Yale University Library

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ALEXAI^DER.

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115

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1936

MEMORY DAYS

Si

MEMORY DAYS
In Which the Shenandoah Valley is Seen in
Retrospection, With Glimpses of School
Days and the Life of Virginia People
of Fifty Years Ago

By
ALEXANDER S. PAXTON

New York and Washington
THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1908

Copyright, 1908, by
The Neale Pijblishing Company.

CliS.llt

(i-

To the memory of my sainted father and mother this
volume is affectionately dedicated

CONTENTS Page
I The Valley and Eastern Vir
ginia,  II
II Crystal Spring,  23
III The Old Home,  30
IV Crystal Spring Seminary, .... 38
V School Begins,  44
VI A Day in School,  50
VII The Hawk's Nest,  63
VIII The Last Day of School, .... 70
IX Stray Blossoms,  79
X A New Administration,  85
XI An Elopement,  95
XII Reconstruction at Crystal
Spring,  104
XIII Muster and Circus Days, .... 113
XIV School Amusements,  121
XV Barring Out the Teacher, .... 127
XVI Christmas Times,  136
XVII The Death Angel,  142
XVIII A Wreck and a Deer Hunt, . . 147
XIX Winter Sports,  156

MEMORY DAYS

Page
XX 'Possum Hunting,  163
XXI The New Teacher,  168
XXII Marriage Bells,  179
XXIII Barring the Teacher In,  184
XXIV The Natural Bridge,  191
XXV Cousin Jennie's Party,  196
XXVI Declamation Evenings,  204
XXVII Narrow Escapes,  211
XXVIII Commencement Day,  217
XXIX The Virginia Military Institute, 223
XXX Falling Spring Church,  235
XXXI Concerning Courtship,  241
XXXII The Last School Day at the
Seminary,  253
XXXIII Political Affairs,  261
XXXIV Washington College,  268
XXXV Tournaments,  277
XXXVI Last Visit to Crystal Spring, . . 284

"Sweet Memory, wafted by thy gentle gale,
Oft up the stream of time I turn my sail
To view the fairy haunts of long-lost hours
Blest with far greener shades, far lovelier bowers."
— Samuel Rogers

CHAPTER I
THE VALLEY AND EASTERN VIRGINIA
'"Tis a land of fatling berds and fruitful fields, —
All joys that peace and plenty yield;
Earfli's sweetest flowers here shed perfume.
And here !^rth*s fairest maidens bloom."
Shenandoah, In the poetic language of the In
dian, signifies "Daughter of the stars."
How the savages came by this name we do not
know. It might have been from the springs that,
far up on the sides of the Blue Ridge, send their
little streams purling over their stony beds, here
and there leaping over some ledge and rushing
from their sources under the stars to feed the beau
tiful river that flows at the base. Or perhaps as
the Red Man looked down Into the crystal depths
of the river and saw mirrored there the stars he
loved, the Great Spirit whispered Into his ear the
name so fitting and so beautiful, "Daughter of
the stars."
And the Valley to which this stream has given
its name Is not less beautiful than the river. With
a rich and well watered soil, with abundant wood
land, at an early day it Invited a class of immi-

12 MEMORY DAYS
grants who by thrift and industry made it a garden
spot. The old Scotch-Irish pioneers came with the
rifle and the axe, with the Bible and the family
altar, with the church and the schoolhouse, and
laid the foundations of the grandest part of the
State that now rejoices in being named for the
virgin queen. On toward the west they moved,
and fields bending under rich crops smiled In the
sunshine, and villages and towns sprang up as If
by magic. Surely It was a goodly land, and the
ante-bellum days were noted for the high tone of
their social life. They were Industrious and en
joyed the fruits of their labor. Their homes,
mostly of brick, were stately, their barns painted
and with glass windows, almost rivalling in ap
pearance the dwelling itself.
The strongest religious denomination was the
Presbyterian, and the old stone churches, on Sab
bath days, were crowded. Some of the oldest
Valley churches were the old Stone Church, and
Tinkling Spring, so called from the tinkling of
the water of a spring which fell over a ledge of
rock. Then there was Falling Spring, where the
water gushed from the foot of the hill and leaped
over a ledge Into a basin several feet below. These
were the gates of Jerusalem, as the psalmist sang,
"whither the tribes of the Lord went up to the

VALLEY AND EASTERN VIRGINIA 1 3
testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name
of the Lord." The cemeteries of these grand old
churches were well enclosed and cared for. As
I have walked In them I have felt that I should
remove the shoes from off my feet, as the place
where I stood was holy ground. The Presby
terians were so numerous in the Valley that until
I was nine or ten years old I hardly knew there
were any but Presbyterians In the country.
A sect called Tunkers — from Pennsylvania — a
branch of the Quakers — was well represented.
They were peaceable, good citizens, and always
had comfortable homes. The men wore straight-
breasted coats and broad hats, the women wore
sunbonnets, and the girls were noted for their beau
tiful complexions and rosy cheeks. When a young
man married they set him up In business, at public
expense, and bade him God-speed on his journey.
The Valley farmers planted orchards, and the
very ground seemed to tremble under the weight
of fruit. Of course apple^butter was a staple
product, made to perfection. A visitor to the Val
ley from the South thus gave his experience at an
apple-butter boiling. Late one evening he stopped
for the night at a well-to-do home near the moun
tains. The young people gathered In and he saw
there was to be a frolic of some kind. Of course

14 MEMORY DAYS
he mixed in with the guests, and singled out a
pretty, black-eyed damsel as his partner. Look
ing Into another room he saw two persons with
long ladles stirring in a large kettle. Surely,
thought he, they are not making soap ! After
a while his companion said, "Let us go In and
stir." Said he, "My pretty miss, I'd follow you
to the ends of the earth." With a smile she
said, "I thought the earth round, sir." "Then
I'll follow you around the world," he retorted.
Relieving the two workers at the kettle, his com
panion told him to stir for dear life and to touch
every spot In the kettle, else It might be burned.
Away they went around and across, and across and
around. Soon the paddles struck and she said,
"There now !" He thought she referred tO' his
awkwardness, and tried to be more careful. Soon
they struck again, and the little lady sang out,
"There now I" "What do you mean?" said he.
"La! don't you know?" she asked. "Why, no,
tell me." "You see, when our paddles cross and
hit, then you g-go-got to kiss me!" "Yes, my
dear," said the Southern knight, "I'll be an apt
scholar In this school," and he promptly gave her
a kiss. Again the paddles hit and again he kissed
her. In the social gatherings innocent games were

VALLEY AND EASTERN VIRGINIA 1 5
indulged In, but cards and dancing were rarely
heard of. The first, people said, helped to make
gamblers of the boys, and the young people were
too loyal to their church to "trip the light fantas
tic." At these gatherings all seemed to enjoy
themselves in the highest degree. About 10
o'clock a bountiful supper was served, no punch
bowl being there to tempt the young from the
paths of temperance. At midnight the guests de
parted. In the Valley churches In those days there were
grand old preachers. The keynote of their ser
mons was "Jesus and the resurrection." I remem
ber Brown of the Stone Church, Dabney of Tink
ling Spring, McFarland of Bethel, White of Lex
ington, and Ewing of Falling Spring. My boyish
admiration and veneration placed these men on a
plane higher than the average minister of to-day.
I heard the following story told of an old minister
against whose sanction a fiddle was brought Into
his choir. On the first Sunday he said, "Sing and
fiddle number 65." A smile passed over the con
gregation. At the announcement of the second
hymn he said, "Please fiddle and sing number 39."
Almost a titter passed around. At the third hymn
he said, in a high tone, "Let us sing and fiddle and

1 6 MEMORY DAYS
fiddle and sing number 102." The fiddle was out
of tune and never came In again.
There were not so many slaves in the Valley as
there were In eastern Virginia, and the masters
were more indulgent and lenient with them. As
a result they were very much attached tO' their
homes, and nursed and petted the white children
In those homes. They were well clad, and on Sun
days the "blled shirt," black suit, and white gloves
made the darky an object of envy to his brother
from east of the Ridge. I used to hear some of
our darkies laugh at the "Tuckahoe nigger" for
his peculiar expressions, such as "wheat patch"
for wheat field, and "pig killln' " for butchering
hogs. The people in the Valley were called Cohees,
an Indian name, the signification of which I never
heard. Education In the Valley was Indicated by
the great number of academies and "old field"
school houses, the crowning school of all being
Washington College at Lexington. It was the
alma mater of some of the grandest men of the
day. With these few remarks upon the land
of the Shenandoah we will cross over the Blue
Mountains and speak of people and things over
there. Beginning at Jamestown in 1607, the pioneers

VALLEY AND EASTERN VIRGINIA 1 7
pushed up the James River, up the Rappahannock,
and the Rapidan from the tidewater section to the
Piedmont country at the base of the Blue Ridge.
The people were a little different from those In
the Valley. These came mostly from England,
and possessed the characteristics peculiar to the
people of the mother land. They were high toned,
chivalrous, and hospitable in the highest degree.
There was an aristocratic tinge In the blood of
the average planter, and the lines of class distinc
tion were sharply drawn. There was little or no
social intercourse between the planters and the class
of mechanics and ordinary tradesmen. All the
large plantations had overseers who managed the
negroes. On some plantations there were from
one hundred to three hundred slaves held In sub
jection by a rigid discipline. They were hired out
to labor on public works or at factory plants, and
at Christmas I used often to hear the songs of the
hirelings as they were homeward bound, seeming
happy and llghthearted.
The dialect of the people seemed a little pe
culiar to their friends In the Valley. They used
the word "carry" where the Cohees would say take
or bring, thus, "Carry the horse to the rack and
tie him up." I once heard a young gallant say

1 8 MEMORY DAYS
he carried a girl to church and in my Innocence
I asked If she was a little one or a big one. As
to the origin of the name "Tuckahoe" I heard
this : A fellow stole a hoe, and, being caught, said
he did not steal the hoe, he only tuck It.
Having plenty of slaves to do the work, the
gentry Indulged In hunting, fishing, and social vis
iting. A horse and gun were the usual equipment
for the young man's pleasure. Fox hunting was
a rare sport, and, as In the mother country, the
women often joined In the sport. An invitation
to visit was not to come to spend the day, but a
week or more, and as the heavy carriages rolled to
and from the splendid mansions, guests came and
went and the halls resounded with mirth, and with
walking, riding, hunting, cards and dancing, the
hours fairly flew. The old Virginia reel was a
favorite dance, and now and then a few couples
who had fallen from grace ( !) would Indulge in
a waltz. The decanter was always set out for the male
guests, and peach brandy and honey were consid
ered a rare combination, and though social drink
ing was general, drunkenness was very rare.
In farming the crop that paid was tobacco, and
from the sunny slopes of the Blue Ridge to the
Eastern Shore, In season, the landscape would be

VALLEY AND EASTERN VIRGINIA 1 9
dotted with patches and fields of tobacco. From
the burning of the plant-bed, In the early spring,
to the time when the hogshead was ready to burst
under the press, tobacco was the center of interest.
One attraction about this so-called luxury was that
at any time It could be exchanged for gold. The
mule, the darky, and the tobacco field were the
three factors In the prosperity of this section.
Lynchburg never forgave Porte Crayon In his
"Virginia Illustrated" for the picture of the
"Lynchburg team," a barefooted, bareheaded ne
gro boy astride a hogshead of tobacco on a wagon
drawn by a mule In front, an ox on the right and
a horse on the left side behind, certainly a singular
combination of forces.
The largest religious denomination was the
Episcopal, and It was loyal to the mother church.
Among the stirring features In the religious life of
the community were the camp meetings, which
were held chiefly by the Methodists and Baptists.
Much good was generally done at these meetings
In reclaiming backsliders, In strengthening totter
ing saints, and in turning some sinners Into the
straight and narrow way.
In that elder day one of the pets of Virginia
was the University at Charlottesville, which,
though belonging to the State, she specially

20 MEMORY DAYS
claimed as located In her borders. Monticello,
the home of Thomas Jefferson, was situated on a
small mountain in sight of the University. In its
day It was a stately mansion. Most of the mate
rial for Its construction was brought from England.
The floors of the dining-room and ballroom were
in marble in imitation of mosaic pavement. There
were niches In the walls for beds, with a small
window just above, so no need of bed-steds. In
the cellar was a secret door opening Into a subter
ranean passage five feet in height, lined with brick
and extending some three hundred yards down
Into the woods on the left side of the house. It
doubtless was Intended as a means of escape If cut
off by an enemy In front, and Jefferson himself
came near having to use it the day Tarleton, the
British trooper, almost captured him. He barely
had time to mount his horse and gallop down one
side of the mountain as the dragoons dashed up
to the gate from the other side. From this house
Is a beautiful view of the RIvanna Valley and the
great statesman could look down on the dome of
the University whose foundations he had laid. In
the library In the dome was a whispering gallery,
a thing of great interest to the visitor. The Uni
versity was patronized largely by Virginia and the
South, and the standard was high. A band of

VALLEY AND EASTERN VIRGINIA 21
English scholars visiting the schools of the United
States pronounced the course at this noted Uni
versity more thorough and the examinations more
impartial than anything seen In the North. Grand
old men filled the chairs of the University, — Gil-
dersleeve, Harrison, McGuffey, and others, — and
they left the Impress of their work upon the school
and gave it a high place.
One day, Scheledevere, the professor of mod
ern languages, was hearing a class In Horace for
Professor Harrison. A blunderhead of a student
was trying to translate a portion of the ode begin
ning, "Erexi monumentum aeris," or, "I have
erected a monument of brass." The verdant youth
translated it, "I have eaten a monument of brass !"
Stamping his foot the Professor cried out,
"Zounds! how did he digest It?"
This school had on Its roll of alumni a noble
list of names; students who afterward became
governors, senators, legislators, lawyers, and di
vines, all of whom as they added to the glory of
their alma mater also rriade more glorious the
name of old Virginia.
Well does Virginia deserve the name of
"Mother of States and Statesmen." Proud may
she be In having given to the nation six Presidents,
the last of whom was John Tyler. With tender

22 MEMORY DAYS
care does she guard and venerate the tombs where
sleep her illustrious dead. Of course Mount Ver
non heads the list. Yearly thousands go to pay a
tribute of love and admiration to the hero who
sleeps there, and to catch an inspiration from the
memories that cluster around his noble life.
"In the long vista of the years to roll,
Let me not see my country's honor fade ;
Oh ! let me see our land retain its soul :
Her pride in Freedom, and not Freedom's shade." — Keats.

CHAPTER II
CRYSTAL SPRING
"More limpid water can no fountain show,
A fairer bottom or a smoother brow;
A painted world its peaceful gleam contains.
The heavenly arch, the bordering groves and plains."
"Jerusalem ! how tempus does fugit," exclaimed
an Impatient old man who, in a bustle one day,
tried to quote the old Latin motto. Yes, Time
does fly. The present is but a moment, the mighty
past Is behind us, and the untried future stretches
away before us. Hope gives a tinting to its sky,
and we press on eager to taste new joys. Yet,
there are pictures In the past upon which we love
to gaze. And sitting all alone In my chamber this
morning, memory Is calling up other days and
other scenes. Voices from the past seem to whis
per to me, and hands that I once clasped are beck
oning me to come back to the fields of boyhood.
And I go back to the home of my boyhood and
stand by the spring at the foot of the hill, under
neath the wldespreading willows. I take the old
gourd and drink again of the cool, sparkling water.
And as I drink there comes into my mind the

24 MEMORY DAYS
words of that beautiful poem by Samuel Wood-
worth, whose refrain Is,
"The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,
The moss-covered bucket that hung in the well."
The refreshing draught sends a thrill of life-
giving vigor through my body, and none other has
ever tasted sweeter. It has the same gurgling
sound as It gushes forth, a strong stream from
its subterranean source. The pebbles still glisten
on Its bottom and the crimson willow roots still
fringe Its banks.
Thence memory leads me to another gushing
fountain, under the old sycamore tree, where I
used to slake my thirst when the flush of school
boy play was upon my cheeks.
Few there are who do not enjoy a retrospective
view of their school days. Amid the hurry and
bustle of business life It Is pleasant to pause and
look back to those good old days when, free from
care, we bounded over the hills and reveled In the
sports of childhood. Watch the gray-haired man
as he talks of his own school-boy days and see his
eye kindle and his face beam with animation as he
lives over those happy hours ! Grandmother, as
she sits In her easy chair In the corner, will smile
as she tells the listening children of well-remem-

CRYSTAL SPRING 25
bered scenes in her youth; how Jamie admired
her curls and the choice June apple that Charlie
saved for her!
Yes, from those dear old scenes there comes
floating down to us, across the waste of years, a
fragrance that life, since then, has never given us.
The music of childhood will continue to echo in
our hearts until the strings are touched by the
hand of death.
Come, now, with me and I will take you to a
noted spring by the old schoolhouse under the
shadow of the Blue Ridge In old Virginia, where,
years ago, I took my first step along the great
highway of learning.
We are standing on the south bank of the James
River in Rockbridge County and looking to the
southwest. We see Arnold's VaUey extending
several miles, reposing as a beautiful bride In the
arms of the great mountain barriers. On the east
we look upon the lofty summits of the Blue Ridge
crowned with cedar and pine, except where here
and there white cliffs rear their giant forms. On
the south stands. In sullen majesty, old Thunder
Hill, so called because, owing to Its great height,
storms wrap the summit In clouds, lightnings en
circle It, and peals of thunder shake its very crest.
On the west, Little Mountain, in graceful

