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! ^Fia HON CORNER OLD SHOE By JOHN H. HOSE Terry was just an old shoe, and when the new assistant pastor came to town Marg found herself dreaming of this utterly different person in serious terms—that is, until Terry proved that old shoes were the most comfortable after all. T HE screen door slammed behind Terry, disturbing the quiet of Sunday afternoon up and down Fourth street. It wasn’t the gentle slap with which screen doors are apt to close when released casual ly. There was a revolver-like bang of one wooden frame forcibly meet ing another. . In quick succession followed the whirr of a starter and the clash of rapidly meshing gears. "Well! He cettainly left in a hurry," said Mamie as she re moved her apron. "What in heav en’s name did you do to him, Marg?” f “Oh, he’s just an old sorehead!” replied Marg jo her mother’s ques tion. "We were talking about something to do for this after noon, and when I said I wasn’t interested in stalking through the woods to observe the beauties of Nature, he got huffy and went tearing out the door. That’s all there was to it! What’s more. I don’t care if he never returns,” she added as an after thought. “But it’s so unusual for Terry to act like that,” sighed Mamie, as she eased her rather ample self into an unoccupied chair in the Langley living room. “Maybe the dinner didn’t agree with him?” Mamie was always concerned with the reaction of others to the per fection of her culinary art. “He sure ate plenty, if that’s what you mean,” muttered John Langley from behind his newspa per. Marg sat on the arm of the davenport, staring vacantly up the street in the wake of the depart ing automobile. She and Terry Ul rich had been going together for three years, had kftown each other since high school days. Everyone expected them to be married some day, and until last month, Marg had more or less planned on it herself. But that was before the advent of Tom Prentiss. “I shouldn’t have been so sar castic with Terry,” thought Marg to herself as the family continued to discuss the somewhat abrupt departure of her intended, “but I wish he’d have an original idea just once. I'm so sick of his small town ways and hick notions.” Her revery was interrupted by the syrupy voice of her sister-in-law, Blanche. “I think 1 know where the trou ble lies," drawled Blanche in her easy flowing, but somewhat ag gravating tone. “She’s like all the other girls at church ever since that new assistant pastor came. All you ever hear them talk about is Tom Prentiss. Don't tell me you’ve fallen for him too, Marg?” “Blanche, dear, you can be so tiresome at times,” retorted Marg. “Since you folks are all so con cerned with Terry’s rude depar ture, I’ll leave the discussion with you. I’m going to take a nap.” This wasn't the first time that Blanche had casually read Marg’s thoughts and feelings. Marg threw herself across the bed, after turn ing down the coverlet and kicking her shoes off onto the floor. How did Blanche know about Tom Pren tiss. though? Was it so very obvious? The soft breeze of the Indian summer Sunday stirred the ruffled dimity curtains which hung at her window,, and Maig thought about Tom Prentiss. Rev. Brown had introduced Tom to the choir members about five minutes before rehearsal time eight or nine weeks earlier. He was the new assistant pastor, and would havq charge of all youth work, as well as the musical pro gram of the church. During that first hour of rehearsal, the mem bers of the choir had felt that Tom was a bib overbearing and arro gant. But the sureness with which he guided them through the diffi cult passages of the anthem for the following Sunday made them real ize that this poised young man was really a topnotch musician. After they had gone into the church sanctuary to practice with the organ, they were more con vinced than ever that the new as sistant was a youthful genius. Enthusiasm for Tom Prentiss was contagious. The following Sun day the congregation buzzed after services with talk of the new pas tor. Several said the choir had never sung so well, and the young ladies of the congregation were aware of his good looks, too. John Langley was an elder of the church, so a few Sundays after Prentiss’ arrival, John invited him to the humble abode on North Fourth Street to delve into the wonders of Mamie Langley’s cook ery. And Marg had a chance to observe Tom at close range. Throughout the meal, he spar kled with brilliant bits of conver sation, and fairly captured Mamie’s heart by'storing away huge quan tities of food. After dinner, he had insisted upon coming into the kitchen to help with the dishes. 