The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-01-03
MEDIUMSHIP AND WHISKY


 lOpie P. Read, in New York Mercury.l
 From position of ardent church mem bership, Tobe Sanderson became an ar- dent atheist then after much scientific exploration, he became confirmed sPiritualist. By the light of the tallow dip, he pored over books of psychology. and often the early dawn-the dawn gem orally comes early, believe, but no mat ter-would find him with his broad hands spread upon pine table, listening with the quickened senses of immovable be- lief to the rats that tilted the tin pans and rustled the dried herbs in the closet.
 The other day new medium who ar rived in town was immediately taken by lobe and requested to make himself at home. The little band of spirtualists gathered around the champion of worldly and unworldly communication. Tobe's little girl had died several months ore. Nously, and 1t was understood that Pro- lessor Cant the medium, would bring her back, under the dim rajs of lamp, and allow her to embrace her fond parent The f1rst seance was perfect success. A shadowy form came from behind the curtain, placed its hands upon Tobe's cheeks and kissed him. The poor fellow. unable longer to restrain himself, shouted for joy. The next day he was unable to attend to his business Hitherto. fear tul of ridicule, he had iefrained from ex- pressing himself, only to a few intimate friends, but now all barriers were re- moved, and with the glow of a strange delight shining on his countenance, he stood on the street corners and pro- claimed his faith to the world.
 When the night of the second seance arrived, the almost breathless company in Tobe's parlor sat in circle of tremu- lous expectancy.
 Professor" said Tobe when the medium had prepared to enter the cabinet, Eff you can, please call my little girl again. have been so happy since her return that have done nothing burgloat over the glorious discovery of truth"
 "l will do my best" the professor re- marked. "She may not be with us to- night. If she is, however, doubt not but that we shall receive a manifesto ton from her."
 The lights were turned low, the com pany sang a solemn song. The fo rm ap- peared draped in white.
 Professorp called Tobe.
 "Yes, sir" came from within the cabinet.
 "Come out a minute. Turn up the lights, please"
 The professor obeyed. The lights were turned up. Every one looked at Iobe, whose face had changed from the of fond belief to an ada. gray of skepticism.
 Professor" said Tobe in a voice dangerously calm, "are you sure that was my little girl ?"
 "I have her word for it, sir"
 "Yes, reckon 60. Came .;gh. along when you called her, didn't she2
 saw no hesitation"
 No, reckon not"
 eff you have no further business with me, I'll go back into the cabinet"
 "Yes, but I'd rather you'd rest awhile. Don't like to see man take too much exercise. Tell you what 1 wish YOU would do. I'd like for you to drink a little better quality of whisky. don't mind being kicked by a horse, and have no objection to being hugged by bear, but when man puts on night-gowu. 'idles up to me and blows barrel house whisky in my face, am compelled to squeal."
 The professor was shocked. "What do you mean ?" he demanded.
 have stood in the green pastures" continued Tobe, and let the steers blow their breath on me, and have never mur- mured a complaint but one day when m old OK that had foundered himself with the delicacies of a sour mash-tub snorted in my face, became a mug vump of eternal disgust. Come here, professor" taking the gentleman by the collar. "Mr. Jefome, reach up on the what-not and hand me that cowhide. Nov, professor, I'll call up few loiter- ers from the other shore"
 The entertainment was a thorough success, and late at night when the pro- lessor boarded a train, he leaned on the edge of a wood-box rather than to lounge on luxuriant cushion.
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 Mrs- Daniel Weidner, New Baden,