26 MEMORY DAYS
curves, runs up from the river, over whose oak-
covered sides the evening shadows play, and whose
top Is gilded with the parting rays of the sun as
he takes leave of this beautiful valley.
We will follow the course of Otter Creek, a
small stream rising in the dark shadow of some
mountain hollow and running through the valley.
Its waters are clear as crystal, and along Its banks
stand stately sycamores, and the willows bend to
kiss the limpid waters as they glide by. Here and
there are holes In which trout are darting to and
fro. Now we pass the swimming-pool under the
cliff, in which, during the warm days of summer,
juveniles of various ages and colors cool their
limbs and exercise their muscles. After a pleas
ant walk of a mile and a half we come to a fine
spring gushing out from under a sycamore only
a few steps from the creek. We drink, and the
cool freestone water is so refreshing! Along the
terraced bank and on the plateau extending be
yond stand in all their primeval beauty the oak,
the hickory, the cedar, and the poplar, forming a
grove in which the fabled satyrs and graceful
nymphs might delight to dwell.
We throw ourselves on the grassy bank, and the
rippling waters and the singing birds make for us

CRYSTAL SPRING 27
a music that is in keeping with this woodland
scene. Yonder come two horsemen — Dr. Watson, our
family physician, and a visiting friend. Dismount
ing, they drink of the spring from the old weather-
beaten gourd, and join us on the bank. Says the
friend, "I never drank cooler, sweeter water, nor
saw a finer spring. It must have a pretty name."
"We call It Crystal Spring," said the Doctor, "and
it is the pride of our little valley. Clearer, purer
water does not gush from the mountains. Just
look Into It again." Standing by the bank the vis
itor looks down upon the pebbles that stud Its bot
tom, and then upon Its waters, as purling over the
smooth stones they hasten to mingle with those of
the creek. "Surely," he says, "this Is a splendid
spring. Perhaps It Is a jet from the old Spaniard's
Fountain of Youth." "There Is a legend con
nected with its name," says the Doctor. "Tell it,
tell It!" comes a general chorus. The Doctor be
gins: "Many years ago a tribe of Indians encamped
on the plateau up there and used the grand hunt
ing-grounds in this valley. In the open space
yonder they had their dances and sang their songs.
The daughter of the chief was a beautiful maiden
of whom he was very proud. She was loved by

28 MEMORY DAYS
a young brave of a hostile tribe beyond the moun
tains, and every month in the light of the moon
he came tO' visit the lovely princess of .the forest.
In the still hours of the night as the moon was
sinking and the shadows around the spring were
deep these devoted lovers met here. Then, as
dawn began to make rosy the eastern sky, he stole
away to a mountain ravine tO' wait for the shades
of another night and she to her wigwam to dream
of her Ideal warrior and hunter.
"As a pledge of his love and also as a charm
he had given her a gem clear as crystal which one
of his ancestors had brought from beyond the Fa
ther of Waters, and she wore this jewel on her
string of beads around her neck. Now a young
brave from her own tribe also loved the maiden,
but she told him she loved another. Bitter jeal
ousy sprang up In his heart. He saw the jewel
sparkle on her neck, and knew it told of his rival's
love. Following her to the spring In the twilight
hour, he told her he was going to get the cursed
stone and crush it tO' powder. Seizing her In his
arms he snatched the prized gift from her neck.
In her desperation she caught his hand and grasped
the jewel, which she threw behind them Into the
spring. He plunged his hand into the water after
it, when, lol it had dissolved, and gave to the

CRYSTAL SPRING 29
waters their sparkle and beauty. Hence It got the
name of Crystal Spring."
"That is a beautiful legend," said the visitor.
"I like to hear the stories handed down to us by
the Indians."
"Here Is a grand social rallying point In .the way
of picnics," continued the Doctor. "Could some
of these trees talk they might tell many tender
words which some Romeo poured into the willing
ear of some Juliet. Here the hunters meet after
the chase, and mixing, In the ratio of 3 to i, the
fiery contents of a flask with the pure water, they
have a combination called 'grog,' said to be very
palatable by the above mentioned sportsmen."
The long shadows bid us depart. As we stand
for a moment, a squirrel and his mate. In search of
their evening meal, come hopping down to the edge
of the bank, and, seeing the intruders, scamper
back to their holes. One more drink and we
slowly take leave of this spring over which hangs
the charm of romance and around which are so
many touches of beauty.

CHAPTER III
THE OLD HOME
"Home, sweet home.
Name ever dear to me,
I love that dear old home." —Bailey.
There Is a song whose chorus finds an echo In
the heart of every loyal son of the Old Dominion.
It is sung not only on the Eastern Shore, where the
blue Atlantic kisses the cheek of the dear old
mother, but It rolls back over green field and
wooded hill to the highlands, and Is caught up by
the dwellers under the shadows of the glorious
mountains. And, when far from the borders of
the mother-land one of her children hears the
music, "Oh carry me back to old Virginny,
To old Virginny's shore,"
then his heart warms with love, and he longs to re
turn. My cradle was rocked at the foot of the Blue
Ridge, near Lexington, In the Valley of Virginia.
The mountain breezes were healthy, the springs

THE OLD HOME 3 1
that gushed from the hills were pure and delicious,
and there boys grew strong and vigorous.
Let me be a barefooted boy again, back at the
old home, and tell you something of Its life and sur
roundings. In the quiet of a spring evening I am
standing on Quarry Hill, looking down upon my
home, and then upon the beautiful landscape that,
with all its varied beauty, stretches away toward
the Alleghanies. Mountains are on every side en
closing the valley of the James. Yonder comes
this river winding In graceful curves, its banks
fringed with living green, and the sun reflecting on
its smooth surface a dazzling silver sheen. The
evening breeze Is laden with the perfume of apple
blossoms from the orchard at the foot of the hill ;
and the sun, nearing the western horizon. Is flood
ing with gold the beautiful scene. From the pas
ture, In slow procession, the cattle are winding their
homeward way, and from the hillside comes the
tinkling of sheep bells. Yonder, in a field to the
left, standing In a row, are six cherry trees arrayed
In their white blossoms. It makes me long for
cherries just to look at them, yet, I remember on
one or two occasions when, having sampled the
fruit too early, I was much distressed and was
bowed In pain and sorrow until my good mother

32 MEMORY DAYS
administered relief from her medicinal stores and
made me happy again.
I look down upon the home, and though It Is
plain In architecture it is beautiful to me. The
smoke is curling up from the kitchen chimney, sug
gestive tO' the hungry boy of the evening meal.
There Is the garden by whose walks are beds of
thyme and the old-fashioned pinks which I love to
smell. In the yard stand six Lombardy poplars,
tall, graceful and aristocratic, looking down on
their neighbors. I remember once, when a stray
squirrel took refuge In one of them, the only gun at
hand was an old flint-lock shotgun, a gun about as
dangerous behind as before. An Englishman
offered to aim at the squirrel, and as the flint would
not Ignite the powder In the pan. Uncle Humphrey,
a negro, was to touch It off with a stick burning at
one end. "Ready!" cried the gunner, and bang!
went the gun. The squirrel looked down and
smiled on the battlefield below. The gun lay on
the ground In one place, the Englishman lay on his
back In another, and the darky was In full retreat !
With Trip, my faithful dog, I come down the
hill by the old chestnut tree giving promise of rich
fruit when. In October, the frost with Its snowy
fingers shall open the burs, on by the chinquapin
bush and the cluster of papaws, all friends of mine.

THE OLD HOME 33
The persimmon tree calls to my mind the dark day
when, tasting its fruit unwisely, my lips for a time
contracted so as to advertise me as a natural whis
tler! On I go to the spring-house, the rallying
place at milking time for the juveniles, white and
black. Whilst the milkmaids are busy, and mother
attends to her dairy work, we little fellows have a
picnic riding on low willow limbs, or wading in the
branch. Oh, but those were happy days! Give
me the farm life for the boy. In our home we
were taught practically the Fifth Commandment.
We never questioned, except In a limited way, the
authority and wisdom of our parents. Original sin
always brings forth some of its fruits, and now and
then some of us little folks had Solomon's doctrine
on training up a boy gently Instilled Into our minds
and laid upon our backs. Learning how Solomon
acted when he was older, I concluded that he did
not get enough of the rod when he was a youngster.
We were taught to love the Bible and mother
would tell us stories from It and have us memorize
short verses. Morning and evening we heard It
read as we gathered around the family altar.
When old enough we were taken to church, seven
miles distant, across a river and over a mountain.
We earned our devotions. We learned to love our

34 MEMORY DAYS
pastor. Rev. Jno. D. Ewing, and were delighted
when he would come to our house to spend the
night. Life In the old home was spiced with innocent
pranks and pleasing episodes. A common expres
sion learned from the negroes, referring, of course,
to the night-time, was, "The black thing will catch
you!" What the "Thing" was we hadn't the
faintest conception, but whether It was Satan dr a
bear, we dreaded the meeting ! One night, as rny
younger brother, In a dimly lighted room, was
getting Into a linen garment, just as he stood with
hands extended above his head, I, who was safe In
the bed, cried out, "Look, look! Black Thing Is
coming after you!" Rip, rip! went the garment.
"Oh my! oh my!" walled my brother, and Zip,
bum ! came the boy rolling Into bed, tucking his
head well under the cover. The next morning,
when mother surveyed the wreck, I made one of
the narrow escapes of my life, and heaved a sigh
of relief to think what might have been.
In the cool of the summer evenings after supper
the sports on the lawn were exciting and exhilar
ating. In my play with toads I am afraid I bor
dered on cruelty to animals. The toad is afraid of
a black snake, as the black snake will swallow the
jumper without any apology. I would get an old

THE OLD HOME 35
crooked black root, with a snaky look, and run it
along on the ground after the toad, which fearing
its minutes were numbered, would jump for dear
life! Away we would go, until finally the toad,
from sheer exhaustion, would just fall over and lie
still, resigned to his fate. I have long since re
pented of that sin, and hope I have been forgiven.
Our social intercourse was free and pleasant.
"Bring your knitting and spend the day" was an
invitation often accepted, and the ladles would sit
and talk and knit, and knit and talk. The subjects
discussed were various, including babies, gardens,
chickens, weddings, the school, the preacher, and
the church.
With the machinery of the kitchen in good run
ning order, cook and assistants, the hostess did not
get nervous over the sudden advent of "quality,"
as our cook called the guests. Spending an eve
ning was customary, and to me the climax of the
event was the good supper, when we had hot bis
cuit, chicken gravy, preserves, and such good
things. The boy has to eat to live, but he often
lives to eat. Very early I became partial to a little
cousin, a graceful little girl with dark brown eyes
and pretty curls. When Cousin Jennie, our
nearest neighbor, was among the guests, I enjoyed
the visit "lots more." She was lively, but not

36 MEMORY DAYS
noisy, playful but not rude, with nice manners and
a good disposition, and I "just liked her all the
time." On the list of my childhood friends were the
pickaninnies, as happy a little tribe as ever basked
In the sunshine. Their summer clothing. consisting
of a single garment, they got the full benefit of the
passing breeze, and a small stream was no obstacle
In their path, for they simply waded It. "Little
Marster" was captain of this company of dusky
hue, but generally ruled In kindness, as the little
darkles shared in his sports and added to his pleas
ures. Troubles In the ranks which the captain
could not settle were referred to a higher tribunal
and quieted in short order.
Ah! but I well remember the old clock as It
stood In the corner ticking off the seconds. My
grandfather brought It from Scotland and it was a
treasured heirloom. It was an eight-day time-
measurer, towering up to the ceiling, and with
weights I could not lift. There was an attachment
showing the phases of the moon, which was more
wonderful to me than the movements of the hands.
"TIcIc-tock, tick-tock," went the pendulum, never
tiring, never ceasing, or, as Longfellow writes:

THE OLD HOME 37
"By day its voice is low and light;
But in the silent dead of night.
Distinct as a passing footstep's fall,
It echoes along the vacant hall.
Along the ceiling, along the floor,
And seems to say at each chamber door, —
'Forever — never
Never — forever" !"
Thus the surroundings of my old home were
such as made young life pleasant and better. It
was my little world, and to me It seemed para
dise, and my home In many respects was typical of
many others In the community.

CHAPTER IV
CRYSTAL SPRING SEMINARY
"'Tis education forms the common mind:
Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined." —Pope.
On a bright morning in the spring of 1 848 two
men were standing on the plateau just above the
beautiful Crystal Spring. In their veins flowed
the old Scotch-Irish blood that made the sturdy
character of the men over whose cabins the smoke
first curled along the banks of the Shenandoah,
and whose descendants have made that grand old
valley bloom and blossom as the rose.
One of these men was my father, the other his
cousin and neighbor. They had been In earnest
conversation about education and schools for the
children. The object of their visit was the loca
tion of a school building. They spoke of the new
generation coming on, represented In the curly
heads and bright eyes in their homes, and expressed
a desire to give them better educational advantages
than they themselves had enjoyed when they were
boys. For In their boyhood days the average
country school extended only through the winter,

CRYSTAL SPRING SEMINARY 39
and during the remaining months of the year the
muscle of the boys was cultivated In the practice of
athletics upon the farm.
My cousin was a man of good mental capacity,
and by reading and observation he had acquired a
large fund of Information. Said he to my father,
"Cousin Preston, you know we have felt the
need of more schooling In our lives, and we ought
to give our children all the advantages we possibly
can offer them."
"Yes, Squire," replied my father, "you are right.
What we give them In this line can't be stolen
from them. It will be a treasure they always can
claim as their own."
"We want to establish a school here," continued
Cousin William, "that will make scholars of our
girls and boys; not an old-field establishment like
the ones we used to attend. Of course we will
have to begin at the foundation and build up ; but
let us aim at a cap-stone that will be beautifully
carved and polished."
"Squire, I admire your zeal In the matter.
Right here is the best location, as our river chaps
can come, and we will gather In the Valley children
too." "This location is excellent," Cousin William re
plied; "central, yet retired; the birds and squir-

40 MEMORY DAYS
rels In these woods will teach the pupils nothing
bad, and the spring and creek will add to comfort
and cleanliness. You know a very desirable com
bination Is a small boy, a cake of soap, and plenty
of water!"
And, In the spirit of self-reliance, and follow
ing the custom of utilizing home products so preva
lent In those good old days, these two leading
spirits in the enterprise decided tO' build the house
with their own resources.
There was an Independence in the simple life of
the Valley farmers of those days that we do' not
see practiced now. The winter clothing came
from the flock of sheep that grazed along the hill
sides, and the flax-patch furnished the cool summer
garments. The music of the spinning-wheel and
the clatter of the weaver's shuttle were heard In
those homes, and told of thrift and economy. All
the "shoes for every-day wear were made from the
hides of home-raised cattle. Living thus, at the
end of the year the farmers owed no man anything.
So, taking their tools, and some negro hands,
they met at Crystal Spring and the work began on
the schoolhouse. The woods rang with the axes,
trees fell, logs were hewn, the foundation was laid,
and the walls arose In due time. It was built on
the plateau about fifty yards from the spring, on

CRYSTAL SPRING SEMINARY 4 1
the south side of the creek. Of course In architec
tural plan and finish it did not resemble the modem
structure with Its comfortable and handsome equip
ments. Its walls were of hewn logs, the cracks
between being stopped with mortar. A chimney
whose heating capacity was measured by a cart
load of wood, stood at one end. The entrance
door was on the south side and there was another
opposite. A window on the right of the front
door lighted up the sacred precincts of the teach
er's chair, whilst one eighteen Inches In height ex
tended across the entire west end. Along this was
placed the writing-bench, as it was called, a wide
board Inclined from the wall and a bench to suit
the height. Around the walls were benches with
out backs, whilst a few benches sitting across the
floor had the luxury of backs. The house was
covered with clap-boards, and with its wooden
chimney was a very dignified-looking structure
for educational purposes In those days.
Nestled under the overshadowing branches of
those grand old trees It was protected from the
summer sun and screened from the full sweep of
the wintry blasts.
The last nail was driven In the roof, the door
latch and string were satisfactorily adjusted, and
the work was pronounced good.

