The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-04-08
PRODUCED THE EVIDENCE.
Words Failed. but When the Bottle Came
Forth All Doubts Disappeared.

Words Failed. but When the Bottle Came
Forth All Doubts Disappeared.
Old Judge McTeal, whom years ago
the harvester gathered and stored
away in the great barn of eternity, was
one of Arkansas first circuit-riders of
the law. There were only two circuits
in the state, and the Lighthouses in
which the grand and petit juries as
sembled, were often a weeks journey
apart. The natives were all anxious
TO see a Judge. believing him to be
man OF great stature and intellect, from
which but few scraps OF Information
were kept hidden. MeTeal was rather
q small man with mottled complexion
and q nose which seemed to haye
caught the lingering rays OF an autumn
sun.
One dav while riding along toward
Bent Shank courthouse. he lost the
"blazed trail,n wandered for a time In
the woods and finally came upon
small cabin built of round logs. He was
in the act OF drawing a long breath,
preparatory to lusty ''helloa, when
he was startled by the swelling notes Of
a hvmn which suddenly arose. Nothing
more quickly reviyes the memory OF
sacred teachings than song OF religious
praise bursting upon an unexpectant
ear, and the Judge being man OF or
thodox faith. was thankful that in such
a wild place he had found men who
were endeavoring to walk in the foot
stems of Peter and Paul. When he en-
tered the congregation stopped singing
and looked at him. The preacher, who
stood with his elbows resting on a tall
slab bench, gazed at him intently and
said:
Thar seems to be disturbin' ele-
ment in the fold. Stranger, whut mout
be your bus ness?"
The Judge, who was embarrassed to
see that his presence had wrought such
change, replied that having lost his
way he had come upon the house, and
finding that religious services were be-
ing held, had entered, glad Of an OPP
portupity to indulge his appetite Of
worship.
1--WE halter be mighty keerful, pod
ner," reioined the preacher ''fou
mout be true seeker airter the straight
an narrow path, but then agin, you
moutent. To tell you the truth-an'
its one of my habits to be plain
don like the way you've got yourself
rugged up. We don't put on no style
out here, an we don't see why an hon
est man aughter put on them sorteI
buds What might be your business,
podner?"
Il am the newly appointed judge OF
this circuit
The preacher and the congregation
| laughed. The idea of sucha small mar
being judge was inconsistent with
the peoples preconceiyed estimate o.
such a dignitary.
Look here, podner, said tho
preacher, throwing one leg over thu
bench, putting one hand under hi.
chin, and showing out his whiskers I'M
til they pointed at the judge, I'VE ain
all professors of larnin', an it mou
take us some time to cal'clate oclips,
o. the sun, moon an stars, but thar ;
right smart sprinklin' o boss sens'
mungst us. A judge, eh?'
Pulling back his whiskers, thu
| preacher discharged mouthful o
..ambier' and nodded at the Judge a
though he would clinch his last re
mark.
Gentlemen, you are of course emit
tied TO your own opinions said th
| iurist, but we will waive all that aside
Please proceed with your devotional ex
ercises.
No" replied the preacher, ''we al
about through now
- hope that my presence has no
caused you to give up a performance s
laudabie. F."
Talks like a Judge, dinged if h
don't" said a rcd-headed deacon
slowly shaking his head, as thong
wavering between q continuation c
disbelief and conviction that tn
Judge had spoken the truth.
"Yas, replied the preacher, "bu
talk is easy. IF l was to slick up
little an 90 into strange neighb0l
hood an give the folks few lines 9
my best conversation, why they
think that had writ a 'rithmetic o
been speaker of the legislator.
Although the judges pride to som
extent suffered, yet the incredulity c
the congregation amused him. 'Par
son, he said, eve will not discuss tn
question of whether or not | am
|
it really makes no difference. How
it, my good friend, that | see no womel
in the Congregations"
because thar amt none here,
reckon" rcjoinad the preacher.
Yes, very likely that is one of tn
reasons"
can another reason" continue,
the preacher, lis because they didn'
come
This logic was so convincing tina
the congregation laughed.
why did they not Gomez" aske'
the judge.
avail, they had to stay at home an
take keer of the chillun. The wimmi1
folks don't need no preachin', for
bless en-, they are good enough with
out it.
We'll, gentlemen. as services ar
closed for to-day, | do not think Their
would be any improperly in takin;
something to drink. have some ex
cellent stuff here, continued the iudg
taking out bottle.
TN jine YOU" said the preacher
throwing out quid of tobacco. Turn
ing up the bottle, he took a lingerin,
pull and sad
''Ah, boys. blamed ii [ don't believ
he is a Judge"
Turning up the bottle again, ant
hesitating some time before he took j
down, he wiped his mouth on his coat
sleeve. and declared: boys, blame,
if don't know il.
"Pass the evidence this way" sale
the deacon. 'Ah!n-after a protract
ed upward gaze-''he's got the proof
All that want to be satisfied jest com,
up to the mourners' bench. Nobody bu
judge could tote this sGrter lieker. J
The entire congregation becoming
repentent, crowded around the mourn
ers bench; and. as hymn broke fortf
the judge was lifted from the floor anC
borne upon the shoulders of the arden
worshipers. All the boys assisted il
finding the blazed trail. Never since
that time," said the Judge in speaking
of the event, ''have l found a church
where | was held in such high esteem
| -ArkdnsalD Tr1,,eIer