Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-01-17
THE ELDER AND THE CHILDREN.

The presiding elder of a certain district Of
Kentucky, in other years was New England,
man, named Hawkins. He was a genial, So
cial, easy going man, making friends wherever
he went, and if he did not display great cru
dition in his sermonising he at least preach
ed with spirit and with understanding. On
a certain occasion the elder paid his first Wis
it to an outlaying settlement of his district,
having been notified that while there he would
find quarters with Brother Buford. The day
was just closing when he arrived at the dwell
ing Of Brother Buford, and his host, expecting
him, was on hand to receive and welcome
him, which was done right warmly. His
horse given to the care of a servant, and with
his saddle-bags upon his arm, he followed his
guide into the house, where he was presented
to Mrs. Buford, a pleasant-faced, smiling
woman, in the prime of life, who welcomed
him in a manner that made him feel at home
at once She took his saddle-bags, and gave
him a seat, and shortly, with her husband,
sat down for chat.
The day was declining, and the night creep
ing on, and as the candles had not yet been
lighted, the low.studded room, shaded by
the broad roof of the piazza, grew to be
quite gloomy as the conversation progressed.
They had talked of the weather, of the crops,
of the progress of civilization, and the spread
of the Gospel, when door opened, letting in
the grateful aroma of broiling chicken and
griddle-cakes, and also giving ingress to
bevy of children-six ofthem. The Elder, a
little near sighted at best, in the gathering
gloom could only distinguish that the children
were all young, part boys, and part girls.
The foremost was boy, who came boldly for
ward, and whom the elder caugh by the arm.
"Aha, my little one, what is your name p
Johnny Buford, sir"
"a fine boy, I declarep And he kissed
the sturdy shaver upon the cheek. He knew
such things were pleasing to parents, and
then he was fond of children.
The next was girl.
Now, my little lady, what is your name p
"I'm Sissy Buford, SIR
"Ard I hope you try to be good little
girl" And he gave her hearty smack.
And 80 he went through with the lot. He
heard the host and the hostess Glitter, and he
fancied that the good woman had her hand
kerchief over her mouth, and that the chair
in which Mr.. Buford sat shook as though its
occupant had an ague fit.
"a fine lot of children" declared the FL
der. "What treasures they are to house
hold. All! how I pity the man and wife
who are condemned to live on, year after
wear, without blessed children. You must be
proud of your family, Brother Buford."
At this point Mrs. Buford could contain
herself no longer. The compressed handker-
chief was of no avail. She burst into laugh,
long and hearty, and her husband uproarious-
ly followed suit. -,
The Elder was astounded. What could
it mean?
Just then two servants entered, one to bring
lighted candles, and the other to announce
that supper was ready.
And then the good Elder saw. There stood
the six children-beautiful children their
ebon faces cleaning in the candle.light like
so many aces of spades little wooly-headed
nigs, every one! Mr.. and Mrs. Buford had
never had children Of their own, and they
had petted these juvenile darkeys until the
ietty little rascals had become as irrepressible
on the premises as 80 many favorite cats and
dogs.
Mrs. Buford laughed again when she saw
the Elder vigorously wiping his lips; but over
the well.6lled supper table the tide of feeling
was soon turned to forgetfulness of the ludi-
crous faur pas. g. c., JR.