42 MEMORY DAYS
Uncle Aleck, the negro "boss workman," as he
styled himself, was the head man on my Cousin
William's farm, and Uncle Aleck felt highly hon
ored In having been selected for the work at Crys
tal Spring. He was a character In whom Dickens
would have rejoiced. Being versed In theological
questions so as to point his flock, on Sabbath morn
ings, toward the better land, and also to marry
negro couples, he was held In high esteem by his
"brederln." I remember him as a high-toned
negro, and there were no suspicions of fondness for
visiting chicken roosts ever attached to his name.
His manner was pompous, yet respectful, and his
penchant for using big and meaningless words
made him an amusing character to his white
friends. He was especially popular with the
younger generation, as he was very courteous and
obliging to us on all occasions.
Uncle Humphrey, our old family servant, was
also one of the workmen on the schoolhouse. He
also stands out as a conspicuous negro character of
that day, honest and trustworthy to a high degree.
He, too, was a churchman, a deacon, and he led
In prayer-meetings; he also tackled questions of
church finance and decided knotty points of disci
pline among the erring members.
Uncle Aleck, standing with arms akimbo, gazed

CRYSTAL SPRING SEMINARY 43
with admiration at the finished schoolhouse, and
said, "I tell you, Marse Preston, dat house is hard
to beat. She Is fine fur de children to 'losophize
In." "Yas," assented Uncle Humphrey, "you Is
mighty right, 'Bauzzee'; dey can learn till their
little heads nearly bust."
Then, at the suggestion of my cousin, I think,
the house was honored with the very euphonious
name of "Crystal Spring Seminary."
Little did those dear old men think, as they
talked and laughed over the name, that some of
the little flaxen-headed boys who then entered those
plain walls with the old "Blue-back Speller" in one
hand and the more interesting lunch basket In the
other, In a few years, on those same benches, would
be translating Cicero's Orations, reading Xeno-
phon's Anabasis, and demonstrating geometry on
the blackboard !

CHAPTER V
SCHOOL BEGINS
*%etters admit not of a half renown;
They give you nothing, or they give a crown;
No work e'er gained true fame or ever can.
But what did honor to the name of man." — Young.
The next term Crystal Spring Seminary needed
a guiding spirit. In those days a few of the lead
ing families of our neighborhood would select a
suitable teacher, guaranteeing him a certain salary,
with all extra pupils he could get, and this "king
of the birchen sceptre" would "board around"
free amongst the leading patrons. There was
always a flutter In the home when the teacher was
Introduced as a boarder. The juveniles were, for
a time at least, on their better behavior, and the
"small boy" smacked his lips In view of an Im
provement In the bill of fare. Peach preserves for
supper, and chicken gravy for breakfast, were lux
uries not found in his every-day life, and, desiring.
to be "on the good side" of the pedagogue, he was
very attentive and communicative, often tO' the
point of being Invited elsewhere^ — especially when
the young teacher and "Big Siss" were getting

SCHOOL BEGINS 45
better acquainted In the parlor. On one occasion,
I remember, he bounded Into the august presence
of the new pedagogue, shouting, "Chicken for
dinner ! Done killed de old rooster !" On another
occasion "Siss" unfortunately tried to tease little
Johnnie about a wee maiden with sunny ringlets.
Equal to the emergency, he retorted, "I know who
your sweetheart Is!" "Who Is he?" asked the
young pedagogue, upon whom the flash of sister's
dark eyes were having an electric power. "Why
Bill Saunders; he brings Siss candy!" The girl,
seeing the net In which she was being caught, sug
gested that Johnnie's mother wanted him. But the
youngster was going to win. "I know you love
him too," he said. "Hush!" cried Siss. "Tell
us," eagerly put in the new Romeo. "Why does
she love him? How can you tell?" "Why,
'cause you set so close to him!" Whereupon
Johnnie was led out of the room and Siss, whose
cheeks were glowing, explained the situation to
mother. Whereupon a visit was parld to the peach
tree, and the solo, as It floated upon the evening
air, told that the "small boy" repented too late.
Then the lunch-basket from the home In which
the teacher, for the time, was abiding had some
extra touches given to its appearance ; and the part
ing injunction from the good mother was, "Be sure

46 MEMORY DAYS
and take the basket to the teacher first." Even
now I can see the chicken, cakes, half-moon pies
and other tempting morsels that were drawn from
the depths of the old basket when the teacher un
folded the snowy linen.
In selecting a teacher there were some funda
mental qualities to be possessed by the applicant.
The average teacher was not only required to be
good In the elementary branches of English, but he
must be able to write a fair, round hand, and make
a good pen out of a goose quill, also have no
scruples about using the rod.
Such qualities for training "the young idea" our
fathers found, on this occasion, centered in Miss
Rachel P. or "Aunt Rachel," as she was called by
all the young people of the neighborhood. She
was a lady of high-toned Christian character, who
In other sections of the county had won quite a
reputation as queen in the realm of the birchen
sceptre. We heard that In her last school she had
young women and young men as pupils, and that
fact raised her very high In our childish estimation.
Aunt Rachel had a reputation for drilling her
pupils In spelling and the multiplication table, also
for teaching them good manners. We heard it
whispered that there was a lively time when she
introduced the delinquent urchin, with pants rolled

SCHOOL BEGINS 47
up, to "Mr. Birch." And we afterward found
out, both by an experimental course and by the
more Interesting proof of observation, that on
such occasions the "small boy" Imitated a first-
class acrobat, and that he also showed some talent
for vocal music.
Well, Aunt Rachel was engaged to teach, and
the day appointed for opening school was one
Monday In May. I remember well that Monday,
a bright, beautiful day. Never having been to
school I looked forward tO' the beginning with the
deepest Interest, feeling that I was about to step
Into a wider sphere. I arose earlier that morning
than usual, and it was one of the proudest mo
ments of my life when, taking my speller and
reader, I bade my mother good-bye, and with my
older sister trudged off to be enrolled as a pupil of
Crystal Spring Seminary.
The distance from my home was two and a half
miles. In good weather I always walked, and my
little sisters, who attended the Seminary later, also
walked. Yet now we often find parents object
ing to having a strapping, big boy of twelve years
walk a mile to school ! I verily believe the aver
age boy of to-day Is by no means so vigorous either
In mind or body as the boys of that day. Well,
on that Monday morning when I got to the school-

48 MEMORY DAYS
house quite a number of pupils were there waiting
for the teacher. It was a purely democratic as
semblage, the boy from the mountain-side feeling
his Importance In the race for education as much as
the boy from the river home. In the time that
elapsed before we were called In, I began to form
some acquaintances. I was about eight years of
age, the youngest boy In the crowd. A boy with
only one suspender and a red head attracted my
attention, and I had an Idea that It would be pru
dent to be his friend. A big mountain boy excited
my admiration by telling how he knocked a squirrel
out of an oak tree, with a rock, before breakfast
that morning. I wondered why a young woman
as large as my mother should be coming to school.
Then the strange little girl with the red dress on
was not near so pretty as my Cousin Jennie.
"Get you a drink and come In," called out Aunt
Rachel from the door. Away we ran down to the
spring. The creek, with visions of wading and
trout catching, so engaged the attention of a few
of us that we came near being tardy the first morn
ing. Aunt Rachel's opening speech was short
and to the point. "I want you all tO' be good chil
dren and study your lessons well." This covered
the whole ground. Then, beginning on her
right, she called each pupil to her and assigned

SCHOOL BEGINS 49
some lesson. There was but little classification,
as few had books alike, though the Blue-back
Speller was In the ascendency. There were readers
of every color and description, from the old
"North American" to the New Testament. Soon
the buzzing sound of the preparation of lessons
filled the room, and the first day's work In our new
schoolhouse was begun.

CHAPTER VI
A DAY IN SCHOOL
"A little learning is a. dangerous thing.
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring." —Pope.
Our school had been running along for some
time, and the machinery was well oiled and every
thing in good working order. We fully realized
that Aunt Rachel was mistress, and when she dis
ciplined us we knew we needed it.
Take an average day at the Crystal Spring Semi
nary. The September sun has risen but little
above the crest of the Blue Ridge, and we are on
our way to school. Our desire to be early Is not so
much anxiety about lessons as to have time to wade
In the creek, catch crawfish, or play "Base" In the
grove. "Yonder comes Aunt Rachel !" sings out a little
girl whose keen eyes have caught sight of old
Swan's white figure amid the distant trees. Many
heads are thrust out of the door, and those who
were playing stop to look for this Important
arrival. The time to open school comes, and our teacher

A DAY IN SCHOOL 5 1
calls out from the door, "Books!" It Is caught
up by the nearest, then repeated by those farther
off, until the old grove echoes, "Books, books!"
The bustle of entering, getting seated and ready
for work Is soon over. Aunt Rachel, from her
chair of state, surveys the field, adjusts her spec
tacles, and says, "Now, get to your lessons."
The "tasks," as the night lessons were called, come
first. A class In "spelling on the book" Is called
up, the lesson beginning with the word "ba-ker."
Down the line they go, spelling in turn, until a tow-
head pauses at "p-o-n-y." "What does It spell?"
asks Aunt Rachel. "Dun' know," replies the
urchin, rolling the whites of his eyes toward the
ceiling. As a suggestive idea. Aunt Rachel says,
"What does the little boy ride on?" His face
brightens and he pipes out, "P-o-n-y; saddle."
"Kee hee !" giggled the little girl by his side.
"It spells 'pony' " says Aunt Rachel, and im
presses the fact upon his mind by a ringing thump
on his head.
Next a class of two In primary geography comes
to the front. They are just beginning, and the
question, "What Is a volcano?" comes to lazy Dick.
He looks unutterable things toward the wall and
Is silent. "Next," and little Jane blushes and hangs her

52 MEMORY DAYS
head. Turning the page of the book, containing a
picture of a volcano, toward the class, the teacher
says, "Now, can you tell me?" "Yes 'um," said
Dick, "I know now. It's a mountain what
shoots !" Soon another question Is missed by the
class. Forbearance ceases to be a virtue and the
sentence is pronounced, "Get this lesson over at
play time!" Other "tasks" are heard, some
pupils doing fairly well, and others making wild
shots. A larger class In English grammar Is up.
Fanny ToUey reads her sentence and parses It all
nicely, receiving the pleasing comment, "Well
done!" By the way, Fanny Is the model girl of
the school, to whom others are pointed as worthy
of their imitation. Next, Frank Reynolds, a
rather precocious but lazy boy, reads, "The horse
and cow are In the lot." Being asked to parse
"cow," he rattles off, "Cow Is a neuter noun, posi
tive degree, first person, and — " "Hold on,"
says the teacher. "What are you driving at?"
"I'm driving at the cow" replies Frank. "Take
your seat and see If your grammar teaches you to
parse this way." He does not look happy.
Meanwhile, those who are not reciting are study
ing. We are permitted to study aloud, and, under
the screen of the buzzing sound, many a whispered
word is spoken and many a prank Is played. Here

A DAY IN SCHOOL 53
is one little fellow working away falthfuUy over a
reading-lesson. On a bench opposite some of the
larger girls are working their "sums" In arithmetic.
Pike was the ideal book in this study, a grum, un
attractive looking work. Generally we see the
boys and girls sitting together; but on yonder
bench a few little damsels are sitting aU alone, no
doubt acting upon the advice of prudent mamas.
Aunt Rachel does not seem to anticipate any dam
aging effects from Cupid's darts when discharged
at random. There, at the Intersection of two
benches, a boy and girl are having a nice tete-a-tete.
Just In front of the teacher's chair two flaxen-
headed chaps are looking Intently at their books,
pretending to be absorbed In their lessons, but the
tones of their voices indicate the planning of an
apple-tree hunt after school. About one-half are
really studying, the other half are only half work
ing. The hours in the school-room do grow
long, and it is hard to be busy all the time. Now
my attention Is directed to a Valley youngster who
Is giving Cousin Jennie a red peach. She looks so
pleased that I wonder which she likes the better,
the boy or the peach. I think, however, the fruit
wiU be more palatable, for he Is an ugly boy.
"Ouch!" ejaculates a boy on the left. "Aunt
Rachel, Bob Tygart stuck a pin In me !"

54 MEMORY DAYS
"Come up here. Bob." The culprit, a red
headed, loose-jointed boy, moves slowly up to the
bar. "Did you stick Thomas?"
"Yes 'um."
"Why did you do it?"
" 'Cause I wanted to see him jump !"
"I'll make you jump, sir." He jumped !
"Thus, once and awhile, the monotony of the
room Is broken into. In a way rather Interesting to
all except the active participants.
The time for examining the slates has come. In
written arithmetic there are no classes ; each pupil
works along as fast as Individual capacity and ap
plication permit. When the slate Is full of "sums"
there is a rest until these are Inspected. This in
spection time has now come. "Bring up your
slates" is the order from headquarters. There
upon they form a solid wall of slates around the
chair. Aunt Rachel takes one at a time and looks
over the work, the pupil explaining what was to be
done. With the aid of a key to old Pike, Aunt
Rachel more readily detects errors. If a "sum" Is
wrong, a line Is drawn across It and It has to be re
worked. This Is a tedious exercise, and behind
the barrier thus formed many a bit of drama is
enacted. Running out from one side of the door, about

A DAY IN SCHOOL 55
two feet, there Is a mark cut In the floor. About
this time of day many wistful glances are directed
thereto. It Is the twelve o'clock mark. This is
for the benefit of teachers who can not Indulge In
the possession of a watch, but Aunt Rachel has one.
On a sunny day the mark tells the meridian time,
but when cloudy the teacher who has no watch has
to calculate by the number of lessons certain classes
have said. The appetite of the small boy Is get
ting rather acute and he Is beginning to speculate
on the contents of his basket which hangs on the
peg In the wall. Although much Interested In the
quality of the contents, he Is really more concerned
In regard to the quantity.
The last slate is examined, and Aunt Rachel
pauses In her work. She looks at the mark, then
at her watch, to be doubly sure, and Issues the gen
eral proclamation, "Get your spelling lessons."
This is the last act of the morning session.
Spelling books and dictionaries are brought forth,
and such a babel of tongues ! It Is a time when all,
both the studious and the Idle, join In common
work. To be so near the dinner basket, and then
to be "kept in," Is terrible to think of! All study
the lessons aloud. If so desire, and the lazy boy
makes up for his real Interest In the work by the
higher key on which his voice is pitched. From

56 MEMORY DAYS
"ba-be-bl," etc., up to "jux-ta-po-sl-tlon," there is a
grand concert of voices, every note in the gamut
being struck, yet, to a musical ear. It Is a most In
harmonious whole. During this jubilee of sound
and work Aunt Rachel Is not idle. The latest re
cruit to the primary ranks stands by her chair and
labors In distinguishing c from e.
The spelling begins. The smaller classes have
spelled and taken their seats by the wall to clear the
floor for the largest class to "spell by plank." All
stand In line, on a plank near the opposite side of
the room. As each pupil spells a word correctly, a
step is taken to the next plank in the direction of
the chair. The one who misses a word stands still.
There Is a novelty about It that interests us little
fellows in the performance. Soon the line Is
broken, some lagging on the rear planks. Now
and then a boy, several planks in the rear, will
steal up a plank, knowing that he Is in danger of
the delinquents' corner at recess.
The last plank has been reached by only two or
three and the lesson Is over. Then, with bated
breath, we wait for the final order. "Get your
dinners," says Aunt Rachel, and there is a hubbub
exceeding the clatter of the spelling concert.
Lazy Dick and idle Tommie now do good work,
displaying a wonderful capacity for Imbibing not
the ideal, but the substantial things of life.

