Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1899-01-26

across the clearing, which seemed like
a diminutive island in an ocean of pine
A heavy snow-storm had mantled every
visible object with white, and the crys-
tai flakes were still slowly sitting down,
although the sun was driving wedges
OF gold through the myriad rifts that
divided the somber clouds overhead
'It's clarin' up, remarked the parson,
as he knocked the ashes out of his pipe
and placed it upon the rude mantle
above the Fireplace, Il reckon" he
continued, "thet Of we're goin' to try
an hev' any fun with the deer to-day,
we'd better turn loose the purps an
git to trackin'."
He was curious character, was the
parson, and a man OF many callings.
Hunter, trapper, river driver, farmer
and preacher, he was az genuine a pro-
duct of Northern Michigan as the stur-
dy pines that hedged his forest home.
True, his illiteracy may have somewhat
circumscribod his usefulness as a min
lister of the gospel, but his hearers, for
the most part, were not disposed to be
hypercritical, and his weekly meeting
at the big log school house over on sect
ion eight we're we'll attended. He pos
sessed homely wit, ready command
of language, and fund of shrewd,
practical common sense, which in
great measure atoned for his de6cien-
cies in the matter of education, and he
was very popular with his bsckwoods
congregation.
"He hain't no college-bred pulpit
mauler," said one Of his admirers to me
on one occasion, IAN he don't use such
purity language as some I've heerd, but
when he gifts warmed up with the spirit
an goes to showing up the blamed dirt
an meanness that most of US kerries in
our hearts he makes me feel meaner n
q yaller dog-durn me If he don't"
But whatever may have been the par
sons merits or demerits as preacher,
he was certainly most excellont hunt.
or, and every year late in the shooting
season left my business and sought
the pineries for two weeks hunt with
my eccentric friend. On the day of
which speak we had been kept in the
house several hours by tho driving
storm, and We hailed the prospect of
pleasant weather with much satisfact-
ion.
This is mighty big fall o snow for
November" said the parson as he slip.
ped handful Of cartridges into his
Winchester, IAN. itll be gret day for
trackln'. I wouldn't wonder Of"
AT this point he was interrupted by
the loud baying OF one of his hounds
and moment later there came a rap al
the door. The visitor, without waiting
for an invitation, strode into the cabin
and divesting himself of big fur car
which had covered the larger share Of
his face, revealed the familiar features
of Big John, d woodsman from one Of
the neighboring camps and we'll
known character in those parts
i've come down" said Big John, a'
he shook the snow from his "Mackin
aw," to git ye to go up to Colburu'i
camp, an l mighty glad found yer tt
home, parsUn. Fiddler Joe got al
smashed up this mornin' an he wants
to see yer bad"
"How did it happen9" / asked.
81 warn't thar" said Big John, "bu
the boys said as hJw two blame fool
from Saginaw as was hanging arounC
the camp got in the way Of a falling ire
an Joe rushed in to push them back an
got pinched himself"
us he bad hurtP" asked the parson.
Hes got his summons an thar ain
no Citing round 1t. I'm mighty du
bious that be wont hold out till we 81
thar" and the big fellow brushed some
thing from his face that did not resen
BILE snow, and turning abruptly ava
walked to the window and stood lookin
out in silence until we got ready
start.
Fiddler Joe was q great friend OF ouI
Indeed be was the friend of all VIII
knew him. Rough and uncouth in b
manner, but honest generous and truu
be was a prime favorite with his fello
craftsmen and very popular with II
settlers. He was an excellent perform
or on the violin, and his presence WI
in demand al all the country dances Il
and vide. After hard days work
camp he would frequently walk sever
miles TO crafty the wishes Of some
- bis young friends who considered d
social gathering or entertainment cor
plete without Joe and bis fiddle. Il
Willingness TO oblige, his kindness
heart and his generosity were proverl
al. If any one Of the boys in can
was sick it Was Fiddler Joe who nursO
him back 70 health. ia comrade W
in hard LUCK be was always sure
Fiddler J0e's sympathy aud aid Itw
no who breasted the aal waters ol 8
Sorth Branch in the dead Of winter