The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1886-07-31
CHAPTER VI.
A SUNDAY IN THE COUNTRY.

long strip OF country almost complete
ly isolated from the rest of the world.
1t was divided into four school districts
lying east and west, up and down the
creek These districts constitute as
many distinct neighborhoods. Each
had a congregation that assembled
once month at the school-house, for
the purpose of hearing the word of
God. The Flat could only support one
preacher, and it took him one month
to make the round. Rev. Mr.. Ban
croft was one of those pioneer Metho-
dist ministers, who sought by long,
loud sermons and honest hard work to
drive religion into his congregation.
TWAS the third Sunday after Walters
residence with the Miles family that
Mr.. Bancroft was to preach at their
school-house. Great preparations were
made the day before in their way of
cooking, baking and having the house
work completed, so there would be but
little to do on the day following.
Eye are going to mcetin to-day are
We not?" asked John Miles of Walter,
one Sabbath morning.
Il suppose So"
The day was one of those mild,
beautiful autumn days that follow the
first frost. The sun had lost its fierce
heat, yet retained enough warmth to be
comfortable.
Guess, then, We want horse to
ride, " said John, thoughtiully.
GLOW far is it?"
"Nigh on to two miles.
"Do you all 90 on horseback or in
the wagonP'
"Oh, father and mother'll 90 in the
buggy; but these young folks prefer a
horse. Ye see a teller then is independ-
ent like; he can just ride wherever he
pleases."
Walter did not thoroughly under
stand Johns meaning until he had
passed Sabbath at the country
church.
He was furnished fine, dark bay
horse, a saddle and bride and trap
pings, such as delight the hearts of
country youth John and Ben Miles
saddled the most fractions horses on
the farm.
Nothing so delights young country
gentleman as to ride a horse. The
wilder the better, and they usually have
| them so well trained that the moment
! ,hey come in sight of a young lady the
animal, to use their expression, 'be-
Gins cuttin' up"
A more sober animal was saddled for
Pinkay, and Walter was sure that her
beauty was enhanced by the long flow
ing riding habit and iaunty hat.
John and Ben were both busy trying
TO mount their half broken steeds. 1t
was no easy matter and required con-
siderable ''woao "woa,ng," and stand
still, you little fool" before the feat
could be accomplished.
Walter, seeing that neither one Of the
brothers could aid the sister to mount,
ed her horse around to the stile, where
she stood like q statue of beauty, and
assisted her into the saddle
Mr.. and Mrs. Miles were in the open
buggy driving down the road at an
easy pace, and both John and Ben,
having mounted their steeis, galloped
away more as if they were on fox
chase than going to church. Their
reckless conduct set Pinkey's horse to
prancing and Walter sprang into his
saddle and riding at her side took the
rein near the bit and soothed the ami
nal until he became quiet.
Pinkey smiled graciously, and
thanked Walter. They rode along to-
gcther just behind the buggy, which
sent up clouds of dust from the reyoly-
ing wheels.
"Why do your brothers ride such
unruly horses?' asked Walter. "They
must be dangerous not only to them
selves, but the ladies and children who
are travelling along the road"
"They are in love with danger" re-
piled Pinkey. Both are reckless as
to consequences, and the advice
OF parents or friends is not needed
Scarcely had she spoken ere the clat-
ter of hooIs was heard coming up BE-
hind them, and Walter had only time
to seize the rein of Pinkey's horse and
hold it from running away when two
or three farmer boys, mounted on half
broken colts. dashed by. Seeing that
the young lady's horse was frightened
they yelled like Indians
81 never before saw such ill-man-
nered young men," said Walter.
Pinkey laughed and explained that
such was the custom of the country.
"Then | wonder you are not afraid
to venture ont on horseback.
"Oh, am used to il" she said.
care you never frightenedP"
"No, sir
"Will not your horse run awayg"
"He might
Would you not be thrown from the
saddleP"
81 hardly think so. ! never was
thrown"
"You are an excellent horsewoman. "
GAN girls raised in this portion OF
the country are so considered, she an
swsred.
"But you do not approve of such
conductP'
"No, sir; it Is too rude TO meet the
approval of any one; especially on oul
way to church."
From every cross road and fores
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