The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-04-07

there was nothing in it to lift a mans heels
of the ground. The object lesson couldn't be
denied, but yet no one was satisfied. He
realized this fact and didn't dare give a corn
husking or an apple pairing that fall.
Nemesis was close on the deacons heels,
however His daughter Minnie was general
favorlte, and one winter night lot Of young
people appeared as a surprise party He
couldn't turn them away, and after they had
carefully prepared the way he reluctantly
brought out his fiddle.
The fiddle and the piano started out Wit,
Sweet BY and By" accompanied by all who
could sing, and how they ever switched off IN
10 ragtlme the deacon could never explain to
himself 1t was like a dream to him next
day. When told that the young folks had
formed in sets and danced to his FIRST four
forward and back-ladies change-gents to the
left-all promenade he studied over it and
sighed and shook his head
Before noon next day it was known far and
wide that Deacon Hastings had fiddled sor
dance. That he would be churched was re-
garded as matter of course, and it was
determined that his fellow deacons investigate
before he could run away from the scene uf
his crime. Accordingly, at O'Clock on the
evening after the party they filed into his
parlor to put him On the rack.
Brethren, hain't got much to saw"
began the culprit. IF there was dance, and
l guess there was, then the fiddle sort of
got away with me-.
Satans work, satan's work." groaned the
deacons in chorus, and one of them asked:
But you also called out the figures to be
danced, didn't you?'
'Mebbe l did. When the music got to go
in, felt that had to mix in. Durin' my
sinful days used to go to every dance within
ten miles"
There can be no doubt, BRETHREN" said
the same deacon. that it was sinful, music
and that there was dancing. but we must not
be too impetuous. Deacon Hopkins, will you
let us hear the strains of the music given
last nght?''
The deacon called his daughter down and
got out his fiddle. While he was tuning I'D
three of Minnies girl friends arrived and
were ushered into the room. When the music
was ready, the derelict said:
II will show you nigh as ] can re-
member just how it was. Deacon Jones' You
stand here with my wife. You others stand
up with these girls. Now you are all ready
Salute your partners! Ladies to the right
gents to the left! All salute! Promenade
half way round-hal way home All balance
and swing your partners
| The deacons had stood up reluctantly
They had hung back at the first call. 1t was
only for minute, however. A warm wave
swept them from head TO heels and back,
| anu tliey went through the hgureS with vim
| that left them our Of breath at the end
That's the way it was, said Deacon Hast
| ings as the music stopped; 'ony there was
more Of it.
| How much more?" asked one of the breth-
/! rem, with a sigh.
Two hours, mebbe."
| The deacons retired to the kitchen for a
consultation, and when they had got there
! they looked into each others faces and
| quered:
"Well?"
When they had returned to the pallor.
Deacon Jones. speaking for the rest, said:
! Brother Hastings, we find that you PLAYED
sinful music and that you called sinful calls
| Tor sinful dance but we also find that your
fiddle got away with you and that everybody
enjoyed the occasion. and so YOU won't hear
| any more about it. l may add in this con-
| nection, being as we are here assembled and
| pelng as your fiddle and piano are in tune
yoy might favor US with a few more lively
airs and We'll judge whether they are sinful
OF not as we go along home.'