Miriam and the Stranger by Jerry S. Eicher Read Free Book Online

so,” Mose allowed. “But that’s how it should be, don’t you think?”
    “Of course,” Bishop Mullet said at once. “Although Miriam really has nothing to do with our Amish church life out here on the prairie.”
    “But I’m going partly by your approval of her,” Mose shot back.
    “True enough,” Bishop Mullet agreed. “Now we’re back to my original question. What do you think of us?”
    Mose shrugged. “It’s hard to tell in so short a time.”
    Bishop Mullet gave him a sharp glance. “Don’t beat around the bush with me, Mose. You have eyes in the back of your head, unless I miss my guess.”
    Mose allowed the feeling of pleasure to sink in for a moment before he answered. “I take that as a compliment, and yah , I do have some questions about your practice of tractor farming and about your small number of young people. Where have they all gone? Have you been losing many of them to the world?”
    Bishop Mullet’s face shadowed. “I wish I could say we’re perfect in keeping our youth, but we did lose two more young men last fall, the Mark Yoder boys. They left about the same time, forthe usual reasons, I suppose—lusting for the world and its allure. But beyond that, we’ve managed by the Lord’s grace to keep our young people in the community.”
    Mose shrugged. “Not perfect, as you say, but not a cause for great concern. We lose ten to twenty percent in any given year. Each loss tears at our hearts, but a man must make his own choice.”
    “Very true,” Bishop Mullet agreed. “And we sorrow here also. Now on the tractor farming subject, yah , we do farm with tractors. That change in the Ordnung was pushed on us by the soil conditions, which are out of our control. We felt like…”
    Mose held up his hand. “I know. Deacon Phillips already filled me in. I don’t agree, but it’s a local matter and shouldn’t affect my interest in Miriam.”
    “You’re a deep thinker.” Bishop Mullet paused to nail on a board. “So what do you think of Miriam so far?”
    Mose looked away. “She seems to be what she’s reported to be. But I should ask you. You know her better than I do.”
    “I know her quite well,” Bishop Mullet agreed. “Miriam’s a real asset to the community, and everyone loves her.”
    “She’s almost too perfect,” Mose said. “But I take comfort that at least she has experienced sorrow in her past with the death of her fiancé. And I hear that her childhood sweetheart from Possum Valley jilted Miriam before she moved out here.”
    Bishop Mullet nodded. “This is all true, and I have nothing to add. I assume Deacon Phillips told you about the money an Englisha man left her in his will.”
    Mose pulled himself up with a start. “Money? Left in a will! What does this mean?”
    Bishop Mullet waved his hammer about. “Miriam doesn’t have the money any longer, so don’t worry. She gave it all away.”
    “Oh.” Mose let out a long breath. “You had me there for a moment.”
    Bishop Mullet chuckled. “Couldn’t let it look as if you’re marrying for money?”
    Mose remained sober faced. “Not just that, but an abundance of money calls one’s character into question—at least in my book. I’m surprised Miriam’s daett didn’t tell me this if it’s to her credit.”
    Bishop Mullet grinned. “Sounds like you’re having a difficult time believing the reports already. Maybe Miriam’s daett thought she should tell you this about herself.”
    “Then you shouldn’t have told me either,” Mose said, raising his eyebrows.
    Bishop Mullet didn’t back down. “I think Miriam will be glad I told you. She doesn’t like to speak of the matter—not to anyone, and I am the bishop.”
    Mose nodded. “So tell me more about this money. Are we talking about a few thousand dollars?”
    Bishop Mullet sobered. “No, try two million.”
    “Two million!” Mose paled.
    Bishop Mullet had a shy look on his face. “Are you wishing perhaps that Miriam hadn’t given the