Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1913-02-25

II never see her look so pretty afore
I knew she was the best lookin' girl
in this town, but never realized she
was such beauty. Well, there's
one thing sartin -we've got the hand
soonest parson and parsons wife in
this county by about ten mile and
four rows of apple trees. And there's
the other bride that's goin to be.
never see Keziah look so well nei-
ther."
The minister went UP the stairs to
the pulpit He was still white and
thin, but his eyes We're bright and his
yaice clear. He gave the opening
hymn and the service began.
They said 1t was the finest sermon
ever preached in that church, and per-
haps it was. When it was over be-
fore the benediction was pronounced
Ellery stepped out from behind the
pulpit to the edge OF the platform He
looked over the friendly faces up
turned to his and, for an instant. it
seemed that be could not trust him
self to speak.
MY friends" he said. Il cannot let
you go without a personal word
owe you so much, all of you, that moth
ing l can say will convey TO you my
feeling of gratitude and love for this
congregation and this church You
have stood by me all through You
trusted me and believed in me.
came to Trumet a stranger. | have
found here the truest friends man
could hope to find-yes, and more
than friends. If I live, and While
live, | shall hope to prove by the best
effort that is in me my realization of
the great debr l owe you and my de-
sire to repay 1t, even though the pay
ment must. OF necessity. be so made
quate. God bless you all-and thank
you"
There was much hand shaking and
congratulation and the church emp
tied slowly. Among the last to leave
were the Peppers and Mr.. Pratt.
Lavinia took the minister aside.
Mr. Eliery." she simpered, Eve
that is, Caleb and me-Will probly
want you to That is, we want you to
be the one"
Yes. Miss Pepper"
"Oh. my sakes, you see 'Bishy
dear, come here a minute, won't you?"
Ryan approached-the picture Of
desolation.
What do you want?" he asked gruf-
fly.
Heavens to Betsy, Don't look so
sour. A body'd think you was goin
to be hung, to look at you. 'Bishy, you
tell Mr.. Ellery all about 1t, there's
dear. He'll tell you, Mr.. Ellery; and
remember we count on you. Neither
me nor Caleb won't have nobody else"
She seized Mr.. Pratt by the arm
and led him hastily away. Ryan
looked after them
''Hung?" he muttered 81 wish. by
godfreys mighty, l had the hangin' of
some folks! I'd put a tighter collar
on EN- than they've got now, bet
you!"
The ministers lips twitched. He
knew what was coming. Hints of a
surprising nature had been circulating
about Trumet.
What's the matter, Mr. Pepper?"
he asked.
Matter? Matter enough, You know
what she's goin' to do? She's goin
to marry that"
The last word was emphasized by
a furious gesticulatior toward the
back of the gentleman from Sandwich
Who? Mr., Pratt? Is your sister
TO marry him? Indeed, l congratu-
late them both-and you. l suppose
Mr.. Pratt viii take his bride home
to Sandwich. and you, being here
alone, will be more free
"Free?' Ryan repeated the word
wrathfully. Free. I'll be about as
free as a settin' hen under a barrel,
| will Is teller free when he's got
two pickin' at him instead of one?
thought | was goin' to have a little
peace and comfort; l thought that
same as you, Mr.. Ellery. I've had my
suspicious as to her and him for some
time. That day when | cal'lated I'd
locked her up and come back to find
she's gone buggy ridin', thought
twas queer When she went TO con-
ference and left me alone | smelt a
rat. When she took to letter writin'
the smell got stronger; until the last
few weeks I've been sartin of the
game she was up to. When Laviny
come to me and told me what she was
goin' to do, was | obstinate! Did
stand on my rights as head of the
family and tell her she couldn't do
it? No, stree. l didn't was re-
signed. Bless you, Layiny, says /.
When you goin' to go away And
what do you s'pose she says to me?
Why, that she want goin away at all.
That-that Pratt thing has sold out
his shoe store up to Sandwich and Is
comm here TO lige. Comm to live
at our house, mind you, with her and
me, Twill be so nice for you, 'Bishy
dear. she says, to have man in the
house to keep you comp'ny and look
out for you when l amt round. God
freys mighty"
This portion of Kyan's disclosure
was surprising, if the announcement
OF his sisters engagement was not.
Mr.. Pratt is coming TO Trumet?"
the minister repeated. What for?
What is he going to do here.
Keep shoe store. / s'poss likely.
Laviuy says there's a good openin' for
one In this town. However, he and
Laviny amt got any mortgage on
the ma-ryir' business Other folks
can do it al well as them. What do
Won think of Hannah Pound5erry?"
What do I think OF her. What do
you mean"
He turned away and moved sulkily
toward his beckoning sister and her
escort; but wheeled once more to add,
in a mystic -ious whisper. Don't you
forget now, Mr. Ellery. Remember
that question l put to you: What do
YOU think of'-Yes. yes. I.ayiny, |
hear youi--of you know whos"