Iuka reporter. (Iuka, Miss.) 1888-1894, 1888-10-04
CHAPTER VII.
THE ATTACK.


The entire household noticed the unusual
manner of the restless ex-slave, aud Lille
called Johns attention to the matter
Brother, something is wrong with jeff;
he isn't acting naturally. would see what
is wrong with him.
jeff, said John, as that individual again
approached, you appear detected. Is any
thing wrong?"
"Marse John. and jeff sighed, "does dis
yer freedom mean dat yer's got no mo in
trust in me?"
That's it exactly, JEFF. You are your
own master now"
Den dat are freedom done make me lebe
ell my ole friens. Dis niger hev freedom,
but no home. Marse John, eff l isn't no
count Niger yer ken hev de freedom, an
I'll lib wild dem what ! lubs."
This was something unexpected-some-
thing unusual. For slave to refuse his
freedom when offered it, and willingly re-
turn to slavery, was not common occur
renee.
John was perplexed.
jeff, he said, after turning the matter
over in his mind, Il have given you your
freedom. That freedom is yours. You will
never be slave again. If you like your
present home sufficiently we'll to remain
with us, we will gladly let you share it
while we have one. You can have charge
of the hands, and will pay you for your
services. Is that enough, jeff"
Still he did not appear satisfied, but beck
oning John aside, he had low, conf
Dental talk with him. When the two sepa-
rated John was smiling. and almost halo
OF happiness was around the face of the
negro. He was changed His step was
elastic-he had renewed his youth. Not a
r>r4
no one but John and jeff knew its import
AS the day wore on anxiety was more
perceptible in the faces of the inhabitants
of the mansion. While there was no visible
danger. yet these people seemed to feel the
danger that menaced them. Every approach
leading to the mansion was closely watched,
and when negro came running up from the
road, the whites of his eyes showing with
fear, as he exclaimed: "Dey's or cumin'!
Dey's or cumin'l" it was nothing more
than had been expected, and even the Ia
dies heaved signs of relief from great anx-
Lefty, although they knew that the visitors
would create trouble.
John requested the ladies to take refuge
In the cellar ns safe refuge from stray bull
lets, in case Of an attack, but not one would
comply with the request, and they all re-
manned and were comparatively calm, but
bale.
AZ the men turned from the Wire Road
John, who was Watching. commenced to
count: One. two, three, four. five, six,
seven. eight--thsre are more than ex-
pected. The rascals are continually getting
scccssions 10 their ranks. !"
They turned the corner and came on up
the dusty road n pairs. They wore the
clothes OF the Arkansas citizen. and carried
all sorts of weapons. They made fair
military display for SO few men. and the
Eddles people would have enjoyed the sight
II it had not been for having knowledge
Of their purpose, When the men had got
within hailing distance they stopped.
HaIloo!n
No attention was paid it. and after short
pause the call was repeated.
Halloo!"
John partially opened the door and
looked out.
what do you want2
@Is Woodsley here2"
Eyes. What do you want Of him?
Tell him to come hyar."
He can't 60. ANY message you have for
aim will deliver.
The rattling Of glass in the gable Of the