The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1897-10-15

well, Farnham," exclaimed Deacon
wright, this is a fine growing day.
that's great news of you in the Chron-
lcle. Seen it'll"
I've seen that newspaper lie, if that's
what you mean," growled DeaconFarn-
ham.
Deacon Wright laughed.
brother Little was asking me about
IL just now, and told him there wasn't
a word of truth in it, and that you'd be
mighty mad when you saw it. Wonder
where they got hold of such yarn, any,
how?"
Deacon Farnham watched his brother
deacon until he disappeared in the gro
Gerry store. Then he turned SLOWLY and
continued his way.
That evening. after supper, the dea-
con was strolling about his farm. Sud-
denly the twilight stiffness was broken
Dy oelllgerent sounds which seemed to
proceed from behind the big barn.
Fastening to the spot the deacon dis
covered his youngest son, lad of IL,
In herce combat with neighbours boy.
Joseph" sternly commanded the
deacon, collaring his son and shaking
him free. What are you thinking Of?
haven't expressly forbidden your
fighting?"
Joseph, defenseless in the firm grasp
OF his father, began to whimper, while
his opponent vanished with remarka-
BILE alacrity.
What do you mean. sir? Answer
mel" continued Deacon Farnham, Civ
ing his prisoner another shake.
Il wasn't really fighting" pleaded
Joseph. Il was only punching Job
Tucker for saying things about you"
about me? Well, what did he say
about me? Out with it!''
why" stammered Joseph, "he said
there warn't no truth in-in what the
paper said, and l said it want none of
his business if there want, and-and he
said his father said you was too mean
to give pewter penny, and as for 5000,
you couldn't afford it any way"
The deacon let go of his sons collar
and walked away, leaving Joseph much
surprised and relieved as his speedy re-
lease.
The deaconis brows were drawn in a
heavy scowl He did not mind being
called mean-he was used to that, but
the last imputation ranked in his
breast.
There had always been a slight, UNI
acknowledged jealousy between these
two farmers whose fields Law side by
side.
Mr.. Tucker had contributed 5000 him
self towards the church funds, and had
received much praise for his act.
so Tucker says / can't afford It'll"
he muttered to himself. I'D just like
to give him and all these folks who know
so much a surprise that would make
them talk to some purpose. But it
would be just foolishness and waste of
money into the bargain. Can't afford it,
hey!" The deacon chuckled in spite
of his wrath. 81 could give them some
thing to talk about" he repeated.
The next day Mrs. Farnham had an
early dinner in order that she might
get cleared up" and go to the sewing
circle. When she returned, late in the
afternoon, her husband was seated in
his accustomed place on the back steps.
The deacon had profound contempt
for sewing-circles.
Their tongues go sight EASTERN
their needless" he often said.
Now he greeted his wife with: We'll
Maria, what's the latest gossip"
A -,
hams faded cheeks. "Why, Israel" she
replied, smoothing down her best black
silk, shiny from long service, 1--WE talked
about a great many things. We spoke
of the new church"
I'll warrant you did," interrupted
the deacon.
They told me that the Chronicle said
you'd given 5000 towards the new build
ing. Did you ever hear such story?"
"Humph!" responded her husband.
what did you say?"
"Say?" answered Mrs. Farnham.
"Why. that there wasn't a word of
truth in it, of course. told them you
wouldn't hear to the idea a minute,
much less give 5000, which is a mortal
sight of money"
Deacon Farnham rose to his feet. He
did not look towards his wife.
81 must say Maria," he exclaimed,
sharply, you took great deal on your
self! How do you know but what the
paper said is true-or going to be?" he
added to himself; and he walked off,
leaving his wife staring after him in
dumb amazement.
The next day the deacon stood again
in the editorial office. He seemed
trife embarrassed and conscious, and
his efforts to speak in a natural, off-hand
manner only resulted in giving his tones
deeper gruffness.
81 just dropped in" he said, ito say
tou needn't bother about correcting
that statement in regard to my giving
5000 to the new church. Just let it stand
or, if you've got to say any more about
It. make it $50 betterl" And the deacon
got away as fast as he could
"Tuckerll find that a pill to swallow!"
he chuckled to himself.
'"Whew!" whistled the editor, as the
deacon closed the door. Il wonder
whatever brought the old man to that?
l shouldn't wonder if it was sheer con-
trariness. "-Leslie's Weekly.
o0INrC0 pNpAHQApES