Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1913-02-20

| SIuC6 luC gan JOoO CoLlO dShOlCs
cry member Of the congregation was
present. Even Mrs. Prince. feeble
but garrulOus, was there. Gaius
Winslow, having delivered his brood
Of children at the church door, made
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 it. With her
was man, apparently suffering from
strangulation because of the height
and tightness of his collar ITS Ca
leb Pratt, from Sandwich" whispered
Didama. Thankful Payne's relation,
you know. Have you heard what folks
arc sayln'? guess it's true. because
- Look at Ryan! you'd think he was
goin' to his own funeral
There was a 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 a
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.
81 declared" whispered Mrs. Prince,
II never see her look so pretty afore.
l knew she was the best lookin' girl
in this town, but never realized she
was such a 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 we'll mel
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 it was. When 1t 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, 1t
seemed that he could not trust him
self to speak.
my friends" he said, II cannot let
you go without personal word. l
owe you so much, all of you, that moth
ing 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. II / live, and while |
live. l shall hope to prove by the best
effort that Is In me my realization Of
the great debt 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.
MIR. Ellery," she simpered, I've
that is, Caleb and me-will prob'ly
want you to- That is. We want you to
be the one"
Yes, Miss Pepper"
"Oh, my sakes, you see 'Bishy
dear, come here minute, won't your"
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 a
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. Il wish. by
godfreys mighty, had the hangin' of
some folks! Id put tighter collar
on 'em than they've got now, bet
you'll"
The minister's lips twitched. He
knew what was coming. Hints Of a
surprising nature had been circulating
about Trumet.
Whats the matter, Mr.. PepperT
he asked
Matter? Matter enough! You know
1