A DAY IN SCHOOL 57
All In the room, however, are not happy. From
the comer in which sit the delinquents in spelling
and geography woeful glances are cast at the merry
groups elsewhere.
Lunch devoured, the spring visited, then com
mences the playing. Boys and girls have separate
grounds and different sports. Aunt Rachel Is not
afraid of Cupid indoors, but Is suspicious of him
In the shady grove.
"Prisoners' base" is the game for the boys, and
being equally divided the first "dare" Is given.
Here we go, forward and back, round and about,
until the end of the first skirmish reveals several
prisoners on either side. Then, when some swift
runner goes around the other base and releases all
the prisoners he is cheered as a hero. Tired of
this, "I spy" Is proposed. Jake Rhodes hides his
eyes and begins to count two hundred. Away we
run, some behind the big trees, some climb into the
dense cedars, and others leap over the high banks.
"Two hundred! All ready?" cries Jake, as
from the base he cautiously surveys the landscape
on every side. He then circles around the base
with a wider and wider radius. From the oppo
site side the sound of pattering feet strikes his ear,
and to his mortification he sees two boys run in.
More on the alert, he watches every tree and

58 MEMORY DAYS
corner. "I spy Will Price!" he cries, and comes
to base at full speed. Few run in ahead of Jake.
The sympathy of the boys seems always for the
hiding ones, and in the race for the base they
cheer them on. All have come in except George
Morris, a fleet-footed boy. Jake has extended his
circle of Inspection to the extreme limits. All Is
excitement now to see who' wins. From the west
end of the grove comes Jake's cry of "I spy, I
spy!" and here they come, just a-flying! George
Is gaining, and around the base the excitement Is at
fever heat. Twenty boys are jumping up and
down, clapping their hands and sides, and making
the woods ring with "Run, George!" "Run,
George !" And George won by just one leap.
In the mean time. In a retired spot on the other
side of the grove, the girls are playing by them
selves. Their games are of a more quiet and
graceful type. Aunt Rachel is In the house writing
copies for exercises In penmanship, now and then,
from the door, taking a view of the grounds, to
know that the sea Is calm and the sky is clear.
The shadow on the floor has moved east of the
mark and from the door comes the call, "Books,
books!" Again It Is passed around the grounds,
and there Is a rush for the spring. The gourd Is
eagerly sought for, whilst some, kneeling on the

A DAY IN SCHOOL 59
clean stones, drink of the cool, clear water.
Flushed faces dotted with drops of perspiration
are cooled by bathing In the spring branch.
Pocket combs are in demand, for everybody is re
quired to come in clean and neat.
Order is restored and the writing-bench is filled
by the httle folks. Our pens are goose-quills
fashioned by Aunt Rachel's sharp knife, and our
copies suit our grades of progress. Cousin Jennie
and I are still practicing on oblique lines and a
curve called "pot hook." Somehow we two gen
erally sit together at the writing-bench. She
doesn't shake my arm, and I like her anyway. We
have so many lines to write and show to Aunt
Rachel. The evening work Is In many respects
similar to that of the morning. The spelling-book
battalion leads In the march, after which reader
follows reader. The multiplication table pupils
are reciting. Jim Parker tackles the seventh line
and sails smoothly until he says, "7 times 6 are
44." "No," says Aunt Rachel. Jim looks search-
Ingly upon the floor and comes again, "7 times 6
are 40." "Tell him," and Cousin Will says, "7
times 6 are 42." "That's it," says Jim. "I
knowed It but couldn't think of it."
"May I get a drink?" asks a pale-faced girl

6o MEMORY DAYS
who has used salt rather plentifully on potatoes
for lunch.
"Yes, take the gourd along."
Having no bucket, the big gourd Is brought up
filled with the refreshing water, handed to the
teacher first, and then around to the most thirsty,
until the contents are exhausted.
"Aunt Rachel, Bill Hill is making faces at me!"
sings out a red-faced urchin. Aunt Rachel, being
busy, and the buzzing on a high key, she does not
hear the complaint.
"Hush, you fool you ! I didn't hurt you," says
Bill, sotto voce. Thinking, perhaps, that Bill
may hurt him, the red-faced boy calms down. Bill
gets his face Into its wonted shape.
Every now and then some spelling-book enthusi
ast goes up to the chair, and, in a supplicating tone,
says, "Please, ma'am, what does this word spell?"
The monotony Is again broken by a screeching
voice, "Aunt Rachel, make 'em quit scrougin' !"
Observation reveals the fact that the victim, be
tween two larger boys, is being transformed Into a
sardine. "You boys stand up out there on the floor," says
Aunt Rachel. They stand, and little Ned has
plenty of room.
Slates are again examined. The sun Is begin-

A DAY IN SCHOOL 6 1
ning to make shadows on the sides of Little Moun
tain, toward which longing eyes are beginning to
peep through the writing-bench window.
Again the order is given, "Get your speUing-
lessons." Every one now goes to work In earnest,
and the last lessons are generally good. Even lazy
Dick joins In the good work, for he has no desire
to linger by the fountain. My class Is on the floor.
I have not been head for two weeks. Good spell
ers are In our class, and three are above mc. Next
to the last word Is missed by the first boy. Down
It comes, missed also by number two. Number
three staggers at It, and I hold my breath.
"Next." I spell It and march proudly to the head
of the class. There Is some notoriety to be gained
In being first, as on the road home I know that
more than one old darky Uncle will ask, "Who Is
head?" and If I say, "I am," there will come the
hearty "Hurra for you!" which I enjoy. We sit
down and listen to the big class recite. In the
evening they trap down like we do. It is a hard
lesson, and "Phthisic" is given out. Down It goes,
missed by good spellers, until It comes to Nat Mor
ris, who adjusts the distorted letters of the big
word and steps up four places. I just hate to see
Nat go above Cousin Hannah Crawford, for I like

62 MEMORY DAYS
her. She pets and kisses me; because I am such a
little fellow, I reckon.
The day's work Is over and we prepare to leave.
Bonnets, books, baskets, and hats are gotten, and
all form In a curved line, the largest spelling-class
next the door. In the order of class standing, and
the other classes filling the line In the same order,
with the A-B-C tots on the left wing. Then, as we
go out, all say, "Good evening. Aunt Rachel," the
girls making a curtsy, and the boys making a bow.
Now for the "tagging," or getting the last touch
of some schoolmate going in the opposite direction.
To get the most "last tags" Is prized by some as
much as having spelled first.
Cousin Will brings up old Swan, Aunt Rachel
mounts, and homeward we go, leaving the grove
to the evening bird and to the squirrel for a play
ground.

CHAPTER VII
THE hawk's nest
"What are fears but voices airy?
Whispering harm where harm is not.
And deluding the unwary
Tm the fatal bow is shot?" — Wordsworth .
Balcony Falls Is the name of the gap In the Blue
Ridge through which the waters of the historic
James dash and roll in their course to the lowlands
of eastern Virginia. Not far west of this pictur
esque gateway for the waters, near the south bank
of the beautiful river, and almost under the
shadow of the grand old mountains, was the home
of my boyhood. The road thence to school led
through scenes of varied Interest. First, through
the rich bottom land of my cousin's, by the orchard
fence over which the meUow June apples and red
peaches fell invitingly Into the path, thence along
the bank of the James where grew the pawpaw,
more luscious to my boyish taste than the banana I
knew in later years; thence along the bed of a
mountain stream with Its tempting trout holes
under the sycamore trees, by the patch of chinqua
pin bushes, under the magnificent chestnut trees.

64 MEMORY DAYS
and, for the last mile, through a dense piece of
woodland where the birds sang sweetly and the
squirrels gamboled In play. Could a boy do other
wise than love such a road ?
Our school session began in the early spring and
ended In the late autumn, and, as the winters were
severe the children of the river section were too
young, and many of the Valley pupils were too
thinly clad tO' face the storms and biting cold. On
the road to and from school we formed a merry
group, chattering In careless glee, now chasing a
rabbit that crossed our path, again throwing a
stone at a squirrel frisking In the branches over
head, or wading In the clear, cool streams we had
to cross. Little did we realize that some of the
happiest moments of our lives were then glid
ing by !
One point on our way excited our interest and
curiosity to a high degree, until we explored the
mystery connected therewith. In a dense, dark
wood, by peering through the foliage we could see
gloomy, gray rocks rising to the height of ten or
twelve feet, and at a distance of about two hun
dred yards from our road. Some told us that
great wild-cats had their den there; others, that
hawks took their prey there for a feast, and that
chicken bones by the cart-load were strewn there.

THE hawk's nest 65
As we passed this place of dread repute the music
of little voices fell to a lower key, or if one were
alone the speed of the train was measured by the
strength of the engine. Week by week we grew
bolder in passing the once dreaded spot, until. In
solemn council, some bolder spirit moved that on
the next evening we solve the mystery of the rocks
by a bold dash thereto. With some slight misgiv
ings, the proposition was finally adopted.
The time came, and the campaign had been
mapped out, the road being the base line of opera
tions. The girls and smaller boys were to hold
this line and guard the baggage, whilst the veter
ans were to move forward. With Cousin Will at
the head of our column we advanced cautiously,
halting every few steps for any developments In
front. Nearer and nearer we came to the long-
talked-of spot, and the rocks seemed to grow
larger and looked grimmer. We looked for clouds
of hawks and dens of wild-cats ! We reached the
base of the nearer rock. Who would climb to the
top or go around? With an air of bravado I
shouted, "Get away, you old cats!" and threw a
stone across the gray pile. I should have mentioned
that our weapons of warfare were a stick In one
hand and a stone in the other. Hark ! Horrors !
5

66 MEMORY DAYS
We heard a crackling of sticks and a rustling of
leaves on the other side, and without orders to re
treat, we dashed back through the woods tO' the
road, our gallant leader In advance! The girls
screamed as we rallied for breath on the base line,
one boy with scratched face, one with torn pants,
and one hatless. So demoralized were our forces
that further retreat was at once suggested, and,
had not Abe Mitchell, a big Valley man, appeared
on the scene, thereby reviving our courage, the
"light brigade" had doubtless rallied on the home
fortifications. We told him there were at least a
dozen wild-cats over there. Laughing, he said,
"Follow me, boys, and we will drive them away."
Hardly admiring the boldness of our new leader,
yet we all followed, as we felt safer near him
than in the road, where, by a flank movement, the
wild-cats might play havoc with us.
Mounting the nearer rock with him, we saw a
flock of startled sheep on the other side! Our
hearts beat less rapidly, we grew bold again in an
instant, explored the rocks, and found It really the
hawk's banquet hall, but no trace of a wild-cat's
den. Proudly did we tell the home-folks of our
bold visit to the Hawk's Nest, but we touched
lightly, I confess, on the hasty retreat.
In that day wolves and bears made their homes

the hawk's nest 67
in the dark caves and deep ravines of the moun
tains that lay, ridge after ridge, to the south of our
homes. As children we often heard of the night
attack of bruin upon the pig-pen, and the raid
upon the flock of sheep by ravenous wolves. In
one night, a short time before this, the wolves had
killed twenty sheep for my father. So we looked
with dread upon these denizens of the forest, be
lieving they would have no more regard for the
feelings of a boy than for a sheep.
One cloudy, sultry evening, when the atmos
phere was in a suitable condition for the ready
transmission of sound, we were returning from
school, and as we were passing by the Hawk's
Nest, all at once we heard a fierce howling and
snarling apparently in the woods close to us.
Aunt Rachel, on old Swan, cried, "Run, children,
the wolves are after us !" My sister and Cousin
Hannah commenced breaking switches, which they
used vigorously In Increasing Swan's speed, and we
little fellows made music with our feet as we pat
tered down the road. On went the cavalcade, the
children panting. Swan's feet clattering, the wolves
still howling nearer and nearer ! One of the boys
struck his big toe against a rock and over he tum
bled. But no time for delay; on he came, hold-

68 MEMORY DAYS
Ing his toe in one hand and screaming, "Oh,
Lordy ! the wolves will get me !"
"If you don't stop hollering the wolves will get
you," cried Aunt Rachel. Taking the advice, he
transferred all extra power to his heels, and for
getting his toe, he made up for lost time and soon
caught up with the fleeing crowd. The woods
seemed endless and the howls sounded louder ! At
last, almost breathless, we dashed out into the lane
between two fields. "Stop, children !" cried Aunt
Rachel. "We are safe. The wolves are on the
mountain." Surely enough, they were over a mile
away, up on the side of the mountain.
Exhausted from the stampede, we threw our
selves upon the grassy banks, wiped our faces,
fanned with hat and bonnet, and thought bitter
things about the wild dogs. That night those
savage beasts kept up that dismal howling until
twelve o'clock. There was no school the next
day, but a grand wolf hunt was organized by the
neighborhood. The hunt resulted In the killing
of many and the driving of the others farther back
from the settlements. As I think of that evening
those howls still ring in my ears.
In those days, in the country, merchants were
located far apart. This gave rise to a class of
Itinerant tradesmen called peddlers. These mer-

I the hawk's nest 69
chants generally traveled around on foot, carrying
on their backs bundles of merchandise from fifty
to one hundred pounds in weight. The Irish ped
dler came with his linen goods, the Englishman
with his kerchiefs, laces, and such things; the
Jew with his "sheep goots" of jewelry and elastic
wares, and the Yankee, often In a wagon, with a
regular "racket store." On most things these
traveling merchants made from fifty to one hun
dred per cent, profit, and their food and lodging
rarely cost anything. When the peddler unrolled
his pack on the front porch his treasures were sur
veyed and admired by old and young, white and
black. An Irishman of this class spent a night in
our home. The next morning, at family prayers,
he leaned his chair back against a door In the parti
tion next a bedroom. The button on the inside gave
away, and Pat, chair and all, rolled in a heap back
wards Into the room. As his heels went up, doubt
less thinking he was going through a trap-door
into a pit made to catch peddlers, he uttered an
exclamation, "Holy Vargin, save me!" Gather
ing himself up from the floor he came out smiling,
amid the apologies of my mother for not having
warned him of the danger. Devotions gave way
to laughter for a time, and my father had to nerve
himself to finish. Pat sat up straight in his chair
after that sad experience.

CHAPTER VIII
the last day OF SCHOOL
"Yet a few days, and those who now appear
In youth and beauty like the blooming year.
In life's swift scene shall change." — Dryden.
The summer days had gone and In the woods
the autumn winds were rustling the yellow leaves.
The frogs no longer piped In chorus by the pond
in the meadow, and the whlppoorwIU's plaintive
call was hushed. The chestnuts were opening out,
and the school boy was watching with longing eye
the brown nuts as they came peeping out from
their cushions of velvet. The chinquapins, dark
and glistening In their open burs, dotted the bush,
and when it was shaken they fairly rained upon
the ground. What fun we had playing "Jack In
the bush," or "Odd or even," and the long strings
we made !
I remember one, twice as long as I was, that I
twined around Cousin Jennie's neck and told her
I'd trade It to her for a ring she had been wearing.
And when the trade was made I was proud as a
prince with my newly won jewelry, and, as you
can imagine, the finger that wore It was not hidden

THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 7 1
in my pockets. But, lo! next morning the little
girl whispered in my ear, "Ma says I mustn't give
my ring away to anybody," and with a sad heart
I delivered up the precious ring. The "anybody"
consoled me to some extent, as I thought no other
boy would get it. I told her to keep the string,
and that It was becoming to her pretty neck. I
knew that I liked Cousin Jennie, for I saved nice
fruit for her, and then I thought about her some
times when she was away.
We boys would bring choice apples to school,
and the one who was generous was the popular
boy ; but I preferred to be popular with the little
brown-eyed girl. One day John ToUey, a Valley
boy, came up to recite, and his pants' pockets were
stuffed with fruit to the verge of bursting. Aunt
Rachel told him to empty them, and the Inventory
of contents was as follows: Six apples, four
peaches, six marbles, twenty chinquapins, twelve
hickory nuts, with strings, nails and divers other
articles of practical use to a boy.
In the grove there were several large hickory
nut trees, and It was often a race In the morning
to get the fallen fruit. The squirrel would always
get the first choice, stow It away, and peep down
from his store room at us as we picked up our
share.

72 MEMORY DAYS
Those mellow days of autumn were pleasant for
us at school, and as I look back over the years that
have flown, the joys of none were sweeter than
those that made music in my heart at old Crystal
Spring during that first session of school.
One evening, when the last lesson had been
heard, our teacher told us that school would soon
be out, that there would be an examination and
some of us would have tO' say pieces. At this un
expected announcement a buzz of surprise went
around the room.
"Yes," continued Aunt Rachel, "I will have
your home folks come and hear you, and I want
you all to study up and do your best."
Young as we were, the thing pleased us, and the
matter was discussed on the way home and at the
supper tables. The next day the pieces were as
signed, and I was among the honored ones who
were to "speak." For the next two weeks the tone
of the school-room was louder than ever, in antici
pation of the work of the final day. Fanny ToUey
was to recite a long piece of poetry. Cousin Joe
was to tell what he saw at the "show" — a literary
production from the pen of Cousin William, and
Cousin Jennie was to recite "Mary had a llttie
lamb." I knew she was going to do It well.
I know not whether my bump of combativeness

THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 73
suggested the selection assigned to me or not, but
it was the thrilling poem beginning,
"Let dogs delight to bark and bite.
But children you should never fight."
I thought It a gem, and threw my whole soul
into It, feeling that upon my shoulders rested no
small part of the honors of the day. And we were
studying hard to be prepared in aU ways. There
were reviews In spelling, with all the catch words
noted, capitals In geography asked over and over;
the multiplication table was repeated by the juniors
until even lazy Dick could sail smoothly through
the seventh line; copy-books were arrayed In
clean dresses, and aU things were gotten In trim for
the day of inspection. Why, Mr. Ewing, our
preacher, was to be there and open with a prayer !
The whole thing was a revelation in our young
lives, and we looked forward to it with an eager
interest the spice of which still lingers, though
long, weary years have rolled between that day
and now.
The last day of school dawned at last, and the
stir began early in the home. It has been often
noted that on the morning of some gala day the
boy leaves his downy pillow with much more zeal
and grace than on ordinary occasions. On this

74 MEMORY DAYS
morning Sunday suits were donned, and larger
lunch baskets, with their luscious contents, greeted
our admiring gaze.
At the appointed time — ^but It seemed a weary
while tO' us! — the visitors were seated, the exer
cises were opened, and the prayer was made, doubt
less for the first time some of those Valley boys had
heard a prayer. Then came the oral examination
of the leading classes, the star actors In the play.
Aunt Rachel, to shield the rear-guard classes, and
avoid a probable defeat, did not lead them Into
action. The principal subjects were speUIng and
geography. Some of the larger pupils worked a few "sums"
and handed them around for Inspection; the ex
amining committee Inspected them, looked wise,
but said little. The multiplication table was
ground out by a juvenile class In double-quick
time, winning approbation from the audience, for
In that elder day this was an accomplishment of
no ordinary value. Fanny ToUey came out first
In geography, as she rattled off the capitals of the
world in fine style; and Cousin Hannah was best
in arithmetic, working an example that embraced
the four ground rules. Mr. Ewing said they did
well, and they asked no higher praise. These liter
ary feats ended about noon, and a recess of an

THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 75
hour was given for the discussion of lunch lore.
And then — ^why, the dinner spread In the grove
made the hungry boys' eyes fairly dance! My
mother and Cousin William were especially at
tentive to the Valley children, inviting them to
share In the feast of good things which many of
them did not bring. Then came a volunteer exhi
bition In athletics for the entertainment of the
crowd, such as jumping, racing and leap-frog, and
some boys who did not figure much In the examin
ation now took the lead and won some faint ap
plause. In the latter days the champions of the
college base-ball nines, of the foot-ball teams and
of the boat crews are applauded even above the
medallist or the valedictorian! "O tempora, O
mores!" It was not muscle versus brains at old
Crystal Spring.
On this occasion Aunt Rachel's voice had
to speak peace to some troubled elements, as. In
rivalry and jealousy, two mountain boys on the
athletic roll came to the verge of mortal combat.
Quiet being restored as the clouds of war rolled
by, the oratorical part of the program began. It
was an exhibition of beauty unadorned, no pom
pous display of programs, no band of music, sal
utatory, nor valedictory, simply an unvarnished
tale.

