The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1909-07-15

frail physique.
That he was ready for almost any
disease" his good old physician had
told him, and his congregation. after
he had tainted during service one even
ing, had packed him off. much against
his will, for summer in the noun
taius.
So it was with mingled feeling OF
annoyance and anticipation that he
left the hotel porch and hurried to his
room. Once there he pulled out bi.
cycle suit that had done little service
few years ago and. putting 1t on.
surveyed himself with critical eye
"Sort Of spindle shanks / am, sure
enough" be grinned to himself as he
thought of the sturdy figures. Of the
other men who were to make up the
party. 81 suppose it would be good
thing for me to get little more flesh
on my bones"
ave thought we'd take the steam
launch to the Willows, as we feared
the hard tramp would be little too
much for you. parson." said one Of the
men. patting his shoulder genially, as
he joined the group,
"I'm sorry to have you change your
plans for me-" Dr. Meredith replied. a
little stifly. for he felt at disadvan-
tage with these vigorous men.
"Oh. we Shall enjoy the SAIL" Miss
Curtis interrupted. noticing his annoy
ance. "And you must all drink in
great deal Of this sweet. wholesome
air. When we get little way from
land want to try some new deep
breathing exercises that read about
the other day"
"You see, DOCTOR" exclaimed another
man. you're in the hands of a re-
former, an advocate Of all sorts of
newfangled notions. If you want to
save yourself from this reform move
ment. DR.. Meredith. you'd better get
right out now and swim ashore"
"Oh. think I'll venture to go on.
especially as can't SWIM" replied
DR.. Meredith genially.
Cant swim!" one of the other men
exclaimed. "We'n have to give you a
lesson this afternoon. for vigorous cX-
ercise nf all sorts is another plank in
our platform"
"No; you can't take Or. Meredith IN
swimming this afternoon" said Miss
Curtis decidedly. "The water is too
cold for him yet. Wait till lie has
breathed this invigorating air a little
longer"
ooh. I'm as we'll as began DR..
Meredith. but as he looked at the men
and women near him, who were brim-
ming over with vitality. he hesitated.
He had intended to say. Il am rs well
as the rest of YOU" but. being truth
full man, he could not He might say.
"As / need to be-" but that was rot
true either How much better he
could do his work if he had the mus
cles of these men. their breadth of
chest and their vgor! But before he
could think Of way to end his SEN
tence some one exclaimed:
ooh. no: you're not as we'll as you
can be. Well make another man OF
you in another month
81 cannot stay another month. My
congregation needs me-" he replied
quietly,
'But your vacation was to last two
months. was it not:" Miss Curtis
asked. "Most city pastors have that"
"Yes," the man admitted. My peo-
pie did offer me two months, but" de-
cidedly. Il do not intend to take so
long"
"But, really. Dr. Meredith" Miss Cur
| It's said. "you must not go back for an
| other month.
"Oh, | shall he as we'll as needs be
in few days" the man replied stub
bornly, and at this moment the boat
bumped against the dock, and they
were at their destination.
1t had been years since John Mere
| dith had indulsed in a real picnic. At
| first he hardly knew how to behave.
| but soon be began to feel the spell OF
''the OPEN and to come more into sym.
| pathy with his companions. That they
| were right in thinking that a good
body was good thing he was obliged
to acknowledge to himself and before
| the day was over be was almost per-
suaded that some of the tcnets Of his
philosophy were incorrect. He had
about come to this conclusion when,
| late in the afternoon. they decided to
take walk TO Il nearby farmhouse.
On the way DR.. Meredith Jagged be-
hind. thinking many thoughts. He
was comparing himself. frail and
tired. with these vigorous people and
was considering how much more he
could do in the cause he loved If he
were well and strong. But would he
not I've apt to forget the spiritual if he
sncnt so much thought and time upon
the physical? Would lie not become,
as he feared these people were, too
much absorbed in the joys of living?
! Miss Curtis herself, charming with
her wonderful vitality. even lovable
n her sweet personality, was, be told
himself sharply, too insistcnt on phys,
! ical well being.
He was trying to persuade himself
of the truth Of this last statement
when suddenly down the road came
whirl of dust. the noise Of escaping
steam, dozen piercing shrieks, and in
secord the ruin Of great touring
car. with its manglcd occupants. lay
before them.