Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1900-05-29
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
( The Greatness Of Jacob MonaSmith ,
= BY Gulielma Zollinger. Z
1;A13.1AO;A.1A0tA1a1H.OAS

liz as husband to the widow and step
father OF her children, various opin-
ions in regard to the matter We're en-
pressed by the citizens of Ganabrant.
The town had taken note OF the out
goings and incomngs, the uprisings
and downsittings OF the DwiGans
family for two years. and felt com
pctent to express itself. And with
very few exceptions its comment was
unfavorable.
1t was two years since Mr. Dwig-
ans died, and for many months it had
been felt in the town that the man
who succeeded him as head of the
family would take Il hazardous posi-
ton. For although DR.. Dwigans had
left them Il decent provision, they
were now destitute, and none of the
family seemed to have any intention
of mending their circumstances if
work was a condition precedent.
"Therc's five of them. counting the
widow" remarked old Peter Ravens,
on the wedding morning. "And for
two years they've been wanting all
they saw and buying all they want
ed It's surprising they amt desti-
tutcr than they be, and it's my belief
that Jacob Mopasmith is plumb
crazy
"Oh, WE'LL" responded Mr.. Ravens
sister. Jacobs got sense, but he has
no power of observation. That's what
ails him. Powers of observation were
denied him, and he hasn't noticed the
children nor how they act"
snow, there's that 17-year-old Sam
mic--undersizcd little runt that's
smoking cigarettes continually" re-
sulned Mr.. Ravens. as he going to
call Jacob father and act respect
fully? Not much he amt! He calls
him Old Monasmith already. Jacob
won't be the one to make man out
of Samme. Looks kind Of conccited
in him to be trying it, to my no.
ton"
The elderly sister now moved hur-
riedly TO the window, and looked out
upon a short figure she had caught
a glimpse of coming up the street
Yes. there came Sammie, his air one
of bravado, which he thought manly,
his hat on the back of his head. and
a cigarette in his mouth. His pale
and sallow skin seemed only "A differ
ent shade from his tatfy-colorcd hair,
and his hands were thrust into his
trousers pockets. AS Miss llavens
looked. her expression changed from
curiosity to Indignation.
"That's Sammc.' she said to her
brother. "lIc said he wasn't going to
be to the wedding and he amt
"If he'd said he wasn't going to be
to the house after the wedding, it
would have been more to the point
responded Mr.. Ravens. "That's what
| should have wanted him to say if
I'd have been Jacob, which | thank
goodness amt
Now, the Widow Dwigans was en-
tremely comedy, and Miss llavens sud-
denly turned an Senightened gaze
upon erbrother. 81 believe you wish
you were Jacob she observed.
Not much!" protested the elderly
man. while his face flushed. 81
wouldn't have the widow. not il she
was twice as good-!ooking as she is
with that there Sammic for Il stcpson.
Not much. ! wouldn't have him step
soning il around me! Haven't ! just
been telling you that Jacob Mona
smith is plumb crazy 10 do as he's do
ing to-day? And would ! be doing
what l think is crazy in another
man."
81 don't know returned Miss la
vcns. Some men do
Ar. 1Iavcns, knowing from past ex-
periencc that when he discussed men
with his sister he was apt to get the
worst of it, now rose abruptly from
his chair and lett the room.
"Gracious me-" reflected the spin
ster, after he had gone. Gle a step
father and me stepaunt to that Sam
mie!"
Meanwhile Sammie loafed and
smoked deliantly The marriage went
on and was done, and the newly we'd
ded pair. with the three daughters of
the bride. sat down TO a feast the like
of which had not been in that house for
months.
This marriage took place in the
spring. and as the summer advanced
and wancd. Sammie grew more moody
and defiant. For Mr.. Monasmith had
said to his wife: Il do not approve of
Sammie smoking cigarettes. They're
bad for him. whichever way you take
it. And | don't feel it my duty to pro-
vide him the money TO buy them with"
Mrs. Monasmith who was very hap
nv wi, h her new hus band, submitted to
his decision, and Sammic, who might
otherwise have bullicd her into fur
nishing him cigarette money, saw that
she was adamant to all his coaXing
and scolding lie might have worked
and earned his money. but work for
himself was something of which Sam
mic did not approve
The town of Ganabrant had not
failed to watch with interest Mr.. Mona
smiths career as a stepfather.
= "Thcre's one thing" said old Mr.
Ravens. Hes shut Sammie off on
cigarettes. I hadn't supposed that
Jacob would quite get up the nerve to
do that. | expect he threatened to lick
him If he didn't quit"
This was the last day of September,
end the next day Sammic was observed
n be smoking again. Somebody had
given him quarter f~r tritling serv-
ice. and the money had at once been
spent for cigarettes.
ar
had got him broken SOS he'd stay