It was an evening church service at St Mark's in the small quiet town of Orson, Maryland, USA, and old Deacon Carrick seemed to be sleeping as he occupied one of the back pews.
In those bygone days, some of the cardinal sins were: chewing tobacco, drinking liquor and playing cards. The message had already been preached, and the reverend was winding up the service.
He said in his usual tone, 'Deacon Garrick, will you lead in prayer?' But the old deacon was fast asleep.
Then the reverend father said in a little louder and sterner voice, 'Deacon Garrick, will you lead in prayer?' But still the old fellow still did not respond.
Finally, the vicar shouted, 'Deacon Garrick, will you lead?'
This time, the old Deacon jolted awake, and, not realizing where he was blurted out, 'It's not my lead - I just dealt.
In those bygone days, some of the cardinal sins were: chewing tobacco, drinking liquor and playing cards. The message had already been preached, and the reverend was winding up the service.
He said in his usual tone, 'Deacon Garrick, will you lead in prayer?' But the old deacon was fast asleep.
Then the reverend father said in a little louder and sterner voice, 'Deacon Garrick, will you lead in prayer?' But still the old fellow still did not respond.
Finally, the vicar shouted, 'Deacon Garrick, will you lead?'
This time, the old Deacon jolted awake, and, not realizing where he was blurted out, 'It's not my lead - I just dealt.