The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-05-24

the improvements as would cover the in
terest when the land might revert by fore
closure.
The fife and drum of 1861 called for men
to defend the old flag. and Long John an
swered the call and parted from his petite
wife and twin girls-pretty as dolls and
scarcely four years old. Long John made
a good solder-trusty and true Every dol
lar of his pay and as much more as he
could earn in jobs for comrades and officers
was sent home to his little wife, who lived
in the most frugal manner and applied
every available penny to the liquidation of
the mortgage. Long John went to serve
his country, and many old soldiers will well
remember him as one always ready for
duty whenever duty called. He spent no
money for any of the luxuries and follies,
nor squandered it in transportation in con-
sequence of furloughs.
The welcome tattoo of IS proclaimed the
war was over. With a full measure Of
health honor and joy Long John returned
to his home to find IL improved and beauti-
fed far beyond his expectations The
mortgage was satisfied to the last dollar.
The little house with its vine-covered por-
tico was neatly whitewashed. Flowers
bloomed in the little front yard. the house
inside was well kept and a rocking chair
was placed in the center Of soft carpet,
beside which was a pair Of slippers Just
suited for tired and weary feet The little
wife was neatly clad. beautiful as a vision
with eyes sparkling with joy. The girls
were counterparts Of their mother. The
greetings were in keeping with all else
Tnhv ~
happier man on the round earth. His les
sons of hardships had taught him to appre-
ciate it, Long Johns neighbors greeted
him with all the honor and respect he could
desire.
About this time. at schoolhouse a mile
away, young preacher began q revival
meeting. A near neighbor who had to pass
Long Johns place invited him with his
family to go with them. Long John was
satisfied with home and declined the invi-
tation. Later, when the meeting had be-
come interesting. they insisted and the in
vitation was accepted. They arrived at the
schoolhouse a little late, but room was
made for Long John and his family on the
front row. Interest in the meeting was
somewhat cooled. as every one had their
attention drawn to the tall soldier and his
interesting and neatly-clad family.
The little excitable preacher, frenzied
with disappointment, demanded that all
who wished to go to heaven should rise to
their feet. All but Long John and his fam
lily arose. The preacher then called for
those who wished to go to hell to rise.
Long John and his family kept their seats
The little preacher stepped in front of Long
John and said: There is an explanat ton
needed here. The soldier does not seem to
wish to go to either heaven or hell" and
he regarded Long John with a whitening
look.
Long John, with something Of a rebuk-
ing smile. asked if he wished him to ex-
plain. and upon receiving an affirmative
reply he stood up for a moment. cast his
eyes over the house and then turning to the
preacher said: II have been more than
four years serving my country. 1 have
tried to do my duty. 1 have encountered
the privations and hardships incident to
army life. did not ask for or receive a
furlough. did not see my wife and chill
dren during that time. I have come home
to them sound and well to find them beau
tiful contented and happy We have pros
pered. We have our little home fully paid
ioi anu o"e Ho ohc, our uoine mas Deen
beautified by my loving wife and children.
We have plenty; we have friends. / love
my wife and children. I do not wish to
leave them. 1 am as near heaven as wish
to be. am satisfied. AS for hell, / have
been through it, seen 1t, tasted 1t, smelled
it and do not wish any more of it, You
have my explanation
The meeting was dismissed with Praise
God. from whom all blessings fow."
G. Y C.