The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-02-03

Col Rhea continued in his delirium for
several days, and was faithfully attended by
Miriam and Sally. It was q bitter trial to
their feelings though. Nothing but the
Elders emphatic admonitions as to their
Christian duty and Mrs. Inrulc's gentle
persistence sustained their perseverance after
any one Of the Colonel's frequent spells of
bitter Pronunciation of all who opposed the
Southern Confederacy, and threats of yenge-
ance upon them.
. Mebbe IN not up { the proper condition
o grace, Sally Hoskins yetured to say one
day. " Reckon I'm not, fur hit takes a
powerful sight o prayin' an modification o
the flesh { cit thar. But it does seem T. me
that hits bout as much sense tendin an
keerin' for a crippled rattlesnake, that when
yo'ye made him sound an well, II turn
around an sock his fangs into yo'."
I'm no nearer grace than yo' are, Sally"
responded Miriam; for my mind runs about
the same way.
Sisters. sisters" said the Elder reproy-
ingly; that is no way TO talk. or even
think. The more unworthy az object the
greater the service TO God III ministering to
him; the more hateful an enemy, the greater
We manifest your love for Christ by obedi-
ence to His laws
The return of the Colonel's reason did moi
make this duty more acceptable. His mar
row, hectoring, domineeriBg type of mind
could conceive Of no other motive for the
treatment ne was receiving ut the hands of
. the Tory family than desire to proptiate
him, and secure themselves against the
future. The hint Of such thing was far
more eXasperating TO bold, combative people
like the Inrules than any downright hostility
could have been.
Unfortunately for himself. the Colonel did
not stop at hints. He failed utterly 10 COM
prehend the mountaineers He had known
only two classes: the utter low-down, nearly
worthless poor white F" of the Sang-digper
stripe, and his own SNOWY domineering.
observation-disclosures class. 1t was impos-
sible for him 20 understand that these men
of the mountains, scanty in education, with
little worldly polish, were yet possessed of as
much courage and pride as himself and much
more principle. Therefore he talked to them
as he would to the seryile Sang-dggers
You have taken great deal of pains with
me, he said 10 Miriam one day, land /
shall see that You are rewarded for it, /
shall remember it in the future, and it will
be very convenient for you TO have me do So
for You viii need all the influence you can
muster"
Miriam looked at him in amazement. ~
don { understand yo' sir. " she said
. Yes, you do, he answered petulantlv
here's no use pretending that you don't
You and your family are not so biz fools AS
these Tories generally. You know that when
the Confederacy'5 established, as it's sure 10
be, you'll have long account TO settle, and
you'll need some very strong friends on our
side. cannot make any very definite prom
ises. ! Sin ii only say that | appreciate all
that you have done Tor me, and that il your
further conduct shall be in accordance with
this 1T will go long ways tomard saving YOU
from the consequences that will he visited
upon others"
There; you're gittin' Eighty agin " she
got breath enough to say. The doctor
thought yo' wuz clear over that. an back to
your right mind"
He was entirely correct Ny mind was
( never clearer, and / am making the best use
OF its restored condition to think out every
thing properly"
Kan hit be possible that yo' think we'uns
air talin' keer o ,yo jest bekase ms ali
aieard o yon'ns, an IA. -, ~. c....r yo'
favor" she asked, looking at him with flash
I ing eyes.
iou are putting it with great deal OF
/ biuntness. l have always felt that YOU folks