Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-02

following up the question with volley
OF oaths that made the little man shud-
der. III tell We what l want. want
yer apology''-he fumbled with the
word-"apology for interferin' tween
a father an his kid But l licked him
more'n ever for yer blasted interferin'.'
You Internal coward" exclaimed ST.
John.
His opponent gasped.
Let me pass" said the curate.
"No, ye DON'T" cried the other, recov-
ering from his astouishment at hearing
a strong word from = parson.
81. John gazed hurriedly about him.
The path wound across the moor,
through the green and purple OF the
heather, cutting 4 low edge here and
there and losing itself al last in the heat
haze. They were alone.
The bully grinned. I've got ye
now!"
you have. indeed" said St. John,
peeling off his black coat and throwing
it on the heather His soft felt hat fol-
lowed. Then he slipped the links from
his cuffs and rolled up his shirt sleeves,
while his enemy gaped at the proceed
ings.
"Now I'm ready" said the curate,
gently.
Are We goin' to fight?" burst out the
other, looking at him as Goliath might
have looked al David Come on"
But the sentence meyer passed his
lips. being stopped by a carefully
planted blow from a small but singular
" hard fist The little curate was
filled with a wild, unholy Joy. He had
not felt like this since his college days.
He thanked Providence for his friends
the Indian clubs and dumbbells, which
had kept him in trim these past three
years. The blood sang in his veins as
he circled round Goliath. guarding the
giants brutal smashes and getting in a
stroke when occasion offered. 1t was
not long ere the big man found himself
hopelessly outmatched; his wind was
gone. his jaw was swollen and one eye
was useless. He made final effort and
slung out terrific blow at David. Part
" parried it caught him on the shoul-
der, telling him to the earth. Now,
surely, the victory was with the Philis-
tine. But no. The fallen man recoiled
to his feet like young sapling, and the
next that Goliath knew was, ten min
utes later, when he opened his available
eye and found that his enemy was bend
ing over him, wiping the stains from
his face with q fine linen handkerchief.
Feel better?' said the curate.
well, Pm"
Hush, man; it is not worth swearing
about" interposed his nurse. Now get
up"
He held out his hand and assisted the
wreck to its feet.
You'd better call at the chemists
and get patched up Here's money"
The vanquished one took the silver
and gazed stupidly at the giver, who
was making his toilet.
Please go away, and don't thrash
your boy any more" said St. John, per-
suasively.
Goliath made a few steps, then re-
traced them, holding out griny paw.
Mister Parson, Im-Pm-"
Don't say another word. Good-by;" I"
and the curate shook hands with him.
The big man turned away. Present
" he halted once more. I'm" he
said 1t had to come Then he shambled
homewards.
st. John adjusted his collar, gave his
shoulder a rub and donned his coat and
hat. As he started towards the village
a girl came swiftly to meet him.
'Oh, John, Johnn nb yr9A r93 4 4TaSn 4ITan sRtfpdidi,I
watched you from the hedge yonder."
Il am exceedingly sorry, Miss Ed
miston," said the curate, coldly, raising
his hat and making to pass on.
Nancy started as though he had
struck her; her flush of enthusiasm
paled out. In her excitement she had
forgotten that event of a week ago, but
the cutting tone of his voice reminded
her. She bowed her head, and he went
on his way. He had gone about so yards
when she called his name. Her voice
reached him. but something In it told
that he had not suffered alone.
He turned about and FASTENED to her.
Chambers Journal.