The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-11-14

tor as there were many things about the
farm that would be very interesting to one
who had been moved up in some fort or tower
most of her life.
Having a great love for nature and fresh
air, she started out with her Uncle David,
who was making the rounds of his large
farm and looking after the laborers The
spirit of the elders sermon seemed to possess
him, and everything he looked at seemed
wrong. He had word of criticism for
every man, and every man looked sullen or
vexed at his presence
One pale looking boy who was trying in
vain 10 guide a stubborn horse while he held
a cumbersome pillow, was ordered to quit and
go home.
When he asked if there was not some light
work that he could do, Plumfield replied that
be would not be bothered with any but
those who could go through thick and thin.
Jessies heart went out after the boy as he
took up his thread bare coat and went away.
Late that afternoon as she was taking walk
she saw the same boy assisting woman and
girl in O garden, aud stopping to admire
some flowers learned that the two were his
mother and sister
Looking at their humble surroundings Jes-
sic felt that it was very unjust OF her
| uncle to not provide some kind
of light employment for the boy. When she
| reached the house she found her uncle in a
new fret about some emigrant wagons that
| had stopped on an open lawn about a quar-
| ter OF mile distant.
lie was instructing man to 90 and order
them away, when Mrs. Plumfield prevailed
on him 10 let them remain, if only through
kindness to the tired horses.
He reluctantly consented, and soon after
sold some hay TO the party for a little more
| than the market price.
At the supper table a fresh outburst of
temper was provoked by the appearance of
| an i'll looking tramp who asked for some
! thing to eat
Refused and rebuked. be walked away,
| making some unintellgible threat.
Mrs Plumfeld said that she would sleep
with more security ifthey had been permitted
TO give him something.
From Davids standpoint it had been a
trying day, so the supper ended in silence,
and as the twilight faded in the west the
various members of the household retired to
rest.
Scarcely had they closed their eyes in
slumbeT, when the cry of fire" was heard
from the common where the emigrants were
aid as they rushed forth they were met by
the binding glare of the blazing
barn. The tramp had carried
out his threat, and but for
the timely warning of the tired emigran Is
WHO deemed IL well to watch their horses
every building on tie premises would have
been fire ere they would have known il.
Their loud shout of alarm arouse : not only
the household but the entire neghbcrhood.
First among those who came 20 give asSls-
| lance was the pale boy and his mother and
sister. Each one assisted iii pumping and
| carrying the water till the flames were ex.
tineuished, which was accomplished before
| tire fire reached the other buildings.
The next morning David Plumfeld told
| the emigrants that il they would like to re-
| main and let their horses rest day or two
he would gladly give them the use of his pas
ture; and that he would willingly do them
any other favor they would wish. He also
sent for the hoy whom he had discharged
telling him that he should have work all the
season.
This was all done before breakfast which
meal proved the most cheerful OF any since
| Jessies arrival.
The next spring when Jessie and her hus.
band came To Uncle Dayid's on their bridal
tour they went again to Church and heard q
| beautiful Christian sermon by a new pastor,
for David Plumfield had changed his creed
| ard with il his shepperd which had proven
great blessing TO the Church and neighbor-
hood.
TO this faith he had added charity and
good works bat they both came through fire.
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