The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1864-04-02
THE TENNESSEE BLACKSMITH.
A STONY OF THE WAR.

Near the cross roads, not far from the
Cumberland Mountains, stood the villagers
forge. The smith was 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 the devil either. One night, to-
ward the close of September, as he stood
alone by the anvil plying his labors, the
door was thrown open, and a pale trem-
bling figure staggered into the shop, and
sinking at the smiths feet, family eiacu-
lated
"In the name of Jesus, protect me -
As Bradley stopped to raise the PROSTATE
form, three men entered, the foremost one
exclaiming.
We've freed him at last There he is
seize himl' and as be spoke he pointed
at the orouching 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 were a sword, exclaimed
"Back Touch him not, or, by the grace
of God, I'll brain ye''
They hesitated, and stepped backward,
not wishing to encounter the sturdy smith,
for his countenance plainly told them that
he meant what he said
DO you give shelter to an abolitionist 90
6ercely shouted the leader.
Il give shelter to weak, defenseless
man." replied the smith.
HE is an enemy F." vociferated the
leader.
"Of the devil !" calculated Bradley.
''He Is a spy an abolitionist hound -
exclaimed the leader, with increased vehe-
mence ''and we must have him. Sol tell
you, Bradley. you had better not interfere.
You know you are already suspected, and if
it."
"Sus-pec ed ! Suspected of what 90 e1-
claimed the smith, in firm tone, riveting
his gaze upon the speaker.
"Why, of adhering to the North" was
the reply.
"Adhering TO the North % calculated
Bradley, as he cast his defiant chances at
the speaker. 81 adhere to no North % he
continued 81 adhere to my country-my
whole country-and will, so help me God
as long as have BREATH he added, as he
brought the sledge hammer to the ground
with great force.
"You had better let US have him, Brad
ley, without further trouble. You are only
risking your own neck by your interfe-
renee"
mot SO long as have life to defend him,
was the answer. Then, pointing toward
the door, he continued, leave my shop ~
and as he spoke he 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 morning, Bradley
said the leader, as he retreated.
$50 - was the reply of the smith, as he
pointed toward the door.
Bradley followed them menacingly to the
entrance of the shop, and watched them
until they disappeared from sight down the
road. When he turned to go back into the
shop he was met by the fugitive, who, grasp
ing his hand, exclaimed.
"Oh how shall ever be able to thanh
you, Mr. Bradley ?"
"This is no time for thanks, Mr.. Peters
unless it is to the Lord you must hy the
country, and that at once
'But my wife and children 90
''Mattie and viii attend to them. Blu
you must go to-nightp'
Tonight %
At this moment young girl hurriedl.
entered the chop and said:
Father. what is the trouble tonight 2
Her eye resting upon the fugitive, she sp
preached him, and in symp-thizing tone
continued, ''Ah, Mr.. Peters, has your turf
come so soon go
This was Matte. She was a fine ros
girl just passed her eighteenth birthday AN
: the sole daughter of BradIey's home an
Laa.A q. - l.. al - e. IL bnn