The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-07-19
THE GRAIN RANGE CIRCUIT.
CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.
 Young Sallus McBrail, after receiving a liberal education, joined the Methodist ministry, and was immediately appointed by conference to take charge of the Grain Range circuit This circuit embraced a large extent of thinly populated territory, with only three churches, situated days ride apart. To be assigned to such an unimportant mission sprinkled cold water on the young mans ardor, but realizing that he must make beginning some where, he threw his saddle-bags over his horse, an animal which he had purchased at the sacrifice of valuable old watch descended from his grandfather, and set out for the scene of his reformatory labors. He had letter of introduction to old Peter Moley, the main stay of the cir cult. Old Peter welcomed him with a warmth which the young preacher re- ceived with gratitude. When the horse had been cared for, Peter convoked his family in the big room and announced that prayers would be offered. The Grain Range circuit had fallen into neglect. In tact, three years had elapsed since a regular preacher had taken the sinners in hand, so, when prayer was announced, Peter's three boys, and his gangling !" daughter. Sue, manifested decided un- willingness to partake of the souls sympo- sium.
 Come on here, Avery, tell ye," cried the old man. "Sue, ye gawky thing, if ye don't come here now an jine in pra'r, I'll make the lint fly from yer garments. 1"
 Don't force them," said MT. McBrail, secretly wishing that he had not come.
 "Yes, but that aint no way to do. They shall jine in ef l halter go out in the highways an hedges an compel 'em to come in. Mur," addressing his wife, grab that child"
 Finally, after much difficulty, the chill dren were herded," but when the preacher began to pray, Sue giggled and Avery snored, while Sam and Lige, una ble to restrain themselves, pinched each other and Uttered. The old man was en- ragged. Hold on, brother" said he :; "put of these exercises till git hickory saplin'. I'll be hanged if my chillun shall act like thsy never had no raisin'.'
 q Wait, Brother Moley." said the preacher, arising. "Let the children go, and on some future occasion when they are not so frolicsome, they may join us."
 .Cla'r out O here, then" exclaimed the old man. and the children, only too glad to obey proclamation of such liberty, rushed from the house, and were soon climbing trees in the woods. The prayer proceeded without interruption, and, at its conclusion, Mrs. Moley declared that she had not been so "hope up" for many day. After the preacher had gone to bed, he lay in dissatisfaction, con- templating the difficulty of his work. The rough, broken country, the ignor- ance of the people, the complete isolation, all suggested a meagre reward even though he should gain the victory. Through holes in the roof he could see the stars twinkling, but they winked at him instead of smiling in encouragement. He thought that he saw face at the lit- tic window near his bed, and started. He propped himself up on his elbows and strained his eyes. Must have been fancy. No, for it came again. A sudden mo- ton, a cry and cat fell on his breast. He sprang out of bed, vent to the win dow and looked out. No one in sight. The cat, hideous yellow thing, retreat cd to corner of the room and elared at him. He lighted candle, but when be tuned again the cat was gone. He lay down and at last sank into a troubled sieep. At the breakfast table next morn- ing he related the circumstance. The old man declared that he did not know who it could have been, as all of the chil- dren were in bed. Was she preacher sare that he saw . face? Yes, and 1t seemed to be pale and anxious. Anxious to be slapped," the old man replied. fur anybody thatn prowl soand . man's house airter dark, don't nsan 70 good"
 TAs prsacAer anxiously awaited the coaiag q Sunday. PssAcAiag would hgonk the dullneo which surrounded hin h tAas loaaly place. The childrsn i'm proved but liitle. Sue tittered when he aid sEacs, ard Ayszy hepe up . coastane Gggia At last Sunday arrived. They vsnt b chuscA h vagoa. S0e vould ast sis 0 the ssat visA him What .