76 MEMORY DAYS
John Hill, a bud of genius grown In Valley soil,
first reeled off a few lines from some good old
hymn. Then came Cousin Jennie with her little
lamb, and I almost held my breath for fear the
lamb would get away from her, and when It didn't
I thought she beat John Hill all to pieces ! Then,
In order, came the rest of the program, there being
no slip of memory that I can remember, for Aunt
Rachel had Impressed upon us that there must be
no such word as fail. Either my excited appear
ance or the sentiment of my piece aroused the
rislbles of a big country Jake who sat opposite me,
and wore a broad grin all the time I was giving
my piece. It being my first attempt In public on
the stage, at first my heart was In my throat, and
my knees quivered, but a smile from Cousin Jen
nie nerved me for the conflict and I went boldly
through. Cousin Joe's piece about the "show"
created the greatest flutter In the audience as he
gave a graphic description of the impression the
camel made on him.
The last piece was said 'and Mr. Ewing was
caUed on for a talk. I think he took advant
age of his audience, and, as many of them needed
It, his remarks took the line of a short sermon.
With this the exercises closed and the curtain

THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 77
dropped on the first session at Crystal Spring Sem
inary. Then came the buzz of congratulations to Aunt
Rachel and to those who had just played a part In
the exercises.
On the outskirts the servants, who at the win
dows and doors had enjoyed the rendering of the
pieces In a high degree, were discussing the merits
of their favorites. As I came by them Uncle
Humphrey said to me, "My laws! Alexander,
you just rode a high boss, with his head away up
In th' a'r, erwhile ago. I bets on you every time."
Uncle Aleck said to my cousin, "WlUIe, you nor-
ated powerful fine. I told dese niggers dat some
day you'd study theologism and be a tarin' down
preacher." Even Aunt Eliza, our cook added to
the fund of praise: "You children did mighty
pretty an' showed sech nice manners." Those
simple words from the true and faithful slaves
made our hearts flutter with pride, as much as the
encomiums of our white friends.
Afterward I dared ask Cousin Jennie if her
heart didn't thump when she was reciting "Mary
and the little lamb." She Informed me that girls'
hearts didn't thump, and I felt very much de
pressed and realized that I had shown my Ignor
ance in the matter.

78 MEMORY DAYS
Then the good-bys were spoken, the rough
hands of the mountain boys were shaken, all were
homeward bound and the first session at Crystal
Spring Seminary was over.

CHAPTER IX
STRAY BLOSSOMS
"In joyous youth what soul hath never known
Thought, feeling, taste, harmonious to his own?
Who hath not praised while beauty's pensive eye
Asked from his heart the homage of a sigh?" — Campbell.
In the Interregnum between Aunt Rachel's last
session at Crystal Spring Seminary and the advent
of a new ruler I was sent, for a few months, to
Oak Grove, an educational institution some six
miles from home. One Joseph Steele, a college
graduate, presided over this domicile of learning.
I boarded with "Aunt" Nancy Thompson, a life
long friend of my mother's, and one of the "salt of
the earth." At first there was a spice in the new
life, the meeting and getting acquainted with
strange faces, and the coming of a boarding pupil
created a slight ripple on the surface of this liter
ary fountain. Thanks to my training at Crystal
Spring Seminary I was well advanced and was
classed with pupils older than myself. I noticed
more class-work than in our home school, for Mr.
Steele had been to coUege and caught new ideas.
In my first day's experience, in surveying the

8o MEMORY DAYS
room and Its buzzing pupils, my eyes lingered on
a little girl with black hair and dark blue eyes,
with a pretty red ribbon around her neck. In
about five seconds the spell of the feminine was
over me, and my boyish admiration went out to
the sweet little girl. I caught myself comparing
her with Cousin Jennie, and realized that her
beauty was of a very different type. For, looking
away across the hills to a home close by the James,
I saw a little girl with dark brown eyes and light
brown hair, and I almost wished to see her again.
But then the blue eyes flashed on me, and, being
partial to beauty, I stole frequent glances at the
little girl so near me. At recess I gave her a big
red apple and the acquaintance, after a little chat,
moved on to the border line of friendship. As the
days went by I found It very pleasant to talk to
Hazel Moore and look Into her pretty eyes. I
brought her apples and nuts, and she smiled on me
In a most bewitching manner. I forget whether it
was leap year or not, but Hazel played her part
well. It developed on my part Into a case of
boyish love, pure and artless. I was bold In the
cause and cared not for teasing nor Idle gossip.
She was older than I, but about the same height.
We were both. It chanced, in a large geography
class, some of which were young men and women.

STRAY BLOSSOMS 8 1
They "trapped down," as It was called, and held
the places thus won. The class stood In a semi
circle extended across the room. I took my place
at the foot, and away up yonder, near the head,
was Hazel. Some of the hardest studying of my
school life was done In order to reach her. Trap
ping one by one I passed up the line, running
around six-footers, until one bright morning I
made the last step and stood by her side, as happy
as a bee on a honeysuckle blossom ! Her smile
paid me for the hard work to get there. Yes, In
deed it did. Mine surely was a case of boyish
love, since It was a source of aspiration for higher
aims in life!
If Hazel missed a question, I, too, missed it,
and we were trapped down together. I was too
gallant to "trap" her down. Most of the day's
lessons being over she and I would get adjoining
seats, where one of the girls' benches, at right
angles, met one of the boys' rows. I would draw
a house on my slate and call it "our home," and
she seemed so pleased that my talent for drawing
developed rapidly, especially along the line of do
mestic architecture. In a generous and melting
mood one day I gave Hazel, as a token of my
tender esteem, a beautiful double silver pocket
6

82 MEMORY DAYS
comb. The next morning her sister returned It.
saying her mother thought I might have need of it
myself. I was In the depths for a short time, but
a bewitching smile brought me up again.
It was a happy day when my room-mate and I
went to spend the night with John, Hazel's
brother. Mother Moore was so nice to me that I
began to feel as one of the family. By the way,
Billy T., my friend, claimed MoUIe, the older sis
ter, as his little sweetheart, so we were comrades
in a good cause. After the night's tasks had been
learned, came the games, the plums In the pudding.
We played "button," and I always gave It to one
beside Hazel to get the seat next to her, which I
prized as If next to the throne. Next we played
blindman's buff, and when I knew by the merry
laugh that I had caught Hazel, In the excitement
I just couldn't help throwing my arms around her
and holding her tight, whilst she struggled to be
free! Thus the days glided by as a sweet dream. Yet
I made good progress In my studies, combining
work and play, duty and pleasure, loving and be
ing smiled on. I had a confidant, a young man,
who also stood betwixt me and the rougher boys.
At one recess, as we walked In the grove, I asked
him If he had ever heard of a man's marrying a

STRAY BLOSSOMS 83
lady older than he? "Yes," said Ben promptiy,
"and they lived happy as June bugs!" On hear
ing the comforting words I almost shouted, for
some happy day I might claim Hazel.
I had some rivals and they often vexed my soul,
but by dint of cool determination and big red
apples I seemed to keep In the lead. One day a
boy larger than I said something about Hazel that
was improper. I told him he lied! "What you
got to do with It, you little monkey?" I dared him
to come out In the woods. Reluctantly he fol
lowed me, and Ben, and some other boys, came
along to see fair play. Seeing my zeal and support
he cowed and whined out, "I didn't mean It." Said
I, "I'm going to whip you for saying It, anyhow,
you dog you," and quick as thought I popped him
In the stomach, shortening his breath and doubling
him up, and then I popped him on the side of the
head, making him spin around and groan. But
gathering himself up he peppered me In fine style
for a minute or two. Round and round we went,
until I ducked down, caught him by a leg and threw
him, zeboom ! on his back, and his head striking
a root he was stunned. Then Ben said we must
stop, and that I had won the day. Mail-clad
knight of the Middle Ages, victor In the tourna
ment field, never received warmer praise than I.

84 MEMORY DAYS
The boys said I did right and they felt like drum
ming the fellow out of school. John Moore told
Hazel how I had fought for her, and the next
morning she gave me some sweet flowers and her
mother sent me a piece of nice cake. "I never did
like that boy," she said, "and am so glad you
whipped him. I like you lots better now." Why,
I wanted to tackle him again just to get such' a
nice reward.
One evening word came to me to come home
the next Saturday. Dearly as I loved my old home
I half regretted to leave Oak Grove. When I
told Hazel good-by I said, "I'll think about you
sometimes. You must come to see me, as I have
been to see you," and she replied, "Come back
some time. I'll think of you, too." Oh, the art-
lessness of childhood!

CHAPTER X
A NEW ADMINISTRATION
"Remorseless time!
Fierce spirit of the glass and scythe! What power
Can stay him in his silent course! On, still on.
He presses, and forever." — George D. Prentice.
The snows of two more winters had clothed the
Blue Mountains In white robes, then melted away,
and again the violets were peeping out on the
southern meadow slopes. Over these beds of blue
flowers mild breezes were softly stealing, and they
told us of the coming of spring.
Aunt Rachel had finished her last session at
Crystal Spring Seminary. Her strength not being
equal to the Increasing work of the position, she
resigned. I can not pay too high a tribute to the
memory of this good and dear woman. She was
a Christian of a high type and a faithful teacher.
She sought not only to train her pupils' minds but
to implant in their hearts moral principles that
would bloom into better living. Thus her influ
ence on us all was good, and we loved her well.
She was strict, yet just to the line, and the secret
of her character building lay in the fact that she

86 MEMORY DAYS
realized she was not dealing In stubble. In wood
or In Iron, but that she was training Immortal
spirits. Of her It may be truly said that her good
works followed her.
Her last session closed earlier than usual, and In
a quiet way. It was a sad day at the old school-
house. After the regular day's work was over.
Aunt Rachel said she was not going to teach any
more as she had not been feeling well lately, and
she continued about as follows: "This has been
the most pleasant school of my teaching life, and I
am sorry to have to give you up. I thank you for
your kindness to me and consideration of me as
your teacher. Always try to be good, rather than
to be rich or distinguished, and strive to live useful
lives. I shall always remember you with the kind
liest feelings and pray God to make you Christian
men and women. We part to-day, my young
friends, but let us all try to meet up yonder around
the Great White Throne, where there will be no-
more parting! May God bless you all. Good-
by!" As she closed, her voice faltered and tears
streamed down her cheeks. There was the secret
of her Influence; she loved us. Tears were in our
eyes and many of the girls sobbed aloud. After
a quiet leave-taking. Aunt Rachel for the last time

A NEW ADMINISTRATION 87
mounted old Swan, and the Valley pupils stood
with tearful eyes watching her until hidden by the
grand old trees, and then slowly they turned
toward their humble homes.
As the time came for the selection of a new
teacher It was the general opinion that as more
muscle and labor might be needed in the discipline
a man should be chosen. The requirements, both
mental and physical, seemed to be met In one Dick
RIcheson, a young man of good figure, sandy hair,
homely face, and boasting of some experience in
curbing young and rebellious spirits.
His advent created quite a flutter amongst the
fair damsels of the neighborhood until they got
a peep at his mouth. Also the juveniles were In
quisitive as to his personal appearance and the
probability of his following Solomon's advice
about the training of youngsters. He was meas
ured up by every boy In the community, and the
common opinion was, "You had better look out!"
Mr. RIcheson stood on a higher literary plane than
Aunt Rachel, as he could cipher beyond old Pike,
teach book-keeping, and start a boy In algebra.
Such scholastic acquirements raised him In our es
timation to the height of the poplar tree by the
school-room door.
In due time school opened with most of the pu-

88 MEMORY DAYS
pils that Aunt Rachel taught. As Fanny T.,
Cousin Hannah, and my sister were almost young
ladles. It was not thought the proper thing for
them to go to school to a young man teacher, even
If he did not claim to be an Adonis. Miss Nancy
T., an old maid, remarked at a discussion of the
question, "La, me, I wouldn't think of going to
school to a young gentleman. He might make
love to me, and then — ^well, I might faint!"
The first day was mostly spent by Mr. RIcheson
In trying to classify the pupils, evidently an im
provement on Aunt Rachel's plan of administra
tion. So many difficulties were in the way that he
seemed ready to cry out In the agony of despair. In
view of the different text-books and different
grades of progress therein. Then, of course, most
of the boys during the day were feeling the for
bearance and testing the patience of the new
teacher. We were getting larger now, more dem
ocratic In our Ideas and disposed to advocate a
civil rights' bill for the protection of the schoolboy.
That evening, before dismissing us, Mr. RIcheson
delivered his maiden speech along the lines of
order, discipline, how to study, and so on. In a
strain that led us to believe he thought us seml-
barbarlans and dunces. We were very sensitive to
any reflection upon Aunt Rachel's methods, and

A NEW ADMINISTRATION 89
the classifying was the only thing that struck us
favorably. On the whole, we about decided not
to like him, and to make It uncomfortable for him,
provided he did not make it too much so for us.
"How do you like your new teacher?" we were
asked all along the road home. "Don't like him,"
we said. "He thinks Aunt Rachel doesn't know
much." The girls said, "He Is so ugly." "He
doesn't dress nicely."
The next day at noon, concluding that forbear
ance had ceased to be a virtue, the new adminis
tration transferred a small limb of a cedar tree to
the comer by his chair, where It stood threatening
us with fearful results should we not be wiser and
better, and a subdued air reigned over the benches
for a time. But, growing bolder, a little bud of
genius was Invited to the teacher's chair, and in
itiated into the policy of the new ruler. Bob
said it didn't hurt much. Then Nat Morris
stumped the teacher on a sum and we were wicked
enough to be glad of It, as he didn't know so much
after aU. All the time he seemed to be measuring
the big boys, some of whom were equal to him in
pounds and Inches, as we little fellows thought he
gave them more rights and privileges than a just
government should do.
Things drifted on and on, and Mr. RIcheson

90 MEMORY DAYS
failed to secure our regard or confidence. He
would doctor the little fellows, and, for similar of
fences, excuse the larger boys. This will, for any
teacher, gain the contempt of all his pupils. He
did few things "like Aunt Rachel," and we re
sented this departure from the old paths. We
also found we could slight our lessons to some ex
tent. One Sunday he went courting or trying to do
something of the kind, lost the road coming home
that night, and failed >to get to school In time on
Monday. When he failed to make his appearance
at eight, the time for opening school, and hearing
of the probable reason, we scattered In short order.
Coming In over an hour after, puffing like a steam
tug, he found a silent grove. We would not have
treated Aunt Rachel that way for anything. To
get even with us and the world, he Issued an order
for us to come to school the next Saturday. This
was denounced as an outrage unheard of In the
annals of crimes against school-children, and In the
indignation meeting a resolution was unanimously
passed that we would not come unless our parents
said so. Now, in those old Scotch-Irish homes
there reigned rule and obedience first and last. So
great was the feeling In our behalf that one of the
principal patrons advised Mr. RIcheson to with-

A NEW ADMINISTRATION 9 1
draw the order. He did so, and said we had bet
ter not do that again. We smiled over our tri
umph and thought, "Old feUow, you had better
not lose the road on another courting expedition."
One day he whipped a little ^rl for not knowing
a long lesson, which we thought the meanest thing
we had ever heard of. I said if he'd touch Cousin
Jennie I'd hit him with a rock. I told her so, and
she said she'd try to be good. I repHed, "Good
or not, I dare him to hit you !" and in my spirit of
chivalry I would have risked my life for the sweet
little girl.
Not having been used to good society, when he
visited in the better homes, by doing green and
awkward things, he was laughed at and ridiculed
by the younger people. Once at dinner, a finger-
bowl being passed to him, after the fish course,
he quenched his thirst therefrom, remarking that
he always liked to drink out of a bowl.
Soon It was whispered that we were not learning
as much as under Aunt Rachel and that the glory
was departing from the temple.
Things went on In a most unsatisfactory man
ner, many of the larger girls having stopped, and
my father took my brother and me away before
the close of the session. We afterward heard that
Mr. Richeson ended with only a few pupils, no re-

92 MEMORY DAYS
grets and no tears. The Latin dictum, Poeta nas-
citur, non fit, can be said of the teacher with equal
truth. Hundreds mistake their calling in trying
to enter this noble profession.
It was during this term that I was wrongly sus
pected of being profane. It happened this way.
A great many negroes were employed in building
a dam across the river, auxiliary to the construc
tion of the canal. One night some of these light-
fingered sons of Africa entered uninvited our apple
house and helped themselves rather bountifully to
some choice fruit. The next morning, boiling
with Indignation, I called to enlist the sympathy of
my cousin's family In -our misfortune. I found
them at the breakfast table, and said with some
warmth, "Them dam niggers broke into our to
bacco house last night and stole lots of our apples !"
My cousin William, an elder In the Presbyterian
church, almost held his breath as he looked at me
and then at his good wife who also looked unutter
able things.
"Why, Alexander, what do you mean?"
"Why, I mean those niggers working at the dam
stole our apples."
"Ah!" said Cousin William, "I see now. I
misunderstood you at first, my boy." I was re
stored to the plane of his good opinion.

