The Cairo bulletin., 1912-06-05

dark road, and exhausted by the ex-
element through which had passed.
Even my mind seemed dulled, and 1t
appeared useless to think or plan.
had not intended to sleep, yet dro wsi-
ness came, and lost consciousness.
know not what aroused me, but 1t
was already daylight. gleam Of sun
through the windows turning the fes-
TONED cobwebs into golden tapestry.
One side of the box In which ] lay
had been broken out, and | could see
the full length of the shop. which ap.
peared Uttered from end to end with
all manner OF implements of hus-
bandry, and woodworking and black
smiths tools. All this | perceived
with my first glance, but 1t was the
distant sound of voice which az in
stantly held my attention. At first
could not locate the speaker, nor COM
prehend the peculiar singsong OF the
utterance. But as | lifted my head,
listening intently, | knew the man to
be beyond the wooden partition ct my
right, and that he was praying fer
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 | ventured to lift the latch,
and take cautious glance through tho
slight opening.
1t was blacksmith shop of fair
size, fully equipped with all the tools
of the trade. The man was facing me,
but with eyes closed. and uplifted. as
his lips poured forth the feryent words
Of prayer. | was not a religious man
in those days, yet 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 a man
Of short, sturdy limb, but great bulk,
massive chest, and immense shoulders
evidencing remarkable strength. What
was this man, this praying back
smith? A patriot surely, from his
words Of petition; one who had suf
fered much, but was willing to sNfYer
more. The strength chisellet in that
upturned face, those deeply marked
features, revealed no common entail
equipment. Here was real man,
with convictions, one who would die
for an ideal; without doubt radical
ready to go to any extreme where con-
science blazed the way.
AS he finally paused, his head bowed
low, stepped forward into tho Light,
confident of welcome, utterly forgetful
Of the uniform wore. At the first
faint sound Of my approach on the
floor he was upon his feet from ting
me. the shortness Of his limbs Yield.
Ing him certain grotesque ar ear.
auoe, hts deep.set eyes regarding ne
suspiciousiy. Before could realize
the mans intent he sprang between
me and the outer door. his hand grip.
ping an iron bar. ...
"A son Of Baal!" came the roar from
his lips. How came you here In that
uniform9 Are you alone?"
alone. yes" and I hurled the scar
let Jacket into the dirt with a geg lure
Of disgust. II had even forgotten I
wore IT, Wait a moment. heard
your prayer, and know you rsust be
with US. arr Major Lawrence of the
Maryland Line"
He stared at me motionless.
Then how come ye here"
II was sent into Philadelphia By
Washington himself, but my identity
was discovered, and there was no way
to escape except across the DelaH are.
reached here during the night, and
crept into your shop to hide. The
sound of your voice awoke me from
sleep, and / knew from your words
that 1t was safe for me to come forth"
"You may know it, young man. but
! don't" he replied grutiy. Were a
bit suspicious OF strangers here IN the
Jerseys these days. The minions Of
Satan encompass us abont. What
have We to show to prove your story?"
shook my head, extending my
hands
Only my word Of honor. had a
pass from Hamilton, but destroyed
that before entering the British lines.
II tell the whole story, perhaps you
will understand Its truth"
The expression of his face did not
change. yet ! thought the deep-set
eyes were not altogether unkind.
you are hungry, no Doubt"
Being human, yes"
Then well eat and talk at the same
time. You're only one man, an I'm
not afraid Of you, an IL We 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 1t. Make yourself comfortable
there on the bench"