Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1909-05-20

creeds and Bible history. When he
went away for his collegiate course
she was less in touch with him and he
was able to steal time from his ath.
letics to devote to his art He spent
bis vacations in neighboring city be-
fore drawing board in the ofice Of q
distinguished architect, his fathers
friend.
Douglas was not brilliant divinity
student, and he was relieved at last
when he received his degree In theol-
Dgy and found himself appointed to
small church In the middle west.
His step was very bright the morning
he nrst went up the path that led to
his new home. His artistic sense was
charmed by the picturesque approach
to the church and parsonage. The
view toward the tree encircled spire
was unobstructed. for the church had
been built on the outskirts Of the town
to allow for a growth that had not
mAterialixed. He threw up his head
and gaxed at the blue hills. with their
background Of soft, slow moving
clouds. The smell Of the fresh earth,
the bursting Of the buds. the forming
Of new life. set him thrilling with
Joy that was very near to pain.
He stopped halfway up the path
and considered the advantages Of
new front to the narrow eaved cot
tage, and when his foot touched the
first step Of the vine covered porch he
was far more concerned about new
portico than with any thought OF his
nrst sermon.
His speculations were abruptly cut
short by Mandy, who hustled out of
the door with wide smile OF welcome
on her black face and an unmistakable
ambition to take him Immediately un-
der her motherly wing. She was much
concerned because the church people
had not met the new pastor at the sta
ton and brought him to the house.
Cpon learning that Douglas had pur-
posely avoided their escort. preferring
to come to his new home the first time
alone. she made up her mind that she
was going to like him.
Mandy had long been fixture In the
parsonage. She and her worse half.
Hasty Jones, had come to know and
discuss the weaknesses Of the many
clergymen who had come and gone,
the deacons and the congregation. both
individually and collectively. She con-
fided to Hasty that she didn't blame
de new parson fer not wantin' to mix
up wild dat ar crowd"
In the study that night. when she
and Hasty helped Douglas to unpack
his many boxes Of books. they were as
eager as children about the drawings
and pictures which he showed them.
His mind had gone beyond the parson-
age front now, and he described to
them the advantage of adding an ex-
ira ten feet to the church spire.
Mandy felt herself almost an artist
when she and Hasty bade the pastor
good night, for she was still quivering
from the contagion of Douglas enthu-
siasm. Here, Mt last, was master
who could do something besides find
fault with her.
Il jes' wan to be ON de groun' de
frs' time dat Mars Douglas and dat
ere Deacon Strong clinches," she said
to Hasty as they locked the doors and
turned out the hall light. did you
done see his jaw?" she whispered.
"He look laughin' enough now. but
jes' you wait till he done set dat ere
Jaw O his'n. and dar amt nobody
what's goin' ter unsot It,"
Maybe dar amt goin' ter be no
clinchin'." said Hasty, hoping for Man
dy's assurance to the contrary.
"What:" shrieked Mandy. "Wid dat
'ere sneakin' Widow Willoughby al
ready a-tellin' de deacons how ter start
de new parson a-goin' proper?"
Now. why youse always a-pickin'
! on to dat ere widow:' asked Hasty, al
ready enjoying the explosion which he
knew his defense Of the widow was
sure to excite.
Il don like no woman what's allus
braggin' bout her clean hoors." an
swered Mandy shortly. She turned