The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1882-08-19

food. At present he was "obeying or
ders and beyond that his thought did
not go. 1t was, indeed, long walk he
had undertaken, and il was Just at dusk
that he reached his destination. The
Halfway House was a lonely hostelrv.
situated at the intersection of two roads.
with no other house in sight, and was a
common stopping-place for persons pass
ing to and from the city. Nat stepped
boldly upon the broad piazza in front,
and with full consciousness of his right
walked unhesitatingly into the pleasant
sitting-room. Mrs. Tracey came for
ward to meet him.
why, Nat, is that youP
"Yes'm," he answered, gravely. 81
was told to come here an get square
meal. The King sent me.
1.-The King sent youp Well, / guess
I'll have to give you supper then"
said she. "And by the way, Nat, did
you see my husband on your way herep"
Eyes m; and he said for me to tell
you he'd be home to-morrer night, an
for you not to be uneasy bout that
money"
80 dearl l did so hope he'd come
this evening"" she sighed.
She was, indeed, uneasy on account
of the money in the house. She had
slept but little the preceding night for
thinking of it, and had worried about it
all through the day, and now another
lonely night was before her. As she
was preparing supper for her guest an
other thought came to her. Could she
not induce Nat to stop there for the
nightP His notion of wandering made
it an uncertain request, and even if he
remained, with his beclouded intellect,
he could not be depended on in case of
trouble. Still he would be company,
and perhaps he might aid her-she
prayed for that-if she needed help.
NAT" she said, as she poured out a
glass of milk for him, "won't you stay
here tonight"
Il dom know whether it be orders"
he answered, uncertainty. "Parson
said the King sent out His messengers,
an they wasn't to take no money nor
nothin' to eat. an | don't know if it be
right to stop"
40 yes it isl replied Mrs. Tracey,
catching at once an idea of his thoughts.
Il heard what the parson said too.
When the Kings messenger entered
house he was to abide there-that is to
stop Don't you rememberp"
Nat considered the proposition.
"Yes m, that's His orders. II STOP"
he said.
And, Nat" pursued the lady, rem
dered eager by her success, "there's
another thing the King said-you heard
it at Sunday-school. He said:
Suffer little children to come
unto me'-that is, such little children as
mine there" pointing to them as they
stood at her side. "And the King said,
too: whoever shall offend one OF these
little ones it is better for him that a mill
stone were hanged about his neck, and
doesn wish any harm to come to his
little ones, in any way-you remember
thatp''
"Yes' M" replied Nat, absently.
"Well, then" continued Mrs. Tracey,
driving the concluding nail into her ar
gument, "if any bad men should come
here tonight, and try to hurt me or
these little ones that belong to the King,
you would help us, wouldn't your
She waited anxiously for the reply.
Nat looked at her vaguely for mo-
ment, and then his eyes wandered aim
lessly around the room, and then back
to her. Finally he said, quietly:
The King sent me. "Pll obey or
ders."
How far he understood she did not
know, and all her effort could draw out
no more definite reply, and with that
she was obliged to be content AS the
evening grew late she provided her
guest with sleeping place, in an adj
joining room, by throwing few quilts
on the tloor-for Nat would sleep no
where else-and then she lay down with
out undressing, on bed beside her chill
dren. But it was long time before
visited her troubled spirit.
As for Nat, no thought of worry or
anxiety for the future was on his mind,
and he "slept the sleep of the just"
and his dreams were peaceful. But
after a time those dreams became
disturbed and discordant-a voice
seemed to be calling to him from his
King, and presently he awakened with
a start.
MAT! help! Nat, the King wants
your came in smothered tones from
the other room.
In an instant he sprang lightly to his
feet, and grasping his stick he strobe
forward and opened the door. A fear
full struggle met his view as he entered.
Two rough, evil-looking men were there
.-one holding Mrs. Tracey, the other
the children-and the villains were evil
IDENTIFY trying to bind and gag their vic
Tins. AS Nat witnessed the scene his
tall form seemed to tower yet higher.
and strange, fierce light cleaned from
his eyes.
II belong to the Kingf" he thun-
dnrnI L littlo