The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1883-05-08
Selfrf. Stury.
A Kettle Of Soft Soap.

DID, AAsssAs W SSAs SsSes
] wish all young women who are dis
with their peaceful home life
could have known my heroine. Elsie
Meyer was her rame, and hundred
years ago she lived 10 the Mohawk VAL
ley.
Hither had her father and mother
come from Germany year or two be-
fore E. lie was horn. A rude hut bad
been the 6rst home, but Martin Meyer
worked lard and when Elsie was just
growing into womanhood he built new
house for his family.
Tue, it was OF logs wi b the mossy
bark still clinging to them but it was
stoutly built and had good roof and 8
substantial chimney The inside walls
we're made warm with thick pIastering
of clay; the four small windows were
protected by heavy oaken shutters, and
the two doors, massive in structure, were
well secured by bolts and bars.
Scarcely was the house finished ere
the vague rnmors which had been float
ing about for some. time turned into
stern realities. War was declared be-
tween Great Britain and America. o.
course the valley in which the Meyers
lived would. like .e' cry other frontier
be sutject to frequent invasions OF the
enemy. @
q,
Poor Frau Me- er, however, escaped
all coming dangers, for just about this
time che died giving birth to her fourth
child. Fer time tue husband was pros
trated by grief, then the fasi-approach'
ing dangers and the duty OF caring for
his family compelled him to Law aside BIZ
sorrow and to take up again the respon
sibihties Of life -
His daughter Elsie was his great help
and comfort; barely seventeen, years old
was she, and yet the household machinery
went on as smoothly as during bel
mothers lie Tue spinning and weav-
ing, The baking and brewing, the watch
ing over the ten-yesr- old twins and little
bab, Lizzie, were all doae most faithful.
ly.,@s. =. -7.s- .--- r-.-..-s-
Very little time bad Elsie to spend al
the quiltings, huskiug bees and other
festive gatherings of those primitive
days. But, although so seldom mingling
with TIE oung people OF the valley, her
company was eagerly sought by manv 9
gay gallant. >s,s si,s. es
And no wonder, for Elsie was indeed
q pretty maiden; tall and straight, with
a 1.-the, graceful figure, clear red and
white complexion, soft blue eyes, and
with The thick braids Of hair about her
shapely head as bright as sunshine. ''
Pretty and gentle, tidy and industri-
ous, she did rot lack for suitors; but to
Nicholas Stelly,an honest young farmer,
wss her heart given. Then the cruel
war separated them, as 1t did many 9th,
ers, and E!sies betrothed marched away
10 fight for liberty.
Father" said E sic one morning as
hey sat down to breakfast, "father, the
meal is nearly out"
Zach !-so p said Herr Meyer as he
.ook another spoonful of supaan. swell,
today / will take two. bags ef corn
lown to the mill and have them ground.
thou wilt be afraid to stay at
home alone with the kinder p
"Oh, no!' was Elsie's reply. There
ire no Indians at tout-are there ?" 'ss
-HOur scouts reperi none. However,
he redskin is willy reptile, and there's
40 knowing when he's lurking in the
grass I Ike not leaving yoa alone |;
'ull i might get the meal to-day as we'll
rs at any time. 1t is cloudy, and should
It rain I could do no harvesting. l will
start right away"
AMI, accordingly, ,fiteen minutes later
Herr Meyer logged away on his old
brown. horse with a big sack fastened
oannier-liKe on either side; and Este,
after she had seen his fgnre vanish over
he bill, vent hack to her housework.
"What { Pity it rainsp" she said to
herself half an hour later. "I did intend
making soap to-day. II is time that
Il was done. Frau Weber and Frsu
Heine, as well as MANY of the other wo-
men have theirs made. and surely do
not want them to think me lazs house
wife he The lye is ready. and the soap
grease too; and il father we're here and
The weather fine, l would have the big
kettle swinging out in the yard; as it is
believe | will try and make it in. the
fire- place. Hans, you watch little Liza !;
and you, Peterkin, take pail and draw
the lye out of the bleaching BARREL"
Aud with busy, bustline, housewifely
air. Elsie sat about her days work. 5;a
Rinds of pork. hits Of tallow candles.
and all the odds and ends Of grease that
had accumulated during the year, were
tossed into, the big black kettle, and as
soon as they were tried out, dipperfuls
Of I've were gradually poured in
Outside the rain poured down steadily
all day, Late in the afternoon, however,
a brisk western breeze swept away mist
and vapor, and redeemed the dull gray
sky by gorgeous golden sunset. When
its bright ray illumined the panes of the
window, Elsie turned from the fireplace,
saying:
"There! 1t doesn't need anything
more only to boil slowly, Peterkin,
you see that it doesn't run over, though
there's no danger unless the FIRE starts
up. Hans, you stir the cradle while
run down TO the spring and get pail o.
water" ta .t.
And minute later Elsie was tripping
down the little footpath leading to the
spring. As she held the pail under the
flowing water she was startled at hearing
a slight noise near her. She glanced
nervously around.
: Again she heard the noise-a rustling
then hoarse whisper:
"Elsie! Elsiew
Broken and unnatural as its accents
were Elsie knew the voice, and impetu
ously she sprapg toward the cluup o
bushes from whence it proceeded.
There, stretched on the damp ground
was the form of young man who's,
face was pale and haggard and whose
clothes were torn and d-travel-s.ained.-
"Ob, Nicholas! !" cried Elsie falling OF
her knees beside him and pressing he
lips to. his brow, chow came you here
Ah, you are wounded! as she saw bloot
stains on his garments. {.
"Don't be frightened, sweetheart; it.