batterfield

"The next morning, Abner Batterfield put on his best clothes, and walked to the little town about two miles distant. He didn't enter the business part of the place, but turned into a shady side street where stood a small one-story building, almost by itself. This was the village library, and the librarian was sitting in the doorway, reading a book.

Frank Richard Stockton - John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein

"'Very good, said the librarian, closing the volume of Salmon's Geographical Grammar with his finger at page 35, treating of paradoxes, and remarked: 'Well, Abner, what is it? "Then Abner Batterfield told his tale. He was going to make a fresh start; he was going to spend the rest of his life in some manner worthy of him.

Frank Richard Stockton - John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein

Nobody was ever solemn long when the Master of the House was present, and John Gayther's countenance immediately was lighted up by a smile. "I could not think of telling you a solemn story," he said, "and this one is about a peculiar character I knew. His name was Abner Batterfield, and he was a farmer. One day he was forty-five years old. He was also tired.

Frank Richard Stockton - John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein

"'Abner Batterfield, said he, 'I understand the state of your mind, and it is plain enough that it's pretty hard for you to make a choice of a new path in life; but perhaps I can help you. How would you like to be a librarian? "'Me! exclaimed Abner, amazed.

Frank Richard Stockton - John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein