Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1891-03-07
A INCONSISTENCIES SMART WIFE.
The Exciting Experiences Of United
States Deputy Marshal.

NsetoS ocPutY WaESHat.
Hunting moonShiners is just as
exciting sport as hunting tigers in
the jungles OF India,n said an old
United States Marshall but it is
not so dangerous. The wives and
daughters OF the moonshiners, as a
rule, are smarter than the men, and
much more suspicious OF stranger.
Il was over in Clay county on
raid once, and was in a locality
where almost every man owned a
mill. In such place it is hard to
locate the still. and almost impossi-
Bile to obtain evidence against the
owners unless they are caught in the
act of making mountain dew l
introduced myself as land agent
prospecting for mineral lands, but
the natives did not all believe my
story, and / was regarded with more
or less suspicion. l was after q
noted moonshiner named Newt
Bledsoe, who was known to have
been operating still in that vicinity
for two years.
~ had trouble in finding a place
were they would let me stay all night
but finally native suggested that |
try Deacon Bledsoe. Their deakins
sot on ligion, the bible, and SIGH, an
e allus takes in strangers, said the
native. l was directed to the dea-
cons house. two miles down the val
ley, and l arrived there an hour at-
ter dark. / did not once associate
Deacon Bledsoe, who was 'soton the
bible' with Moonshlner Newt Bled-
soc. In response to my hello, tall
innocent-looking old countryman
came to the gate, and by the light of
pine torch which he carried in his
hand he looked over me. BE you
'uns the new methodist circuit rider?'
he asked. l decided to play preach
er for once, and answered in the af-
firmative.
S'Light, parson, I'm hardshell,
but you're welcome. l never lays it
up agin man Gauss he don't belong
to my church, and the deacon re-
ceived me with true mountain hospi-
tality.
"At bedtime Bledsoe brought out
q well-worn family bible and invited
me to lead in prayer. ! had not
prayed since l was boy at Sunday
school, but was IN for il, and read
ing chapter in the bible, we all
knelt down and l delivered some
sort OF prayer. In mypetition |
referred to those sinners who defied
the laws of God and man by making
spirits, and prayed the Lord TO turn
them from their wicked ways. To
this Bledsoe responded with loud
amen.
! rose early the next morning, and
finding that breakfast was not ready
l started for a stroll through the
woods back of the house. As left
the yard / noticed BIedsoe's wife
watching me with evident suspicion.
! walked on down to a small branch
which ran through the woods, $50
yards back of the house. | saw
smoke arising among the trees a
little way down the branch, and
walking down that way ] found my
host, Deacon Bledsoe, building fire
under one of the largest moonshine
stills / ever saw. He seemed as
much surprised as l was, and in an
instant it dawned upon me that
Deacon Bledsoe and Moonshiner
Newton Bledsoe were one and the
same. Before he had recovered
from his surprise / had him cover
cred with my revolver, and telling
him who / was, ordered MIN to sur
render.
"'Drap that thar weepin,' know.
ed you warn't no parson," said fe-
male voice behind me at that moment
and turning / saw Bledsoe's wife.
She had the drop on me with a long
rife, and I dropped my pistol. Bled-
soc picked up my revolver and was
marched back to the house priso-
ner.
That's your critter ready sad
died an here's bite TO eat; now git,'
said Mrs. Bledsoe and she kept me
covered with the rifle while her hus-
band handed me back my pistol
when l had mounted my horse.
"'Won't you pray for us ag'in
parson, fore you go2' said Bledsoe,
with a grin, as / rode away. A
week later returned with strong
posse, captured Bledsoe, and destroy
ed his still. / could have made
case against his wife, but | wouldn't
do it.-St. Louis Democrat.
Don't worry; it interferes with the