Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1893-01-14


Mr.. Devore gave contemptuous snort of
assent
at couldn't be helped, John" said Mr..
Brady.
Mr.. Devore drank deep and glowered.
Its a foine bye, john" said MIR. Brady,
'and bye names another money Garner in
the mines"
Had you the scalding-trough ready ?"
asked Mr.. Devore
Michael nodded.
Did you borrow Brodes sausage ma
chine?"
II did that, too, said Mr.. Brady. EVERY
thing was ready"
Then it's just like woman to spoil ii all.
Give me the whiskey."
=
All that week the Bradys kept open house.
Never a neighbor woman list dropped in"
with her shawl over her head and some
home made dainty in her hand for Mrs
Brady, but had to drink three glasses of egg
nog at the very least Never neighbor man
passed by but he called in and helped himself
heartily to the whiskey and cigars. And on
the Friday that Michael went to Frostburg to
give the event to the press, and arrange for
the christening, never a step would he stir
from the JOURNAL office until the fact was
put in type, the type locked up in the form
and printed off in that days edition. And
HIM NEARLY losing an arrum," as he after.
wards said, in his eagerness to get the first
copy from the Campbell press.
= 81 Porter brought him home at dark in his
farm wagon. Michael reused but once from
his trance as his daughter Maggie put him to
bed without the formality of disrobing him.
See that" he said, dreamily, and his
broad thumb closed down on local items
column:
Our old friend, Michael Brady, of Tunnel
HILL is about six inches taller these days. He
saws it is big, bouncing boy.
Mother and child are doing we'll
X
You shall call it John Patrick. after men
said Mr.. Devore.
pats good name, but the first bye should
be called after the father" SAID Mr. Brady.
You'll call him after me- said Mr. Devore,
"or you'll get another man to butcher your
hogs"
The christening party was on its way to
Frostburg. Mr.. Brady, resplendent in red
shirt and paper collar. his black coat and
his Corkonian hat, came in front with the
godfather that was to be-
As for Mr. Devore, never had mortal eye
beheld him so arrayed since his second we'd
ding day
His costume consisted of rutled shirt a
black string necktie, yellow vest with red
polka dots, and coat and trousers of dark green
velveteen. The trousers were strapped down
to his boots and the boots were tastefully
shined with stove polish.
Behind these two came, more sobery
attired, Mrs. Brady with the baby, accom-
panied by Mrs. Della Rafferty,. The latter
had been selected to ''stand up with Mr..
Devore for the baby because she had been
godmother to all the girls and had come from
Templemore, Mrs, Bradys girlhood home.
1t is needless to say that both Mr.. Devore
and the proud father were somewhat sham
bling i'll their steps, despite the vigor of their
language for much good liquor had been
drunk and many pipes had been smoked
pending the toilet of the ladies' and the dress
ing of the child.
nome" to be conferred had been carried on in
no low tones, until at last Mrs Brady had
put her head into the kitchen and cried
"Hould yer whist? An God knows, there do
be enough Irish names in the family now"
Mrs. Rafferty, had said nothing but there
was peculiar CLEAN in her eyes
Enough Irish names in the family ~
hp ln 81,
words heresy. 1t was too foolish to be worthy
OF comment, and the argument was resumed
and kept up until now they were at the edge
of Frostburg and st. Michacl's Church and
Father Slattery's house were plainly in view.
And yet the name was not decided upon,
although the pacitying argument had been
advanced that the child could be called both
the names in dispute But neither Mr.. De
wore nor Mr.. Brady would give precedence to
the others choice as to first name
Gail him John Patrick Michael and be
dommed to you" Mr.. Devore had said.
Call him Michael John Patrick and be
dommcd to YOU !" Mr.. Brady had answered.
They were INSIDE the town limits now and
abreast of Con Lynchs hotel. Con Lynch
was hard-headed North of Ireland man,
greatly esteemed by his friends for his many
endearing qualities of heart and head
So MIR. Brady paused at the place and said,
Let's leave it to Con- AS this meant sew
eral drinks, at least, and Mr. Devore did not
intend to give in one jot or title, any way,
that gentleman was nothing 10th.
So, with wait for us, Bridget" from Mr..
Brady, and "Only a minute ladies'' from
Mr.. Devore, the twain vanished within Cons
portals, and soon that astute gentleman was
listening to the question in hand
"1e both are roight," said Mr. Lynch,
after mature reflection and the disappearance
of the drinks. Both av thin are the Dist of
names" continued the astute boniface
Draw straws."
Then Mr.. Lynch called a treat on himself,
and pulling two pieces of straw from the
ragged broom near by, juggled with them a
few moments, and then, bringing his brawny
fist up on level with the bar, disclosed two
even ends protruding from between his
knuckles.
Draw first, you are the father said Mr..
Devore
Il waive me roightS, said Mr.. Brady; "do
you draw Thin"
"Ill not do it," said Devore.
Draw first to see who'll draw first" said
the conciliatory Con.
I'm not draw first, any way" said Mr..
Devore.
Nor MT" said Mr.. Brady
Dom the both O e!'' cried the landlord