The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1905-06-16

Deacon Brown, though evidently
somewhat startled at first by result
so little anticipated, took all this with
his usual calmness and serenity. He
was very reticent on the subject. as
! sertlng that lie had said nothing that
he was not both able and willing 20
prove, when the proper time came 10
do so. His Interview with Elder Wake
map was private one but 1t was no.
| ticeable at its close that the counte.
nance OF the later had a serene. almost
smiling aspect But as the elder
took no measures 10 prevent the meet
ing OF Investigation that had been
| called. no particular Importance was
attached TO this. lie did not seem dis.
posed 10 talk much about II, merely
saying that he thought the deacon
ought 10 have an opportunity 10 prove
or explain what he had every reason
10 believe he had said about him"
The meeting in question was held at
the vestry, which was filed TO its ut
most capacity before the two chiefly
interested. Elder Wakeman and Dca-
con Brown entered. and who appeared
TO be the least excited ones present.
Mr. Qulmby was there, full OF i'm
portance. and with an cXultatiOn OF
look ana manner only thlnly yelled by
the gravity that oycrsprcad his cOunte.
nance. lie was standing by the stove,
the centre OF an interested and curious
circle, when the two entered; but he
avoided meeting the eye Of either.
At the motion of Elder Wakcman,
one Of the deacGas called the meeting
TO order, briefly explained It's object,
the serious nature Of the imputatiOns
under which their pastor rested. and
appealing TO Deacon Brown 10 put n
stop TO the talk it had occasioned by
either denying or proving his asser-
ton.
Rising 10 his feet Deacon Brown
looked around upon the excited and
curious faces that were directed to-
ward him.
"BenOld. brethren, how much mis-
chief the tongue can do, I said few
words TO one OF you. under pledge OF
secrecy, Brother QuimbyT
IL considered 1t to be my duty to tell
what you told me-" said the individual
addressed, turning very red
you are To be commended for hav-
ing performed your duty so thorough
ly," continued the deacon: "a very
painful duty. as it is easy 10 see.
understand you have said that told
you Elder Wakcman stole his sermon
from book in my possession; are you
sure that | used the word stole, Broth
er Qulmby"
"Iou said that You had n book that
contains every word of 1t. Where's
the difference. I'd like to know?" was
Mr.. Quimby's prompt and triumphant
rcjoindcr.
There might be none at all: and.
again, there might be good deal" re-
spondcd tie deacon.
Il did use the language ascribcd TO
me by Mr.. Quimby," continued Dea-
con Brown. addressing the rest Of the
asscmblage; 'movcd thereto by his
evident desire that | should say some
thing 10 our pastors discrcdlt and
without thought that it would lead
to all this trouble and excitement. |
declare, furthermore. that have seen
book containing every word Of his
sermon in Elder Wakcman's own Ii.
brary. | have taken the liberty of
sending for II, and will offer It as cvi-
dence as to the truth of my state
mcnt."
Taking pondcrous volume from the
hands of his son, who had just entered.
Deacon Brown laid ii on the table
before the presiding officer. who. care.
fully adjusting his spectacles. opened
It,
Giving one glance at its outsprcad
pages, he raised his eyes to the serene
and kindly face opposite.
"Why this Is IA dictionary"
VERY true" responded Deacon
Brown. But you'll find every word
of Elder Wakeman's sermon in it
If you look long enough
Il must confess, however" added
the deacon, rs soon as the general
laughter and astonishmcnt had sub
sided little, glancing smilingly across
the table at Elder Wakcman. that
there are not many that can string
them together so as TO form such an
interesting and instructive discourse"
Here the elder and deacon shook
hands. which was the signal for n
general hand-shaking congratulations
and good feeling. No one was dis
satisfied. with the exception of Mr..
Quimby, who. mortified and con-
founded at the unexpected turn az.
fairs had taken. had skunk from the
room.-Ncw York Weekly.