Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1897-12-10

body else. Sorry II caused you any an
noyance. I'll make il all right next
week" And the editor returned 10 his
business, which consisted, just then, of
smoking a cigar and reading late
novel.
The deacon dumped downstairs, his
contrary old mind even more rumpled
than when he went up.
"IIumph!" he grunted to himself.
They're an impudent set, those news
paper fellows; the whole lot of them.
Thought il wasn't true, did he? I'd like
TO know what right be had to think
il wasn't true"
As the deacon was crossing the little
square which formed the business cen
ter of the village, he met Mr.. Wright, a
brother deacon in the church.
"Well, 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 DeaconFarn-
ham.
Deacon Wright laughed.
Brother Little was asking me about
il just now, and told him there wasn't
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
howe"
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
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 IL,
IN fierce combat with neighbor's boy.
Joseph" sternly commanded the
deacon, collaring his son and shaking
him free. What are you thinking Of?
Haven't l expressly forbidden your
lighting"
Joseph, defenseless in the firm grasp
OF his father, began 10 Nyhimper, while
his opponent vanished with remarlla
bile alacrity.
What do you mean sir? Answer
me- continued Deacon Farnham, Civ
ing his prisoner another shake.
Il wasn't really lighting" pleaded
j Joseph. II was only punching job
Tucker for. saying things about YOU"
About me? Well, what did he say
about me2 On with it'll
why" stamnered joseph, he said
there warn [ 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 aPewteC penny. and Is for $500,
you couldn 't"afford it any way.
The deacon 1t 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 lie did not mird being
called mean-he was used to that, but
the last imputation ranked in his
breast.
There had always been slight, un-
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.
$50 Tucker says / can't afford III"
he muttered to himself. I'd just like
to give him and all these folks who know
80 much "a surprise that would make
them talk 10 some purpose. But ii
would be just foolishncss and a waste OF
money into the bargain. Can't afford it.
hey The deacon chuckled i'm 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 60 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-circlcs.
Their tongues go sight EASTERN
their needles, he often said.
Now he greeted his wife with: Well
Maria, what's the latest gossip"
\ tingc of red came into Mrs Farm
hams faded cheeks "Wby, Israel. d" she
replied, smoothing down her best black
silk, shiny from long service, I'VE talked
about great many things. We spoke
of the new church"
III 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?"
"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 $500, 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 10 be?' he
added to himself and he walked off,