The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-06-02


bandry, and woodworking and black.
smiths tools. All this perceived
with my first glance, but II was the
distant sound Of voice which as in
stantly held my attention At first
could not locate the speaker. nor com
prehend the peculiar singscng of the
utteranca But as I lifted my head.
listening intently, knew the man to
be beyond the wooden partition at my
right, and that he was praying far
vently. Somehow heartened by this
discovery crept out from the bed Of
papers, and stole silently forward to
the narrow door which apparently led
into this second apartment The voice
never ceased In its monotonous ap-
peal. and yentured to lift the latch.
and take cautious glance through the
slight opening.
It was q blacksmith shop Of fair
size. fully equipped with all the tools
Of the trade. The man was facing me-
but with eyes closed, and upifted, as
his lips poured forth the fervent words
Of prayer. / was not . religious man
In those days, Jet the faith Of my
mother was not forgotten, and there
was something Of sincerity about that
solitary kneeling figure could not but
respect. The words uttered, the deep
resonant voice, and above all, the ex.
preston Of that upturned face, held
me silent, motionless. He was q man
Of short, sturdy limb, but great bulk,
massive chest, and immense shoulders
evidencing remarkable strength. What
was this man. this praying black.
smith? A patriot surely, from his
words Of petition; one who had sui.
fered much. but was willing to suffer
more. The strength chiseIled In that
upturned face, those deeply marked
features, revealed no common mental
equipment. Here was q real man
with convictions. one who would die
for an ideal; without doubt q radical
ready to 50 to any extreme where CON
science blased the way.
As he finally paused, HIS head bowed
low, stepped forward into the Hight,
confident Of welcome, utterly forgetfuI
Of the uniform ! wore At the FIRST
faint sound OF my approach on the
door he was upon his feet fronting
me. the shortness Of his limbs yield.
ing him . certain grotesque appear
ance, his dsep-set eyes regarding me
suspiciously. Before could realize
the mans intent he sprang between
me and the outer door, his hand grip
ping an iron bar.
"a son Of Baaif" came the roar from
his lips How came you here In that
uniformi Arc you alonef"
alone. yes" and I hurled the scar
let Jacket into the dirt with a gesture
Of diagust. IT had even forgotten I
wore IT. Wait a moment. l heard
your prayer, and know you must be
with us. am Major Lawrence Of the
Maryland Line"
He stared ut me motionless.
Then hew come re heref"
'T was sent into Philadelphia by
Washington himself. but my identity
was discovered. and there was no way
to escape except across the Delaware.
reached hero during the night, and
crept into your shop to hide The
sound Of your voice awcke me from
sleep, and / knew from your words
that II was safe for me TO come forth"
you may know II, young man, but
/ DON'T" he replied grufiy. Were
BIT suspicious OF strangers here In the
Jerseys these days The minions Of
Satan encompass as about. What
have ye TO show to prove your story ?"
shook my head. extending my
hands.
only my word Of honor. had q
pass from Hamilton, but destroyed
That before entering the British lines,
II tell the whole story. perhaps you
win understand It's truth"
The expression Of his face did not
change. yet / thought the deepeet
eyes were not altogether unhnd.
You are hungry, no doubtf"
Being human, yes"
Then we'll eat and talk at the same
time. You're only one man. an I'm
not afraid OF you, an II ye are Brit
Usher wouldn't starve you to death.
There's little enough, the good Lord
! knows, but you're welcome to the half
OF II MAKE yourself COAAorIADAo
there on the bench"
He threw open a cupboard in one
corner, and brought forth q variety Of
food, placing this upon wide shelf
near at hand. Occasionally our eyes
met, and l knew he was slowly max
Ing ND his mind regarding me. This
silent scrutiny could Lot have been al
together unsatisfactory. for, when he
finally drew up an empty box and sat
down. he was prepared to talk.
Help yourself" he began graveiy.
1T is rough camp fare. but doubtless
you are used to that Do you know
met"
/ scanned his face again intently,
surprised by the question, yet recog-
niEed no familiar features
NO." / replied, with some hesita-
don. Have we ever met before7"
mot to my remembrance" and the
mans language and accent evidenced
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