The Belding banner-news. (Belding, Mich.) 1918-1973, 1919-04-02
AUTHOR o.
eBeN HOLDEN. pRl AND 1. pARsEL or THE BLESSED ISLE
KEEPING UP WITH LIZZIE ETC. ETC

| had told me of the evil report which
had Travelled through the two towns.
Damn, little souled, narrer con-
tracted-" Uncle Peabody, speaking In
low, sad tone, but with deep feeling,
cut off this highly promising opinion
before II was half expressed, and rose
and went to the water pail and drank.
"As long as we're honest we don't
care what they say" he remarked as
he returned to his chair.
"If they won't believe us, we ought
to show 'em the papers-ayes." said
Aunt Deel.
Thunder an Jehui 1 wouldn't 60
round the town tryin' to prove that 1
amt thief" said Uncle Peabody. TT
wouldn't make nc Difference. They've
got to have somethin' to play with.
If they want to use my name for a
bean bag let 'em as long as they do 1t
when i amt lookin'. / wouldn't won
der IL they got sore hands by an by"
i never heard him speak of ii again.
Indeed, although l knew the topic was
OltCh III Oui titOuShto IL was hCNth
mentioned in our home but once after
that, to my knowledge.
We sat for a long time thinking as
the night came on.
That week a letter came to me from
the senator, announcing the day of
Mrs. Wrights arrival in Canton and
asking me to meet and assist her i'm
getting the house to rights. I did so.
She was a pleasant-faced, amiable
woman and a most enterprising house
cleaner / remember that my first
task was mendlng the wheelbarrow.
81 don't know what Silas would do
If he were to get home and find his
wheelbarrow broken" said she. at is
almost an inseparable companion of
his"
The schoolmaster and his family
were fishing and camping upon the
river, and so / lived at the senator's
house with Mrs. Wright and her moth
er until he arrived. What wonderful
house Ii was, in my view! 1 was awed
by its size and splendor. its soft car
pets and shiny brass and mahogany
Yet ii was very simple.
/ hoed the garden and cleaned its
paths and moved the dooryard and did
some painting In the house.
The senator returned to Canton that
evening on the Watertown stage. He
greeted me with fatherly warmth.
Again felt that strong appeal to my
eye I'm his broadcloth and fine linen
and beaver hat and in the splendid
dignity and courtesy of his manners.
"rve had good reports of you, Bart,
and I'm very glad to see you." he said.
81 believe your own marks have
been excellent In the last year." ven
| tured.
Poorer than I could wish. The
teacher has been very kind to me-" he
laughed. "What have you been study
ngY
Latin Il always mentioned the
Latin first), algebra, arithmetic, gram
mar, geography and history"
He asked about my aunt and uncle
and told him of all that had befalen
4 uSt save TIE one lliiliS VI NhiNh - A~N-
spoken only with him and Sally.
81 shall go up, to see them soon." he
said.
The people of the little village had
learned that he preferred to be let
alone when he had just returned over
the long, wearisome way from the
scene of his labors. So we had the
evening to ourselves.
Mrs. Wright, being weary after the
days work, went to bed early and, at
his request, / sat with the senator by
the fire for an hour or so. ! have al
ways thought II lucky circumstance
for he asked me TO tell of my plans
and gave me advice and encourage
ment which have had marked effect
upon my career.
remember telling him that wished
TO be lawyer and my reasons for It
He told me that lawyer was either q
pest or servant of justice and that
his chief aim should be the promotion
of peace and good will In his commun'
ity. He promised to try and arrange
for my accommodation In his office In
the autumn and meanwhile to lend me
some books to read while ! was al
home.
Before we go to bed let us have 0
settlement" said the senator. "Will
you kindly sit down Mt the table there
and make up statement of all the
time you have given me7"
made out the statement very neat
ly and carefully and put 1t In his
hands.
THAT Is well DONE" said he. II shall
wish you to stay until the day after to
morrow, II you will. So you will please
add another day."
amended the statement and he paid
me the handsome sum Of seven dollars
remember that after I went to my
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