The Worthington advance., 1899-10-20

without the least show ofanger. They
simply drifted apart, and Lucindy
found herself at the head Of one faction
and Maria Ann in the lead of another.
Here for q time q good natured rivalry
was kept up, much to the increase of
BethePs finances and its minister's sat-
isfaction. But an uncertain and less
genial note began to creep into these
contests as the Rev. Eleazar jackson
continued to smile upon both the ar
dent sisters - . j~-.s Il = 80 .s..@
The pastor at Bethel had made such
glowing record as a financier that
the bishop had expressed his satisfac-
ton by a special letter, and, requested
that at the June rally he make an extra
effort to raise funds for the missionary
cause. Elated at this mark of distinc-
tion, and with visions of possible pre-
siding eldership in his mind, Mr.. Jack
son sought out his two most attractive
parishioners and laid his case before
them. It was in the chapel, Immediate
ly after the morning service, that he
got them together. '''' '>'s ',....
"You see, sisters" he, said, "Bethel
have made record which she have to
sustain. She have de reputation o.
bein' one O. the most ib'l ehu'c 'ches in de
conference. Now we don't want to dis
APPOINT the bishop when he picks us out
to help him in such a good cause. O.
co'se I .knowed who could depend on,
an so I come right to you sisters to
see if you couldn't plan out some'p'n
that would make real big splurge at
de- June rally.'
He paused and waited for the sisters
to reply. They were both silent. This
made him uneasy, and he said: "What
you think, Sister Gibbs?'
"Oh," said Maria Ann, 'I'm waitin'
to hyeah f'om Sis Woodward"
''Oh, no." said Sister woodward, po-
litely, ''don' wait on me, Sis Gibbs.
'spress yo'se'f, 'spress yo'se'f."
But Maria Ann still demurred. 81
couldn't think O. putin my po' opinions
up TO- Sis Woodyard," she said. "I'd
good deal ruther wait to hyeah f'om
my elders" She laid especial stress
on the last word.
Lucindy smiled a smile so gentle that
it was ominous.
II amt holdin' back 'ecause I CANT
think o. nothin'," she said, 'but jes'
'ecauses I amt been used to putin my
self forrard, an I don't like to begin it
so late" And she smiled again.
The minister began to feel uneasy.
Figuratively speaking, both of the Sis
ters seemed to be sparring for wind,
and he thought it better to call the
council to a close and see each one
separately.
'Well,' he said, hurriedly, II know
you sisters will come to some conclu-
sion, an jes' pot to me on next
Wednesday night, an I will pass kind
O. view over yo' plans, an offer q SUI
jestion, mebbe. We want to do some
pm that will bring out de people an
mex 'em give gen 'ously of their means
for de benefit o. de heathen.''
The two sisters bowed very polite
ly to each other, shook the minister's
hand and went their different ways.
It must have been Satan himself who
effected the result of having both wom-
en- hit upon the same plan of action.
Maria Ann was pleased at her idea, and
fastened to church on Wednesday even
ing to report it to the pastor, only to
find that Lucindy woodward had been
before her with the same plan.
II mus congratulate you, sisters"
said Rev. Eleazar, ''bofe upon yo' dill
gence an yo' fo'thought. 1t must "a
been Providence that directed bofe yo'
minis in de same channel"
Both the sisters were aghast. They
had both suggested dividing the church
into soliciting parties and giving prize
to the one collecting the highest amount
of money. Perhaps the devil was not
so much concerned in making their
minds revert to this as it appeared, as it
is very common device for raising
money among negro churches. How
ever, both the women were disap-
pointed.
'Pd jes' leave draw out an let Sis
Gibbs go on an manage dis affair."" said
Lucindy.
''1'd ruther be excused" said Maria
Ann, IAN leave it in Sis Woodyard's
hans"
But the minister was willy enough to
pour oil on the troubled waters, and at
the same time to suggest solution Of
the problem that would enlist the SYM
pathies and ambition of both the
women.
'Now I su'jest," he said, "that bofe
you sisters remains in dis contest, an
then, instid O. throwin' the competition
open, you sisters by yo'se'ves each be de
head O. a patty that shall bring de
money to you, an the one of you that
gets the most f'om her patty Shall have
de price,
Lucindy's eyes glittered, and Maria
AIMS flashed, as they agreed to the con-
test with joyful hearts. Here should
be trial of both strength and prowess,
and it would be shown who was worthy
to walk the ways of life side by side
with Rev. Eleazar Jackson.
Joyfully they went to their tasks.
Their enthusiasm inspired their follow
ers with partisan energy. Side ban
tered side, and party taunted party,
but the leaders kept up a magnificent
calm. It was not they alone who knew
that there was more at stake than the
prize that was offered, that they had
more in view than the good of the
heather souls. There were other eyes
that saw and minds that understood
besides those of Lucindy, Maria Ann
and the preacher. ,ss& ':.saaz&
Pokev Williams who was very warm