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Archiver > VERMONT > 1999-05 > 0928201580


From: "Jackie M. Botala" <>
Subject: [VERMONT-L] more old papers...
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 18:46:20 -0700


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Helping Zeke

A story told of Daniel Webster's father concerned his
son and an older brother Zeke. Mr. Webster returning from
an absence of several days asked his son, :" What have
you been doing while I was away?" Daniel's reply was,
"Helpin' Zeke."
When Zeke came into the room, he was questioned by
his father. "What have you been doing while I was away?"
Zeke's laconic reply was, "Nawhin' "
From this interchange came the expression, "Helpin'
Zeke" used to describe an interval in which little was accom-
plished.

(Contributed by Amos Eaton, South Royalton)
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There are none so deaf

Orville Dart of Monkton, totally deaf, triumphantly traded
upon his handcap. Mr. Dart and my grandfather Stone owned
adjoining land. When fencing time came around Grand-
father tried to get cooperation on the fence building. Character-
istically Mr. Darty talked loudly, looking around all the while.
Unless he watched the lips he understood nothing.
The time came when Grandfather decided to take
action. When they next met, Grandfather began "talking
fence" while Orville babled shrilly, looking anywhere but
at Grandfather.
Mr. Dart's bobbing white chin whiskers gave grandfather
an idea. He seized them quietly but firmly, controlled his
neighbors gaze successfully, and "said his say".
That year the two old men "built fence" together.
(contributed by Ethel Thayer, Brattleboro

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