The Van Buren press., 1897-10-30

business, which consisted. Just tnen, OF
smoking a cigar and reading a late
novel,
The deacon elumped downstairs, his
contrary old mind even more rumpled
than when he went up.
"Humph!' he grunted to himself.
They're an impudent set, those news
paper fellows; the whole lot of them.
Thought it wasn't true. did he? I'd like
to know what right he had to think
ii wasn't true. "
As the deacon was crossing the little
square which formed the business cen
ter of the village, he met Mr.. Wright,
brother deacon in the church.
"Wen, Farnham.' exclaimed Deacon
Wright, this is a fine growing day.
That's great news of you in the Chron-
icle. Seen it,"
I've seen that newspaper lie, if that's
what you mean" growled DeaeonFarn-
ham.
Deacon Wright laughed.
"Brother Little was asking me about
it just now, and l told him there wasn't
u y
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
cery store. Then he turned slowly and
continued his way.
That evening, after supper, the dea-
con was strelling about his farm. Sud
denly the twilight stiffness was broken
by belligerent sounds which seemed to
proceed from behind the big barn.
fastening TO the spot the deacon dis
covered his youngest son, lad OF II,
in fierce combat with neighbor's boy.
Joseph sterniy 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-
bic alaerity.
What do you mean, sir? Answer
3
ing his prisoner another shake.
u wasn't really fighting" pleaded
Joseph. 7 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 | said il want none of
his business if there want, and-and he
said his father said you was too mean
to give 4 pewter penny, and as for $500,
YOU couldn't afford IL 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 deacon's brows were drawn in a
heavy scowl. He did not mind being
called mean-he was used to that, but
the last imputation rankled in his
breast,
There had always been a slight. IN
acknowledged jealousy between these
two farmers whose fields lay side by
side.
Mr.. Tucker had contributed 5000 him
self towards the church funds, and had
received much praise for his act
80 Tucker says | can't afford i'll"
he muttered to himself. "Fd just Ike
10 give him and all these folks who know
50 much surprise that would make
them talk to some purpose. But it
would be Just foolishness and a waste of
money into the bargain. Can't afford il,
hey!" The deacon chuckled in spite
of his wrath. Il 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 a sight Eastern
their needles, he often said.
Now he greeted his wife with: We'll
Maria, what's the latest gossip"
A tinge of red came into Mrs. Farm
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"
"Tll warrant you did" interrupted
the deacon.
"They told me that the Chronicle said
you'd given $500 towards the new build
ing. Did you ever hear such a story?"
"Humphl" responded her husband.
'What did you say?"
"Say ." answered Mrs. Farnham
"Why. that there wasn't a word OF
! truth in it, of course. l 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 rot look towards his wife.
Il 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; ard 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 a
trifie embarrassed and conscious. and
his efforts TO speak in a natural, of-hand
manner only resulted in giving his tones
a deeper grufTness.
/ 81 just dropped in" he said, TO say
Won needn't bother about correcting
that statement in regard 10 my giving
/ 5000 to the new church. just let 10 stand
/ or. II you've got to say any more about