The National tribune., 1903-02-19

serve you anywhere, night or day, when
shown to Federal officer or soldier. Be
fore starting l will give you full instruc-
tons. You must do as l say"
eyes," said Harding, 81 shall do precisely
as you command. 1t is the very thing
for me to do, and am glad of the OPP
portunity."
Harding then told the story of Melton,
to which Uncle Jimmy listened with great
interest.
Without noteworthy adventure Harding
proceeded to his home, while Uncle Jimmy
hurried to White Oak Lick where, as he
had anticipated, he found seven refugees
concealed in little valley, near Bald
Mountain. As usual the refugees were
impatient to proceed northward.
HARDING ON REFUGEES LINE.
Early on the morning following his in
terview with Uncle Jimmy, Harding pre-
scented himself at White Oak Lick. Hav-
ing received Gen. Kelley's pass and Uncle
Jimmy's explicit instructions, he departed
with the refugees without further delay.
Meeting with no serious adventure, he in
due time reached New Creek Station, some
20 miles west of Cumberland, where there
was Federal garrison. He and his party
reported to the Provost-Marshal, who ex-
amined them critically, asking many ques-
lions. They were required to write their
ldmeS III Il TeSlStei, uoliuS tucH PioSco u
residence and occupations. They were also
required to swear allegiance to the United
| States Government.
In CHANGING over the list of late arrivals,
| Harding joyfully found the entry: George
Melton, Wilmington, N. c., merchant"
| The Provost Marshal said he remember
ed Melton, and had heard him mention
Harding's name in connection with his
escape through the Confederate lines.
nap I,l Iofx 81 ha
ceived from Melton, with his wife, retain
ing 500 for his own needs. The refugees
had paid him $500 for his services in con-
Quoting them thither, one of them paying
him $50 in gold.
Anxious to join Melton, Harding left his
| refugees at New Creek Station, and went
| by train to Cumberland, where, without
difficulty, he found his Masonic friend, who
overwhelmed him with inquiries concern
ing his wife and daughter-especially the
latter.
PARTNERSHIP.
The two brothers Masons and refugees,
concluded to go into business at Cumber-
land, and within 10 days they opened a
handsome, commodious store the sign
above the door reading:
MELTON & HARDING,
Family Groceries.
| Meitou was an experienced mercuaul
and Harding soon became as expert in
wrapping up sugar and coffee as he had
been in hunting deer and shooting at
rebels. So great was their prosperity that
they soon became known as the "rich
refugees" and their place of business as
the '.efugee Store"
Ha ling had frequent opportunities to
interc ange letters with his home people,
Uncle Jimmy Todd continuing his periOdi-
lDnl - Low OFF, y, 4
GOING HOME.
Hope was ever on her mountain watching
till the day begun,
Crowned with sunlight over darkness from
| the still unrisen sum-"
! The exiles from home, sweet home, were
ever hoping for the ending of war and the
in the North, but they longed for a meet.
ing with those they loved in the little Vir.
GINA Valley far away.
Nearly two years after the opening OF
the Family Grocery" Gen. Lee surrend-
cred. Three days thereafter red flag
foated from the front of the Refugee
Store" Melton and Harding had employ
} ed an oratorial auctioneer to dispose OF
their groceries. They were going home.
Gen. Cadwailader marched from Win
chester up the Valley to Stanton. Fol
lowing his rear was handsome covered
wagon drawn by two spirited horses, and
in the wagon were Harding and Melton
! going home. They rested one night in
: Staunton, and early on the following morn
ing they were rapidly speeding toward
White Oak Lick. Uncle Jimmy proffered
. unbounded hospitality, but they would MOI
. tarry. Home, Sweet Home" was the
song in Harding's heart. That same home
was Melton's Mecca" too. His shrine
of worship was there.
l have no language to describe adequate
, ly the blissful reunion in the Harding
home. / draw the curtain between thu
reader and the sacred scene.
} THE WEDDING.
. ''The chancel was ready, the portal stood
wide,
For the lord and lady, the bridegroom ani
bride"