The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1906-05-15
THE EFFICACY
OF PRAYER.
BY d. A. ELLSWORTH.

the office to say how grateful they
were for the interest the driver had
shown In putting the meat and cream
back next to the ice so that they
would keep. The Office was at a loss
to understand the matter, Besides
that Bill had not cashed his last
weeks voucher. Then the skies
cleared Bill was in love.
! 1t had all begun in small way
Each had had other near friends but,
well that is neither here nor there so
! far as Bill and Dulcie were mutually
concerned, Bill took more pains with
| the icebox than was his wont and
! Dulcie had seen fl to get his esti-
/ mate of several new recipes. Bill had
taken to making the Keeles' home
| last, and 50 had some little time to
while away, before getting to the
stables by noon. He and Dulcle got
to standing by the icebox longer than
usual sitting on the steps for few
silver moments, and leaning against
the alley gate for some golden mo-
ments longer.
His cronies heard about Ii and Bill
was recipient Of some rather rare jol-
lies and good wishes all of which
were smoked to. In truth, BIZ knew
he was lucky dog, for Dulcie was
so well liked that only the Keeles' so
cial prestige kept others from Offering
her the highest wages paid in the
town And as Bill said to a chum, on
the dead, "if Dulcie can keep the
Keeles house up in style. she sure
oughter make KILN on my
shanty!'
Then, too, Dulcie was member Of
one of the little churches over on the
lean side OF the town noted for its
simplicity and sociabes. In fact the
chicken pie served on these latter oc.
casions had come to be spoken of
among the worldly as Chicken Piety
But attendance at Brother Megg's
church. OF which Dulcle was no incon-
sequent member, bespoke the highest
service both here and hereafter,
girl was taken In any home in the
town on the fact of Brother Meggs' as
surance of character and cooking.
1t was agreed that Bill should go
with Dulcie to her home TO meet her
parents, to take tea and to stand in
spectlon. Bill picked on Thursday as
a good day to try his luck With the
home folks, and 80 1t came about that
Bits pride was humbled Once at the
table the saltant Fates led him
stumblIngly too far.
MIR Brown said Mrs. Corne
hushfully. will you please return
thanks?"
For one long instant Bill spared
for place and breath. but his gullet
went through such a series of spas
modic contractions that he could not
even ask for silent prayers. He looked
at Duleie, but her head was bowed !
as In execution rather than In faith |
Mrs. Corne. you must excuse me
I'd like to do prayer for you. Honest |
Injun-but I've allus belonged to the
cussn' kind. an just don't know
howl"
Then Mr.. Corne prayed
After supper. and It seemed to Bill |
to be about three a. m, the family be
gan putting on their wraps. 1T is
prayer meeting night" whispered
Dulcie, invitingly. Bill acquired his
hat from some place in the swimming
darkness about him He never knew
quite how. but by tactical backing and
side-stepping managed u get by
Dulc'e's side.
When the meeting was over II fell
10 his already yanqulshed fortunes 10
be asked to walk home with Mr.
Corne. who wore sidewhiskcrs and
had the smart smatterings Of an edu
alton taken from blackboa,ds In the
curse Of his duties Of jani'or ~ the
llgh school building As they went
dong he could hear Mrs C)rne talk
ng with young man whom she al
dressed as professor" The professor
alked In such a kindly tone. TOO. lie
old Of the little boy IN his third read
sr class who loved TO pray and who
rad composed a prayer for every con
urgency in life. and who was even
low president Of the Band Of Hope.
Mrs Corne was deeply moved by the ]
'ecital. and turning. She called back. /
Papa. did you hear what the nro
'essor said?" And again. when they
'vertook the preacher. she Unlisted on
cling the story again. and foretell
ng the happiness he would bring
rusting heart some day. until Bin
he elemental passions rolling IN hia
'reast. tauntingly asked the preacher
or match and fell to smoking gust
ly.
The next day Bill took his wagon
ut as usual but before he had gone
ALI way round a special messenger
anne 10 him with orders 10 20 hack
yer the route to the places he had
lighted and TO come into m. Office a
Don. And when he got around to the
.eeles' home II was well past l.
clock and Dulcie never once showed
ct face. Bill called her up in the
fternoon and wanted 10 make a date =
18th her for that evening but Dulcio
Did him. with a trembling voice. that
he had made an engagement with the
rofessor for box social az his school
ouse 4
That night Bills feet were led 10 =
'osted door that hal once known him