The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1909-01-19
mean that / enjoyed it,


to his assistance.
Your what courSe?" asked Slim.
"My sermon?' answered the parson.
"Well, | should say yes" replied the
sheriff, greatly relieved to think that
he was once more out of deep water.
ut was about some Shorthorn that
jumped the home corral to maverick
around loose in the alfalfa with a
bunch Of wild ones"
The explanation was too much for
Mr.. Price. Great student of the Bible
that he had been. here was one lesson
which he had not studied. AS told by
Slim. he could not recall any text or
series of texts from which he might
have drawn SMILES fitted for his cow
boy congregation, when he had one.
Really, r. he began.
Slim, however, was not to be inter
rupted. If he stopped he never could
begin again, he felt. Waving tc the
preacher to be silent, he continued his
description. when his wad was gone
the bunch threw him down, an he had
to hike for the sagebrush an feed with
the hogs on husks an sech like winter
fodder"
The minister caught the word
"husks" Slim was repeating his own
version of the parable of the prodigal
son.
"Husks? Oh, the prodigal SON"
smiled Price.
That's him." Slim sighed, with re-
lief. This here feed not bein' up to
grade, Prod he lows he'd pull his
freight back home, square himself
with the old man an start a new
deal''-
Sagebrush was feeply interested in
the story. It's charm had attracted
him, as it had scholars and outcastS
alike since first told 1000 years ago on
the plains of old Judea.
Did he stand for it," he interrupted.
HE sure did" eloquently replied
Slim, who was surprised and delighted
with the great impression he was max
ing with his experience at church. "Oh,
he was a game cid buck, he was. Why,
the minute he sighted that there pro-
digious son a-limpin' across the mesa
he run right out an fell on his neck''-
AN broke it," cried Fresno. slapping
Sagebrush with his hat in his delight
at getting at the climax of the story
before Slim reached it.
The narrator cast a glance of SUI
preme disgust at the laughing puncher.
No" he shouted; ''he Rugged him.
Then he called in the neighbors, bar
becued a yearlin' calf an give barn
dance. with fireworks in the evenin'."
That's all right in books" observed
Sagebrush but if I'd made a break
like that when l was a kid my old
man would "A fell on my neck for fair. u
THAT was good story. parsOn. It's
straight, amt it," asked Slim as a
wave Of doubt swept over him.
Its gospel truth answered the
minister. DO you know the moral OF
the story?''
Sure replied Slim. With a conf
dence born of deep self assurance, Slim
launched the answer Don't be a fat
ted calf"
At first his hearers did not grasp the
full force of the misapplication of the
parable. Mr. Price could not refrain
from laughing. The others Joined with
him when the humor of the reply
dawned upon them. Pointing sccrnful
ly at the fat sheriff, they shouted glee
fully. while Slim blushed through his
tan.
Now, if you'll kindly show me
where began Mr.. Price.
Sure. All the liquors in the kitch
en-" said Sagebrush. expanding with
hospitality.
Slim pushed Sagebrush back into hi:
chair, and Parenthesis tapped the min
I lister on the shoulder to distract his at
tention.
/ Thanks. l meant to ask for place
to change my Clothes
| Sure you mustn't mind SagebruSl
| there" apologized ParenthesiS. He:
| allus maxim breaks. Let me tote YOU
war bag. Walk this way"
! Good day. gentlemen" smiled Mr.
Price. when you are up my way
trust you will honor my church witt
your presence''-adding after pause
without waiting to lose an election
bet"
The entrance of greaser to refill
glasses diverted the attention of TIT
guests until the most important func
ten for them was performed. Wit
'-rr~--" .u1 neres to the bride!
they drank the toast. Slim, as major
domo of the feast. felt it incumben
upon himself to keep the others in or
der. Turning angrily upon Sagebrush
he said. why did you tell the SIX!
| pilot where the liquor was:"
Il was just tryin' to do the RICH
thing" answered Sagebrush defiantly
"Embarrassin' us all like that Yol
ought to know that parsons don't hi
IN the gasoline-in public" scolde'
| Slim.
Sagebrush muttered sulkily, II neve
herded with parsons none"
Parenthesis automatically avoidet
| any further controversy by calling