Eben Holden： A Tale of the North Country
BOOK TWO BOOK TWO - Chapter 41
Irving Bacheller
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BOOK TWO - Chapter 41
I got a warm welcome on Monkey Hill. John Trumbull came to dine with us at the chalet the evening of my arrival. McGlingan had become editor-in-chief of a new daily newspaper. Since the war began Mr Force had found ample and remunerative occupation writing the 'Obituaries of Distinguished Persons . He sat between Trumbull and McGlingan at table and told again of the time he had introduced the late Daniel Webster to the people of his native town.
Reciting a passage of the immortal Senator he tipped his beer into the lap of McClingan. He ceased talking and sought pardon.
'It is nothing, Force - nothing,' said the Scotchman, with great dignity, as he wiped his coat and trousers. 'You will pardon me if I say that I had rather be drenched in beer than soaked in recollections.
'That's all right,' said Mr Opper, handing him a new napkin. 'Yes, in the midst of such affliction I should call it excellent fun, McClingan added. 'If you ever die, Force, I will preach the sermon without charge.
'On what text?' the obituary editor enquired.
'"There remaineth therefore, a rest for the people of God,"'quoth McClingan solemnly. 'Hebrews, fourth chapter and ninth verse.
'If I continue to live with you I shall need it,' said Force.
'And if I endure to the end,' said McClingan, 'I shall have excellent Christian discipline; I shall feel like opening my mouth and making a loud noise.
McGlingan changed his garments and then came into my room and sat with us awhile after dinner.
'One needs ear lappers and a rubber coat at that table,' said he.
'And a chest protector,' I suggested, remembering the finger of Force.
'I shall be leaving here soon, Brower,' said McGlingan as he lit a cigar.
'Where shall you go?' I asked.
'To my own house.
'Going to hire a housekeeper?
'Going to marry one,' said he.
'That's funny,' I said. We're all to be married - every man of us.
'By Jove!' said McClingan, 'this is a time for congratulation. God save us and grant for us all the best woman in the world. _