'He expressed admiration for Mamie’s art, and went with John Into the rose garden to express his admira tion for John’s horticulture. “What a marvelous personality he has,” she thought to herself now, two weeks later. What other man ever came into this house for Sunday dinner and wound up in the kitchen afterward drying dishes? He was so common and nice. Quite a contrast to Terry who, like her father, retreated 'to the living room to sleep and read after gorging himself to the satu ration point. And the wonderful walk they had taken after dinner out along the reservoir path! Tom had told Marg all about himself. “Terry was nice, too," she thought, “but well . . . Terry didn’t say clever things like Tom. And he wasn’t gallant. Terry did the right things at the right time, to be sure, but he lacked the dash and charm which the young cleric lent to everything he did. Terry was “Why, sure, I’d love to,” re plied Marg happily. “Just wait until I get my hat.” more handsome, but Terry was definitely old shoe. . Comfortable, congenial, good quality, but not exciting. She sat up abruptly on the bed, pulling her knees up to her chin, and cocking her head to one side at her image in the mirror. She said aloud to herself, “Marg, you’re being simple about this man. He doesn’t even know you’re alive.” From the distant confines of the house, the soft notes of the door chime interrupted her rumination. She listened to see if she could identify the voice of the visitor. Hearing muffled mannish tones, she decided to investigate. Perhaps Terry had returned. Patting her soft curls into place, she dabbed a bit of powder on her nose before going down to the liv ing room. She was quite surprised to see that the caller was the much thought-about Mr. Prentiss. “Why, hello, Marg,” he greeted her as she entered the room, “I was just out extending invitations to the choir members for a big steak fry we’re planning for Friday evening at the lake. You’ll be there, of course?” “You know you can count on me, Tom,” replied Marg, brightening noticeably in the presence of the j young minister. “And you’d better add an extra pound of steak, be cause my appetite’s pretty keen in the open air,” she added gayly. “If you’re not doing anything im portant, Marg,” continued Tom, “I’d like to have you go along with me to notify the other members.” “Why, sure. I’d love to,” re plied Marg happily. “Just wait un til I get my hat.” A few minutes later, they left the house in a whirl of excitement. Mamie watched them placidly, ana then she remarked to Blanche, “You know, Blanchie, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if you were right about Marg and that young preacher.” Marg and Tom chatted noisily as they drove from place to place, but if Tom was awye of Marg’s feel ings for him, he didn’t reveal it. Marg found Terry quite recov ered from his anger when she saw him the following Friday at the steak fry. In fact, he greeted her as though nothing had really hap pened the previous Sunday. “Hi, Marg,” he shouted to her when she arrived with a group of friends. “Come on over and help me build this fire!” Marg returned his greeting and sauntered to where Terry and sev eral other young men were build ing the big fire. “Where is everyone?” she asked. “Most of them are meeting at the church,” said Terry. “We came out ahead to get the fire really. Who brought you?” “Jane Perkins brought four of the girls out from work,” replied Marg. “We didn’t even bother to go home; just met Janey at the square.” “Oh,” said Terry. “Well, make yourself useful. You can cut those buns in that big box over there on the table.” “O. K„” replied Marg good- naturedly. While she was cutting the buns, Terry came over to patch things up. “I’m sorry about last Sunday, Marg,” he said. “I guess I was a bit rude.” “Oh, forget it, Terry,” she said, “I wasn’t very nice either.” Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the others. The noisy group came tumbling out of the cars. Marg didn’t notice the lovely, blonde girl with Tom Pren tiss in the bustle of the arrival. But a few minutes later, she was brought face to face with the stranger when Tom introduced them. “Here’s Marg Langley, honey,” he said to the young woman at his side. “She’s the best alto in the choir. Marg, I want you to meet Louise, my fiancee.” Marg tried to cover her sur prised confusion, and she wondered if Louise Collins hadn’t seen how surprised she had been when Tom introduced her as his fiancee. After the group had satiated its appetite on the steaks and other refreshment, they gathered along the shore of the lake to sing the old songs. Marg felt Terry slide into the grass beside her, and wondered if he knew. When they were sing ing “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” he gently slid his hand into her own, and a little thrill tingled through her as he whispered: “Marg, do you know you’re really lovely with the moonlight in your hair? How would you like those two bright stars up there for ear rings?” “Why, Terry,” Marg answered quietly, “what a beautiful speech. What’s got into you?” “Gee, Marg . . .” he stammered, “Ever since I can remember I’ve dreamed about you and me . . . how lovely you are, but I’m not very good at making speeches . . . or making love, for that matter . . . but here tonight by the lake, the moonlight, the fire and every thing .. I guess any guy’d want to say something nice to the most wonderful girl in the world, wouldn’t he?” Marg returned the pressure of his hand as she brushed aside the guilty thought that she had doubt ed her love for Terry. Terry wasn’t such a bad stick after ; all, and maybe she’d ask the Rev. Tom Prentiss to officiate at their wee ding in the spring. That would be a nice touch at that! The voices floated out over the waters of the lake, and Marg turned to look into Terry’s earnest eyes. “Terry,” she whispered, “you’re so nice—so comfortable!” Jute A Mountain Apart Grace Noll Crowell W HENEVER the Master could. He Stole away From the great throngs to seek some cjuiet place Where He could be alone, where He could pray, Where God could come to meet Him face to face. Strange Strength is ever born of solitude; The. heart today grows weary of its care And over-burdened . .. God, it would be good To seek a mountain side and find Thee there. Christ Sole away at evening to the hills. So should we go, the press of the day’s work done, To seek some quiet place where the luSt light spills The radiant splendor of the setting sun, 'And kneel to pray. How often we have lost The way to solitude, and at such coso! THE NEWBERRY SUN. NEWBERRY. S. C. Weather Vane by Carl Starr ! HAIL FALLS ALMOST EXCLUSiVCLY IN CONNECTION WITHTHUNDER- J STORMS. LARGE HAILSTONES g GENERALLY HAVEAHOLLOW CENTER, SURROUNDED BY S LAYERS OF ICE WHICH MAY BE ALTERNATELY CLEAR I AND CLOUDY. JP SEWING CIRCLE PATTERNS SPEAKS ■ l^TlflllT^rnal.ottAi' Un d orm UillllH S'jridn7 School l.^r.s 1^1 By Pft. KEKNETH ), FOREMAH ^iecitiy ^Jailored C^iaAdic Styte ZJwo - j-^iece ^drocL id ^dlatteriny Jf] By Tom Gregory Home owners who have cisterns will find this self-cleaning strainer a SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF KEEPING THE EAVE CON DUCTOR PIPES FROM CLOG GING. CUT AN OPENING IN ONE SIDE OF THE PIPE JUST BELOW THE TIN BAFFLE PLATE SOLDERED INSIDE. SOLDER SEVERAL STIFF Wires to the opposite side OF THE PIPE WITH THE FREE ENOS PROJECTNG OUT. OF THE OPENING AT AN ANGLE. LEAVES AND TRASH WILL SLIDE DOWN THE WIRES AND OUT THE OPENING. Ip YOUR KITCHEN CHIMNEY IS blocked off from the wind by a HIGHER PART OF THE HOUSE IT ISnV NECESSARY TO PUT A LONG EXTEN SION PIPE ON IT TO PREVENT DOWN- DRAFTS. A SHEET-IRON SHELF SUP PORTED ABOUT TWO INCHES ABOVE the top of the chimney is just AS EFFECTIVE AS AN EXTENSION PIPE IN PREVENTING DOWNDRAFTS AND IS NOT SO LIKELY TO BE BLOWN OVER BY HIGH WINDS. SBCCTSCCra MAHONEY : MISSOURI UNIV. STUDENT HAD CON SOLATION AFTER THEIR ELEVEN WAS POUTED BY OKLAHOMA A FEW WEEKS ACO.TVE STU-, DENT, A PLEDGE, WAS AWARDED A PRIZE FOR PICKING UP THE MOST EMPTY CIGARETTE PACKS OUT OF STADIUM DEBRIS! ArP.dgNERES. tulane UNIVERSITY BUSINESS MANAGER OF ATHLETICS, HASNT MISSED A WAVE FOOTBALL GAME IN 27 YEARS OTHER AT HOME OR ON THE ROAD." SCRIPTURE: Matthew S; Luke 3:1- j 23a: 7:18-35: John 1:19-34. DEVOTIONAL READING: Luke 1:59- 67. 