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THE SOCIAL WAR OF 1900; OR,

you seldom have anything favorable to say of the male gender," responded General Armington.

To these sentiments the deacon ironically replied: "Certainly Miss Armnington could not well feel otherwise toward a man who saved her life, for he must be a brave and worthy (?) creature."

"Thanks, Deacon Stew," she said. "I am not ungrateful; moreover, dear father, I feel that we should employ the best medical talent to save Mr. Juno from a tedious and protracted illness."

"You are very thoughtful, my darling," responded the parent. "I think the deacon is about the best judge who is skilful in the medical profession; moreover, brother Stew, you would be the ablest man to select a good, pious doctor, as I believe greatly in the virtue of grace, which you know must be attended with heavenly results."

"General, your wisdom, and Christian worth and valor charm me, and whilst you were speaking, my mind was directed to a plan, or rather to a very eminent Christian physician, who never fails in the fulfilment of anything he undertakes; that is, if it is in the power of sinful mortal to perform," responded the jealous and hypocritical deacon.

CHAPTER IV.

PAT O'CONNER BLARNEYS THE DEACON.

WHILST Deacon Rob Stew was conjuring up a lot of shrewd deviltry, and preparing himself to win to his heart the fine Lady Armington, an other scene was being enacted in the house of General Washington Armington.

Pat O'Conner, a peculiar disciple of the Roman Catholic Faith, was conspiring with Judy McCrea, both servants to General Armington, who hated Deacon Rob Stew with a bitter hatred; and their cunning plots to oust his deacon-