The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-12-09

like to think it over" observed the
former.
VERY good" replied the rector 81
have to visit poor woman, and you
can give me your answer when re-
turn-in half an hour. Make yourself
comfortable in that armchair
The rector withdrew, and Mr.. Wildly
sat down and considered whether it
were or were not worth his while to &C
cept the curacy. A hundred and fifty
were not much, but then he had no pri-
vate resources, and-he shifted uneas-
ily IN the armchair. Something's
lump Of some kind-was pressing into
the small of his back. He rose and
reached his hand between the back of
the chair and the leather cushion.
Yes, there was something. He drew
out roll of paper: it was a printed
document Further examination re-
vealed the fact that it was a sermon.
Mr.. Wildly smiled when he saw the
words Sermon Supply Association" at
the foot of the outside wrapper. In
side followed the text: Nov Barabbas
was . robber," and then came an ex-
cellent discourse.
"Oh. he does, does hep" exclaimed
Mr.. Wildly, land he told me he was
particular about high level of preach
ing being maintained in his pulpit"
Putting the document back in its
hiding place Mr.. Wildly strolled over to
the rector's writing table and began to
look idly at the things on 1.-THE pres
entation inkstand. the testimonial can
dlesticks, the church almanac. the pho
tograph of the rector's wife with the
twins on her knee, and so forth. A
very smart sermon-case of black velvet,
ornamented with cross of gold, lay
on the blotting pad
"To-morrow's sermon, ! suppose,
observed Mr.. Wildly. and he took it up.
Nov Barabbas was robber." These
words figured at the head of the rec
tors discourse Mr.. Wildly read them
with sad smile and proceeded to read
on. Presently he went and fetched the
hidden document from the armchair,
and read that and the rector's discourse
(which was very neatly written and
tied together with piece of blue rib
bon,) alternately.
Really, you know" said Mr. Wildly,
''he's copied it all out, word for word,
in his own handwriting. At this mo-
ment q step was heard outside. Mr..
Wildly hastily put down the rectors
sermon and laid it where he had found
it. The other document he slid into
his coat-tail pocket The rector en-
tered.
well, Mr.. Wildly, have you reached
q decision?' he said.
I've decided to accept the charge
sir. Money is nos the only thing to be
considered"
Pm glad to hear you say that. Well
consider it settled then. And you can
begin work at once"
Tomorrow, said the new curate.
Excellent | preach in the morn
ing. Perhaps you would take the
Mission hall service then, and preach
in the church in the evening""
That arrangement viii suit me ex-
cellently," answered Mr.. Wildly; and
after few more words he took his
leave.
The parishioners always admired the
rector's sermons very much; out he had
seldom given more satisfaction than by
his stirring discourse or the text:
Now Barabbas was a robber." It was
listened to with breathless interest;
and on his way home the rector was
forced 10 promise the loan of the manu-
script to no less than four ladies, each
of whom was anxious to read and copy
it. The rector's wife, also, declared
that Algernon had really surpassed
himself. and only regretted that in
the evening she would be compelled
to suffer the crude production OF raw
curate.
We'll, well. my dear" said the rec
tor, I'VE must make allowances He's
young and we mustn't expect too much
from him"
The congregation was larger than
usual that evening, owing to the in
terest excited by the new curate's first
appearance 1t was agreed that Mr..
Wildly read very nicely, and the cong-e-
cation was prepared to treat him with
every indulgence when he mounted
into the pulpit. The rector himself
leaned forward with an expression of
amiable, though somewhat patroniz-
ing, attention. Mr.. Wildly. whose bear
ing showed self-possessed modesty,
gave out his text in clear voice. re-
peating it twice lest anyone should fail
10 catch it. Now Bara bias was a
robber"
The rector started; so did his wife
ara many among the congregation
The coincidence was remarkable How
ever. as Mr.. Willy continued. the CO.
incidence became very much more re-
markable so remarkable. indeed, as to
be entirely incredible. Some Uttered.
some stared. some whispered The rec
tors wife fixed stony glare on the
preacher; his hand. and only pair of
very red ears testified TO the depth of
his feelings For Mr.. WNbv preached
the very same sermon. scientifically the
same in the slightest word, which his
rector had preached in the morning.
AZ last the ordeal-for the rector it
was an ordeal-ended. and he and Mr..
Willy stood together in the vestry.
The church wardens were counting the
collection. Silence was unoroken IN
Ill Mr. Willy observed in an innocent
voice:
~ hope you are not dissatisfied with
my first attempt, rector. ought 10 tell
you
The rector was gone. The church