Weekly Chillicothe crisis. (Chillicothe, Livingston Co., Mo.) 1878-19??, 1883-11-15
PIG.

10 us inc following story:
Quite a number of years ago, while a
very young man, being fond of advcn-
ture, | 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 that
line. A few days after my appoint
ment, received instructions to 90 up
White liver, near the head waters Of
that beautiful stream, and stop the
"wholesalo" Telling Of cedar timber on
government lands. / was warned
against making any show of authority,
as the people who made their living by
robbing the government were reckless
if not desperate. After long and
tiresome journey reached the neigh
borhood of my destination, but soon
recognized the fact that not half of
my difficulties had been surmounted,
for although the land from which the
timber was being cut was easily found,
yet The men who were doing the work
could not be so easily identified. 1t
seemed that every stranger was regard
ed with suspicion, and that his ap.
proach was heralded in that rapid and
mysterious manner so characteristic of
mountain people. For several days [
wandered around hopolessly, but at
last | came upon quite an intelligent
map, Captain Tempney, who seemed
willing to give me information. ac-
cepted his invitation to visit his home,
rude log house built in little vale
and covered with wild vines.
"Jes' come an see me an make
yourself at home! You needn't look
around for style, for you won't find It,.
Here, Pig, bring us some fresh water" "
The last remark was addressed to a
girl about eleven years old. She had
the brightest eyes | ever saw, and her
pretty face, peeping from under her
richness of glowing hair, reminded me
Of moss rose. She took up the water
pail, and humming wild tune, disap-
peared
"My wife's been dead for long
time" said the captain, can me an
Pig live alone"
"Why do you call that beautiful
child Pig" | asked. at strikes me
that Wild-Flower would be better
name.
"Her right name is sJosephine. When
she was little thing got in the habit
of calm her Pig, an have kept it up.
Here, have some fresh water. Only
have to 90 to the corner of the house
for stream pours out of the bluff.
Pig, have we got anything to eatP"
"Some cold 'possum an potatoes
she replied.
"Fond o. 'possomP"
Every" | replied, and few mo-
monts later We were sitting around the
table discussing aropast which, think,
for hungry man, could not have beer
excelled. After the meal the captain
went out to look after the few head Of
stock which he owned, leaving Pig tc
entertain me.
"Do you like to live here?" / asked
not knowing what else to say.
81 never have lived anywhere else, ,
she said.
"Did you ever go to school?"
"Not much, but | learned how tC
read. Wouldyou like to hear me read?'
replied that | would, and she tool
down worn copy of tho new tesla
ment and began to read. Even hel
mistakes were beautiful. have hearC
great preachers and professional elocu
tionists read the bible, but never before
had the simple story of Christ seemeC
so charming. She finished reading
and, seating herself in rocking chai
made of small hickory sapliDgs, sh,
began to knit and hum her wild tune
| asked her to sing, and she did sing
beautifully, and as | sat looking at he
in fixed admiration, | mused that my
escape from love affair was only
caused by the fact that she was /,
child.
"What is your nameP" she said.
civilian Rockford"
"I'll have to call you Boots, for
can't remember your name, but cal
always see your boots" pointing t
the high-top cavalry boots l wore
"May l call you Mr.. Boots?"
Eyes"
"Well, will" sho continued, "Mr
Boots are you goin' to live here all the
timep"
"No, | shall go away after while.
..Au' never come back any moreP
"Perhaps l shall come back to SO,
you
"When I'm grown young ladyP"
eyes"
~''That will be a long time, but
won't forget you, for | like you bette
= than any body that ever came here.
Although she was a little child, yet
know that l blushod, for looking VI
quickly, she said; II make you turl
red, don't itP Here's papa"
~"Nowin regard to your business.
said the captain. you'll have to b
mighty particular. The mon that ar
dom that devilment are mighty ba,
citizens, an when they find that yol
want to take their livin' away iron
them, they'll fight you"
81 have not come to make arrests,
. great many of the men are doing thi
work through ignorance Of the law