Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-20

M4A
. SEW

which by the way, was a great favourite.
came into the house: and with mucn
warmth asked for the mischieveous author;
declaring at the same time, that ne would
not have taken five guineas for his tree.
Nobody could tell him anything about 1T
Presently George and his Ratchet made
their appearance. George. said his father,
do you know who killed that beautiful lit
tie cherry tree yonder in the garden?'
This was tough question; and George
staggered under it a moment; but quickly
recovered himself and looking at his father
with the sweet face of youth frightened
with the inexpressible charm Of all-conquer-
ing truth, he bravely cried out. I can't tell
lie. Pa; you know can't tell a lie. l did
cut it with my Ratchet
Run to my arms. you dearest boy, crled
his Father in transports, run 70 my
arms; glad am George. that you killed my
tree; for you have paid me for 1t thou
sandfold Such an act of heroism in my
is more worth than a thousand trees
tho blossomed with silver and their fruits
of purest gold. p" 80
A word or two about the author of this
almost forgotten history may prove inter-
esting The Rev. NJ. L. Weems was ma
tive of Virginia. an Episcopal clergyman,
whose circuit at one time EXTENDED over Cero q
large portion of Virginia and North Caro-
lima. The circuit riders life seventy-nVe
years ago was not an easy one put; tnousn
the summer sun poured down its bhsterlhs
rays or the cold winds of winter swept
round the old parsons high-seated gig, sun
he logged contentedly along, for he founo
many drops of sweetness in life's cup. First
of all was his cherished hddle, snusiy
stored under the old gig s seat.
At all the houses on his large circuit Mr
Weems was an ever welcome guest w men.
in the evening, supper was over, with mary
jest, he would tune his fiddle ana play e lor
hours at time. Then, resting by the nre.
he would entertain the young FOLK with rare
stories of keenest humor.
x X x *
AS is well known, a large number Oh citi-
Gems are adverse to performing jury serV-
ice in the several courts in this city De-
cause they claim that their business is neg
Iected while they are absent from it, the
Judges of the courts, however, are con-
siderate, and when a business man can
show that his business will be anecteu py
his absence he is excused from that serv-
ice which every good citizen is liable at
any time to be called on to render.
Some of the reasons offered by persons
summoned for jury duty are amusing Id
the extreme and it was only recently that
n weIl-knoWn business man unconSciOuSiy
caused considerable laughter in the Ponce
Court where he had been directed TO pre-
sent himself for possible service on Jury.
After hearing the excuses given by a num-
Der of Others each of whom claimed that
their business would be neglected and not
seeing any one of them excused, he went
them one better. and in addition to making
a similar plea offered another
II have sickness in my family he eX-
planned to the court, land desire to re-
main at home as much as possible.
Its not contagious, is lt?' his honor In
quired
NO, SIR" he replied, but I think my
presence is needed at home.
who is sick?" the judge wanted to
know.
my mother-in-law." was the answer.
The judge decided that the excuse was
not sufficient and the man was compelled
to take his seat in the jury box.