The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-11-03
PIG

\ well known congressman reiatcu 10 IS the following story:
 Quite number of years ago, while very young man. being fond of adven- ,ure, sought and obtained an appoint ment as deputy United States timber agent. position less dangerous than that of deputy marshal, but which, after all, served my purpose in tha; line. A few days after my appointment received in- s,ructions to go up White river, near the lead waters ot that beautiful stream, and stop the wholesale " felling of cedar timber on government lands. l was warned against making any show of asthonty, as the people who made their living by robbing the government were reckless if not desperate. Alter long and tiresome journey reached the neigh bo:hood of my destination, but soon recognized the fact that no, half of my difficulties had been surmounted, for although the land from which the timber ~as being cut was easily found, yet the men who were doing the work could not DC so easily identified. l, seemed that every stranger was regarded with suspi- ion, and that his approach was heralded n that rapid and mysterious manner so characteristic of mountain people. For several days wandered around hope asSl. h,,t taet intelligent man, Captain Tempney, who seemed willing 10 give me information. ] accepted an invitation to visit his home, a rude log house built in little vale and covered with wild vines.
 '' les come an see me an make yourself ai home. You needn't look aroun' for style, for you won't find it. Here Pig, bring us some fresh water The last re- mark was addressed to a girl abou, eleven years old. She had the brightest eyes ever saw, and her pretty face. peeping from under her richness of glowing hair, scminded me of moss rose She took up the wa,er-pail, and humming wild tune, disappeared.
 My wife's been dead for a long ,ime." said the captain, an me an Pig live alone"
 Why do you call that beautiful child llg,' asked, It strikes me tha: Wild Flower would be better name"
 |" Her right name is Josephine. When she was little thing l got in the habit of eallin' her Pig an have kept it up. Here, nave some fresh water Only have to go :o the corner of the house for stream pours ou, of the bluff. Fig, have we got anything 10 eat -
 Some cold possom an potatoes" she replied
 |" Fond o 'possom
 Very" l replied. and few moments later we were sitting around the table en- saged in discussing a repas, which, l think, for hungry man, could no, have been excelled After the meal the cap tain wen, out 10 look after the few head of stock which he owned, leaving Pig to entertain me.
 Do you like to live here," asked, not knowing what else to say.
 !" never have lived anywhere else" she .eplied.
 Did you ever go to school?'
 Not much, but learned how to read. Would you like to hear me read:'
 replied that would, and she took down worn copy of the new testament and began to read. Even her mistakes were beautiful. have heard great preachers and professional elocusionists read the bible, but never before had the simple story of Christ seemed SO charm ing. She finished reading, and. seating herself in a rocking chair made of small hickory saplings. she began to knit and hum her wild tune. asked her to sing, and she did sing beautifully, and as sa, looking at her in fixed admiration, I unused that my escape from love affair was only caused by the fact ,ha, she was a child.
 What is your name" she asked.
 William Rockford.
 "l1l have to call you Boots, for can't remember your name, but I can always see your boots" pointing to the high-top cavalry boots wore. May call you Mir. Boots9
 sYes."
 "Well. will she continued, @Mr. Boots are you goin' to live here all the time p
 "No, shall go away after while"
 "An' never come back any more?" :.