The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-03-23
OUR KALEIDOSCOPE.


the pulpit Abe, IL should be remarked, was
magnificent specimen of ignorance; added to which,
his conceit and assurance born of the knowledge
that he was q called servant of the Lord, made him
indeed power in the church.
When 1t was given out that Abe Maggerty had
begun revival meetin' at the Tennessee meetin'-
house." the people in the country fer miles
around focked to have a hand in the
fun. l say fun advisedly, for outside of a score
of followers who were blindly guided by old
Abc's leadership, his immense congregation were
made up of the curious the scoffers who loved to
raise disturbance and have, they eXp pressed it,
"a rip-snortin' time," even though ii did, some
times, involve arrest of the offenders and the
payment of few good stout fines before neigh
boring justice of the peace.
Among the rollicking rowdies who attended old
Abe's meetings, and who generally first and
foremost in all sorts of devilment was big Bill
Harmon. lie seemed to take special delight in tor
mentng the preacher played all sorts of pranks on
him, such putting rocks under his saddle, hiding
a wheel from his buggy and various other forms of
persecution too numerous to mention. The minis
ter had him arrested on several occasions, but it
seemed to do no good; finally, getting out of all
patience, old Abe told him one day that if he did
would trounce him soundly. At this, Harmon,
who was acknowledged bully only laughed and
remarked
"Well, Brother Maggerty, you'll have ter cat a
right smart chaince o. good strong grub afore you'll
be able to do that, reckon"
At this impudent talk Maggerty's eyes flashed
and he set his teeth In anger but controlling him
self, he replied
Harmon, Pm gittin' mighty tired o. your car
ryin's on. Every winter now for four years you
an your gang have mighty nigh pestered me ter
death. You think, reckon, because l work on a
farm an run a threshin'- machine in the summer,
an only work fer the Lord in the winter time that
Pm not regular minister an amt titled to squar
chaince but rll show you. You'll either let us
alone after this I'll mop up the ground with you
some of these days II l don't, may never see my
old Rock horse agin."
The above conversation took place in the yard
fronting old Squire Wilson's house. and Just after
a hearing of case, in which the preacher had
figured the prosecuting witness on behalf of the
state of Indiana William Harmon, charge, dis
turbing public meeting, and In which the defend
ant had pleaded guilty and paid fine of three
dollars and costs.
While old Abe was talking, Harmon stood with
his hands in his pockets, coolly regarding him
with half-insOent, half-mocking smile. When
the preacher mentioned his favorite horse Gan
animal, by the way, of which he was very fond
and of whose many admirable traits he often
spoke, using them to illustrate point in his
sermons, in the pulpit, Harmon burst into loud
laugh.
"Tll tell you what Pll do, MaggertyY he said
as he could control his mirth "Pll tell you
wL~AV l. a. r.
horse of yourn. If whip you, the horse is mine.
If you whip me, Pll ergree ter jne yer church.
Pll 90 ter the mourners bench an git religion an
be the best member you've got In YER blamed old