Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country

  Chapter 41

  I got a warm welcome on Monkey Hill. John Trumbull came to dine withus at the chalet the evening of my arrival. McGlingan had becomeeditor-in-chief of a new daily newspaper. Since the war began Mr Forcehad found ample and remunerative occupation writing the 'Obituaries ofDistinguished Persons. He sat between Trumbull and McGlingan at tableand told again of the time he had introduced the late Daniel Webster tothe people of his native town.

  Reciting a passage of the immortal Senator he tipped his beer into thelap 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 Ihad rather be drenched in beer than soaked in recollections.

  'That's all right,' said Mr Opper, handing him a new napkin. 'Yes, inthe midst of such affliction I should call it excellent fun, McClinganadded. '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,"'quothMcClingan 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 excellentChristian discipline; I shall feel like opening my mouth and making aloud noise.

  McGlingan changed his garments and then came into my room and sat withus 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 acigar.

  '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 saveus and grant for us all the best woman in the world.