Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1880-10-23
THE TENNESSEE BLACKSMITH.
A STORY OF THE WAR.

i
stood the village forge. The smit
was q sturdy man of fifty. He wa
respected wherever known for hi
stern integrity. He served Go
and did not fear man--and It ma
be safely added, nor the devi
either. His courage was prOverbi
al in the neighb0rhOOd and 1t wa
a common remark, when wishing
to pay any person ~ high cOmpli
ment to say, "He is as brave as oil
Bradley" One night toward th'
close OF September, as he stoot
alone by the anvil plying his la'
b0rs, his cOuntenance evinced
peculiar satisfaction M lie brOugh
his hammer down with u ponder
GUS stroke on the heated iron
! While blowing the bellows III
would occasionally pause and shake
his head as it cOmWuning with
himself. He was evidently medi
tating upon something of q serious
nature. 1t was during one OF these
pau ses that the door was thrown
open, and IL pale, trembling figure
staggered into the shop, and, sink
ing at the smiths feet family ejac-
ulated:
"In the name of Jesus, protect
mel"
AS Bradley stopped down to
raise the prostate form, three IN ell
entered, the foremost one exclaim
ing:
"We've freed him at last! There
he is-seize him !" and as lie 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 were a sword, exclaimed:
"Back! Touch him not; or by
the grace of God I'll brain yep
They hesitated, and stepped
backward, not wishing to encoun-
ter the sturdy smith for his counte-
nance plainly told them that he
meant what lie said.
"Do you give shelter to all abo-
lutionist 7" tiercely shouted the lea
der.
II give shelter to weak, de-
fenceless man," replied the smith.
"He is an enemy!" vociferated
the leader.
"Of the devil" calculated Brad
ley.
"He is a spy! an abolitionist
hound y exclaimed the leader with
increased vehenence "and we
must have him. So [ tell you,
you had better not inter-
fere. You know you are already
and if you insists upon
him, it will confirm it,
suspected Suspected Of whatP
exclaimed the smith, in firm tone,
riveting his gaze upon the speaker.
"Why, of adhering to the North !"
was the reply.
"Adhering to the North p ejacu-
ated Bradley, as he cast his def
ant glances at the speaker. 81 adj
here to no N0rthw he continued
IL adhere to my cOuntry--my whole
will, SO help me God!
20 long as l have breath,' he ad-
led, as he brought the sledge ham,
ner to the ground with great force.
"You had better let us have him,
without further trouble.
You are only risking your own
1eck by your interference"
mot so long as have life to de-
end him" was the answer. Then
pointing toward the d0or he con-
;inued, "Leave my shop" And
Is lie spoke he again raised the
ledge hammer.
They hesitated a moment, but
he firm demeanor of the smith
WED them into compliance with
lie order.
"You'll regret this In the morning
Bradley" said the leader as he re-
"Go!" was the reply of the smith
Is he pointed toward the door.
Bradley followed them menac-
ngly to the entrance of the shop,
md watched them until they dis
from sight down the
Dad. When lie turned to go back
nto the shop lie was met by the
who grasping his hand,
exclaimed;
"Ohw how shall ! ever be able
20 thank you, Mr.. Bradley Z"
"This is no time for thanks, Mr..
Peters, unless it is to tho Lord;
you must fly the country, and that
1t once" |
"Bnt my vile and children 7"
"Mattie and / will attend to |
mem, But you must 60 to- night"
"TO-night!
Yes. In the morning if not be.
fore. they will return with a large
orce ane carry you off. and proba.
bly, hang You on the first tree. You
must leave tonight
But how p