Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1913-12-18
ince the San Jose came ashore.

Oh children at the church door, made
a special trip in his carryall to fetch
the old lady. Captain Zebedee and
Mrs. Mayo beamed from their pew.
DR.. Parker and his wife smiled at
them across the aisle. Didama Rogers
new bonnet was a work Of art and
her neck threatened to twist itself off
as she turned to see each one who
came in.
Lavinia Pepper sailed to the front.
She was dressed In a new black al
paca which rustled SO very much like |
silk that nearsighted people might |
have been deceived by 1t. With her (,
was man, apparently suffering from |
strangulation because of the height
and tightness Of his collar. TITS Ca
leb Pratt, from Sandwich" whispered
Didama. Thankful Payne's relation,
you know. Have you heard what folks
are sayin'? l guess it's true, because
- Look at Ryan! you'd think he was
goin' to his own funeral
There was stir at the door. All
heads swung in that direction-all
but Mr.. Peppers, that Is. The minis
ter and Grace were coming up the
aisle and behind them came Captain
Nat Hammond and Keziah Coffin. Nat
was smiling and self-possessed. New
er before in his life had he entered
the Regular meeting house as
worshiper, but he seemed to be bear
ing the ordeal bravely. 1t was Grace's
first visit to the church, also, and she
was plainly embarrassed. To be stared
at by eighty-odd pairs of eyes. and to
catch whispered comments from the
starers' tongues, is likely to embar-
rass one.
Yet the comments were all friendly.
Il declared" whispered Mrs. Prince,
~ never see her look so pretty afore.
| knew she was the best lookin' girl
in this town, but | never realized she
was such a beauty. Well, there's
one thing sartin'-weve got the hand
soonest parson and parsons wife in
this county, by about ten Rble and
four rows of apple trees. And there's
the other bride that's goin' to be.
never see Keziah look so well nei-
Their"
The minister went up the stairs to
the pulpit. He was still white and
thin, but his eyes were bright and his
voice 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 1t was. When it was over be-
fore the benediction was pronounced
Elery 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, II
seemed that he could not trust him
self to speak.
MY friends" he said. Il cannot lie
you go without personal word.
owe you so much. all of you, that moth
, ing | can say will convey to you m,
feeling Of gratitude and love for thi
congregation and this church. Yo'
have stood by me all through. Yo
trusted me and believed in me.
{ came to Trumet a stranger. | hav
found here the truest friends a ma
. could hope to find-yes, and NOR
than friends. If l live. and while
{ live, | shall hope to prove by the bes
! effort that is in me my realization {
= the great debt | owe you and my d.
i sire to repay 1t, even though the pa.
t ment must. Of necessity, be so mad
:, quate. God bless you all-and than
u q you"
There was much hand shaking an
congratulation and the church EN-
= tied slowly. Among the last to leaN
were the Peppers and Mr.. Pratt
p Lavinia took the minister aside.
1t Mr.. Ellery," she simpered, I've
that is. Caleb and me-will prob
a want you to That is. we want you
= be the one"
Yes, Miss Pepper"
Q ooh. my sakes, you see 'Bisf
e dear, come here a minute, won't you
D. Ryan approached-the picture
u desolation.
y What do you want?" he asked grt
y fly
u Heavens to Betsyl Don't look
IL sour A body'd think you was goi
to be hung. to look at you. 'Bishy. "
Z tell Mr.. Ellery all about 1t, there's
dear. He'll tell you. Mr.. Ellery; al
4 remember We count on you. Meth
4 me nor Caleb won't have nobody else
z She seized Mr.. Pratt by the al
X and led him hastily away. KY
z looked after them.
Z "Hung?" he muttered. Il wish,
q godfreys mighty. l had the hangin
. some folksl I'd put tighter coll
z on 'em than they've got now, |
you'll"
h The minister's lips twitched.
n knew what was coming. Hints OF
II surprising nature had been circulate
IA about Trumet.
= whats the matter. Mr.. Pepper
"a he asked.
"a Matter? Matter enough! You KIN
what she's goin' to do? She's go
= to marry that!'
The last word was emphasized
furious gesticulation toward
back of the gentleman from Sandwi
Who? Mr.. Pratt? Is your sis
ne to marry him2 Indeed! l congra
late them both-and you. l supp