Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1890-06-26
Nechancsown Frederick County, Maryland Thursday June rs, 1890


an invitation, strobe into the cabin and
dlvesting himself Of big fur cap which
had covered the larger share of his face.
revealed the familiar features Of Big
John, a woodsman from one of the
nelghboring camps and a well'known
character in those parts.
"1've come down" said Big John, as
he shook the snow from his Macklnaw,
ITO got ye to go up to OoIbnrn's camp,
an I'm mighty glad I found yer to
home, parson. Fiddler Joe got all
smashed up this mornin' an he wants
to see you bad.
GLOW did it happen 2" l asked.
II warnt thar" said Big John, "but
the boys said as how two blame fools
from Saginaw as was hangin around
the camp got IN the way Of tallin'
tree, an Joe rushed in to push EN- bask
and got plnched himself
us he bad hurt ?" aaked the parson.
Giles got his summons, an thar amt
no gettin' around it. I'm mighty
dubious that he won't hold out till we
git thar, and the big fellow brushed
something from his face that did not
resemble snow, and turning abruptly
away, walked to the window and stood
looking out in silence until we got
ready to start.
Fiddler Joe was great friend of ours
indeed, he was the friend of all who
knew him. Rough and uncouth in his
manner, but honest, generous and true,
he was a prime favorite with his fellow.
craftsmen, and very poptlat with the
settlers. He was an excellent perform.
er on the violin, and his presence was
in demand at all of the country dances
far and wide. After Il hard day work
in camp, he would frequently walk sew
eral miles to crafty the wishes of some
of his young friends, who considered no
social gatheting or entertainment COM
| plete without Joe and his fiddle. His
willingness to oblige, his kindness OF
heart and his generosity were proven
bial. If one Of the boys in camp was
sick, it was Fiddler Joe that nursed him
back to health. If comrade was in
hard luck, he was always sure of Joe's
sympathy and aid. 1t was he who
breasted the mad waters Of the North
Branch in the dead Of winter to- save
the cripple chore boy from drowning.
1t was he, too, when Big John came
down with the smallpox in 3radford's 5
camp, in the spring of TO- remained
with him and nurscd him through his
illness, when every other man in the
crew fled in terror at the first mention
Of the pestilential disease. Where lie
came from, or what his antecedents
were no one knew, for he never told
anything Of his past life and did not
like to be questioned concerning it. 1t
was believed by his friends that he had
at some time occupied much higher
station in life than his present one,and
there were those who eail that once,
when somewhat under the influence Of
liquor-the only time, so far us any
one knew, that he had ever yielded to
any extent to the seductive influence of
the flowing bowl-he had cast his rude
form of speech from him as ~ garment,
and converscd for time in language
that would have done credit 10 the most
cultured gentleman.
An hours walk brought us to COL
burn S camp which was something over
four miles distant. The injured man
was lying on a rude couch near the
doorway Of the sleeping camp. 1t
needed but glance at his pallld fea-
lures to assure inc that he WAS past all
human aid. The bones Of his chest had
been crushed and shattered by the terri
ble blow he had received and he breath.
cu with great difficulty. He recognized
us as we entered, and tecbiy stretched
forth his hand to welcome us.
"Shall l pray with you, Joe' asked
the parson.
Yes, parson, answered Fiddler Joe,
but make it short, cause thar amt
much time.
Parson Griggs knelt beside the dying
man and sent up a petition for the soul
so soon to be launched upon the bound
less ocean of eternity. When he arose
the men in the room and about the door
were standing with uncovered heads,
and the tear of sympathy cleaned on
many a check for years unused to such
a visitor.
"How do you feel about the future
Joe p asked the parson. "ls all well
with YER
4 guess it's all right, friend, replied
Joe. fpebIv. cit kinder seems to me thet