Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1899-05-05
week ago and turning as red as a turkey

week ago and turning as red as turkey
cock.
"In good afternoon ye, Mister Par
sonl MOI Ye don't pass till I'm done
wi yer cried the man. who had been
drinking heavily. though he was too
seasoned to show any unsteadiness in
gait.
The curate drew back. What do
you wantl" he asked. He was painfully
white now.
"What do l wantf" repeated the
bully, following up the question with a
volley of oaths that made the little man
shudder. I'm tell ye what l want l
want yer apology"-he fumbled with
the word-''apology fer interferin
tween father an his kid. But licked
him more'n ever for yer blasted inter
ferin.
"You Internal coward" exclaimed
st. John. ...-.-.- .-
His opponent gasped.
''Let me pass !" said the curate.
"No, ye don't" cried the other. re-
covering from his astonishment at hear
ing strong word from the parson.
st. Jchn gazed hurriedly about him.
The path wound across the moor,
through the green and purple of the
heather. cutting low hedge here and
there and losing itself at last in the
heat haze. They were alone.
The bully grinned. I've got ye
nowr'
lyon 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 gasped at his proceed
ings.
Now. I'm readyr' said the curate
gently.
"Are We goin to fight ?" burst out the
other, looking at him ar Goliath might
have looked at David. "Come on. ye"-
But the foul word never passed his
lips, being stopped by a carefully plant
ed blow from a small but singularly
hard fist The little curate was filled
with wild. unholy JOY. He had not
felt like this since his college days He
thanked Providence for his friends, the
Indian clubs and dumbtells. which had
kept him in trim the past three years.
The blood sang in his veins as he circled
round Goliath. guarding the giant I
brutal smashes and getting in stroke
when occasion offered. 1t was not long
ere the big man found himself hopeless
ly outmatched; his wind was gone; his
Jaw was swollen. and one eye was use
less. He made final effort and slung
out terrific blow at David. Partly
parried. it caught him on the shoulder,
telling him to the earth. Now, surely.
the victory was with the Philistine.
But. no. The young man recoiled to his
feet like young sapliDg and the next
that Goliath knew was. ten minutes
later, when he opened his available eye
and found that his enemy was bending
over him. wiping the stains from his
face with fine linen handkerchief.
Feel betterT" said the curate.
"Well. I'm''-
Hush. man; it's not worth swear.
ing 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 chemist
and get patched up. Here's money.
The vanquished one took the silver
and gazed stupidly at the giyer, 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 a grimy paw.
"Mister Parson. Tm-I'm"-
Don't say another word Goodby. v
And the curate shook hands with him.
The big man turned away. Presently
he halted once more. Il III beatF' ht
said 1t had to come. Then he shamblet
homeward.
st. John adjusted his collar, gave hi'
shoulder rub and donned his coat ant
hat As he started toward the village &
girl came swiftly to meet him.
"Oh, John. John, you are splendid +
she gasped as she reached him. 90
watched you from the hedge yonder. "
II am exceedingly sorry, Miss Ed
miston, said the curate coldly, raising
his hat and making to pass on.
Nancy started as though he hat
struck her Her flush of enthusiasm
paled ont. In her excitement she hat
forgotten that event of week ago, bu
the cutting tone of his voice reminded
her She bowed her head, and he wen
on his way. He had gone about 81
yards when she called his name Hel
voice just reached him, but something
in it told him that he had not suffered
alone.
He turned about and hastened to her
Exchange.