The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1909-08-12

posed II bitterly, in fact, though it's
fair to say they're satisfied now. II
was make my own way or never get
there, and I was in dead earnest
about getting there, of course"
Yes" assented Peter.
He was humorously aware that he
probably thought whatever this man
thought about it, and continued tc
feel smaller and smaller as he consid.
cred the rather complacent pride he
had been accustomed to take in his
own industry-he to whom opportu.
nifty had come by natural inheritance,
and who had only just found the wit
to appreciate at its true value an en-
dowment of force and ability won by
concentrated purpose, by hardy and
indomitable struggle, before which
his lightly clerical attitude stood
ashamed.
ITS as dverting as 'Alice,'" he
assured himself. gravely. "If 1 keen
on like this | shall soon become en-.
tirely Invisible. Look out-you'll
break it," he cried aloud The faucet
was tight and the minister had caught
UP his hammer and swung 1t with
vigorous wrist.
You hit so hard!" complained Pc.
ter. wrinkling his brows
The minister laughed and dropped
the hammer. That's what comes OF
being too dead earnest" he said,
working away with his hand.
Peter watched him.
pipe wiped, ankle mended, circu-
lation started, confidence restored"
he commented dryly. 81 won't try
to express the feelings of this family
toward you and your dead earnest
ness, Mr.. Prentiss, or say what might
have happened If hadn't been sleep.
ing on Behemoth-I beg pardon!"
You needn't" retorted the minis
ter, quickly. I've worked out Behe-
moth, Mr.. Parlin-and some other
things, for myself" He looked up
at the other with little flash in his
eyes, to meet a queer but responsive
flash in Peters.
II thought" began Peter lamely
"You thought" the minister
caught him up with sturdy frankness,
you thought I was rather slow, |
dare say, and so l am. Well, now, see
here-I've gone at things with a
sledge hammer all my life--had to.
I'm not sorry for all it's brought
about can use every bit of knowl-
edge l have about everything, from
pipes to pulpits-but it naturally
hasn't left much time for-well, for
the butterfly touches
The smile that lighted up the
strong lines of his face had in it sud
denly something boyish and appeal
ing.
Peters face Slowed. At the mo-
ment he found no answer, and the
minister went on, unconsciously echo
ing Letty's words:
so | think there's been some con-
fusion of tongues between us, Mr..
Parlin. l hope it's no deeper than
that. If | haven't always understood
your language"
You don't have to-" broke in Pc
ter, curtly but heartily. II under.
stand yours-the sort of language
you've used to-night-and it's a sort
I'd be proud to speak with any mani"
Thank you" The minister stood
up, still smiling. Il don't despair
ever of the butterfly touches" he
said, ''if you will let me come some
times and take my turn at sleeping on
Behemoth." ."
Again Peters silence spoke louder
than any words, and in the new SYM
pathy between them, John Prentiss
knew it and understood.
DO we go way over to the new
mission on such night" asked Mrs.
Parlin, a month later, as Rex entered
the room after dinner, with a fine
observation-disclosures" air.
I'VE do" replied Rex, breezily,
answering for his brother and him
self When Mr. Prentiss says Coz
we go, and when he says Gomez! we
come, can tell you that"
II thought" began his mother.
with teasing twinkle, II thought
he hadn't any
Peter looked at her with an ans
wering twinkle, dry but apprecla-
tive.
He may not have any sense of hu-
NOR, but he knows how to keep the
young man in the church." he said -
Youths COMPANION.