The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1905-01-27

-
o o his LETT eye, that It IL
4 about time that herd OF
HoS shInln' lights from Saryis
Point was learnin' how 10
behave in public"
This sentiment was received with
emphatic approval Several even vol
untecred TO shed their blood il ncces'
sary 10 help teach that much needed
lesson.
Don't get too violent, now, boys,
they may come out wonderful when
they learn some. II about twenty OF
you will jine I'm ana fOllcr directions,
wen help make men OF EN-"
when Billy proposed a plan there
were always plenty OF volunteers to
carry It out.
The "shinin' lights" referred TO were
six young men from Saryis Point who
had been making life burdensOme for
Buckeye Ridge for three months. II
had begun when these young men ere
ated a disturbance-at school exhibit
ton and were arrested and tined $50
apiece and costs After that they orig
mated more lawful plan for creating
disturbance.
1t had worked very satisfactorily.
when there was public meeting they
simply waited until it was well started
and then one, with his spurs dangling,
would slowly walk in and take seat
In few minutes another would come
I'm and then another ana another until
all six were seated, WnAn the meeting
was half over, ono went out. A few
minutes would elapse and then another
and another until the six were out
and the meeting spoiled.
Their special delight was To disturb
the Methodist preacher for the Justice
OF the Peace belonged 10 that church.
The minister was meek. swect-Spir'
tied little man who suffered long and
never upbraidcd; but IT always spoiled
his sermon when they came, and they
did not often miss.
When Billy explained his plan FOR a
school OF instruction on public be
havior, some of the timid ones advised
against It,.
Lets have them arrested for dis
turbing the peace" suggested one.
Amt any law again man comm
in ana goin' out when he pleases,
snapped "A friend Of the BILLY idea.
Maybe suggested weak eyed
class leader, they will get some good
out OF the meeting. We should not
keep the vlcst sinner from the house
OF the Lord
We'll now, | amt overly strong on
religion" said Billy, but il strikes me
the circuit rider at Buckeye Bridge has
n right 10 do his talking without any
Interference from Sarvis Point. | ain't
obicctin' 70 these sinners Coin' To the
house OF The Lord. It's on them leav-
in il too soon. Educate 'em. \ little
Information on manners won't keep out
the grace, and maybe it will act
quicker
Billy prevailed, aS he always did, and
the school OF instruction was set for
the following sunday evening.
Il was beautiful night and the little
church was crowded. Buckeye Bridge
u
when "preaChin' day" wa, line, saint
and sinner hockcd together in crowds.
The songs ana prayers were over,
the preacher read his text and began
to outline his sermon. The audience
was strictly attentive, a heavy step
sounded IN the vestibule. the familiar
Clink, Clink OF loose spur, and a tall
young man Stalkcd down the aisle and
took a scat near the front
The minister was slightly annoyed,
for OF course, no one could listen while
his attention was being spurrcd away
from the subject There was the sound
OF heavy feet. stamp. stamp, stamp
and the clink. clink, clink of spur
Another robust citizen of Sarvis Point
came down the aisle and took seat
near the front.
once more the preacher rallied. With
a supreme effort he got the attention
OF the congregation. The sound OF feet
again, again the clink. clinkety ciink
OF spurs by the time the third was
finally seated the minister was SO dis
tracted he gave out 4 hymn and sal
down to try 20 collect his thoughts.
No one came in during the singing
but as soon rs the minister renewed his
attack on the text. another Pointer
came dangling his spurred feet dowr
the aisle: n little later another. anC
finally The sixth.
Fifteen minutes OF the time had beer
wasted The minister hurled himscl
nervousiy at the subject and began {,
grow eloquent with earnestncss. Jus
rs ne reached the height OF his theme
! the tail young man near the iron
shunled his feet. rose slowly. picked M
/ his hat and coat. crowded by those il
/ the end of the seat and started leisurel.
down the aisle. his spurs clinkety cliuk
AS he neared the door two men ros
and quietly stepped In front OF him
one of thcm-it was Bllly-said In a
undertone:
"Supposln' we go back to our seat
] and hear The rest Of the sermon.