Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1890-06-27
A SAVING SCHEME.

The Rev. Jonas Fletcher entered his
house with detected step and flung his
satchel on the table with sigh that was
almost a groan.
Another Disappointment said his
wife, who was Giving the children their
suppe's. Didn't they want you at Jen-
nings Corners?"
They don't want me anywhere,
groaned Mr.. Fletcher, II am too old.
preached one of my best sermons, and
they listened well, but afterward they
told me point blank that they wanted
younger man. It's the same everywhere
60. /"
Il think it was great shame when
you had preached Is years for one con-
gregation to turn you off because your
hair was white. I'm sure thatwas all the
fault they found with you. Why, Jonas,
you are not really old. Did you ever
tell them you were only 50?"
NO. 1t is just the age when preacher
should be at his best; but they want
young men nowadays who are full of
enthusiasm-who amuse and interest,
rather than instruct. / have kept up
with the times in my work, but l don't
look it--I don't look it.
Il have an idea, I" said his wife sud-
denly, dropping the youngest child as
she hastily jumped to her feet. BY the
time they had pacified the youngster she
had impaired her idea in undertones
which the children could not hear.
1T would be wrong. / never could do
it, said the minister.
"Nonsensel We must have bread and
roof to cover us, and it is your only
chance When do you go to the last
place that called you?"
"On Saturday, if go at all. l will
give them my sermon on The Beauty of
Revelation;' that is one of my best ef
forts Mary, would like to have a call
to that church. feel that there are 10
years of good work in me yet. but my
white hair will ruin my chances.
Have it cut c.ose to your head, sug-
gested his wife,
"And go into the pulpit looking like
prize fighter? That wouldn't improve
matters, answered her husband.
The afternoon of the day previous to
that on which he was to make his final
effort to secure church, the Rev. Jonas
disappeared from the eyes of men. His
wife was at home. expecting him home
every moment and wondering what kept
him. The afternoon wore away and it
was nearly night when there came a
loud peal at the door bell.
"Stay here, children, said Mrs.
Fletcher, as she heard that ominous peal
Then she tore off her apron and ran dis
tractedly to the door.
A tall, rather handsome, young look
ing man stood there, with clerical
black satchel in his hand.
us Mr.. Fletcher at home p he in
quired.
No, sir; he is not, answered Mrs. F.,
who thought she recognized the ear
marks of the profession; "and i don't
know where he is. ="
Il will wait for him, with your per-
mission, said the stranger, and there
was nothing left to do but ask him in
and make the best of it.
@Have you come from a distance 2"
asked Mrs. F., as she rolled up the shades
in the little parlor and asked the stranger
to be seated.
Il am from Mr. Fletcher's native
town. answered the caller I'VE were
classmates together, and should like to
see him again very much"
Il can not imagine what is keeping
him., began Mrs. Fletcher, but there
she stopped and looked hard at her yis-
itor Their she threw up both hands and
he rose to his feet.
aJonasl"
AMaryl"
you've gone and done 1t"
How do look -
4 never was so deceived in my life.
You look 20 years youngerT'
II only hope it won't be counted
against me as a mortal sinl
Nonsense! never believed you
would do it, but you viii have to abide
by it now. And II you succeed you can
feel pretty sure that it il right Only,
Mr.. FIetcher's classnate Is 3 coed many