The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-06-21
(By George 2. EarIy.l

(sy George P. Eariy.)
It was a glorious day in October
when visited Sleepy Hollow Gene
terry at Concord, Mass.
The sun shone with such an intense
brilliancy as though it were determin-
ed to find and put to fight every nook
of shade. The air was bracfng and de-
lightfully exhilarating. Every deep
breath was tonic. 1t was such a day
as made you feel that life was worth
living, for the sunshine and air were
radiating health.
The leaves of the trees planted more
than half century ago by many who
now sleep beneath their shadows were
exquisitely tinted with those rich hues
which tell the sad story that the end is
near.
Sleepy Hollow has been called the
Westminster Abbey Of America" be-
cause SO many Of Americas distin-
guised dead are there sleeping the
years away as they flow into the IL
limitable sea Of eternity. was par
ticularly anxious to visit the graves
Of Emerson, Hawthorne. Thoreau.
Louise Alcott and Elizabeth Peabody
and was much disappointed on en-
tering the cemetery to find that there
were no guides that day, at least to
show me the graves wanted to see.
AS was strolling along the carriage
road that crests the western ridge
came up to an Irishman who was
sprinkling a sacred lawn beloved by
three graves. one Of which was newly
made and upon which sorrowing love
had placed some fresh flowers.
Celtic Love Of Living.
There was a suggestive invitation
for a conversation in his Good morn
ing, SIR" which gladly accepted.
well. SIR said I, are you connect
ed in any way with this cemetery?"
Il am, SIR he replied, but not SO
permanently, l am happy to say, az
many Others"
Then you are fond of living?"
suggested.
Indeed, I am, sir. Why shouldn' t
be? have health. sleep like babe,
have plenty to eat and no indiges-
ton, plenty of clothes to wear and am
not concerned about style. and have
a happy home witha good wife to run
it, and don't owe any man cent.
Surely you are to be envied.'' said /.
Yes SIR continued he. Il would
rather be here sprinkling this lawn for
those under it than be the tenant Of
any grave here having some other
Irishman sprinkling the lawn above
me-"
But you have not told me in what
capacity you are connected with this
cemetery / suggested.
We'll, sir, let me see,'' said he clos
ing his eyes to clear his vision and re-
moving his hat and running his hand
through his hair to aid him in his cal
culations, II have been sexton of this
cemetery for Al long years"
Indeed said Il am very much
surprised. You don't look much Older
than that"
"Ah. my friend. you must have
spooned with the Barney Stone" said
he with = merry twinkle in his eyes
You are a poor guesser or jollier.
he retorted. IF live till the fourth Of
next January l will be a.
We'll. well. you are q mighty
young looking old man. Your health
and happy nature have kept you youna
and time has certainly dealt gently
with you,' remarked.
Getting old is habit. II you wan,
to stay young get rid Of the habit
That's my doctrine said the Celtic
philosopher.
We'll, Al years is long time to be
among the dead, isn't it?.' inquired.
.Yes. in some ways. perhaps: but
expect to be with them a mighty sigh
longer later on" said he.
| When that time comes l hope /,
will be q nice and quiet one for you.
| / volunteered.
Name Of an freshman.
Thank you sir. he said with 4
smile, Il don't think there viii b
| much doing then
May inquire your name!" asked
-Sure you may he replied without
any indication OF giving 1t to me.
| After = seemingly long pause sns
lgested that he had not told me his
name.
4 beg pardon. SIR he replied M
name = Joseph De-
sBo9 Whvs ree II NOT n If38n