The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-07-16

Immediately Alvin forgot the pend
ing suit An extravagant soul of hope
awoke within him. He set his wits
at work.
The young minister was called away
from town temporarily. One evening
there was. a church sociable. Alvin
was always the life and leader of
such functions. Viola was also there.
It was after the rejection that Alvin
raped on a table for order and atten-
ton
Friends" he said, placing a box be-
fore him, 81 have something to say
before we go up to our homes. This
Is the best church in the world-f1xed
up. Our splendid young pastor is the
best preacher in the world-paid up.
We've all got into a mean and stingy
rut. Let's get out of it"
The church deacons looked askance,
the lay members curious and excited.
You know I'm sort of dabbler in
Inventions" proceeded Alvin. placing
his hand on the box. This is my
latest one. It's called the cash an
nunciator,' and I've got it up especial
ly for this church"
Alvin took off the cover of the box.
amid grim, expectant silence. Then
he placed beside it some coins.
This is my patent collection box"
he proceeded, and want the church
to adopt it. My contribution will be
the coins you see here. Now observe:
| wish to donate a dollar"
He slipped silver dollar through
the slot in the box. A mellow tinkle
seemed to gently thank the donor.
Half dollar" announced Alvin.
This time the apparatus was less
musical. There was a sort of rasping
reproach for acknowledgment.
twenty-five cents"
A hoarse. cracked bell note rang out.
Ten cents" the bell tangled nois-
lily.
"One cent" spoke Alvin finally.
An unearthly racket came from the
box. 1t seemed to pursue the donor
with a chorus sounding like stones
thrown against a metal plate.
The audience snickered-some of
them roared with laughter. Misery
John Duke, the richest man in town,
looked sheepish Robert Jones. sec
ond in social importance, scowled Sc
verely. Then the corner of his lips
began to witch.
Mr.. Draper" he spoke out, you
can put a five-dollar attachment for
me regularly on that invention of
yours"
III make it ten," announced Mr..
Duke, after pause.
Yes, mo more pennies" spoke up
Deacon Smith. You've given us a
good lesson, Mr.. Draper I'm for ap.
preciating the old church and the
young minister as they deserve to be-"
The following Sunday showed prac.
teal results, the next better still.
That week Alvin received a letter
which he greeted with a hurrah--his
suit was won.
He met Viola, her face beaming,
that afternoon. She had heard of his
success. Also that he was going to
accept the offers of the manufactur.
ers, give up inventing, and engage in
practical business undertaking.
Il must congratulate you on your
good fortune" she said brightly. And,
oh! what magic wonders you have &C.
complished with the church. The trus.
tees have raised five thousand dollars,
and my brother will be taken care OF
as he should"
1--WE sort of reformed them?" insin.
uated Alvin, and he came a step near
er with the old-time love light shining
In his eyes. 1--WE reformed myself
too, Viola. Is there any hope?"
Alvin" said Viola frankly, Il am
afraid mean l must confess that
you have invented new way to reach
my heart"
Copyright. by w. g. Chapman)