The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1904-05-14
Poor Old
ParS0n Bradley.
Ey JChn g. Sheridan.

| SO they are going to Investigate
The character of old Parson Bradley" "
said Mrs. Hearall to Mrs. Steadfast, as
they journeyed toward the little church
on the hill
Yes, so am informed: but really
do not believe that our venerable pas
tor is guilty of the charges preferred
against him."
We'll, | DO" replied Mrs. Hearall,
Tor have long suspected that he was
an arrant knave and a rank hypo-
critic
But why you should think so is
beyond my comprehension. The dear
Old man has gone in and out before US
for thirty long years, and until that
mysterious meeting in Green's pasture,
his character has been without a blem-
ish."
oh. yes, without blerlish, SO far
as we know. But you and know that
ne had no business to be prowling
around in the woods with a strange
woman, and his wife sick at home"
1T does look strange" said Mrs.
Steadfast; still l shall believe him
innocent until he is proved guilty"
And l." retorted Mrs. Hearall,
shall believe him guilty until he is
proved innocent"
The arrival at the church terminated
the conversation, and the two ladies
took their places in the crowded audi
torium Of the little church, where they
had often listened to the words of
wisdom that fell from the lips Of him
who was now about to be tried for
gross immortality, as set forth in the
charges and specifications of old Heze-
kiah Squinteye.
My friends" said Parson Bradley,
as he ascended the rostrum, 1--WE are
now ready to proceed with the bust I
ness for which this meeting has been /
Deacon Lovewell will now !
proceed with the prosecution
Brothers and sisters" said Deacon |
4ovewell, "a painful duty has called us |
ogether this evening; a duty which .
'eQuires more than ordinary forbear- !
lnce and fortitude in this age of vice
md crime. And as one who has the |
Welfare Of this church at heart, | feel /
t to be duty incumbent upon me to
ay before you some rumors respecting
he character of our venerable pastor.
md in order to facilitate matters, |
low call upon Brother Hezekiah
'quinteye to give evidence in the case
ow pending against the accused
Brothers, sisters and friends" said
Brother SQuinteye, "a few weeks ago,
While travelling over Green's pasture
n search of stray COW, | heard
oices issuing from a thicket close by,
nd in looking in the direction whence
he sound emanated, | saw Brother
'radley deeply engaged in conversa-
ION with young and beautiful wom-
n. whose countenance | did not rec
gnize. Fearing that something was
'rong, lay in ambush until Brother
radley took his departure. which he
id in few minutes thereafter Now,
lille would not willingly charge our
astor with conduct unbecoming a
liniSter, / must confess that | was
eeply grieved to see him imprint a
iss upon the cheek of the fair one
-e he returned to the parsonage"
Did he return alone?" asked Love-
ell.
"Yes, SIR
"And what direction did the woman
lke?" {
Il do not know, as l Immediately
arted in pursuit of the missing cow" [
Have you mentioned this affair to
ly person except myself, since the I
,currence took place." {
Yes. l think have mentioned it to
rs. Nevertattle, Mrs. Runwel, and
rs. Speakfast." :
Then you must have believed that {
II pastor had been guilty OF some