I know that words of advice and encouragement will come from them. But
before I perform the duties that have been allotted to me, it is my
privilege to make a short address. Instead of doing so, I shall tell you
a little story, and it will be a different kind of a story from what I
have been in the habit of telling."
This remark caused an audible titter to arise from some of the auditors
in the galleries, and Abner Stiles, who was sitting behind Mrs. Hawkins,
leaned over and said to her, "I guess he's goin' to tell a true story."
The toastmaster continued: "More than six years ago a young man from the
city arrived in this town. It was given out that he came down here for
his health, but he wasn't so sick but that he could begin to take an
active part in town affairs as soon as he got here. They say confession
is good for the soul, and I'm goin' to confess that I didn't take to
this young man. I thought he was a city swell, who had come down here to
show off, and in company with several friends, who looked at his visit
down here about the same as I did, we did all we could for a couple of
months to try and drive him out of town.
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