The Dolores star., 1909-07-09


but Mr.. Simpson. the pastor OF the
church. got wind Of it, and he was an
awful strict man-all Dorbury was
strickland he just determined that he
was going to make an example OF
those people. He said just what
Seraphiny said. that 1t was all the
worse because Gramma Pleasant was
old enough, after reaching so years.
to know better. and that he did want
to save the young lambs OF the flock
from the demoralizing influence OF the
old ewes. so the Rev. Mr.. Simpson
rubbed his bony hands and decided
that there must be church meeting
to set upon the case OF Gramma
Pleasant.
The envelope which bore her name
was addressed In a very strong, fine
hand, and Gramma was immensely
proud at receiving the letter. Her
daughter Hannah read 1t. and Gramma
was not SO pleased. It was a call to
church meeting. where Sister Ann
Maria Pleasant was the culprit, unce:
the charge of conduct unbecoming a
Christian"
The old lady was hardly cognizant
Of what 1t really meant and worked
her gums nervously as she tried to
make 1t all out. Her daughter was
In tears to think that at that age
Gramma had been doing something
that she really oughtn't to do. but
Gramma kept on cumming and kept
calmer than most of the rest Of the
folk.
The basement of the church where
these spiritual executions were held
was crowded with people who counted
themselves on the Lords side. The
preacher. gaunt, grim, and gray. sat
stern at the little desk which did duty
as prisoners dock. Gramma Pleas
ant was very near his side and was
smiling at the honor that had been
done her In setting her near the
preacher at this meeting.
The meeting hung fire; no one
seemed willing to accuse until one
old lady who was said to be weak.
minded. and hardly accountable for
what she said. started up a half song,
half chant:
pOOI CElulIudi, WHeTe
thine accusers?"
Then the Rev. Mr.. Simpson arose.
He put his hands together with the
ends Of his fingers very carefully
Joined and began:
my dear brethren and sisters. we
have met here upon a very important
occasion"
Gramma Pleasant went on cumming
and smiling.
we have assembled ourselves to-
gether for the purpose of making an
example to the young members of the
flock Of one of the old mothers In
Israel"
Gramma Pleasant grew anxious and
alert.
"We can forgive" and here the min
lister raised his eyes piously. "the
shortcomings Of the young, but when
1t comes to frivolity--frivolity I say,
and he stretched his long arms far
out Of his coatsleeves. "in our older
members. we feel that the time has
come to call haiti say. to call a
halt. Mother Pleasant has been among
us for many long year, and we have
looked up to and esteemed her, but 1t
comes to us upon good authority that
lately-yes, even within the present
week-she has been heard by those
in good standing in the church sing
ing upon her own porch Comm
Through the Rye and Hoe Corn and
Dig Potatoes, and we feel that II is
our clerical duty to ask the church's
opinion upon this matter"
There was gasp of establishment
on the part of the church. with the
exception OF Seraphiny. Mis-. Gillian
and Mis- Warner. and then one old
soured sister arose and said:
II move that Sister Pleasant. old as
she is. be disciplined for the good of
the younger members, for what she
will do. they will do and wuss."
Someone equally sour seconded the
motion, and then way back In the
church slender form arose and the
preacher said:
81 recognize Brother Nathan Fos-
ter"
Nathan cleared his throat IL amt
no speaker" he said, "but just tell
you I wish to the Lord you had
a-heerd Gramma Pleasant a-singin'
them songs. You kin call 1t conduc'
unbecomin' a Christian IL ye want to,
but 1t give me mighty Christian
feelin'. and amt goin' to tell no lie
at that, and went horse and tried to
sing 'em to the wilder. but the widder
made me stop cause never could
carry a tune"
What was she sinsin'?" somebody
asked.
Then seraphiny had to up and
speak:
THE first heerd her singin' was
Comm Through the Rye" and then
Sandy Sanderson. the only Scotchman
in the community. rose slowly and un-
folded his gaunt length.
III there is Ony mon here that
takes exception to thot song, Comm