The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-11

Many years ago lived in commit nity in a Southern village whose peo- ple were noted for open door hospital ity and their kind-nearted ways. Of all the women, however, one was es- pecially noted for her do-what-ever- your- hands s-f1nd-to-do for others. Her home was the abode of thrift and neat ness. Flowers grew as by inspiration. and were everywhere. Birds nestled under the caves and in the shrubbery and she. chipper and merry. seemed built only for sunshine and joy.
 One day a sojourner came to make brief stay in the village. and ere many days had passed had lost a wee baby that was tenderly laid in the little cemetery on the hill. Time passed on and the father was also taken, and when the tiding of his death were borne to the village. with them came message to send the babys body to be placed beside that of the father in distant city. It seemed a pathetic piti- ful request. and in the bright light Of morning sunshine not a difficult task to perform. So this busy little woman stepped across to the humble shoe shop of one Jailus Perdue, noted for his efficiency in soles and half soles, to engage hi sservices in a new field. Af- ter considerable moral and financial suasion pious Jailus reluctantly con- sented to undertake the job.
 ''Ef a nice oman as you, Is gwine simplintend de wuk. course DO nigger lak Jailus gwine add his sperience and help"
 So 1t was arranged that on the after noon following. a lady friend should have a box made and sent to the cem- etery. she to accompany 1t. Dinner was over. our busy little woman announced to Becky, the cook, that she was going to the cemetery a little while. Becky looked surprised, and immediately in- quired with concern. "Who daid?"
 Nobody" was the quiet reply.
 Well. dat ain't no place for Miss Kate! Huccome she gwine dar by her se'f?"
 However, curiosity played small part in Becky's composition when opportu- nity of "toting off" extra "cold wit ties" appeared. and so while she did ruminate she also fell into song: and as the mistress set forth upon her mis- sion she was followed by the resound ing strains of 'Hark from dem tombs dem rolling sounds"
 Pausing at the little shoe shop sne called to Jailus. who very leisurely laid down the implements of his trade, and putting aside his leather apron, shoul- dered pick and shovel. when together they proceeded on their way. The steady earnest gait of the pair was such an unusual sight on these quiet streets that 1t excited notice, and the remark. You seem to be going to dig up something" startled the little wo- man. who scarcely pausing to return an emphatic 'I am" hastened on, in tent as are all women when on busi- ness bent They soon reached the cem- etery. kept as most such places are, with a yearly cleaning up for "Decora- tion Day" It WIS a dreary spot, that even the sunshine. which that day shone fitfully failed to brighten. The air was full of the chill of early au- tumn. The first frosts mad sent the leaves, dry and restless fiuttering ev anywhere. The cedars In their eter- nal verdure were fit sentinels to stand guard in this lonely resting place of the dead.
 As the party paused at the sunken grave, Jailus slowly laid down his tools, scratched his kinky head. and inquired, 'Is yo' sho' dis yers de placer? The very query showing a perceptible wavering of courage and thus early suggesting visions of possi- ble revolt. Being assured that there could be no mistake. ne reluctantly be-