The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-30

old countryman came out to the gate, and
by the light Of the pale torch which he car
ried in his hand he looked me over. Be
you'uns the new Methodist circuit riderP
he asked. decided to play preacher for
once, and answered in the affirmative tive -.
you're welcome. I never lays it up agin'
man cause he don't belong to my church,
and the deacon received me with true
mountain hospitality.
"At bedtime Bledsoe brought out we'll:
worn family Bible and invited me to lead
boy at Sunday school, but was in for it, and
reading chapter in the Bible we all knelt
down, and delivered some sort of a prayer.
In my petition referred to those sinners
who defied the laws of God and man by
making spirits and turn them from their
wicked ways. To this Bledsoe responded
II rose early the next morning. and find
ing that breakfast was not ready ! started
for short stroll in the woods back of the
house. As left the yard noticed Bledsoe's
wife watching me with evident suspicion.
walked on down to q small branch which
ran through the woods 300 Yards back of
the house. / snw smoke rising among the
trees little ways down the branch, and
walking down that way found my host
Deacon Bledsoe, building fire under one
Of the largest moonshine stills l ever saw.
He seemed az much surprised as was, and
in an ll,atant it dawned upon me that Dea-
con Bledsos and Moonshiner Newt. Bledsoe
were one ano the same person. Before he
recovered from Ills sursrise had him Gov
cred with my revolver. and telling him
who was oydereu him to surrender.
"'Drap that thar weepin'. knowed you
warn't no parson,' said female voice be-
hind me at that moment, and turning
saw Bledsoe's wife. She had the drop Or
me with long rifle, and dropped my pis
toll. Rledsoe picked up my revolver and
was marched back to the house prisoner
"'Thar's your critter ready saddled an
here's a bite to eat, now git said Mrs
rifle while her husband handed me back IN.
pistol when had mounted my horse.
Wont you pray for us agin, parson
fore you go?' said Bledsoe with grin IA
rode away. A week later l returned with .
strong posse. captured Bledsoe and de
stroyed his still. / could have made cas-
| against his wife, but l wouldn't do 1t
| 1.-THE only romantic adventure ever me
with hunting moonshiners occurred in Mari
| on county five years ago. was over ther,
hunting some witnesses. and incidental,
looking out for stills. was spending thu
night at the house of a man l had reason t,
believe was nloOnshiner, and dangerou
one. saw he regarded me with suspicion
but he asked no questions, and felt safe
The man had a daughter about IL year
old, very pretty country girl, who scenes
to take no notice of my presence and di
not once speak to me during the evening
The house was log cabin with a loft
reached by ladder. l WAS given bed i
the loft, and retired about 10 o'clock.
heard my host TALKING in low tone fe
some time after I lay down: then ! hear
him take his rifle from the rack and leaN
the house. had been asleep probably tv
hours when the touch of q hand on my fa'
awoke me. The girl Was standing by n
side with lighted candle in her hand. 81
motioned me to be silent, and in a whisp
she said: Stranger, you'll have ter g
Your critters at the gate. Take the rign
, ham road at the forks, cross the creek
don't stop this side of Lige Marcom's that
about four miles down Their road. Git o
| thar and she pointed TO small window
, one end of the loft. Then she blew out
candle and disappeared as silently as
> shadow. put on my clothes, went to :
window and found ladder on the outsiS
At the gate found my horse ready saddle
! and mounting rode rapidly away. ! ha
: never seen that girl since. but am satisn
= she had learned of plot to murder me
q | saved my life. .-