Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 September 1884 — Extras for the Evangelist. [ARTICLE]

Extras for the Evangelist.

An evangelist from the East made a tour to Texas for the purpose of saving some of the desperate denizens of the Lone Star State. He opened his first meeting in what is known in the State as a “tough town.” About thirty hardlooking male citizens comprised the audience. After the good man had discoursed a little and sung several revival hymns he requested that a collection be taken up to carry him further into the State. A tall and fierce-look-ing Texan, armed to the nape of the neck, passed his sombrero around, with the significant remark: “Guv liberally, boys; you’ve seen the show, and we ain’t the men to beat any showman. ” The result wfts that every man contributed something, and when the hat was passed to the evangelist he examined the contents and then remarked: “I find in this hat $4.15 and two overcoat buttons.” Holding the supposed buttons in full view, “I tvill-——” A shout and considerable laughter eut off the evangelist’s remark, and the tall man said: ’"-“Mister preacher-man, you’re clean off on overcoat buttons. Them ain’t no buttons; them are chips, good for 50 cents’ worth of licker in any ginmill this side of the Rio Grande. They’ll also git you cooked grub, stranger, if yer appetite needs it." The explanation was satisfactory and the meeting closed.— Washington Hatchet.