Year: 1878

don't generally know how much they
have received, when the sum Is pretty
large, but / rather think they would If
il was a small one. But / will tell you
what will do. L will give you ten
dollars for half your next fee, and L
don't believe / shall lose anything by
it either. Do you accept thatY"


The minister hesitated moment and
then said: eyes well, yes; "I'll ac-
cept that-ten dollars for half the next
feeu


He soon babe him good morning and
went home to his dinner. While he
sat at the table the bell rang, and the
servant came in saying man at the
door wished to see him moment. He
found rough-looking farmer standing
there, who accosted him thus:


"Good morning, DR.. A. 1 came in to
see if you could just tie me up, this
morning. Sal and 1 have been talking
about it good while, and we've come
to the conclusion that 'tain't any use to
wait any longer"


go yes" said the doctor; "walk in,
walk in. Where do you want to be
married 7"


Right here,'' said the farmer, elf
you're willin'. SAILS in the wagon, and
I'll bring her in."


So he brought in blooming country
maid, and the minister, who had DOTTED
his gown and slipped on his best coat,
made them one, in his most impressive
! style. After the ceremony and the con-
gratulations, the farmer said:


"About the fee, minister; we hain't
got much money, but L thought your
children might be fond of pups"


Saying which he tipped up small
box, and out rolled little white pup on
the piano.


The minister could scarcely contain
his mirth, but thanked the bridegroom
and told him the children would be
glad of it, and bade him pleasant good
morning. He finished his dinner, then
putting the pup carefully back into the
box, he started with it under his arm
for the lawyers office.





him so soon again, but the pastor re-
lieved his curiosity by saying:


&C L had no idea when 1 accepted your
offer this morning that 1 should have
come so soon to claim it; and hardly
think should have accepted it so
quickly, had L known was to marry a
couple today, and receive such an un-
usual and unexpected fee. Generally
there is not much difference in them:but
this was perfect surprise to me-"


"No backing out, now," said the
lawyer; 81 that bargain was fair, and
square, and you must hold to it. Here's
your ten dollars; hand over the fee.'


The minister demurred moment and
told him he should beware how he made
rash promises again; but finally, un-
fastening the cover of the box, said.
"All right, I'll stand by the bargain. :"
tumbled out the pup upon the lawyers
desk, and with the blandest smile upon
his face, waving his hand and bowling
politely, he said: "Here is the fee,
which half will you take?"


The blank look of amazement and
disgust which overspread the counte-
nance of the lawyer, as he looked at
the roll of puppiness, was amusing to
see.


"You don't mean it-that you mar
ried a couple and that was your fee 2"


Indeed it was" said the minister,
"and the man who presented it thought
he was doing handsome thing !"


Then with hearty laugh the lawyer
handed him the gold piece, and told him
that he thought he had nothing more
to say in regard to the enriching of
ministers by wedding fees. = Baptist
Weekly.