76-80. l No Greater Prophet Lesson for January 23, 1949 ALL the characters in his- I tory, which one do you ad mire most?” We know how Jesus answered that interesting question. He had a great ar ray of personages from whom to make his selection. But he took as the Great Man of all time, up to his own generation, no he roic figure from the past, no king, general, scholar or prophet. The great est man, for Jesus at least one so great that he could think of none greater—was one of his own contemporaries, a - cousin of his who was in jail at the time when Jesus said of him, “Among those bom of women none is greater than John.” Known to us as John the Baptist, that is, John the Baptizer, we seldom realize i either his greatness or the close connection between his life and that of Jesus. John of the Jordan W E DO not know how much Jesus himself owed to John. We do know that John was the man who first called the publics atten tion to Jesus. John it was who gave some of Jesus’ most important dis ciples their first training; John who introduced to Jesus, and turned over to him, some of his own, fol lowers. It may be significant too that Jesus’ first preaching was iden tical with that of John (compare Matthew 3:2 and 4:17). Some Christian scholars have gone so far as to suppose ihat it was John’s preaching that stirred the young 'carpenter from Nazareth to leave his shop and begin his great work as teacher. Whether this is so or not, we do know that it was the baptizing by John which led to the baptism of Jesus, and that Jesus’ baptism was the turning-point between Jesus’ private life and his short and stormy public career. It is quite clear that if there had been no John the Baptizer, the story of Jesus would have been very differ, ent from what it actually was. • * • Otily a Voice J OHN’S own picture of himself is not a picture at all. When they asked him to say what he was, and half-expected him to declare that he was the Messiah, the long- looked for King, John said only, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” John, so far as we know, never accepted dinner invita tions, he was never under the roof of any friend, and he had no roof of his own. People even called him demon-possessed, he was so far removed from ordi nary life. But Jesus was always in peop’a’s homes. That is one reason why ie greatness of John fades before the greatness of Jesus, for a Voice makes a poor companion. Jesus had the human sympathy that John lacked, and John well knew thig. “He must increase, but f must de crease,” he said. * • * Repentance: Seed and Fruit N evertheless the voice spoke truth. John must have been a powerful preacher, for his meetings were held miles from the nearest town, so that to reach him from Jerusalem one would have to travel through wild country in fested with bandits. Few modern preachers, without benefit of ad vertising, music or choir, without even a tent, would dare to start a revival meeting 15 rough miles 'out of town. But John did—-and the people came in crowds. We do not have the full report of his preach ing that we have of the preaching of Jesus, but we do know that he broke the hard crust of his listen ers’ conscience. He made them see how unfit they were for the Kingdom of God for which they prayed; he broke down their pride till they went down to the Jordan and were baptized under the open sky, in public confession of their sins. When men asked him. What shall we do? John did not have the full er, higher message that Jesus later had. Bu,t he did make plain two things about the good life, the life that pleases God: it cannot even begin without repentance and con fession of sin, but it does not end there. Repentance is not a simple granite milestone on life’s way; it is a seed which if it is real will bear fruit. (Copyright by the 1 rternational Couucil of Religious Education on behalt ol 40 Protestant denominations. Released by nrtJTT JTaattireS.) 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