Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1892-09-30

| In the Westinghouse IafSOn Ilauie1
had turned his big hour-glass twice, and
now the sands of the third hour were
almost spent. Before him rows of serious
men, women and children in reyerent
attention, not once removing their earn
est eyes from the minister.
The heavy door was flung open and
shut again with a loud bang that startled
every member of the congregation. A
boy, staggering and streaming with per.
spiration, ran up the broad aisle and
| fell exhausted at the foot Of the pulpit.
Every man stretched out his hand to
the musket that stood beside him; but
no one rose, no one said a word or ut
tered an exclamation.
Whatever the danger was-and they
knew we'll what it might be-this was
Gods house, and in it none but Gods
servant should raise voice or venture
upon any action unless he permitted.
The minister descended from his
place. leaned over the painting Abner
and caught the few words the boy had
strength to whisper: "Savages-full five
score-stealing up-to take us unaware u
The minister returned to the pulpit.
"Kindle your matches, brethren, "
said ne, in a voice of perfect tranquility.
The ring Of flint and steel sounded all
over the house.
''Make ready ycur guns" continued
the minister, taking up heavy musket,
and blowing the match, or fuse, by
which it was discharged. "MusketeeTs,
to your stations. Yethat have but swords
or pixies, sit fast
The congregation obeyed these orders
as calmly as they had been given.
Twenty-Five men, headed by Deacon
True, silently ranged themselves the
loopholes which were pierced in the
door and GIcug the walls. Each knew
his position, and took 1t without delay
or hesitation; while the fifteen men who
had no firearms sat stiifiy on the benches
with the women and children, most Of
whom had not looked behind them since
Abner rushed In.
Parson Pladley looked at the hour.
glass, which still continued to run, and
quietly resumed his sermon. Around
the sides of the room the musketcers
stopped at the loopholes amid the light
vapor from their smouldering matches.
/ On the benches the body of listeners
kept their composed couutcnauces turned
upon the preacher. Save his voice,
there was no sound but an iufrequent
metallic rattle, as some musketeer cx-
amined bis Or loosen his iron-hilted
broadsword 81 the scabbard. The
words Of the preacher sang throughout
the house:
"And even as aforetime the heather
did furiously rage, and did compass the
children of the covenant with spear and
iavelin round about
A high. pitched, thrilling screech filed
the air without. and nov rose above the
minister's voice. It was sustained and
prolonged in many savage Threats
There came quick, sharp patterngs On
the roof and walls, like hailstones.
Enoch Brett fell backward from his
loophole with an arrow through the
brain. Another man rose from his scat,
picked up the gun which Brett had
dropped, and took the vacant station.
A dozen muskets answered the storm
of misses. Their fire seemed to check
the advance OF the Indians, iuasmucA as
the war cry grew fainter, and the pat
tering of the arrows diminished.
Parson Piadley had not interrupted his
sermon, although his voice had been
temporarily drowned by the noise OF the
assault and defence, except for the in
srant that he cast one glance at the mus
ket beside him, and another at the hour
glass.
All the men who could act were a
their posts; why should he not continue
to the end, while waiting for the DIES.
perate struggle which must Gomez Hi
sense of duty told HIM that he ought no
to cease his holy Office before the ap
poiuted time, except under compulsior
in which he must recognize the hand o
God.
His hearers understood TINS as well a.
if he had declared his determination II
so many words. They did their part b.
listening with steady attention.
Again the cries grew louder anC
arrow flights thicker. The guns re
Piled, but this time the attack was no
repaised. A ponderous humping on Ia
door, which shook the whole building
told that some kind of battering-ram wa
t being employed to break it down.
r few more such shocks and the door mus
fall.
S Only pinch or two more OF sand re
r NAMED in the hour glass. Still IT wa
not quite empty and Parson Piadle
{ preached on.