New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-19

latter scattering chicken food on the ground ne
fore his hen coop. i was mellow morning in
late April; the trees were bursting into leaf.
fat robins were hopping stifiy over the grass in
search OF the worms which had been wise
enough 10 avoid the earlier birds. and from the
hen coop came the contented stir and sort
.'Coot. coot," of the hens. Parson Tucker evil
IDENTIFY felt the influence Of the season, for he
wore a black alpaca coat and battered straw
hat quite as II il were summer and he lolled
over the fence indolently. watching hfs nelghbor
In silence and occasionally stroking his long,
gray beard.
Parson sanborn disappeared within the hen
house presently and emerged with the feed pan
held eingerly in both hands
Good lay this morning. brother asked FdlF-
go, Tucker with evident interest and yet not
without distinct trace IN his voice Of the nasal
,,1ction observation-disclosures have become accus-
toned 10 I'm their revival preachers.
II should say So" answered Parson Sanborh'
who carried full as many years as his neighoor'
and who had long since retired from active
eachinC into a life Of rural thrift ana peace
cbeered ~ his weekly religious paper ana the
respect that Z Ncw-England orthodox com
mun.ty still pays TO pastor Of it's creed
Those twelve hens bought last week nave ialo
thirteen eggs since yesterday.
The Lord he praised!' said Parson IucKer'
pio,1sly. Where did you get those hens?" he
added.
u bought EN- from Amos Emerson, IN at
Puddin' Point" the other replied
do You suppose he's got any more like 'emT'
Parson Tucker proceeded
..r couldn't say" retorted Parson Sanborn.
with touch OF stiff irony. for he suspected that
his neighbors desire to possess the hens was
born rather OF urcanonical envy than a love OF
eggs. Amos IS pretty energetic man HIM
Nax- al a
duty from him"
This shot was little over Parson fuckers
head. whose sense Of humor was not keen. He
forced a smile and then said. suddenly I've
got TO get more hens. you see. I'm contemplat-
,ng the acquisition of another helpmate-in
other words I am casting about 10 ind another
Mrs. Tucker"
Another exclaimed Parson Sanhorn, with
a ,-erv large smile lurking behind his sternIy
clerical coun5enance. "Neighbor. you have the
spring fever. At your age. too.
.'Pshax. pshaw. brother" exclaimed Parson
Tucker. Pm only sixty. and still able 10 sing
n psalm and preach the Holy Word. Besides /
need somebody TO cook for ne and play the
,neloeeon I've had a hard and lonely winter
since the last Mrs. Tucker died, and the Lord
ordained the holy institution Of matriTnony TO
prevent just such things
WAS the last Mrs. Tucker the second%' asked
Parson Sanborn. innocently.
.,Io. the third" the other answered meekly.
.'They were all sisters in grace" he added
piously.
Where are you going to find the fourth II l
NAV asl1?" said Parson Sanborn.
Il don't know yet" Parson Tucker answered
sbut God is good.'
Daniel Sanborn. I wish you would bring
those eggs IN" came sudden. peremptory voice
from the kitchen door.
That's my first" said Parson Sanborn, the
Law smile spreading over his clerical counte-
nance. II wish you luck in your quest
..Anenr' said Parson Tucker, removing his
bulk from the fence and turning toward his
own house.
Not long after he emerged from the side door
clad I'm A rusty black frock coat. a white string
lie Of dubious cleanliness and a high hat Of an
cient vintage and evidently long unacquainted
with Al, iron He walked stifly by the aid Of a
stout cane, for rheumatism had affected his
MOWERS Of locomotion. # not his voice TO sing
and his zeal TO convert. He hobbled down the
long fight OF steps TO the street as his house
was perched on a bank, stopped to remove his
hat and mop his brow with cambria hand
kercAief and then set out toward the village
and the railroad station.
Mrs Moses Parker was putting out geraniuns
IN her front yard, few rods down the street,
on the opposite side when the Parson plod-
ded by.
Good rnorn,n'" she called 20 him, cheeriy.
Elbows the rheumatic this mornin'?"
Better the Lord be praised" said Parson
Tucker.
MY boy suaz might ha' fetched yer mail this
snornin'." she continued. IF you'd asked"
TN going TO Boston," said the parson. He
can't DO that for me-"
sWal 7 guess he'd like tew well enough"
laughed Mrs. Moses Parker. He's limb. that
boy
The figure Of the old revivalist was hardly out
OF sight down the road when she tossed aside
her trowel. stood up busted her hands together
80 knock OF the earth. and called excitedly
toward the adjoining house: -Clarissai Clarissa
goness"
4 woman cams out on the side porch at her
call. evidently from the kitchen for her arms
were bare 20 the elbows and white with -four,
and there were white marks on her hips. where
her hands had rested Whats the matter?''
SAID this woman In q shrtu voice OF remarkable
penetration. but. oddly enough, far from I'M
yleasant quality. HAS that boy Of yourn bust
his leg again, or has Moses deserted you. or do
sou want a cup OF yeast?"
-I want 10 tell yer that Parson fuckers gone
In 20 Boston again" said Mrs Parker.
"Oh." said Mrs Jones well, why shouldn't
he? You're not afraid he'll do anything wrong
or get converted into Unitarian. are your"
certainly not" said the other, with some
show OF irritation but this makes the third
time he's gone TO Boston in two weeks. What
DO you s'pose he's doin'?'
Perhaps he's looking for another WIFE," sug-
Rested Mrs. Jones
.rwhatP' cried Mrs. Parker. Another al