The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1890-04-23
The Pass Word.


The Pass Word.
1t was a rainy evening, in the
town OF Msryville. A large room
back of Main street had been Sc
lected as the place Of gathering the
members of q political league, into
which none but the elect could be
1t was u dark gloomy
room and everything was perfectly
still, except the occasional gnawing
of rat ON some old chicken bone
that had been left neglected about
the floor. The door opened gently
when y tall slender gentleman a
little over middle life walked into
the room. Suddenly the thought Of
ghosts came to him, when he utter
ed deep sigh and clasping his CT.
gar tightly between his lips, NUT
tered something about having seen
sights before. His name was
Johnnas Esculapius, whom the peo-
pie delight to honor, and but for
his noble art which he Is 10th to lay
aside, would long since have been
ALPHABETICALLY forced to the highest
position among men. He was tall,
slender, quick'in motion, with a
nervous movement about the hands
and q brown cigar ever in his
mouth. ut Is ever thus; that In
t-rest Is not taken that should be-"
spoke out the noble Johannes. His
voice in the dark room and damp
walls again startled him. Now an.
other entered. He walked softly
but with firm steps, across the room
to an empty goods box. Here he
struck q match, and lighted can
die which was stuck to the box
from its own drippings. "Hello! Ii
that you, Bill Dipend?" eyes
most noble Johannes" was the
reply. "Give the countersign!" de-
manded Johannes. Bill stepped
forward and whispered "Chattanoo
ga" in the ear of Johannes. Snow
said Bill,a give me the pass word
job annes whispered "Traveler.'
Fright" "Rightw They both ex.
claimed and clasped hands. Thu
single candle gave dim light
which revealed q chair behind tn,
the box, while few chairs arrang
ed around the room with plank ex
tending around along them, afford
ed seats for the elect which would
soon assemble. Johannes then re-
minded Bill that It was all impor
tant that none but the elect should
be admitted, and directed that Bill
should take his place outside the
door and receive the countersign
while he would take the pass word
1t was only q short time until 9th.
ers make their appearance. There
was Capt. Jim Nusbaum, Capt. 81
Nirdle, Esquire 10 COINS and Dan
Tubal, all gave the words easily,
and passed in. Then Johannes
took the chair and declared the
house really for business, ordering
Capt Nesbaum to receive the pass.
word. About this time some loud
words were heard from without,
indicating anger. All within gave
attention. A number Of boisterOus
and prOfane sentences were uttered
followed by q brief pause, when a
solemn @Amen" was earnestly spo-
ken. There was IN inquiry raised
as to the cause Of the noise, when
1t appeared that Col. Samuel Bluch.
er and Parson Jerry True, from Ell.
lejoy, had appeared and demanded
admittance. Parson True had for.
gotten the countersign, and from
some cause Col. Blucher could nol
speak the word, but said sChatter.
Niger" This Was not satisfactory
TO the sentinel. Their names vers
cent 10, and Capt. Nirdle promptly
vouched for them. The CDl0nc
saluted The presiding o6lcer. M
with bitter oeths denounced every
body that didn't dance to the TIM.
Of the sChattefnigger Traveler.S {,
which the PAfsOn reepondesa ,
hearty "Amen." The Colonel 1,
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