Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1883-12-06

father scolded her.
JEFF told several of the neighbcrs OF
the girls strange actions and before
bed time they called on John Sumpter.
10 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 see him thus. crumble
and fall from his great social height,
was ominous ci coming evil of great
consequence. A community thus di-
vided against itself could not stand
Yes" exclaimed John Sumpter in
acquiescence, when one of the callers
had expressed an opinion, IAN 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 novelists would say, sever
al days after the startling events detail
ed in the last chapter, the people of the
village met in John Sumpter's lecture
hall. After the singing of kind of q
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 Nal, neatly dressed, ad-
vanaGd.
"Who are you?" demanded John
Sumpter.
William Lockwood.
"An' what doyou want in the District?
an why do You come here an poster
us when VIC are at Worship?
II haven't time now, my good man.
to answer all your questions, which are
no doubt in order and perfectly natural.
I am methodist minister. Conference
has granted me the gratifying privilege
to 90 around and preach the gospel
where it is most needed. | have irav-
eled around great deal and am fortu-
nate in finding this place. Stand aside
few moments and will proceed to
dedicate the house to true worship"
you git outcn here!' demanded sew
eral voices. you amt got no business
a-tampcrin' with u.s."
brother Simmons, give It's 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. don't want
any trouble, but I'm going TO preach in
this house. To further my plans and
10 increase the respect which l know
this congregation has for me, l will
state that am regarded as the best
pistol shot in the state" and he drew a
couple of revolvers, and advancing to
the table, he showed John Sumpter's S
hymn book aside and deposited his
weapons. II 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 benedction is pronounced: Hold
on" and he cooked pistol and leyeled!
it at man who rose. "Sit down." And
the man sat down.
Ill any of the women desire to leave
they can do so. Women have never
had an equal chance with men, but on
this occasion I have decided to grant
them special privileges. Having thus
explained, will proceed with my ser.
mon."
The men were so mystifed by the
boldness of the stranger that they sal
and gazed at him. He took text and
proceeded at once to expound his view:
on the subject. He told them how they
were violating the laws of God and mar
by their exclusiveness, and denounced
them for bringing up their children il
ignorance of the world.
"Tll be blamed if 1 can stand this,
exclaimed John Sumpter, arising ant
turning upon the preacher. Severa
others, emboldened by their leader als'
arose.
Stand back, gentlemen" said tn
preacher" 'You know am tellin:
you the truth.
You are liar," shouted Jei
Magle.
.sHe's not liar" exclaimed voice
and John Sumpter's daughter, who ha'
been sitting with her face buried in he
hands, advanced with majesty whic
caused the men to fall back.
You, Lamuth,' exclaimed Johl
! Sumpter. .sWhat do you mean?,"
| Just what say. You know tina
we have all been raised in ignorance
. You know it and cannot deny it an
: tell the truth II
'.My good GIRL" said the preacher
J not in the least abashed, extending hi
, hand. Il told you l would come here
: Now I am here, and with your help ca
accomplish much"
"You shall have my help"
"Well, sit down like the good gil
, YOU are, and let me finish my sermo
, for fear the congregation will becom
impatient.
3 The congregation remained quiet d,
ring the remainder of the discourse, an
4 when the benediction was pronounced
l every man arose and quietly wake
: away.
$ John sumpter,' said jeff Magle.
s "Yes, jeff :"
r That's what made her NOPE"
'.That is what made her NOPE, jeff.
r "When she was away she seed hi
an fell in love with i'm an told hi
: to come here
. .'rnats about it, jeff.
: He's got the bulge on me-"
Peers that way"
I 'Reckin' I'll travel
t "Bl'eve would jeff"
o The preacher walked home with job
: Sumpter's daughter Old Sumpter ws