Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1909-03-09


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 ne'-
deal''-
Sagebrush was deeply interested in
the story. Its charm had attracted
him, as 1t had scholars and outcasts
alike since first told 1900 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 Il 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"-
San broke it," cried Fresno, slapping
Sagebrush with his hat III his delight
at getting at the climax of the story
before Slim reached it.
The narrator cast glance Of su-
preme disgust at the laughing puncher.
No" he shouted; ''he Rugged him.
Then he called i'll the neighbors, bar
becued 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
man would "a fell on my neck for fair"
THAT was good story, parson. It's
straight, amt it?' asked Slim as
wave of doubt swept over him.
Its gospel TRUTH" answered the
minister. DO you know the moral Of
the story?'
Sure" replied Slim. With conf
dence born of deep self assurance, Slim
4 launched the answer, Don't be fat
4 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
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 Sagebrush
there" apologized Parenthesis. Hes
allus maxim breaks. Let me tote your
war bag. Walk this way"
Good day. gentlemen" smiled Mr..
Price. when you are up my way l
trust you will hoYor 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
Flows" and Here's to the bride!"
they drank the toast Slim, as major
domo of the feast, felt it.. incumbent
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 was?"
II 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. II 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 him
up Boys is everything ready for the
getaway"
'Sagebrush, did you get that rice?'
demanded Slim.
'That's SOL forgot. l couldn't get
no rice, though. Dawson didn't have
none"
Without telling what he did get
, Sagebrush ran from the room to the
!. corral.
Il told you not to let him have any
thing to do with it," said Fresno
glaring at his fellow workers. Each
/ was silent, as the accusation was gen
eral, and none d been taken into
the confidence of Sagebrush and FIRES
no when arrangements were being
made for the feast Fresno had tC
blame some one, however. BY this
time Sagebrush had returned, carrying
, a bag.
I "What did you get?" asked Slim.
"Corn." replied Sagebrush laconical
ly.
"Aint he the darndest!' Show
Low expressed the disgust which thu
others showed.
"Why, darn it," shouted Slim, shak
ing his fist at the unfortunate Sage
.. brush, you can't let the bride an
groom hop the home ranch withou
: chuckin' rice at 'em. It's bad medi
cine"
"Ain't he disgustin'" interrupted
Fresno.
"What does rice mean, anyhow?
asked the bewildered Sagebrush.
ut means somethin' about wishin
i