The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-30

pre~ternaturally solemn until the end. sew
eral eyes being turned in their direction.
Then the minister took up a stick longer
than his heigh and as large as his wrist
a straight branch OF a tree which had come
from the woodpile of one OF the deacons
and was taken out of one of the green farm
wagons-and using it like the staff of a
biblical traveller. he walked out into the
river. The bottom shelved rapidly, and be-
fore he had gone a dozen feet the water
was above his waist. He felt all around
with his sounding staff and found the step
off, which is always in these rivers a yard
or two farther out and down the stream;
then he turned his face to the shore and
threw the stick toward the bank, landing
it skillfully at the feet of the singers with
out splashing a drop of water or mud on
their shoes. BY this time the sun was low
and had moved to the north enough to
throw its rays down the river through the
tops of the trees on the knoll at the bend.
a quarter Of a mile above. The light was
shining upon the water back of the minis
ter, and where he stood was shimmering as
the waves broke mp the network of light
and shadow thrown by the tree tops up
stream. Everybody was silent, waiting for
the next thing, which was the dramatic
climax for them, the toughs on the high
bank reserving their fire for the acme of
their opportunity, which was just at hand.
Suddenly the choir began a song with that
same energy Of attack which carried with
it a triumphant impression, and the deacon
who had been standing somewhat listlessly
at the edge of the water became minated
and reached out his hand to a stalwart
young man at his right. HI conducted the
muscular youth into the water a pace, and
there was met by the minister, who led
the convert out a few yards farther. The
music died down to the most slender plan
issimo, and the sublime words spoken in
the name of the Incomprehensible Trinity
echoed through the forest and over the
river. With a dexterity born of much skill
and practice the minister caused the big
young man to sink backward under the
muddy water, and as he appeared again,
with his eyes blinking and his face and
hair streaming, the septet made a swift
crescendO to the strongest fOrtissimo of
which their voices were capable. Nobody
else sang, for all were too much interested
in the couple in the water. Quickly came
the loud hail from the bank down stream
in a voice trained by calling animals from
the lower pasture:
Dip i'm again; We can't save i'm with
one washin'!''
This was answered from the other flank,
up stream, still more loudly:
There amt water enough in the river
to wash his sins away"
A startled swapping turtle dived off a
log and started down the stream.
"Oh yes, there is the first voice shout
ed, there they go now!'
On both TANKS of the crowd there were
outlaws, and a boy perched in a tree over
hanging the river gave a shrill cackle,
which he vainly tried to stife when he COM
pretended his conspicuous position. None
of the church people paid any attention 10
the interruption, and the minister led the
new member of the congregation toward
the shore, where he was assisted to Land by
the deacon. Then the music died down to
really sweet softness, and a pretty girl,
with her hair braided and carefully coiled
at the top of her head, was led into the
water, shrinking but brave. The last one
to be immersed. a half hour later, was
Scott, and as he stepped with quiet dignity
down to the deacon and minister many of
the church members added their exultant
tones TO that of the choir.
The irrepressibles on the bank at the up
per end of the crowd broke out into jeers
and ancient witticisms. one voice following
another with reference to the difficulty Of
washing very old clothing and disbelief in
the publication of any politician. Shacklett
sauntered up that way, and. going into the
middle of the group. who recognized him
as the natural leader of the anti-Scott
forces. said in the hushed tone OF voice gen.
orally used at funerals in that country:
Boys. that only makes Scott friends and
helps him. Please let him alone: the day
of the week to hit him is Tuesday"
ITO be Continued