A NEW ADMINISTRATION 93
Will whispered to me as we left the house,
"Alex, I thought you was cussin' sure enough."
In the same way "Hell-gate HoUow," just south
of our farm, always needed an explanation, and
here It Is. In the geological changes through
which those mountains passed the great mass of
debris forced out, and leaving the gorge behind,
was deposited In front of the hoUow In the shape
of a hill guarding the entrance. It was first caUed
"Hill-gate HoUow," but some backslider per
verted the name to Hell-gate, which name has been
retained. It was thus Ill-named, as the ravine,
with Its ivy-crowned sides, pools of cool, clear
water, filled with trout, and cascades over moss-
covered rocks, makes a most romantic spot and
delightful summer excursion from the noonday
heat. After returning from Oak Grove I talked much
of my boarding-school life. I was a step ahead of
my cousins, having seen much more of the world.
I must have mentioned Hazel's name rather often,
for one day Jennie said, "Alex, you must like Ha
zel." Said I, "Why, y-ye-yes, we were good
friends." My cousins had seen her often at FaU-
ing Spring Church, and Cousin Will had said he
liked her looks mighty well. As she spoke the
blue eyes were dancing before my mind, and I

94 MEMORY DAYS
could see the dark ringlets fall over her snowy
neck as she tossed her little head. The tempter
whispered, "She's prettier than Jennie." And then
the good spirit cried, "Get hence, get hence, Jeiinle
Is the prettiest and the best."
"Alex, did you give Hazel candy?" "No, I
ate all the candy I got." "You greedy boy, you
might have brought me some," she said. "Did
you take her any apples?" "Let me see. I most
forget. Why, yes, one day, I gave her a red one."
"I believe Hazel was your sweetheart over at Oak
Grove!" It was a stunner and confusedly I stam
mered out, "I d-dId like Hazel over there, but
now I'm back on the river." "I wish," said Jen
nie, "/ had a red appl&." "You shall have one
and a sweet one, too." The next day she got the
apple and all was quiet along the James once more.
For Jennie and I are no longer reveling in the bow
ers of childhood, but are crossing the beautiful
land of girlhood and boyhood where the present Is
joyous and the future brightens at every step.

CHAPTER XI
AN ELOPEMENT
"Ah! love cau every hope inspire;
It banishes wisdom all the while;
And the life of the nymph we admire
Seems adorned forever with a smile."
As a boy I had an eye partial to beauty, whether
It was painted on the flower, radiated from the
bright eye of some pretty girl, or crowned some
queenly woman. And so It befell that my boyish
admiration went out toward Mrs. L., the young
wife of the proprietor of the hydraulic cement
works at Balcony Falls. TaU, graceful, with
black hair and dark, flashing eyes, bright and
sparkling In conversation, Mrs. L., In my boyish
fancy, was a queen among women. Her visits to
our home were grand events, and I loved to sit
and listen to her humorous comments on things in
general. On that day Aunt Eliza, our cook, taxed
her culinary skill to the utmost In getting "a grand
dinner for de tiptop quality." Always stylishly
dressed, Mrs. L. was closely observed by the ladles
of the river circle, as fashion sheets were rare in
those days. I just loved to hear her caU my

96 MEMORY DAYS
mother, "Mother Paxton," for It made me feel
proud of the Imaginary relationship.
One day she said, "Mother Paxton, I think I
never told you of my elopement and marriage."
"Why, did I ever think you ran off to get mar
ried!" said my mother. "Yes, and I'm afraid
you'll think I was a naughty girl; but let me tell
you of it." "Go on," replied my mother, "and
maybe after I hear the story I'll not scold you
much." And then Mrs. L. told her story, which
I will give In substance.
Her father, she said, was a rich farmer near
Cumberland, Maryland. She had been raised, as
It were. In the lap of luxury, and educated in Balti
more. As a school girl she had met Charles L.,
a young man of handsome appearance, refined
manners, and pleasing address. Many were the
billet-doux scented with geranium leaves and
breathing tender messages that, by a secret mail
service, found their way to her boudoir. School
days over, she reigned as a belle In her social circle.
Charles L. called once, twice, three times, and her
father began to frown. Very aristocratic himself,
he desired wealth and high social position for his
daughter when she married. Socially and intel
lectually Charles L. was her equal but was just
beginning life on rather small means. Plumed and

AN ELOPEMENT 97
gallant knights with lordly estates paid homage to
her, but to her, Charles was the grandest of them
aU, and she gave her heart to him. Love In a cot
tage was to be preferred to gilded haUs and a cold,
politic marriage.
By way of parenthesis, let me Introduce a side
light on the scene. If Charles had shown the tact
and nerve of the young man I'll mention, he, too,
might have won the father over to his side. A
young man, who lacked only money in the estima
tion of a wealthy father, dared to ask him for his
daughter. He railed on him, saying, "What!
Why, sir, you'U bring my daughter to the wash-
tub." The young fellow looked him straight In
the eye, and said, "WeU, sir, if I do, I'U carry her
water for her!" The old fellow eyed him closely
for a few seconds and then said, "Take her then,
you rascal you!" He won by a word fitly spoken
— an "apple of gold In a picture of silver."
Now, to return to Mrs. L.'s story. The B. & O.
Railroad ran through her father's farm, there
being a station a mile above. With the aid of a
faithful maid letters still came and went. No
longer permitted to see her lover in her own home,
meetings were arranged in the homes of friends,
for "forbidden fruit is always the sweetest." In
7

98 MEMORY DAYS
an unfortunate moment the maid dropped a letter
near Miss Mary's father and by her excited man
ner betrayed the secret. He captured the letter,
guessed the writer, read It, and had a stormy in
terview with his daughter. He threatened her
with disinheritance and a nunnery if she still per
sisted In her course. But love laughs at opposi
tion. The letter spoke of elopement, and the word
made her father furious. In two weeks or so It
was arranged that Charles L. was, on a certain
day, to come down on the 9 o'clock morning train,
and she was to get to the railroad, about three-
quarters of mile from her home, and signal the
train to stop. To get to the train unobserved re
quired a circuitous route and an early start. The
day came, and by a back way she followed, at
some distance, the maid with a small satchel. Her
plan was to hide near the track until she heard the
whistle, and then run for dear life. Things worked
well until, from a distance, she was spied by a
negro man, who, loyal to Mr. A., reported that he
had seen Miss Mary crossing the new ground and
going toward the railroad. He and his son,
mounting their horses and calling the hounds,
dashed off In the direction of the trail. Fearing
pursuit. Miss Mary had the maid lift up the edge

AN ELOPEMENT 99
of a brush pile, conceal her underneath, and then
run to the woods near by. On the horsemen came,
the dogs barking as If on a trail. And, sure
enough, they "treed" her under the brush ! The
game was caught, and It was a dear!
Baffled, she was led captive back home, and for
three days locked In her room with a diet of bread
and water to cool down her ardor and restore her
blinded vision. Released from prison, for several
weeks there was quiet In the home. Confidence
being somewhat restored. Miss Mary was given
more liberty, even to the extent of visiting a neigh
bor. But you'd as well try to turn water up stream
as to keep two lovers from meeting. They met.
They planned for another campaign. This time,
early on a certain morning, she was to go to the
shanty of an old Irish woman, a short distance
from the road, and conceal herself therein until
train time. Miss Mary had been kind to the
woman and hoped for a favor.
The day came, and as the first touches of dawn
crimsoned the east she and her maid went to the
humble house and aroused "Aunt Bridget," whom
she asked to hide her from her father until time
for the morning train. At first the old woman
hesitated between her love for Mary and loyalty
to Mr. A., In whose house she lived. "Oh, me

100 MEMORY DAYS
darlint, how kin I do it? If yez father finds you,
he'll put me out. Saint Patrick, help me!" "But,
Aunt Bridget, I'll pay you well. You shall not
suffer." Then she took Miss Mary up the greasy
rounds of a ladder to the loft where was a bed on
which were two' feather ticks. She told her to sit
there, whilst she kept a sharp lookout below, and
If she saw her father coming she would put her
between the ticks! The sun arose and the home
was astir. The minutes seemed as hours to Miss
Mary. The die was cast, and if she failed again
her lot would doubtless be hard. At eight o'clock
the breakfast bell would ring and then doubtless
she would be missed. The train was due at nine.
A long lane led from the home by the shanty on
to the railroad track. The old woman watched
faithfully. Suddenly, at 8.50, there was a com
motion at the house, servants running to the stables,
and Mr. A. shouting. "He's a comin'!" cried the
watcher as she came pufling up the ladder. "Git
right in here, chile, an' lie still as death!" and she
smoothed the top of the bed over the trembling
girl. Hardly had she gotten down the ladder when
Mr. A. galloped up and called to Bridget to
tell Mary to come out of the house. "Faith, by
the holy saints, I hain't seen the darlint chile these

AN ELOPEMENT lOI
two weeks. She's done fergot her auld friend."
"Stop your lying and bring her out; her tracks
came this way." "Law, come and see for yer-
silf ; me house is a little one." In he came, glanced
around, and up the ladder he climbed. As he
laid his hand on the bed, Mrs. L. said, her heart
nearly stopped beating. Sadly muttering, "She's
not here," he turned, went down the ladder,
mounted his horse and gaUoped off In another di
rection. Just then the train whistled for the sta
tion above, and Miss Mary sprang from her hid
ing-place, her dress crumpled and dotted with
feathers. The train was thundering down the
road and moments were precious. With a white
scarf to signal she slipped along, hidden by the
fence, until she reached the open space, and then
the race commenced. With the scarf flying she
fairly flew toward the track. Her father, from a
distance, spied her, and came at fuU speed. The
train slowed up and aU was excitement. The pas
sengers took In the scene and windows and plat
forms were crowded. Her father was gaining and
her speed seemed to slacken. From the train
came cheers and handkerchiefs waved. The old
engineer cried out, "Run, lady run!" Charles L.
jumped off to meet her, and putting an arm around
her fairly carried the trembling girl to the car-

102 MEMORY DAYS
Steps, where strong hands pulled her aboard.
With extra steam turned on the train swept by just
as Mr. A. dashed up, one minute too late.
Not to be outdone, Mr. A. chartered a train
for Richmond, In pursuit. On sped the lovers
toward Greensboro, North Carolina, the Gretna
Green for young couples flying from paternal
wrath. Owing to^ some delay en route, their train
got to Greensboro only a short time before the one
carrying the father. A telegram from a friend
awaited them at the hotel telling of pursuit. Look
ing out of a window Miss Mary saw her father
and brother drive up tO' the hotel. "What shall
we do?" she almost gasped. "So near and yet to
fail !" The landlord was quickly taken Into con
fidence and strategy was planned. The father had
found out they were there and his plan was to cap
ture the bride-elect as they left the hotel for the
minister's. A carriage was ordered tO' the front
with orders for the driver to say It was for a young
couple going to be married. The father inter
viewed the driver and took his stand near by, ready
for the prize. In the mean time, a carriage was
ordered to the rear door. In which, with the land
lord, they drove to the minister's and were mar
ried. "Happy day In the morning!" They came
back tO' the hotel, man and wife, with the minister

AN ELOPEMENT IO3
and the landlord to certify to the ceremony. Driv
ing up to the front the two gentlemen told Mr. A.
it was aU over and they were married. With
bowed head he went to his room, and returned to
his home on the next train.
The honeymoon trip was a few days In Wash
ington and the happy couple came back to Mr.
L.'s place of business, and life began in earnest.
Six months rolled around and a letter came. She
knew the handwriting. With trembling hands she
opened and read, "Mary, my dear child, come
home to see us. I can't stand it any longer.
Papa." Tears feU fast as she hurried to show It
to Charles. She went by the next train and was
received with open arms.
As she finished her story, Mrs. L. said, "Now,
Mother Paxton, will you scold me?" "WeU, I
can't say you did right in aU things, stiU I'm glad
you got Mr. L. We wIU just forget the past, and
you be a good woman and all wiU come out right
at last."
And it did, for they were very happy In their
home, and Mr. L. prospered in his business, and
became a wealthy and influential citizen.

CHAPTER XII
RECONSTRUCTION AT CRYSTAL SPRING
*'Ohl early love too fair thou art
For earth, — too beautiful and pure.
Fast fade thy day-dreams from the heart.
But all thy waking woes endure." — Whitman.
"Have you seen the new teacher?" "Does he
look cross?" "Is he a great big fellow?" Such
questions were asked by the small boy as the ad
vent of the new teacher was heralded In the neigh
borhood. "Is he young and handsome?" asked
the young girls. "I wonder If he is married or
engaged," soliloquized the elder sister as the
vision of a probable conquest swept over her
mind. "He will make you boys chalk the line,"
said Uncle Frank, who had seen him.
As the rising democracy of Crystal Spring
needed reconstruction and bringing back to the
good old paths, discipline was the essential quality
desired in the make-up of the new king.
There was an Idea abroad In that day that a boy
needed to be anointed with a certain amount of
hickory oil every day, and that It must be well
rubbed In. This was thought to stimulate his

RECONSTRUCTION AT CRYSTAL SPRING IO5
physical growth, and also to quicken his mental
perceptions, and Increase the flow of correct ideas.
And there must have been something In the doc
trine, as the average boy of that day was far
ahead of the average boy of the present, with all
our boasted Improvement in "methods of instruc
tion." WeU, Uncle Frank had interviewed Mr. Jo
seph Roach, a young man of about twenty-five, and
pronounced him equal to any emergency In the
school-room. The name struck me as being very
funny, and I suggested to Cousin Will that I hoped
he didn't look like a bug. Some years had rolled
by since many of us had started up the HIU of
Knowledge under Aunt Rachel's guiding hand,
and as we grew older latent talents began to de
velop, not so much In the field of letters as In mis
chief and fun. So our good fathers wanted the
reins drawn more tightiy and our feet directed in
the straight paths.
On the morning of the first day of school there
was quite a flutter in many homes, and with om
inous foreboding, we wended our way to the old
playground. Quite a number of pupils were on
the ground when Mr. Roach, emerging from the
shadows of the woods, made his appearance.
"GoUy, boys, look what he's got!" cried out BiU
Watkins, a good subject for reformation. "Mercy

I06 MEMORY DAYS
alive!" said Dick Stone, "he's bringing In switches
the first day. That beats Jim Crow!" "Oh,
dear, he'll kill us !" groaned lltde John Watson,
a new recruit to the ranks of learning.
We measured the young man as he approached.
He had in his hand three long, keen rods, such as
would make a boy dance the hornpipe in quick
time. He was tall, black headed, fine looking,
stepped fast, and evidently meant business. He
spoke very pleasantly to us, entered the school-
house, and deposited his symbols of authority In
the corner dedicated to hold such furniture. He
took In the architectural finish of the room, came
out and walked around the primitive structure,
marking the proportions thereof, and thence to the
grand old spring. Returning to our group, which
was fast being reinforced, he talked to us so pleas
antly about the surroundings of our school prais
ing the grove, the spring, and the pretty play
ground, that we began to think Uncle Frank had
slandered him.
Calling us In, his opening speech was to the
point. He told us he was paid to make us learn,
and this he certainly was going to do; that he did
not know the king's son from the carpenter's boy
and that the aristocracy of his school were good
lessons and good behavior ; that he and we would

