that have seen book con-
tanning every word of his sermon in Ell
der Wakeman's own library. / have
taken the liberty of sending for it, and
will offer it as evidence as to my own
statement"
Taking ponderous volume from the
hands of his son, who had just entered,
Deacon Brown laid it on the table be-
fore the presiding officer, who, care
fully adjusting his spectacles, opened it.
Giving one glance at its outspread
pages, he raised his eyes to the serene
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
8" must confess, however," added
the deacon, as soon as the general
laughter and establishment 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 inter
esting and instructive discourse"
Here the elder and deacon shook
hands, which was signal for general
Misunderstanding, congratulations and good
feelings. No one was dissatisfied, with
the exception of Mr.. Quimby, who
mortified and COMPOUNDED at the uneX.
pected turn affairs had taken, had skunk
from the room.-ETchange.