Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1898-07-08

noyance. I'll make IL all right next
week" And the editor returned TO his
business, which consisted, just then. of
smoking cigar and reading a late
novel.
The deacon dumped 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 il wasn't true, did he? I'd like
10 know what right he 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,
brother deacon in the church.
well, Farnham," exclaimed Deacon
Wright. this is fine growing day.
That's great news of you in the Chroa,
icle. Seen it,"
I've seen that newspaper lie, if that's
what you mean" growled DeaconFarG-
ham.
Deacon Wright laughed.
brother Little was asking me about
il just now, and told him there wasn't
a word of truth in il. and that you'd be
mighty mad when you saw il. Wonder
where they got hold OF such yarn. any
howe"
Deacon Farnham watched his brother
deacon until he disappeared il the gro.
Gerry store. Then he turned slowly and
continued his way.
That evening, after supper, the dea.
con was stroling 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 DO"
Joseph" sternly commanded the
deacon, coIlaring his son and shaking
him free. What are you thinking Of "a:
Haven't I expressly forbidden youI
fghting?
Joseph, defenaeless in the firm GRASP
of his father, began to whimper, Will.
his opponent vanished with remar'lG
bile alacrity.
What do you mean. sir? Answer
mel" continued Deacon Farnham, Civ
ing his prisoner another shake.
Il 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,"
why" tammered 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 wan [, and-and lie
said his father said you was too mean
10 give pewter penny. and as for $500.
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 deacon's brows were drawn in
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, uT:>
acknowledged jealousy between these
two farmers whose fields lay side by
side.
Mr.. Tucker had contributed 5000 him.
received much praise for his act.
$50 Tucker says | can't afford it!s
he muttered 10 himself. I'D just like
to give him and all these folks who know
50 much IA surprise that would make
them talk to some purpose. But il
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 10 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
Cor sewing-circles.
"Their tongues 90 u sight faster
their needles" 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" she
replied, smoothing down her best black
silk. shiny from long service, I'VE 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
lug Did YOU ever hear such story?"
"IIumph!" responded her husband.
What did YOU say"
say" answered Mrs. Foruham.
"Why. that there wasn't word OF
truth in il, of course. told them YOU
wouldn't hear TO the idea mifSGte,
much less give 5000. which is a mortal
sight of money"
Deacon Farnham rose TO his feet. He
did not 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 10 be ?" he
added 10 himself and he walked off,
leaving his vi fe staring after him i'm