RECONSTRUCTION AT CRYSTAL SPRING IO7
be good friends as long as we would let him be
good to us. Then he spoke of time being worth
gold to us, of our opportunities and the grand
possibilities of the American boy, of high aims In
life started even In boyhood, and he won our ap
probation, when. In conclusion, he said that he
wanted to start us on a road that would lead us to
the Legislature or to Congress. This tickled us
boys and raised him ten degrees In our estimation.
We had never heard such a speech before. He
then proceeded to examine us, each one separately,
and to class us according to the grade we had
reached. Some were advanced and others put
back in their studies. This was not agreeable to
some, especially the ambitious yet not studious pu
pils who desired to get over ground with little
work. Coming to Bill Watkins, a flaxen-headed
chap of sixteen, noted for giving the teachers
"sass," he decided to put him in a lower grade In
spelling. BiU resented the change. "I can speU
as weU as Dick Stone. I want to go In his class!"
"I'm running this school," said Mr. Roach, "and
you'll go where I think you belong, sir." "Mr.
RIcheson didn't do this way," continued BiU, "and
I ain't gwlne in that class." "I'U see, young man,"
said the new pedagogue, grabbing a choice symbol
with one hand, and Bill, by the collar, with the

I08 MEMORY DAYS
Other. The music on Bill's back began In quick
measure, he keeping time by kicking, striking and
stamping. Round and round they went, the first
battle of the campaign. Our sympathies were with
Bill, yet we refrained from cheering until we saw
on which standard victory would perch. Soon Bill
began to "boohoo" In fine style. "Going In that
class now, sir?" asked Mr. Roach, as he paused
in his labors. "I dun' no," blubbered BiU. "You
don't?" sang out the teacher and the performance
began again, with redoubled interest.
We boys almost held our breath, and the girls,
pale with excitement, were huddled in one comer.
One more round and Bill cried out, "Yas, sir, I'll
do It. Stop, stop!" "All right," said the teacher,
as cool as If he had been eating a peach. "Take
your seat and get this lesson."
Bill was conquered, and so were the rest of us
as regarded classification. We decided it rash In
the extreme to pit our opinion against the teacher's,
and felt that If we were caught In the trap It would
be unintentional. An air of lost liberty pervaded
the school, and the sports at recess were of a mild
type. Yet, Mr. Roach came out on the playground
and taught us a new game. He seemed to us a
strange combination, like two persons, one in the
schoolroom and the other out with the boys. We

RECONSTRUCTION AT CRYSTAL SPRING IO9
rather liked the latter character. By evening we
fuUy realized that Mr. Roach was going to rule
and we had to dance up to the tune of strict obedi
ence. "I told you so," said Uncle Frank when I
related to him the stirring events of the day. "You
mischievous little rascal, he'U catch you before
long." "Not if I can help It," I replied, as the
chorus of Bill's tune still echoed in my ears.
Mr. Roach came home with cousins Will and
Jennie and was there installed to board out his
first quarter. The school session now was longer.
The next morning Will said, "Mr. Roach just
chatted Cousin Hannah until I got so tired and
sleepy waiting to show him to bed that I asked him
if he wasn't getting sleepy. Cousin Hannah
nearly spanked me for Interrupting the nice time
In the parlor." The next day I noticed they had
a big red napkin In the dinner basket and some
half-moon pies that made my mouth water.
On teUIng my mother of the first Impressions
Mr. Roach made upon us, she said It reminded
her of an incident in her girlhood.
"Our school was in bad repute," said she, "as
some unruly boys had either run out or whipped
out two or three teachers. For a time no one
wanted the school. At length a big, red-headed
Scotch-Irish teacher came along, heard the history

no MEMORY DAYS
of former pedagogues, and said he would take the
school. Spending a week before the opening of
school In visiting around, by drawing out the small
boy in confidence he got the names of the ringlead
ers In the Insurrections, and the character of the
plots. He decided on a vigorous and aggressive
policy. On the first morning of school he was on
the ground by sunrise, cut a whole armful of rods,
and took his seat by the door in the room to wait
for something to develop. Soon the leaders came,
one by one, to put the ball In motion by the time
the teacher arrived. Seeing the open door, number
one entered, when he was seized by the Iron grasp
of the domlne, given a sound thrashing, and set
down to a lesson. Number two, In his Ignorance
of Impending danger, bounced intO' the room with
a whoop, was grabbed, thrashed and set down to
a lesson. So, numbers three and four, on to six,
were In succession Initiated In the same way, and
when the rest of the school came they found the
ones 'formerly possessed, healed, and clothed In
their right minds.' He had the best school in all
that part of the country. And I hope Mr. Roach
will have a good one." I told her I thought It
looked that way.
One bright morning I was the owner of a small
package of "candy kisses," as they were caUed,

RECONSTRUCTION AT CRYSTAL SPRING III
the pieces being smaU and rectangular in shape,
wrapped In papers of pretty colors, and each pack
age contained a verse of tender poetry. I could
not appreciate the poetry, but the candy and the
name had charms for me. Joining Cousin Jennie
on the road to school we walked along, a little dis
tance from the others. I enjoyed talking to her
alone better than In a crowd, as somehow we liked
to talk of things of interest to us two rather than
the crowd. I told her I had something good for
her and she must give me one of the same name
for mine. I gave her three guesses, and when she
failed to guess I handed her the candy, telling her
to read the name on the paper. She blushed and
said, "I won't do it!" "You keep the candy
kisses," I said, "and I'll steal one from you to pay
for them." "You can't," she said with a coquet
tish toss of her pretty curls. I was silent, but my
thoughts were busy devising ways and means for
accomplishing my cherished purpose.
On a smooth piece of road, and when close to
her I pointed to her side of the path and said,
"Why, just look yonder!" Of course she looked,
and as she turned her face from me I kissed her
flushed cheek, just above the dimple. It was so
sweet! If the theft was a sin it was deliciously
wicked. Said she, "You bad boy, behave your-

112 MEMORY DAYS
self." As I was beginning to revel In the blissful
recollection of the kiss, a little voice piped out
from behind a bush, "Never mind, Alex, I saw
you kiss Jennie, and I'm going to tell, see if I
don't." It was her little brother, who, under
guidance of an evil spirit, was there In ambush.
"If you do," I said, "I'U whip you." "I isn't a
bit afraid of you," replied the little urchin. Then
I thought of bribery, "What will you take not to
teU?" "Gimme that candy and I won't." "We'U
give you half, and it's so good," I said. "No, I'll
tell If you don't gimme all." The little shylock
was exacting, and was thus bought off. I told
Cousin Jennie that I got the best of the bargain.
All that day, when I'd cast an admiring glance at
my little cousin, I noticed that her cheek was still
tinged with the color of a red peach.

CHAPTER XIII
MUSTER DAY AND CIRCUS DAY
"'Tis time short pleasure now to take.
Of little life the best to make.
And manage wisely the last stake." — Cowley.
In Virginia, under the old regime, they had a
"Muster Day." On this day aU the able-bodied
men between eighteen and forty-five had to as
semble at an appointed rendezvous to be enrolled
and to line up In martial array. This class was
called the "militia," the bulwark of defence for the
country. From serving therein, preachers, teachers,
doctors, and millers were excused. But there was
more fun In going to muster than in staying away.
The grounds for the regiment of our part of the
county were near the Natural Bridge, and com
panies with captains came from different neigh
borhoods. On the day appointed, the champions
of liberty assembled from every point of the com
pass, from the rich river bottoms, the mountain
hollows, and the upland farms. A warlike man
was the colonel of our regiment, with cocked hat
and plume, golden epaulets and handsome sword

114 MEMORY DAYS
dangling by his side. Mounted on a fiery steed
he was much observed as he dashed to and fro.
His aids, too, were conspicuous by their uniforms
and fine steeds. At lo A. M. the adjutant went
forth and called out In stentorian voice for the cap
tains to get up their companies and march them
over Into the big field to form the regiment in the
ranks of war. Then there was a great commo
tion, a calling of Bill Smith, Ned Jones, Doc Wil
son, Hezeklah Trout and all, to get in a line. The
captains as a rule ignored the technical terms of
tactics and used plain English. Some tried to drill
their men en route to the battle line. For "for
ward march" they'd say, "go on there, men;" for
"quick time," "hurry up there!" and one old fel
low for "double-quick time," cried, "Get up and
run like the devil!" and the best man kept 'several
steps in front. The drum beat for the companies to
form the regiment, and the adjutant got them Into
a long line and saluted the colonel. This officer
then drew his sword, and waving It over his head
shouted, "Forward, march!" The drums beat
and the fifes blew, but nearly every fellow had a
step of his own and the line bent and swayed until
It looked like the worm of a rail fence. The
colonel, too, thought plain English better for the
average plebeian to understand, and cried out,

MUSTER AND CIRCUS DAYS II 5
"Stop there. Get In a straight line again." The
line backed and twisted, surged to right and left,
until It got fairly straight. Next the colonel
ordered, "Right face," when about half of them
turned to the left! "Don't you know your right
hands from your left," he cried. In trying to have
the companies "right wheel Into line" he called out,
"Bring your companies around one behind the
other," and they all got so mixed up that he had
to get each captain to call his men out of the boil
ing mixture, reform, and get them Into regimental
line. In facing from front to left an amateur
soldier with heavy shoe stepped on the toe of a
barefooted mountaineer. "Ouch!" cried the vic
tim, and planted his fist between the eyes of the of
fender, who feU in an Inglorious heap. But quick
as a flash he was on his feet, and a civil war be
gan then and there. "Cease fighting !" shouted the
colonel, and both were put under arrest and sent
to the guard-house, the receptacle for all evil doers
and Insubordinate spirits.
After a couple of hours of marching and coun
termarching, of Involutions and evolutions, the
colonel said he was proud of his regiment and
felt sure that at war's alarm it would rush to the
front and win a bloody field. Then with his staff
he galloped around the line, followed by a cloud of

1X6 MEMORY DAYS
dust, and reining up In front, courteously lifted his
hat and shouted, "Break ranks; march! I'm done
with you now." They understood, and at once
act^d. And I remember there was a company of volun
teer horsemen — ^we called them a "troop" — ^who
had flashy uniforms, hats with pretty plumes, and
prancing horses, and they made a fine appearance
as they swept across the field and executed some
manoeuvres. Then the meeting was changed into a
social affair. The crowd rallied in the shady grove
adjoining the field, where refreshments of various
kinds were served with lavish hand. There was
the ginger cake stand by the barrel of spicy cider,
the pie counter with rich milk, the tables loaded
with fried chicken and biscuit. There were also
"blind tigers," whose wares had an exhilarating
effect on drooping spirits, and on the principle that
"stolen waters are sweet," these springs were well
patronized. Now and then some thirsty militiaman
would Imbibe too freely and, thinking It was the
glorious Fourth, proceed to make a patriotic ad
dress. It was noticed that the eye of our gallant
colonel, later In the day, had an unusual lustre, and
his tongue a fluency bordering on the unusual
Over on the left was the horse traders' ring, where
the jockeys held high carnival. The ordinary

MUSTER AND CIRCUS DAYS II7
jockey Is a rival of Ananias, but the higher toned
ones are reticent as to defects in their goods, and
only answer questions, leaving it to the purchaser
to discover flaws. If any. If a horse has a bhnd
eye and you do not see It, it Is your fault, as pur
chaser or trader, and not his !
Over on the right was a race track where speed
was tested in horseflesh, and money, from a dime
to a ten-doUar note, was often risked on the race.
Surely it was exciting to see the dust fly from the
heels of the flying coursers, and sometimes to see an
old horse, apparently nothing but a stack of bones,
sweep ahead, seemed reaUy marveUous.
In keeping with the martial spirit of the day,
often the sheriff or constable, those sworn officers
of the law, would have to visit the skirmish line
and command peace between beUigerent parties.
By the setting of the sun the victory was won, and
the victorious legions were marching for the home
camps. Those old "muster days," though not
always cloudless, nor free from wrong, still had a
charm about them. I should mention that It was a
holiday for the slaves, and the negro men attended
the muster in crowds. Sambo showed his white
teeth in a broad grin as he saw "Ole Marse," out
in the field drilling, or "Young Marse" gaUopIng
over the field In the plumed and gaUant troop.

Il8 MEMORY DAYS
What these faithful people saw and heard there
that day furnished food for pleasant talk for days
and weeks.
And the advent of the circus, too, made a flutter
In all grades of society, from the stately mansion
to the hut of the mountaineer. Saint and sinner
met on common ground In the ringmaster's tent.
For weeks before the circus was to come every
old stable or blacksmith shop by the roadside
blazed with flaming pictures of the wonders to be
seen on that eventful day. The lazy schoolboy
showed a new zeal in spelling out and reading
these posters. The circus had a few animals along
to ease the conscience of the morally straight-laced,
who would go just to see the natives of the forest,
and could not help seeing the ring performances !
"Happy day in the morning !" If the sun rose clear.
Only men trooped along the roads to the muster
grounds, but on this great day, men, women, and
children came early to the show grounds, and
stayed most of the day.
Speaking of the circus signs, I am reminded of
an old shoemaker, in a certain village, who had
full sway In his trade. A new man, who knew
some Latin, came and set up shop opposite the old
veteran's. On the new sign were these words,
"Mens conscia recti" ; i. e., a mind conscious of

MUSTER AND CIRCUS DAYS II 9
right, meaning that honesty was his policy. The
old feUow eyed the flaming sign closely, scratched
his head and thought a long while. Then his
sign went to the painter, and came back with these
words, "Men's women's and children's conscia
recti." He won In the race.
To the circus came many men with many
motives. There was the confidence man, the melon
man, the trickster, gamester, jewelry man, and the
patent medicine man, all running a Uvely business
before the doors were opened.
The great tent erected, the band struck up and
the performance began. I was ten years old when
I saw my first circus. My uncle, whom I was
visiting, took me, and It was a red-letter day for
me. I remember It aU — everything they did and
almost aU they said. First twenty horsemen, gaily
dressed, came prancing in on richly caparisoned
horses, and In a dashing way executed figures that
almost made my head swim. The feats of horse
manship, of leaping, and of strength that followed
made me rub my eyes and wonder if they were
really so. The boy who turned summerset
through a paper hoop from a gaUoping horse and
lighted on the horse again, unhurt, made me think
he would be governor some day. He was a hero
in my estimation. A young woman who rode wore

I20 MEMORY DAYS
her dress so' short that a child In the crowd caUed,
"It's a little girl!" I thought she had outgrown
her dress, and I noticed some ladles near me get
red In the face. I enjoyed the old clown. In giv
ing the views of the circus, which he pretended
were gathered from different churches, he said the
Presbyterians stood on the comer as the proces
sion passed, and got all they could without paying
anything for It. He missed it with my uncle, who
was an old blue-stocking. Then the clown tried to
buy a fine horse from the ringmaster. The price
was agreed on and the old fellow said he was
"powerful glad" at the purchase. Said the ring
master," The money, $150, please, sir." "Oh, I'm
so absent-minded," and he felt in all his pockets,
but no money ! "Got no money with me." "Then
you can't have the horse," said the ringmaster.
Sadly he looked on the ground for a few moments,
and then, clapping his hands in great glee, he cried
out, "Why, I see how to fix It. I'll give you my
note." "It Isn't worth anything," said the ring
master. "Yes it Is, you bet. Why everybody down
In my county has got it." He didn't get the horse.
If all along the way of life I had remembered
things good and elevating, as well as I remember
the clown's jokes on that day, I would have made
a wiser and better man.

CHAPTER XIV
SCHOOL AMUSEMENTS
"Pleasure with instruction should be join'd;
So take the corn and leave the wine behind." — Dryden.
Our school sessions now began about the middle
of August, and, extending on through the winter,
ended the last of May. Thus we took a deeper
drink from the fountain of letters, and afterward
could take practical lessons In the art of farming.
Talents for such were displayed In the corn and
harvest fields, and In the meadow. On the river
farms the older boys worked along with the slaves,
and my boyhood was far happier than some town
youths, who spent their days hunting for something
with which to kill time.
New sports were Introduced upon our play
ground, such as "hop scotch," "quoits," "comer
ball," and "town ball." In the early part of the
session the games were mostly confined to the
shade, that of marbles being a favorite. Knocking
out the middle man at the first shot, thus winning
the game, was considered a feat of more renown
than spelling "phthisic" or working an example in

122 MEMORY DAYS
fractions. For one to "poke," i. e., to move his
hand toward his opponent's marble before shoot
ing, was a violation of the code of honor In the
game. If a juvenile of lax morals was seen to In
fringe upon this regulation his ears were saluted
with the cry, "Vent your poking!" and he drew
back to the true line. I do not remember ever play
ing for "keeps." No such spirit of gambling per
vaded the game In those good old days.
As the leaves took on the variegated hues of
autumn, the game of "town ball" was Introduced
among us. This was the forerunner of modem
base ball, and much akin to It. We used flat bats
and home-made balls. The excitement of running
around the corners and taking In a player was as
great as now makes the ball grounds ring with
cheers. We had no "fouls;" a boy could knock a
ball to Jericho' If he was able and It would be all
right. Often a good player left alone on one side
would knock the ball In an unexpected direction,
and before it could reach the ring again he had
taken In half of his side, as the air rang with
shouts. Sometimes in the midst of an exciting
game the call to "books" would be put off, thanks
to the Interest and consideration of our teacher.
As the days got cooler, "comer ball" offered
more exercise of muscle, and was Installed as a

• SCHOOL AMUSEMENTS 123
favorite. A ring of comer bases was described,
two captains selected the players on each side, and
possession of the corners was won by lot. The
winning side on the corners, and the others In the
ring, the fun began. Back and forth, round and
round, the ball is thrown from comer to comer,
until It Is styled "hot ball," when the commotion In
the ring Is Increased by a "whack" of the baU on
the back of some boy, and away scamper the cor
ner players. Then should a ring player hit a mn-
nlng corner fellow, the cry of "mn boys !" Is raised
and the tide turns. The last boy stmck lost his
place. It was a spicy game on a cool day, and had
a peculiar fascination for me.
Our teacher now and then took part In our
games, and he still retained our respect; In fact It
increased our esteem for him. His presence on the
ground kept down a multitude of sins. The school
now was on a higher plane, the discipline better,
the studying closer, and there was springing up In
our hearts a certain pride In Crystal Spring Semi
nary. Once and awhile some lad affected with mis
chief, habitual Idleness, or violation of some special
rule, was healed by a prescription of Dr. Birch,
who still had his office In the southeast comer,
ready and willing to treat and cure diseases incident
to original sin.

