The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-05-16
HUSBANDS-IN-LAW.
CHAPTER I.


 am the Rev. Zack Middleton Gray Those of you who think that my lines have always fallen in pleasant places will please accompany me on little journey of retrospection. was not one of those boys who grow up with the idea that driving stage coach is the paradise oi human achievements, neither did be- ieve that the man who beat the bass drum was any better than other men who had not attained such high position in society. wanted to be preacher, and as was an orphan with no one to par ticularly care for me, was allowed to have my own way. We'll, recieved my orders and set out upon my mission oi accomplishing good. l knew that was something of an orator for had distin- guished myself in school-boy debate ; and knew that if ever got a chance at mourner's bench would soon win repu. tation.
 One evening as was passing through quiet and attractive neighborhood, l saw a man lighting candles in a small church. l went into the house and asked the man few questions. He said that a spirited revival had been in progress, but that in consequence of the illness of the principal preacher, the good work was falling far short of once expected accom- plishment. Being in no particular hurry, decided to wait and see if 1 could not aid the cause. After a while the people began to assemble. could see that a deep impression had been made, for many of the men and women wore anxious, fodder-pulling time cast of countenances. did not introduce myself, but taking a seat rather in corner, began to shape a draft of few remarks which intended to make. The preacher, an old and earnest man, but man who lacked fire, arose and presented the case in clear, business-like way. No one shed a tear. There was not groan. There is noth- ing so complete failure as fearless and groanless revival meeting. When the old man sat down stepped forward and introduced myself The congrega ten, because was stranger. began to manifest an interest in me. l started of pretty we'll, and as warmed up began to surprise myself. saw that had a good jury and was losing no time. Tears began to flow. Old men began to eroan. The situation was mine. l called for mourners. They came, it seemed, in droves. It appeared that every sinner had been stricken with conviction" The brothers and sisters started up one of those good old songs that everybody can sing. never saw such a time of halle- lujah. Standing near me, and singing sweetly, was handsome woman. She had collected and was wearing too much flesh to admit ot graceful movement, but the goodness, the quiet joy ot her face attracted me. Her touch helped the mourners, for once when she placed her hand on young fellows head, he pulled through immediately and declared tn at he hadn't felt so well since hog killing time. This remark, so deeply pathetic and so aptly showing the emotional na- ture of the young man, had a DO xerful effect on the congregation. l made i, convenient to move around close to the handsome woman.
 We arc having glorious time," said l, addressing her.
 She smiled on me and replied: "Yes but am afraid that it cannot last"
 Why, sister2"
 "Oh, because am afraid that those who can do such good work may fail to remain with us"
 don't know. We must hope"
 She put her hands on her hips, sighed deeply and said that we must hope.
 sWhat is ysur name, please2''
 "Mrs. Singleton. am widow"
 "I am glad to know you. If should long remain here am sure that we would become good frieods."
 Wait moment.n
 She stepped over to where . freckle. face fellow in brown jeans was struggling with Satan. She put her plump hands on his head and spoke a few encouraging words to him. He hoped up in greal glee and declared that he was tho boss, that he never did feel SO " tricky, !" and that ifSatan or any of his crowd of striksss wanted anything, just let them conc for. ward. The workers around the bench