The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-03
B E s s E M E R

Uncle Ephraim was engaged in his ae- customed task of wedding the garden of his one-time master. He was as happy as a king in palace, dreaming not of the trouble that awaited him. Little, indeed, did the future bother him, true represen- tative of his race as he was. Good morning, Uncle Ephraim." said the bright-eyed daughter of the house, as she entered the garden for a morning bouquet. You look a little feeble this morning, Uncle Ephraim; l hope there isn't anything the matter. By the way, heard some one say yesterday that you were afflicted with ancestors
 Nom, Miss Kate, I ain't ailin'. Some lying oman been foolin you. Nothn's de matter wid dis nlgger.'
 An epidemic of smallpox had just broken out in the little town, so Uncle Ephraim scratched his head when Miss Kate left and thought about it just a little bit.
 After dinner one of Rates girl friends came into the garden and stopped to talk little while with Uncle Ephraim. Well, Uncle Ephraim," said she, I'm certain ly sorry to notice that you are a little sick today You are working too hard I'm afraid. By the way, somebody told me that you had ancestors. It isn't true, is it?"
 Fore Gawd, Miss Florence, dat ain't so. Somebody's ies been foolin' you Dis nigger here is a healthy nigger."
 But Uncle Ephram, though outwardly calm, was inwardly wrought up over the matter. The epidemic of smallpox had caused the death of a number of his brethren, preparing his mind for the ad- vent of another deadly disease. His men tai state became greatly disturbed, yet he went on with the work before him.
 Toward nightfall his master came into the garden to inspect the days work. When he came to the place where Uncle Ephraim stood, leaning wearily on his hoe. the master asked.
 Uncle Eph, what Is all this talk about your having ancestors? The neighbors are beginning to mention it and Sarah came to me only a few moments ago wanting to move from your street. You'd better be careful because if you have it, it will be worse than smallpox, and the fever is especially bad
 'GMarse Joe." said Uncle Eph, "dere ain't one bit of truf in dat port. Some crazy nigger has des got mad at me and start ed dat thing to make my neighbors spic- ious. I hain't got no fever and nobody kin ketch it from me-"
 Alright, Ephraim," replied the master. but be careful and if you feel bad, be sure to go to bed. I don't want you down spreading this new disease"
 To the four quarters of the earth were now scattered Uncle Ephraim's doubts. His head began to ache, his knees grew weak and shaky, and, tremblingly he laid down his hoe, with tottering foot steps making straight for home and spouse.
 What's the matter. Ephraim?' asked Hannah, almost before he came inside the gate. "There's something shore wrong wid you. You ain't drunk is you?"
 q ain't touched a drap, honey Uncle Eph walled. "I'se sick wid de ancestus, cause Miss Kate and Miss Florence and Marse Joe said so. And my head kinder aches and my knees is shakin''
 Hush, hush. chillun," Hannah called out to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Patrick Henry, Ephraim, Jr., Teddy Roosevelt Ca toddling lad of l year., Martha Jane. Arabelle, Dinah and all the others "Youse chillun makes ernuf noise widout kicking up racket when yore pore daddy is sick
 The children were straightway put to bed in the cracks and corners, and cool rag was applied to Uncle Ephraim's aching head. whereupon that individual went soundly to sleep. Hannah soon fol- lowed him, and quiet reigned In the house of Ephraim But this peaceful state was not long to continue. Uncle Ephraim was subject to frequent spells, and on this particular night one of these came upon him.
 Honey, honey.' he whispered about 10 o'clock wake up dar. My head Is nearly bustin' now. and my pore stomach, oh my pore stomach. Lord have mercy on it." His hands were clasped tightly around that useful member, and there could be no doubt that it needed help.
 Get up, Hannah, quick, honey quick. Hannah jumped out of bed, made light and examined Ephraim with haste. .'Eph. Eph," she asked, with bated breath do you think it's de ancestus?" The mention of the word turned Ephraim pale Gin the fashion of his race), and brought a cry Of alarm to his lips. The tone was similar to the doleful melody that issued from the tomb in the good