Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1903-11-11

the place. Dut wish he would say or
do something. II he would only get
mad and swear I think I should feel
happier
Gwen looked quite mystified.
you see. he sits there ga solemn 81
ience looking SO tremendously wise
that most men feel foolish IL they
speak. while as for doing anything the
idea appears preposterous In the face
OF his immovableness"
II can't bear him. cried Gwen. 'T
should like to stick pin I'm him.
Il wish some one would" answered
the Pilot 1T would make him seem
more human IL he could be made to
| jump"
TRY again." said Gwen. "and get
some one TO make him jump"
1T would be easier TO build the
church." said the Pilot gIoomily.
Il could make him jump" said Gwen
viciously. "and will" she added after
pause.
Your answered the Pilot, opening
his eyes. Howl"
I'm find some way" she replied reso-
lutely.
And so she did. for when the next
meeting was called TO consult as to
the building of a church, the congrega-
ton. chiefly OF farmers and their
wives. with Williams. the storekeeper.
Were greatly surprised TO see Bronco
Bill, hi and half a dozen ranchers and
cowboys walk I'm at intervals and sol
EMMY seat themselves. Robbie looked
at them with surprise and little sus-
picion. In church matters be had no
dealings with the Samaritans from the
hills. and while, in their unregenerate
condition. they might be regarded as
suitable objects OF missionary effort. as
TO their having any part in the direc-
ton, much less control. of the church
policy-frOm such notion Robbie was
delivered by his loyal adherence to the
Scriptural injunction that he should
not cast pearls before swine.
The Pilot. though surprised To see
Bill and the cattle men. was none the
less delighted and faced the meeting
with more confidence. lie stated the
question for discussion: Should n church
building he erected this summer I'm
Swan Creek? and he put his case well.
Then followed dread. solemn silence.
Robbie was content to wait till the ef-
feet OF the speech should be Cissipated
In smaller talk. Then he gravely said.
The kirk wad be n gran thing. nae
uoot, an they wad a dOOtleSs''-with a
suspicious glance toward Bill-"reioice
In its erection. But we maun be eau
tious. an I wad like 10 inquire hoo
much money a kirk cud be built for
an whaur the money wad come fraee"
I.
The cost would be 81 200. The church
building fund would contribute $500.
the people would give $500 I'm labor
and the remaining 500 he thought
could be raised in the district i'm two
years time.
Aye" said Robbie. and the tone and
manner were sufficient TO drench any
enthusiasm with the chilliest OF water
SO much was this the case that the
chairman, Williams. seemed quite Jus
tined I'm saying:
at is quite evident that the opinion
OF the meeting is adverse 10 any at
tempt 10 load the community with
debt OF $1,000" and he proceeded with
n very complete statement OF the many
and various objections 10 any attempt
at building n church this year. The
people were very few. they were dis.
persed over large area. they were not
interested sufficiently. they were all
spending money and making little in
return; he supposed therefore that the
meeting might adjourn.
Robbie sat silent and expressionIess
In spite OF his little wife's anxious
whispers and nudees. The Pilot looked
the picture OF woe and was on the pol..t
OF bursting forth when the meeting
was startled by Bill
Say. boys, They hain't much stuck
on their shop. hehF" The low. drawing
voice was perfectly distinct and arrest
ing.
"Hain't got no use for il seemingly"
was the answer from the dark corner.
"Old Scotchie takes his religion out
in prayin', guess" drawled in Bill
but wants TO sponge Tor his plant"
This reference 10 RObbie's proposal
10 use the school moved the youngsters
60 tittering and made the little Scotch
man squirm, for he prided himself
upon his independence
There amt 500 in the hull blanked
outfit" This was a strangers voice
and again Robbie sQuirmed. for be
rather prided himself also on his abil-
ity TO pay his way.
No good"' said another emphatic
voice. "A blanked lot OF psalm singing
snipesw
Order. order.' cried the chairman.
"Old Windbag there don't see any
show for swipin' the collection with
Scotchie round" said Hi. with a fol-
lowing ripple OF quiet laughter, for
Williams reputation was none too Sc
cure
Robbie was in most uncomfortable
state of mind. So unusually stirred
was he that for the first time in his
history he made motion.
Il move we adjourn. Mr.. Chairman"
he said in voice which actually vi
brated with emotion.
different here! Eth, boys?" drawled
BIZ.
You betr' said HI in huge delight
1.-The meetin' amt out yit"
'Ye can bide till mor-r-nin'," said
Robbie angrily. Am gaen hame." be
ginning 20 put on his coat.
Seems as if he orter give the pass
word" drawled Bill.
Right you are. pardner." said HI.
springing to the door and waiting I'm de-
lighted expectation for his friends lead
Robbie looked ut the door. then at
his wife, hesitated a moment. have no