Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1909-03-10

jump the home corral to maverick
around loose in the alfalfa with
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.
sReally, r. he began.
Slim, however, was not to be inter
rupted. If he stopped he never could
begin again, he felt Waving to 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.
"Thats 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 deeply interested in
the story. Its charm had attracted
ho1 ohn1o or,
alike since first told 1000 years ago on
the plains of old Judea.
did he stand for it 2" 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 game old 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''-
can 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; she Rugged him.
Then he called in the neighbors, bar
becued yearlin' calf an give a 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 1 was a kid my old
man would "a fell on my neck for fair"
"That was a good story, parson. It's
straight, amt it?" asked Slim as a
wave of doubt swept over him.
cts gospel TRUTH answered the
minister. DO you know the moral OF
T 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 scornful,
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 his
chair, and Parenthesis tapped the min.
tentiOn.
Thanks. I meant to ask for a place
to change my Clothes"
"Sure you mustn't mind Sagebrush
there" apologized Parenthesis. "He's
allus maxim breaks. Let me tote your
war bag. Walk this way"
Good day, gentlemen" smiled Mr..
Price. "When you are up my way /
| trust you will honor my church with
your presence''-adding after pause
without waiting to lose an election
| bet.''
The entrance of a greaser to refill
| glasses diverted the attention of the
! guests until the most important func-
| ton for them was performed. With
"Howsw and Here's to the bridev'
they drank the toast. Slim, as major
| uOInO Oh tue IcdSl, 4clI IL luCuuDeul
upon himself to keep the others IN or.
der. Turning angrily upon Sagebrush
he said, "Why did you tell the sky
pilot where the liquor wasp
Il was just tryin' to do the right
thing" answered Sagebrush defantly
"Embarrassin' us all like that. You
ought to know that parsons don't hit
up the gasoline-in public" scolded
Slim.
sagebrush muttered sulkily, 81 never
herded with parsons none.'
Parenthesis automatically avoided
any further controversy by calling
They're gettin' ready Jim's got Jack
in the back room tryin' to cheer hin
up. Boys, is everything ready for the
getawsyY'
] ''Sagebrush, did you get that rice?''
demanded Slim
THAT'S SOL forgot I couldn't get