St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1897-11-12
smoking cigar and reading late

The deacon clumped 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
it 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.
"Well, Farnham," exclaimed Deacon
Wright, "this is fine growing day.
That's great news of you in the Chron-
icle. 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
it 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
by belligerent sounds which seemed to
proceed from behind the big barn.
fastening to the spot the deacon dis
covered his youngest son, a lad OF II,
in fierce 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.
81 wasn't really fighting" pleaded
Joseph. 81 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, she said
there warn't no truth in-in what the
paper said, and | 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 deacons 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 slight, UNI
acknowledged jealousy between these
two farmers whose fields lay side by
side
Mr.. Tucker had contributed 5000 him
self towards the church funds, and hat
1 received much praise for his act.
$50 Tucker says l can't afford it!
he muttered to himself. I'D just Xix,
to give him and all these folks who know
so much q surprise that would max,
them talk to some purpose. But i
would be just foolishness and waste o
money into the bargain. Can't afford it
: hey" The deacon chuckled in spit
of his wrath. 81 could give them some
thing to talk about" he repeated.
The next day Mrs. Farnham had al
early dinner in order that she nigh
get cleared up and go to the sewing
circle. When she returned, late in tn
| afternoon, her husband was seated il
= his accustomed place on the back steps
The deacon had a profound contemp
for sewing-circles.
"Their tongues go sight faster'l
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 talke'
about great many things. We spok
: of the new church"
"I'll warrant you did!" interrupted
the deacon.
"They told me that the Chronicle sal
r. you'd given 5000 towards the new build
ing. Did you ever hear such story?"
e "Humph!" responded her husband
o "What did you say?"
e "Say?" answered Mrs. Farnham
l. "Why. that there wasn't word O
/ truth in it, of course. told them 20
II wouldn't hear to the idea q minute
much less give 5000, which is mortf
l. sight of money"
y Deacon Farnham rose to his feet. Fl
g did not look towards his wife.
q II must say, Maria" he exclaimed
u sharply, "you took greet deal on youl
self How do you know but what tn
l. paper said is true-or going to be?" h
IS added to himself; and he walked of
leaving his wife staring after him
e dumb amazement.
n The next day the deacon stood agai
a in the editorial Office. He seemed
It trile embarrassed and conscious, an
& his efforts to speak in natural, off-han
manner only resulted in giving his tone
y deepe, gruffness.
'e 81 Just dropped in" he said, ito sa
YOU needn't bother about correctip