The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1890-04-02

church in groups talking baseball, or
flirting with the female scholars after
the manner of boys the world over.
Among the boys was Johnny Goodboy.
He had been practicing with bean
shooter, and just got the range Of an old
negro who was sitting in front OF his
cottage door in the adjoining lot read
ing the Bible. Suddenly, the old negro
exclaimed: "De LORI" and springing
from his seat, threw the book high into
the air and began to execute some gym
nastics not unlike those Of fowl that
has just been beheaded. Every body,
except Johnny, supposed that the old
negro had . fit, and expressed great
sympathy for him. Johnny's impress
sion was that bean had lodged in his
ear, in which supposition he was en-
tirely correct.
Just at this crisis somebody touched
Johnny and told him that the rector
would like to see him. Johnny entered
the church with fear and trembling.
"Now I'm in for it," he said to himself.
she must have heard the old niger yell
when the bean hit him, and the least he
will do will be to notify pa"
The rector of st. Barnabas was in his
private sanctum, so to speak, and
greeted Johnny with sunny smile,
which, however, failed to reassure the
youth with guilty conscience.
Johnny! have sent for you because
want to speak to you privately and
conadentially."
Eyes, sir" replied Johnny, his legs
beginning to wobble, and his eyes to
bulge out with dismay.
"You are one Of the oldest and most
reliable boys in the whole school," con-
tinued the Rector, patting Johnny on
the shoulder. IN5ttH
eyes, sir, try to be good"
81 believe you have never been late
to sunday-school during this entire
year.
mo, SIR"
"You are not one of those boys who
deceive their parents and go fishing on
Sunday afternoon"
"Never do, SIR"
"That's right. And you are not a pro-
fame boy. I don't think l ever heard
you say as much as dog-goneit it,"
mo, SIR" replied Johnny, beginning
to feel himself on firm ground once
more.
Il liked your appearance from the
first moment saw you. said at once
there is boy who is going to grow up
. good and useful citizen, boy who will
do to tie to, boy that will do his duty
in whatever station in life it may please
God to call him."
THANK you sir, I am trying to do my
duty" replied Johnny, wholly treasured,
and feeling sure Of .. testimonial Of
some kind.
"You didn't come to Sunday-school ia
frolic and 60 on with the girls, and pay
no attention to the solemn truths en-.
deavor to instill into your youthful
mind. I've been thinking Of all this,
Johnny"
Eyes, sir" replied Johnny gleefully.
"And it occurred to me that ought
to bestow on you some proof Of my con.
fdence."
Thanks, sir! thanks!" exclaimed
Johnny, hoping 1t would take the shape
Of . dollar.
snow. Johnny, I'm glad it's in my
power to convince you that I really
place confidence In you. It Is now
twenty minutes before church service
bepins. You will lust have time tn run
to my house and tell my wife to put two
small bottles Of clsret ON Ice in the re.
frigerator for dinner. Run, Johnny.
and get back in time for church. Re.
member. God sees you. Tell my wife l
mean the claret that has got wire on the
bottles"
"Any how, that's better than being
lawed," soliloquized Johnny, as he
trudged of, hopping his brow. II won.
der II that old darkey has got the bean
in his ear YETI" ALEX E. SWEET.