The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1917-11-01

was as his secret adversary that be-
took myself second time to DENLY.
It was the decision to tell Lucy the
whole truth about the matter which
first brought us into real harmony. So
/ must bless this wrong headed rascal
even while condemn him.
As Easter approached, the condition
Of Mr.. Butterfield's mind seemed to
grow worse. He formed the habit Of
taking long walks In the evening and
OF rising at an unreasonable hour in
the morning. Lucy wrote me that he
would certainly break down, and upon
the Friday before Easter l received a
very urgent letter from her begging
me to be with them on Sunday.
! could not get away In time. for
Saturday afternoons train, and l tele-
graphed Lucy that it would be impos-
sible for me to come At the last mo-
ment, however, decided to risk the
roads in my automobile, and as a re-
suit l left the Car in farmers barn
twenty miles from. DENLY and reached
that place in the farmers wagon about
II o'clock Sunday forenoon.
The sermon had begun in Mr.. Butter
fields church when crept in and took
the most inconspicuous seat No one
noticed me. My first glance revealed
to Inc that the congregation was excep-
tionally intent upon the discourse.
There was a thrill In the air that
alarmed at first, and then per-
ceiyed the flayor Of keen enjoyment.
That reverent assemblage was wor-
Shipping with fervor, and ut the same
time 1t was tasting All exquisite pleas
ure. Nothing else so delights New
England gathering as discourse which
has message that is not in the words,
yet is clear to all; something which is
perceived, but not heard; understood
without statement, appealing to the
long cherished secret opinions of the
hearers. fulfilling task which each
has striven with on his own account
The Rev. Mr. Butterfeld was answer
ing Kerwin with infinite delicacy. with
out the faintest personal reference or
recognizable quotation, yet all present
understood. They knew also tn what
way the two men who for years had
held aloof had at last been brought to-
gether. 1t looked like fate Otherwise
MFR. Butterfield might soon have passed
to his reward and never have done this
work which was his to do IN that com
munlty. He had needed personal cSpe.
rience Of kerwin's method OF attack.
the personal pain of finding no answer,
the joy of final perception that all those
arguments are really beside the issue
and that realities OF spiritual things
cannot be attacked by testimony Of
those who have not seen them because
they have studiously looked the other
way.
It was the absolute end of Kerwin' :
reputation as a spiritual adviser In
that town. and everybody felt it to be
go. But the strangest part Of it was
that Kerwin took the thrust SO well
Hc positively enjoyed it.
"The venerable villain!" said be-
meeting me after the service. "Ie has
undermined my faith. And at my ast
too! It's raseally piece Of business.
Doubtless he felt his defeat keenly
enough, though he made Jest OF 1t II
such terms Indeed, to those who knew
the man 1t was measure Of his cha
grin that he should labor SO cOnscien
| iiously thereafter to safeguard and In
crease Mr. .Butterfield's small fortune
It became passion with him. and hi
success was the wonder Of all Denly.