The Springdale news., 1909-06-08
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ILONI tNtfb.1 VI
 Alrs. Wiloughby hesitated Miss Perkins was certainly taking long while for her argument with Julia. The glow from the red powder outside the window was positively alarming
 Dear mel she said I wonder 1T there can be fire * And with this pretext for investigation she, too, joined the little group at the window.
 A few moments later, when Douglas entered for q fresh supply of paper, he backs of the company were to- ward him He crossed t. tue study table without disturbing his visitors and smiled to himself at the eager way in which they were hanging out of the window.
 Douglas was q sturdy young man Of eight and twenty, frank and beyish in manner. confident and light hearted in spirit He had seemed too young to the deacons when he was appointed to their church, and his keen enjoyment of outdoor games and other heaithfui sports robbed him of certain dignity in their eyes. Some of the women of the congregation had been inclined to side with the deacons, for it hurt their vanity that the pastor found So many other interests when he might have been sitting in dark, stuffy rooms dis cussing theology with them, but Doug las had been either unconscious of or indifferent to their resentment and Io pp te x4stfh h Il rhanry nod and an unconquerable conviction of right that had only left them founder ing He intended 10 quit the room now unnoticed, but was unfortunate enough to upset fl chair as he turned from the taDle This brought chorus of exclamatlons from the women, who, chattering rushed quickly toward him.
 What dc you think of my naughty boy. Willets simpefed fhe widow He dragged me quite to the window"
 Douglas glanced amusedly first at the five foot six widow and then at the helpless red haired urchin by her side, but he made uo comment beyond offering chair te each ef the women.
 Our choir practice had to be entire ly discontinued declared Mss Per ktns soufly as she accepted the prof fered chair adjusted her skirts for stay and glanced defiahtlt tt the par son. who had dutifuiy seated himself near the table
 T am sure 1 have as true an ear IS anybody" whlmpered the widow, with an injured air But l defy any one to lead What Shall the Harvest Be- te an accompaniment like that She jerked her hand in the direction of the window. The band WAS again playing the "hoochee eooehee
 Never mind about the choir prac- tice,' said Douglas with smile. Tt is soul. not skill, that our congregation needs in it's music As for that music out there, 1t is not without it's compen sations Why, the small boys would rather hear that band than the finest church organ in the world
 And the small boys would rather see the circus than to heal you preach. most likely" snapped Miss Perkins IL was adding insult to Injury for him to try to console her
 "Of course they would, and se would some of the grownups if they'd only tell tue truth about l." said Douglas laughing
 w hatt4 exclaimed Miss Perkins.
 Why not?" asked Douglas T am sure l don't know what they do Inside the tents but the parade looked very promising"
 ".rhe paradem the two women eeh oed In one breath. Did you see the paradef"
 Yes indeed said Douglas enthus= astieally. But it didn't compare with the one l saw at the age of eight" He turned his head to one side and looked into space with a reminiscent smile The widows red haired boy crept close to him.
 "The Shetland ponies seemed as small as nice" he continued dreamiiy the elephants huge as mountains, the great ealliope waited my soul to the very skies and l followed that parade right into the circus lot"
 Did you seed inside de tentf" MI lie asked eagerly
 T didn't have enough money fol that" Douglas answered frankly. H. turned to the small boy and pinchet his ear There was sad disappoint