The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-12-25


we're grateful tears in the mothers eyes
as she slipped her coffee and looked at the
three little children, for the first time in
weeks having their fill of wholesome
food.
After supper, when the children we're
asleep in their trundle bed, Mr.. Armitage
had long conversation with the man
and his wife in order to understand their
exact condition, and the best means of
helping them to help themselves, this
being, in his estimation, the only true
charity which human beings can or
ought to bestow upon others in need.
The result of this interview was history
such as many emigrants could reveal in
coming to that new country where there
are so many unlooked-for drawbacks to
success. This last seasons drouth had
capped the climax of their misfortune;
and when fever set in, and one of their
children died and the mother and two of
the other ones lay Frustrated with it for
month, hope gave way about getting
out of the stricken district. Others had
gone with their families and teams into
counties where there was cotton to pick,
expecting to earn subsistence until help
could be obtained in the way of furnish
ing seed for future crops. With this
family, who had come from the North
eight years previous to this time, their
experience had been peculiarly trying.
They settled on the Brazos river, raising
| fine crops the first season and feeling
that they had indeed come to land
of plenty, and climate that was perfect
compared to that which they had left. In
fact, it was this last inducement which
had brought them from their Northern
home. Mr.. Barnett was victim of
bronchial trouble, with strong tendency
to consumption. His physician advised
change of climate, and having friend
who had recovered from a similar all
ment by coming to Texas, he decided
to try the effect of it's air. He was I'M
| fortunate in his location, and told his
guest that he "thought there ought to
be law against any new corners settling
in that part Of the country; for" he said,
sit is just as sure to break down the
health, if not to destroy the lives OF all
who locate on it's fertile bottoms" Bar
nett had bought tract there, but for
three successive seasons he and his FAM
lily had suffered from low malarial fevers.
Their only boy, lad of fourteen years,
had fallen victim to the disease; and at
last, worn out by sickness and unable to
gather the crop that was planted, he sold
out at nominal price, and sick as they
were, started with their two teams and
belongings to seek more healthy dis
trict. After month of travel and con-
siderable delay, he had bought farm
here. Meanwhile, having expended all he
had, he was dependent upon the slow re-
turns of this last venture for living. At
first all went WELL The area under cul-
tivation had repaid his toll with abund-
ant returns. After that sudden rain
food had submerged his fields. The
creek, which was now bed OF dry peb-
bles, had risen SO rapidly as to cover the
best part of his crops, and reduce his
harvest to a minimum of what was the
usual yield. Next the tornado came; and
lastly this terrible drouth. As Armitage
listened to this narrative look of Curl
oeity and then OF establishment stole over
his face.
During the recital Mrs. Barnett, who
sat knitting on child's stocking, added
remark now and again and alluded to
their forme, home in certain town in
southern Iowa. When the account was
ended he reached over from his chair, ex-
tending his hand to her, saying as he did
this, cousin Hannah, I'm glad have
found you'll"
The woman started to her feet, drop
ping her work, and crying out, as she
gave him a searching look, 4" Cousin
James, the Lord has surely sent you;"
and dropping down into her chair, put
her apron to her face and sobbed as she
had not done since the death of her boy,
named for the same cousin. This time,
however, she shed tears of Joy! Expla-
nations and much talking over of the
past, followed, with plans for the future.
1t was past midnight when they sought
repose.
Mr.. Barnett was naturally an easy 60
ing man, possessing a fair education.
firm principles of right, but little energy.
This latter failing was partly owing to
lack of physical health, and partly the
result of over-indulgence by his widowed
mother, who had reared him. "When
John prayed this morning that God
would send help to us in our extremity
little thought you would be his angel"
This Hannah Barnett said to her new
found cousin, as she bade him good
night.
The next morning, family council
was held, and it was decided that Barnett
should go on with Armitage to the near
est point for supplies and return with a
sufficient team to convey the family out
of the stricken region.
1t was twelve miles to Shippers Gap;
There they could find provisions for
their present need, and also bring enough
to help their neighbors until more perma-
nant reliaf wonld ha sent