The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-04-11
The Tennessee Blacksmith.

Near the cross roads, not far from the
Cumberland Mountains, stood the village
forge. The smith wss sturdy man OF fifty.
He was respected, wherever known, for his
stern integrity. He served God, and did
not fear man-and it might be safely added,
nor devil either. His courage Was proven.
bial in the neighborhood; and it was COM
mt n remark, when wishing to pay any per-
son high compliment, 20 say, "he is as
brave as Old Bradley" One night, toward
the close of September, as he stood aone
by the anvil plying his labors, his counter.
ance evinced peculiar satisfaction as he
brought his hammer down with vigorous
blow on the heated iron. While blowing
the bellows be would occasionally pause and
shake his head, as if communing with him.
self. He was evidently meditating upon
something of a serious nature. 1t was dur~
ing one of these pauses that the door was
thrown open, and a pale, trembling figure
staggered into the shop, and, sinking at the
smiths feet, family calculated,
"In the name of Jesus, protect me!''
AS Bradley stopped to raise the PROSTATE
form three men entered, the foremost one
exclaimiDg,
"We've treed him at last There he is j!
seize him!" ard as be spoke he pointed at
the crouching figure.
The Others advanced to obey the order !;
but Bradley suddenly arose, seized the
sledge hammer, and brandishing it about
his head as if it was sword, exclaimed,
"Back Touch him not or by the grace
OF God, Ill brain YEP
They hesitated, ard stepped backward,
not wishing to encounter the sturdy smith,
for his ccuntenance plainly told them that
he meant what be said.
"Do you give shelter to an abolitioniet 2"
fiercely shouted the leader.
81 give shelter to weak, defenceless
man" replied the smith.
''He is an enemy" vociferated the leader.
"Of the devil! !" calculated Bradley.
He is spy! an abolition hound /" ex-
claimed the leader, with increased vehe-
mence "and we must have him. So tell
you Bradley, you had better not interfere.
You know that you are already suspected,
AID if you Insist upon sheltering him it will
confirm it."
A" Sus pect ed! Suspected of what ?" ex>
claimed the smith in firm tone, riveting
bis gaze upon the speaker.
why, OF adherlrg to the North" was
the reply.
"Adheripg to the North!" calculated
Bradley, as be cast his defiant gances at
the speaker. 81 adhere to no North p he
continued 1 adhere to my country-my
whole country-and will, so help me God
as long as have BREATH be added as be
brought the sIedge hammer to the ground
with great force.
"You had better let US have him Brad
ley, without farther trouble. You are only
risking your own neck by your interier.
ence."
"Not as long as have life to defend
him." was the answer. Then pointing
toward the door, he continued, Leave my
shop!" and as he spoke be again raised the
sledge hammer.
They hesitated moment, but the firm
demeanor of the smith awed them into com.
pliance with the order.
You'll regret this in the morning, Brad.
ley" said the leader, as be retreated.
"GoP was the reply of the smith, as be
pointed toward the door.
Bradley followed them menaciously to the
entrance of the shop, and watched them
until they disappeared from sight down the
road. When be turned to go back in the