Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 92, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 February 1912 — WAS NOT GRATEFUL [ARTICLE]

WAS NOT GRATEFUL

REV. HENRY DISAPPOINTED IN COL. BULLION. High Hopes Raised by Story He Had , Wore Rudely Dashed> Though He Had by No Meane „ Been Forgotten, ■ = ¥ ‘ The little country clergyman had Just read that very charming anecdote now going the rounds of the press telling how Mr. John W. Gates, the other day, on meeting the minister who had married him 40 years ago, after greeting him warmly, said to him: "When you married me I only gave you a flve-dollar fee, but I’ll make up for It now," and drawing out his checkbook he drew and presented to the astonished clergyman a draft for a thousand dollars. The little country clergyman rubbed his eyes when he read this, and then he read it aloud to his wife. ‘‘That is perfectly splendid,” he said. > ‘‘R certainly is,” replied the good lady. “By the way, Henry, didn’t you tell me that It was you who married Josephine Hickenlooper to Col. Bullion of the Shingle trust?” “Yes; it was 35 years ago. He paid me two dollars for tying the knot,” returned the clergyman. “Well, I should say,” said the good lady, “that If these millionaires are going to make a habit of this thing it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to meet the colonel casually some day and remind him of it." “Curious coincidence,” said the little minister, “but do you know, Maria, I was thinking that very same thing myself.” “Well, Henry, dear, don’t let any grass grow under your feet,” said Maria. “If I were you I’d go to New York to-day, while this anecdbte Is fresh in the public mtad, and sort of get in touch with Col. Bullion. Who knows but that he has just read it hlmßelf and is thinking of you at this very momMit!” Hence it was that the next morning found Rev. Henry lingering about the portals of the massive office buildingin which Col. Bullion attended to business, and sure enough along about eleven o'clock the Impressive figure of the colonel was to be seen making its way through the crowded highway. “Why, Bill, how are you?” said Rev. Henry, extending his hand, as Bullion entered the corridor. “Morning,’’ Bald the colonel, glowering at him darkly and trying to get by. “You don’t seem to remember me. Bill," said Rev. Henry. "Don’t you remember that I married you to Josephine—” “Remember youj” roared the colonel. “Remember you? I’d give SIO,OOO if I could forget you. You are my most persistent nightmare. When I think of what I got for that twodollar bill I gave you 35 years ago for tangling me up for the rest of my natural life you ought to thank your stars I don’t Jump on your ding-basted neck*. Get out of here!” And Rev. Henry went back to hie flock.—Harper’s Weekly.