The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-04-20


 borne When the sun had gone down, we dis mounted near a waterfall and ate luncheon in the twilight.
 "About quarter of mile to the right you will find a road l." said the major when we had arisen to bid each other goodbye "It will take you straight to the river"
 "You are we'll acquainted even in this wild place" l answered.
 "Yes, Pve had to hide out here, but that was long ago, my son, when there were a number of fellers that thought they could run over Tobias. The country is not wild, however, you think 1t is We haven't any houses to- day, for the reason that Eve guided you away from them. Pll stop at Osburys on my way to town and tell him that you safe. He's one one Of the best men that lived, and he thinks the world of you, my son. Last time he was in town he didn't talk to me about anything else but you and his book. You must excuse me, but-now, you won't be offended if ask you something, will your"
 "Surely not, msJor.
 "Honest, nOw-come, my son, honest2" He placed one hand on my shoulder.
 "You may ask me anything major" said I, won- dering what he could mean
 "Well, now, it's this: Thar air times, you know, when all sorts of questions have to be asked. The question is have you got any money?"
 "I have enough. my dear friend"
 "Well, now, Eve got few dollars here that I don't owe, and when I've got dollar that don't owe, my son, don't know what the deuce to do with it."
 "I don't need any money, major," replied, seiz- ing his hand.
 "Well, then, I won't push 1t on you. Good bye Keep the road till you get to the river If body asks who you air, say you air a circuit rider"
 rode all night and at carly morning came to the river. The ferryman had evidently not heard of the Shelcut feud (although such news travels rap idy), for he did not regard me with suspicion. As he was rowing me across, in his dangerous looking old boat asked him several questions with regard to the neghborhood, and, just before reaching the other side of the stream, he asked who was. | frl hat @fR Nwsla yhnwn AA showed much concern.
 "I want to ax you suthin'," said he "Do you bPeve that when a man falls from grace he's wuss of he wuZ befo'?"
 "I hardly know" answered.
 "Wall, Pm afeerd he is. professed last fall but about month ago l fell in the river an lost my hat an couldn't help but a little, an sense then l cuss mon l ever did. l b'Pve in pra'r, an ef you'll pray with me l won't charge you nothn' fur settin you over"
 l was willing to tell lie for just at that time lying was one of the features of my profession but was not willing to profane the office of circuit rider by getting down on my knees and praying with an old fellow whose ignorance was not bliss and whose only religion was a superstitous fear. "You can do more for yourself than can do for you," answered.
 "No I don't bleVe ken. Together we mout sorter 'suade the Lawd"
 "That would be impossible"
 "Wal, l think so anyhow; an eff l think so 1t makes a good deal uv diffnnce. The Lawd said suthin' about whsr few wuz gathered together in His name, am so on, an reckon you better pray with me-"
 "To tell you the truth, haven't time"
 He said no more until (after reaching the shore) was preparing to mount"
 "Pll give your money back eff you will pray with me-"
 "No am pressed for time."
 "Tm great mine to snatch you ofTen that horse am weller you," he said "I don't b'Teve you air preacher ter hurt, nohow."
 l looked back and him drinking from bottle
 Now the country was just rugged enough to be interesting. The road wound its way through valley, here and there crossing a swollen stream. passed many rude farmhouses and sometimes