The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-10-19
"l.et him die then {.

house. She treated the young man
with cool dignity. He was astonished.
He asked her To sing. She refused,
and he was amazed When he went
away, which he did very soon, the girls
father scolded her.
jeff told several OF the neighbors Of
the girls strange actions and before
bed time they called on John Sumpter,
to consult with him. They agreed
that immediate action must be taken.
jeff Magic was regarded as the coming
man of the District" Maidens had
sighed after him and young men had
envied him. To sec him thus crumble
and fall from his great social height.
was ominous of coming evil of great
consequence. A community thus di-
vided against itself could not stand.
Yes" exclaimed John Sumpter 10
acquiescence, when one of the callers
had expressed an opinion, ''an' about
the next thing we know the state of Ar
kansas will send men up here an try to
make Us live under her laws, an then
fellers will hop up an wanter go to the
Legislature. :"
The neighbors groaned.
As young novclists would say, sever
al days after the startling events detail
cd in the last chapter, the people of the
village met in John Sumpter's lecture
hall. After the singing of kind of
see-saw hymn, the work of District"
composer, John Sumpter arose to begin
his discourse when some one called
Hold on moment, please"
Every one turned in surprise and
looked in the direction from which the
voice came
Atall young man, neatly dressed, adj
vanced
''Who arc you?' demanded John
Sumpter.
''William Lockwood"
''An' what do you want in the District?
an why do you come here an poster
us when we are ut Worship"
IL haven't time now, my good man,
to answer all your questions, which are
no doubt in order and perfectly natural.
/ am amethodist minister. Conference
has granted me the gratifying privilege
to go around and preach the gospel
where it is most needed. have trav-
eled around q great deal and am fortu-
nate in finding this place. Stand aside
few moments and l will proceed to
dedicate the house to true worship"
"You git outen here" demanded sew
eral voices. .You amt got no business
a-tamperin' with us.
Brother Simmons, give us another
tune" said John Sumpter, addressing
the leader of the choir.
''Hold on!'' demanded the Methodist
preacher. 1--WE are commanded to
preach the gospel to every living crea-
ture. You are living creatures, although
you attempt to impress stranger with
the idea that you are not. l don't want
any trouble, but I'm going to preach in
this house. TO further my plans and
to increase the respect which l know
this congregation has for me, / will
state that l am regarded rs the best
pistol shot in the state" and he drew
couple of revolvers, and advancing to
the table, he showed John Sumpter's
hymn book aside and deposited his
weapons. IL would advise my hearers
that in order to enjoy that exuberance
of health which kind Providence has
bestowed, not to leave this house until
the benediction is pronounced. Hold
on, and he cooked q pistol and leveled
it at a man who rose. "Sit down" And
the man sat down.
iii any of the women desire to leave
they can do so. Women have never
had an equal chance with men, but on
this occasion have decided to grant
them special privileges. Having thus
explained, will proceed with my SER
mon.
The men were SO mystilied by the
boldness of the stranger that they sat
and gazed at him. He took text and
proceeded at once to expound his views
on the subject. He told them how they
were violating the laws of God and man
by their exclusiveness, and denounced
them for bringing up their children in
ignorance of the world.
"I'll be blamed if can stand this, "
exclaimed John Sumpter, arising and
turning upon the preacher. Several
others, emboldened by their leader also
arose.
Stand back. gentlemen said the
preacher" You know l am telling
you the truth"
You are liar,' shouted JEFF
Magic.
He's not q liar" exclaimed voice,
and John Sumpter's daughter, who had
been sitting with her face buried in her
hands, advanced with majesty which
caused the men to fall back.
'You, Lamuth," exclaimed John
Sumpter. ''What do you meanp,"
Just what say. You know that
we have all been raised in ignorance.
You know it and cannot deny it and
tell the truth"
my good girl" said the preacher,
not in the least abashed, extending his
hand. II told you would come here.
Now am here, and with your help can
accomplish much.'
"You shall have my help"
'.Well, sit down like the good girl
you are, and let me finish my sermon
for fear the congregation will become
impatient"
The congregation remained quiet du-
ring the remainder of the discourse, and
when the benediction was pronounced,
every man arose and quietly walked