Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1897-11-11


novel.
Tho deacon dumped dDevnstuirG his
contrary ola mind even more runpied
than when he wenb up.
"Iiumph!" no grunted TO himself.
"They'ro an impudent set, those news
paper fellows; the whole lot OF them.
Thought It wasn't true, did he3 I'd like
TO know what right he had to think
1t 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'll"
"I've seen that newspaper lie, II that's
what you mean," growled DeaconFarn-
ham.
Deacon Wright laughed.
"Brother Little was asking me about
It Just now, and I told him there wasn't
a word of truth in it, and that you'd be
mighty mad when you saw 1t. 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
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 H.
in fierce combat with a neighbor's boy
"Joseph!" sternly commanded the
deacon, collaring his son and shaking
him free. what are you thinking Of?
Haven't 1 expressly forbidden your
AghtiugP"
Joseph, defenseless in the firm grasp
of his father, began to whimper, while
his opponent vanished with remarka'
bic alacrity.
"What do you mean sir? Answer
mel" continued Deacon Farnham, CIV
ing his prisoner another shake.
II wasn't really lighting" pleaded
Joseph. II was only punching Job
Tucker for saying things about you"
about me? Well, what did he say
about me? Out with It'll"
"Why," stammered Joseph, che said
there warn't no truth in--in what the
paper said, and 1 said it want none Of
his business il 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 heen slight, I'M
Acknowledged SSsfonEB e8e~een these
VtN fSr7NtFs ThEhS 4sFsS Wy Tads by
SIDE,
Mr.. Tucker had contributed $500 him.
self towards the church funds, and had
received much praise for his act.
80 Tucker says 1 can't afford it,
he muttered to himself. I'D just like
to give him and allthese folks who know
SO much n surprise that would make
them talk to some purpose. But Il
would be just foolishnesS and waste ot
money into the bargain. Can't afford it
hey!" The deacon chucl1fed in spite
Of his wrath. 81 could give them some.
thing to talk about" he repeated.
The next day Mrs, Farnham had ar
early dinner In order that she NIGH
get Cleared up" and go to the sewing
circle. When she returned, late in tht
afternoon, her husband was seated il
his accustomed place on the back steps
The deacon had a profound contempt
for sewing-circles.
"Their tongues so o sight faster'r
their needless" he often said.
Now he greeted his wife with: well
Maria, what's the latest gossip"
A tinge of red came into Mrs. Farm
hams faded cheeks. "Why, Israel" sh,
replied, smoothing down her best blacl
silk, shiny from long service, 1--WE talked
about great many things. We spok,
of the new church"
"I'll warrant you did" interrupted
the deacon.
"They told me that the Chronicle salt
you'd given 5000 towards the new build
ing, Did you ever hear such story?"
"ITumph" responded her husband
"What did you say?"
"Say?" answered Mrs. Farnham
"Why. that there wasn't a word o
truth in it, of course. l told them 70,
wouldn't hear to the idea u minute
much less give 5000, which is a morta
sight of money"
Deacon Farnham rose to his feet, II
did not look towards his wife.
II must say, Maria" he exclaimed
sharply, "you took great deal on your
self! How do you know but what tn
paper said is true-or going to beP" h
added to himself; and he walked of
leaving his wife staring after him i
dumb amazement.