The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1906-11-23
CHAPTER XXI.


the hamlet and all opportunities for
jovial intercourse were eagerly sought
by the gregarious pioneers. Upon this
fact the astute.p arSOn of that day de-
pended for the success of his minis
try. He who ignored this, making his
church place for pious worship alone,
suffered ridicule at first, and then
understanding in exile to fresh
fields.
But Rev. Ballinger made no such
mistake. To his pious lore was added
a goodly stock of worldly wisdom, and
there was permitted in his church
many meeting of which religious OBJ
servance formed the minor part. Some
of the stricter brethren objected, de-
claring that the levity before and after
service was the seal of compact with
Satan. But these dissenting spirits
were few, and their combined efforts
had not sufficed to keep the wolf from
the door of Rev. Luke's predecessor.
lat godly man kept, therefore, his
own counsel, replying mildly to all ar
guments: 81 have a greater authority
than my own regarding the conduct of
one in Rome; the rule applies to st.
Charles-so far as the grace of Heaven
permits me to see it,"
So the queer method Of evangelical
ton proceeded, and if result were
proof, the new GOSPEL teacher needed
no further justification.
The frolic on this occasion was
called a. "jug- breaking "-when tiny
jugs, into which contributions toward
the church fund had been put, were
opened with noisy pranks and home
ly humor.
To the "jug- breaking came Law
ender with Gonzaga-the latter glad
of even this rustic entertainment, if
efforts were bent toward speedy mar
riage; for, aside from the lovers I'M
patience. was his present fear of
some revelation which would part
them He knew that of which Laven-
der was ignorant-that he had in
Winslow's character, obtained her
mothers consent. Might not that mis-
take be explained at any time should
her mother rally enough for a cohe"-
ent talk? And he-the real WinsloW
might not he find a way to make
his conduct right in her eyes?
Reaching the church. they found a
large and motley crowd before them.
1t filled the tiny structure; it peeped in
at door and windows. An unusual
quiet prevailed for each was anxious
to see and hear proof of his neigh
boris generosity or greed. All were
in gala mood. with striking efforts at
holiday attire A bright ribbon or
string of beads added Sunday charm
to many a rosy damsel-in whose eyes
a waiting swain was made irresistible
by a new necktie, or an extra allow
ance of bears grease upon his short
clipped locks
The frolic seemed sort OF prelude
to the real service. Ballinger was not
present, but as the meeting broke up
his horse was seen bringing him down
the road at lazy trot.
Then ensued a short ihtermission,
after which, with no outward show
of authority, Rev. Luke quieted the
hubbub, and again the church was filled
this time with a decorous array of
listeners.
Lavender and her escort joined them
in time to hear the little preacher
read the hymn in voice out of all
proportion to his size.
Toward the close of the service Law
ender caught the attentive gaze of
pair of eyes, large luminous. the blue
gray of the iris rejecting the shade of
the ragged robin on his coat. In
their depts were love, inquiry, sorrow
much that she could not fathom.
This silent exchange of glances dis
turoed the Sabbath calm which had en-
tered the girls heart Torn by con-
fiicting regret and hope, she hardly
knew when the service was over, or
listened to. Gonzaga's whispered child
ing of her inattention.
After the benediction, Winslov came
up to them; his greeting was easy, his
manner less constrained than hers.
Few words were passed, however, as
Wisslow was taken aside by one of
the villagers to discuss some matter
relative to the school-house then build
ing. For the new teacher was already
a favorite in the community, where his
book larnin' was forgiven as
drawback inseparable from his voca-
ton, and his elegance of manner toll
Grated because of genial friendliness.
On this occasion Winslow found many
an honest hand extended, many a
hearty welcome. The Spaniard, on the
contrary, was By most of the st.
Charles folk distrusted and disliked.
Luck at play had completed what pre-