The National tribune., 1897-09-23

one of her kitchen utensils. On the other
hand, the Sang -diggers, like the negroes, eked
out their scanty larders by what they found
in the woods-opossums, raccoons, rabbits,
squirrels. etc, which the better class would
not touch They also ate catfish. sunflsil,
suckers. and turtles In fact, about anything
that a Sang-dggcr could catch was meat t.
him, and too frequently his catching extended
to the hogs and cattle of his thriftler neigh
bors.
Even before noon the neighbors began to
arrive. They came by families, for the
matter TO be considered had equal interest
for all Many of the younger women Eid
off their things and set to work helpln'
Mis- Alcott keer for the folks" and Mrs. Al
colt had executive ability enough to keep
them II well employed. Some OF the
Younger men went in a similar way to the as
sistanccof job Alcott and his sons. The older
women-the grandmothers in handicapped
themselves in rockng-chalrs on the broad
porch, drew ont their ever-present knitting,
and n they fashioned warm socks and Stock
ings, exchanged the news of the mountain
SIDE The older men sat out under the trees.
smoked cob pipes filled with choice natural
leaf, and talked OF crops, prices, farming
methods but most of all politics. Henry
Clay Pollock was surrounded by group OF
Young men, who talked with hot Indignation
OF the swashbucklerisrn OF the young sece5-
sionists in various parts OF the country.
| They were all in fighting mood. and wanted
but eader and Il plan OF campaign to start
on the warpath.
Presently the weil-known horse OF the
Elder was deserted on the hilltop, and joyful
EXPLANATIONS passed from one to another.
Many hurried down to the road to meet HIM.
They held his horse while he dismounted,
they pressed welcomes upon him. three OF
four took his horse off to the stables to give
him all possible care, and the others formed
body-guard TO escort him up to the house
He walked mp the steps to the porch, turned
so as to ace those standing on the ground
below. and raised his hands. The NJ took
Off their hats and bowed their he'd, the
women Oh the porch ceased their knitting
and stood up.
Nav Gods mercy, blessing and peace be
I on all here, - he pronounced in reverent tones
| upon their children and homes, their ileid'
and hocks, on the State of Tennessee, upon
! the United States Of America, and upon the
! President of the United States May Goa
! give us wisdom to decide this day how to walk
uprighily in His sight. and may He give thu
| President Of the nited States wisdom tC
clearly see the right, and courage and firm
ness to follow that right, though the hosts o
hell assail him."
/ A deep Amen" went up from every
| throat
Now, Elder" said Mrs. Alcott, coming
| through the entry, dinners all ready. jess
waitin' for yo.' Take Sister Mccullough and leat
! the way 90 TO that ere table thar pointing
! TO one hich had been decked out with the hes
/ the house afforded in the way of linen AID
dshes-and lead The way. The rest.i foier
an find places Ell best they kin. Don't stop
don't keep us waitin'. Thiugsil Spite ef they'f
| not ct right off,
sister AIcott is one Of the Marthas of ou
flock" said the Elder with n smile. AS he TOOK
Mrs. McCullough's arm aud moved toward til.
| table She is cumbe red with much serving.
aud careful and troubled with many things.
She is one OF the best housekeepcrs. as she il
| one of the noblest wives and mothers. She has
! done much Tor our qualifications. and nov
! worries herself unless shall not have iui
enjoyment thereof. | have tried 10 teach he
that Martina au xietes were at last relieved by
entire trustiulness, bnt presume she will cou
| time to strive as long a. she lives"
When all had eaten there n genera
gathering around the Elder. who undersfoot
their impaiience 20 learn the message he hat
brought them. He moved again To his position
on the porch at the head of the steps. Their
was no need of calling the meeting TO order
all were too eager 10 hear his words
" Brethren ANA sisiees-i must also call vol
fellow-c tizens." lie began; for the things o
which shall speak to you concern not onl,
the salvation of your immortal souls, but NOR
than ever before your duties to that eartbl,
power which Is the chief temporal stay O
Christ's Kingdom.
/" In a score of places the Holy Scripture
teach US in words that we should not misunder