Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-01-17

VI paper Caught LIS eye.
My letter." he cried and picked it
up. He read it again thoughtfully
and sat down Dead he said.
they are actually dead, there. Why
they have nothing Charities have
failed schools, missions, clubs,
everything; the men are wodies and
the women slatterns; children break
the windows and the church stands
deserted. But why-why? They
need a mani" He struck his hands
together. Some one to taIk-yes.
as l can talk-some one to organize,
lead, command! That church should
have a boys club first, and the rector
should thrash the members into dis
cipline; LEI them see he is the strong
est mentally physically. and they'll
follow him like dogs mechanically
he began TO toss pebbles down the
hillside. 7 could go to a trainer"
he thought: pugilism cant be so
hard to acquire. I'm healthy; I'd like
it; I'd like it," He laughed boyishly
For a long time he sat gazing down
into the mist.- valley and then he
drew the book from his pocket and
opened it at random. 1t was Shelley
He became absorbed in the Well
known harmony of words and
thoughts; somehow the verses smack
ed Of something new to him; they
struck deeper. reached hidden chords
he did not know he possessed; echoed
in his heart with strange persistency;
preached to him as he had never
preached. Their beauties were not
for the eve and ear now: the Revolt
Of Islam rank like a clarion, and he
enjoyed as a disciple hearing great
doctrines, rather than as the dilletan-
te maker of words listening to a
master-maker.
The persistent clangor of the break
fast bell brought him back to the
world of mountains, There was a
deep glow on bis pale face as ne
strobe down through the pines: the
mingled flush of enthusiasm and
health. His eyes flashed brightly,
and the blood still tingled in his veins.
AS he neared the hotel he saw a
slim figure in white step down from
the veranda Yesterday he would
have hesitated, or even turned aside,
but now he hurried forward.
Good morning, Miss Maxton, he
gayly called. i've been out in the
hill You don't know what you've
missed by lying so late abed. You
must let me take you out early TO-
morrow; it's the finest tonic in the
world. Mind, I'll expect you called,
eh?"
"Why, Mr. sedman!" Dolly was
evidently surprised-almost astound-
ed at the minister's appearance.
What have you been doing to your
self. You different" She hest
tated and flushed.
Sedman laughed. ITS the walk"
he asserted. But you'll come next
time, won't you And where are you
going to day? Maynt I join the
party?"
Certainly" she answered; 1--WE
would be only too glad. But-as for
the walk--I don't know couldn't
wouldn't care
Eyes, you would" he contradicted
her; ''and you can, of course. Be
sides, want to go over that old story
again that we told each other Satur-
day No." he continued quickly" |
haven't had my answer; I have no
intention of going away, or OF not
mentioning it again. I'm going to
mention it all my life. You'll come"
Her eyes sought the ground, but
his gaze steadily rested on her, until
at last she looked up, seemingly
much against her will.
"Oh, I can't" she murmured; you
don't know now feel about it,"
Il don't know, but l intend that you
shall feel differently. You must
come. +"
He was il terrupted by hail from
the open door of the hotel office, and
looking up with a frown, he saw
Greggs, the proprietor, beckoning
him
Say, parson," Gregs called, been
loolin' all over the ranch for you.
Got a hot breakfast dryin' up in the
kitchen An say he continued, an
preaching, after you've chawed I'd
ike to ask a favor. Don't know
though: maybe it wouldn't hit you
right an could send down to Black
Valley for the Baptist minister
there"
What is it?" Scdman inquired.
Well. it's sorter of. a imposition.
know, but over the hills there. there's
ranch run by Ted Cough Ted.
he had a dance there last night, an
they got to scrappin.' Ted's wife
wants a parson t. see him afore he
goes over the Range, but Ted. he's
got "A al his piller an says he'll
plug the first sky-pilot-beggin your
pardon-that pokes his nose in. But
that don't matter none Me and some
OF the 5oys'd 50 in an take tnat gun
away afore you seen him..