The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-02-22

nave trled 10 point out IN the course
Of these sketches that a majority OF
southern mountaineers were Union
men, yet there were places whese. with
ont any apparent reason. the secession
element largely predominated. This
was certainly the case in Father Peters
neighborhood. AS in most places, the
secessionists wero hero the loudest in
their abuse and the most eager for tho
war.
The old clergyman noted with alarm
tho change that had como over his con-
gregation. As he was northern man,
they took 1t for granted. and they were
right in the surmise that he was devot-
ed to the Union. But, knowing that q
loud protestation of his loyalty could do
no good and might do n great deal OF
harm, he kept his views to himself and
by every means in his power tried to
pour oil on tho troubled waters.
But when everybody else was SO out
spoken tho reticence Of Father Peters
told against him, and the stories of his
being an abolitionist which were so rife
on his first coming were again revived.
and this time with moro bitterness. for
the people believed the charge was true.
One night as Father Peters was read
ing in the little log annex no had built
for study the door opened without any
preliminary knock, and strong Dick
Bradley came softly in, and with an air
of great mystery noiselessly closed the
door behind him.
II am glad to SEQ you. Brother Brad
10y" said the clergyman. 'Sit down
and tell mo the news, for you are in
position to learn what is going on here
about"
The blacksmith pulled his chair near.
er, and with his big hands to tho sides
of his mouth to shield his voice he whis-
pered:
"rm sorry to tell yo', Father Peters,
that there's trouble a-brewin harabout,
and lots Of HIT"
Trouble to whom. Brother Bradley?"
"Can't 20 guess?''
81 cannot
"Waai, hits to yo' and yours, said
the blacksmith, with an emphatic shake
of tho head.
"But surely no ono could wish TO an.
noy me. did not think had an enc.
my in the world" said the alarmed
Clergyman.
That's jest hit" responded Brad
ley. Thar hain't no one ez doesn't al
low yer the best preacher in the noun
tains, but the boys say they don't like
yer politics, ana so they'll make trou-
ble."
Father Peters protested that he had
not nodded in politics, and that since
the breaking ont of the war few
months before he had guarded his words
that no might not give offense.
That's hit. That's why they've got
so doggone sospichis. Now, Father
Peters, yo' know I've allns been good
friend of yer's, ez | should be blamed
dog not 60 be, scving that you took me
by tho hand and led mo up to the light,
bless the Lori But thar's dainjah all
about we ms, mos powaphul dainjah,
ez me and the wife allowed this night
And we said that eff so be yo' could go
moth TO awhile till the trouble kinder
blows ovah that hit'd be bettah fo' yo'
and fo' yer friends"
Moro than once Father Peters and
his wifo and daughter had discussed
this very question, but the old mans
strong sense Of duty and his innate
courage led him to draw back from the
serious consideration of "a course that
meant the abandonment Of his mission.
airy work, for no knew that if he left
IN the circumstances he could never re-
fuin with the hopo Of being usaful. He
iointed out these arguments to Bradley
nd added;
eff were 70 fly north with my fam.
ily ct this tire, havo no assurance
that they would let me depart in peace.
it is not six weeks since teacher named
White who was trying to make his way
from Tennessee TO Portsmouth, O., was
murdered in these hills, and his body
might be bleached mp the mountain if
you and | had not carried it down and
given il Christian burial behind the
meeting house.
That's fac. Father Peters, and
hit was Jest cpz we uns buried that thar
pore feller Christian ez we did that
made somo Of the folks so doggone mad \
and sespichis. OF course they know I'm
a Union man cl'ar through and through,
bat they remembahs tho time whin |
wasn't Christian Co shucks and could
lay ont regement Of 'em two at q
time. They kinder s'pects, and mobile
they're not so fur oUten tho way. that
thar's q right smart OF tho old Adam
about ne yit. Now, ef yo' think that
the gead Lor would ruthor yo'd stay
right har and DO yer plum', squar iooty,
j, reckop yo'll find me on his side and
yo'ip, let tho wind blow high or tho
wind blow low. Aud, bless the God of
Israel, Father Peters, thar's my hand
on hitr'
Tho two men shook hands, add then
they lnelt down, and, to use Bradley's
t--TF-''s-icu, wrasvica powahfuIly with
the Lor in prayah. F"
This conversation was had on Friday,
and the following Sunday being pleas.