124 MEMORY DAYS
I always knew my lessons, but, through a love of
mischief, I was often the recipient of some tender
attentions from that famous physician. One
day a class of little fellows were sitting on the reci
tation bench, their bare feet and legs dangling
down. The teacher being called outside, I took a
keen switch and, by tapping their bare ankles,
made It very lively for those unwashed extremities.
A very picnic of fun was I having when a hand was
laid upon my shoulder and a familiar voice said,
"Let me have that Instrument." "Yes, sir," said I,
and nerved myself for the bout. "Time about Is
fair play," said the teacher, and I danced to the
music for a few long moments, to the great de
light of my former victims. Jane Trent was a big,
red-headed, angular, mountain girl, ill-natured
and meddlesome. I did not admire this rustic
lass, and delighted to^ tease or worry her. Once
or twice, when too' practical In some prank, a
smack from her big hand came near causing my
head and heels to exchange places. One cold day
she and I were sitting on opposite sides of the tall,
old-fashioned stove, on whose top lay ashes and
cinders. Her big gray eyes were in line with the
top, and, as she said something to rufBe my feel
ings, I just blew across the surface and a cloud of
dust swept into her organs of vision. Clawing

SCHOOL AMUSEMENTS 125
at her eyes with her long, bony fingers she cried
out In agony, "Oh, Lordy, he's blinded me! I'U
tear his eyes out!" I was wicked enough to smUe
almost audibly at her sad condition, when there
came floating across the room the invitation,
"Come up here, sir." I went, I saw, I suffered!
For a week I steered clear of Miss Jane.
Dick Blackburn was a heavy-set young man
striving to read In the New Testament as a text
book. His favorite place on a cold day was on the
end of a high bench by the stove, where he sat with
his feet elevated on the front plate, his elbows on
his knees, his chin resting in, one hand and the
worn Testament In the other. One gloomy, sad
day I was going tO' put some wood in the stove,
and listening to the tempter, gave the end of the
bench a sudden jerk, and down came chin, elbows,
knees and Testament, a confused mass of matter,
shaking the house "from turret to foundation
stone." Dick looked at me, and thought unutter
ably wicked things as he floundered around on the
floor preparatory to coming to the surface again.
The whole school tittered, and I giggled. Mr.
Roach, who had seen the whole performance,
called me up, got his hickory rod, but to my relief
his rislbles were so excited over the ridiculous
aspect of the case that he only warned me against

126 MEMORY DAYS
such a sin In the future. I felt better, but that
evening, when old Dick caught me, I had to beg
like a fine fellow to avert a good paddling.
Similar feats were performed by my fellows, I
presume, but my own are more vivid to me as I
look back over the years that Intervene. The bit
ter and the sweet were Intermingled In those days,
but the sweet filled up life to such an extent that
the bitter left no taste.

CHAPTER XV
BARRING OUT THE TEACHER
" O thinlE what anxioas momeats pass between
Tke birtti of plots, and tlieir last fatal periods !
O 'tis a dreadful interval of time." ^Addison.
On the playground of Crystal Spring Seminary
the course of tme love generally ran smooth. It
was the presence of Mr. Roach, no doubt, which
caused the white flag to float so peacefully over
our heads. But It Is natural for boys to have
jealousies, rivalries, dislikes and spats. If such
there were. It was only the muttering of the storm
that was heard In the vicinity of the seat of power,
and It broke In Its fury at a more remote distance.
When, to satisfy Injured feelings, blows were
deemed necessary, then before school In the morn
ing or after It in the evening the warlike contest
ants with some friends and curious spectators re
paired to Dry Hollow, a hidden retreat about a
quarter of a mile toward the mountain, and there
the code of honor was complied with. This
battleground trembled frequently under the
feet of John Watkins and Bill Blackbum, two
sturdy plow-boys from the Valley, between whom

128 MEMORY DAYS
a mutual dislike ripened, and they met In almost
daily collision. "I dare you to Dry Hollow this
evening!" one of these warlike spirits would say.
"I'll be there, and lick you, too!" the other would
reply. School out, by different routes, to avoid
suspicion and detection, the friends and spectators
would gather for the fray, and at It the boys went,
first with fists, then with sticks, then followed the
grapple and tussle, and down they came, and the
one on top won the victory. Be It said to the
honor of the spectators, that their interest was
manifested by their calls to a halt, If the fighters
resorted to extreme measures, and not by betting
on the result.
John Sullivan was a tme son of the Emerald
Isle, pugnacious to the extent of tackling Gollah
had he risen up in his path, but he had great re
spect for the rod In a masterly hand. Coming
home by the river road one evening with a lot of
us, he spoke against the honor and dignity of some
of our homes. My brother Mac and Cousin
Luther decided to champion the Insulted side, and
the skirmish began. After half a mile of random
firing, as we entered a dense wood, they opened
hot and heavy. John was a match for the two,
with his Irish blood and dogged tenacity, but our
side cheered on their knights. Even Cousin

BARRING OUT THE TEACHER 1 29
Jennie, usually so mild and gentle, entered Into
the spirit of the fight, but once she made Luther
put down a rock. Although she wanted John
pounded it must be done with softer material.
Whilst Mac would engage him in front, Luther,
by a flank movement, would pop him on the left
wing. Wheeling tO' the new attack, a few well-
directed shots made the enemy there fall back.
Thus the tide of battle surged back and forth, and
the "spalpeen" was about to win. Suddenly there
emerged from the dense bushes the figure of our
teacher, clothed In majesty and power. Had he
risen from the dead the consternation had not been
greater. In a second there was a great calm.
Then came the startling words, "I'm going to whip
everything along this road in the moming!" and
off he strode toward home. We almost held our
breath at first, and then, as we tmdged homeward,
discussed the horrors of the situation In subdued
tones. I whispered to Cousin Jennie that I was so sorry
for her. The idea of whipping her! It must not
be done. All at once an Idea stmck me, and I
whispered to my sweet cousin, "Say, I'll take yours,
and teU him to just give me double." "That
9

130 MEMORY DAYS
wouldn't be right," she replied. "I'll take it, if
all do." But I held on to the idea.
Next moming I went to school early, and waited
for Mr. Roach at the forks of the road, for a bur
den was on my heart. Joining him I said, "Mr.
Roach, I don't think Cousin Jennie deserves a
whipping, for she made Luther put down a rock.
And If you will whip her, please let me take hers
too. Give me double, won't you?" Looking me
straight In the eye, he said, "Are you In eamest?"
"Yes, sir, 1 am," 1 replied. "You are a generous
fellow. I'll think about It." I then dropped
behind, and left him to his thoughts.
My offer must have softened his hard heart and
saved us all, except the three actual lawbreakers;
for, on opening school, he said that after consider
ing the matter, he would only punish the three
boys. Although It was an October moming, John
had on an overcoat, evidently suffering from chilli
ness. Mr. Roach Invited him tO' lay it aside;
when, lo! he had on two other coats, and two
waistcoats! "Cold, are you, sir? I'll warm
you up !"
I think that was the last skirmish by the road
side. I was about half sorry that I couldn't show
Jennie how much I liked her by helping to bear
her burdens. When I told her the part I had

BARRING OUT THE TEACHER I31
played she said I was good, and maybe some time
she could help me. I was hoping for the some
time, and my heart was lighter and my step was
quicker. Mr. Roach was quite a beau in the neighbor
hood. He not only played the gaUant to Cousin
Hannah, but was a welcome visitor In other homes,
where bright eyes sparkled and cheeks flushed at
his coming. There was a family who had lately
moved into the Valley, descendants, perchance, of
the Scotch poet, who sang,
"If a body meet a body a comin' thro' the rye.
If a body kiss a body, need a body cry."
Two sweet sisters In this home exerted a mag
netic Influence on our dominie and a friend of his.
On Friday evenings, after school hours, the two
young men would direct their steps toward the
Bums mansion. I remember an embarrassing
scene In that home. Unseen, one cloudy evening,
they reached the house and knocked at the door of
the sitting-room, once, twice. There was no re
sponse. The third time a sweet voice called out,
"Come In If you are green, and stay out if you are
white!" In the excitement of the moment, forget
ting on which line of color they stood, In they
marched, and "Oh my!" "Oh my!" greeted them.

132 MEMORY DAYS
and confusion, blushes, and apologies followed.
"Why Mr. Roach," said Miss Annie, "I didn't
dream It was you. I am so sorry. The children
had been fooling us by knocking, and we thought
they were at the door." The novelty of the recep
tion seemed to have deepened the devotion of the
young men, for that very night, in a hidden nook,
Mr. Roach's friend slipped a ring on Miss Annie's
finger, and in a few weeks a beautiful bride was
led away to her new home. Mr. Roach's affection
seemed to be divided between Miss Mary B. and
Cousin Hannah. Discussing this delicate question
one day with Will I learned that he thought
Mr. Roach loved Cousin Hannah the better;
for once he heard him saying some poetry to her
about "Eyes so bright they shine at night;" and
then when he told her good-by he held her hand
too long for just liking her. I told Will I didn't
know much about these things, but I wanted
Cousin Hannah to have a nice beau.
"Christmas will soon be here," remarked John
Watson one moming as we were nearing the
school grounds. "Yes," I replied; "and I wonder
If Mr. Roach is going to give us any holiday."
"John, he's boarding at your house; don't you
know anything about It?" "No, but I heard him
say that children got as wild as colts when they

BARRING OUT THE TEACHER 133
had too much holiday, and had to be broken in
again." "Well, that just means he'll not give us
any," said Cousin Will. "I teU you what, boys,
let's 'bar' him out. Pa said he and Cousin Preston
helped to do It once, and when the old fellow broke
In they grabbed him and took him to the creek be
fore he'd give up." "I see you boys taking Mr.
Roach to the creek," piped In Mary Watson.
"He'd whip every one of you."
We Interviewed Mr. Roach on the subject, but
learned nothing, so the plot was formed. Our
demands, reduced to writing by one of the girls, —
for several joined our ranks, — ^were a week's Holi
day, a bushel of old man Parker's apples, and a
stick of candy apiece, and Monday moming, a
week before Christmas, was appointed for the out
break of the rebellion. By sunrise on this day the
conspirators were on the ground, with hatchet and
nails preparatory to the barricade. As the un
initiated arrived, some joined in with zeal, and
others with faint hearts reluctantly agreed to stay
Inside. "Suppose he whips us all," said a pale-faced
Valley boy. "Hush! you little goose," said John
Watson. "He'U not do that." "You'd better look
out," suggested Bill Watkins. "No telling what
he'd do If you stirred him up." Bill remembered

134 MEMORY DAYS
from sad experience what stirring a hornet's nest
meant. "Yonder he comes!" cried the boy from the
lookout station, and we waited with bated breath.
"Hush! he's at the door," whispered one of the
leaders. Finding the door barred, he knocked,
and In a pleasant tone said, "Open the door."
Within all was quiet as death, the timid ones hid
den under the writing-bench, the girls huddled In
the darker corners, and the braver rebels at the
posts of danger, for with them the die was cast, let
come what would. Then Mr. Roach wenf to a
window and, surveying the scene Inside, the tme
situation first dawned upon him.
In a firm tone he asked, "What are you all do
ing in there?" The time for action had arrived,
and Cousin Will said, "We've got you barred out,
and — and — ^we want hoHday." "You do? Well,
well. I'll see about It. Some of those girls put
you all up to this." He then walked toward the
spring, evidently to meditate upon the momentous
question. "He's gone to get a big stick tO' break
down the door," croaked one of the timid. "I wish
I was out of here !" "And so do I," chimed In
two or three others. "Keep quiet, you cowards,"
said a leader. "Here he comes back and no stick
either."

BARRING OUT THE TEACHER I35
Upon Mr. Roach's asking for our request again,
the official document was handed out. Looking
at It he smiled and said, "Miss Hannah wrote this.
I thought those young ladles were up to some plot.
Apples and candy ! Why, you'll break me. Well,
I'll sign It if you all will promise to be good this
week. WiU you?" In the grand choms of "We'll
be good," that fairly made the roof shake, every
note of the gamut was struck from the deep bass
of old Dick up to the soprano of the girls. We
had triumphed, and the week passed by like a
pleasant dream, a kind of mlUennlal period for
our school — good lessons, punctual attendance, no
friction and Dry Hollow a forsaken spot. Soon
Friday evening came and then the big red apples
and the luscious sticks of candy were fairly dealt
out to each pupil "and all went merry as a mar
riage bell."

CHAPTER XVI
CHRISTMAS TIMES
"Joy kneels at Morning's rosy shrine.
In worship to the rising Sun." — Brooks.
In those days we, too, heard the story of Santa
Claus, and In our dreams heard the pattering of
the hoofs of his reindeer steeds upon the roofs of
our homes, but he did not bring us the rare gifts
he now has credited to his kindly generosity.
Stockings, small and large, were hung up, and
fond hopes Indulged, and It needed no ringing of
the rising bell tO' open little eyes on Christmas
morning, and little hands went quickly to work to
hunt for the gifts.
I remember how I was amused at the gift to
Miss Mary In "Major Jones' Courtship." The
Major got Miss Mary to promise to keep, all her
life, the present he would give her. She was to
have a very large meal sack hung up in the back
porch. Before daylight he slipped quietly In and
got into the sack. When they came out early to
inspect, the mother said It was a yearling calf!
The old negro cut It down and he fell with a bump

CHRISTMAS TIMES 137
and the Major rolled out' covered with meal. The
girl blushed and stuck to her promise. I thought
I'd prefer a summer night to make such a present.
Rabbit hunting was an Ideal sport Christmas
week, and Uncle Frank declared that if we only
could get some salt on old MoUy's cotton-tail she
could be easily caught !
There were little folks' parties with plays, rid
dles, chestnuts, and the juvenile gambling game
of "Jack In the bush." I remember how, one
night, I came near winning all the nuts in the room
before my trick was discovered. It was to have a
few nuts peep out between my closed fingers, as if
my hands were bursting with a large number.
Thus guesses would range from forty to sixty, and
on opening three or four were all! The penalty
was the difference between the two numbers, and
my victims would fairly groan in the spirit as they
felt for the forfeited number. A sharp, red
headed girl saw my plan, and caught me In my
own trap, winning about fifty at one play.
I was the fortunate possessor of a book of rid
dles, enigmas, and conundrums. I pored over this
rare volume In advance of the juvenile parties, and,
being crammed^ could take the lead in asking
knotty questions. One night at Cousin William's
I asked Mr. Roach to conjugate ice-cream. He

138 MEMORY DAYS
said he couldn't, and I said, "I scream, you scream,
he screams." "You're getting most smart enough
to graduate in grammar," replied my honored in-
stmctor. A Christmas tree was unheard of in our neigh
borhood. But this year a German boarding at
my father's superintended the decorating of one
at our home. It was mostly fixed up behind the
curtain, and when the hour came for the play to
begin the dining-room door was thrown open and
my cousins and the home squad marched in with
wondering eyes and exclamations of surprise.
There stood a miniature cedar tree, brilliantly
lighted with wax tapers, strings of popped com
and wreaths of highly colored paper encircling
Its well-rounded shape, and apples, candles, and
cakes dangling from Its limbs. It was a new cre
ation to us and we were Introduced Into a new
world of pleasure. Cousin Jennie said It looked
like a picture of Fairy Land. I told her she'd
have to be the fairy. Aunt Eliza, the cook, ex
claimed, "La's a mercy, chlUun, It's too purty to
look at." Old Uncle Humphrey, peeping In the
door, mbbed his hands, exclaiming, "My stars! it
beats my time."
In those good old days the slaves enjoyed the
holiday week as much as their masters. Christ-

CHRISTMAS TIMES I39
mas morning, before daylight, they would slip into
the house, tiptoe to the bedroom doors and catch,
"Christmas gift!" They always got something,
which, though trivial, gave them pleasure. They
had their lltde gatherings and a well-laden table
was furnished by the mistress. The banjo, the
bones, and patting the knee fumlshed music for
these light-hearted creatures. It was better than
a circus to see them play and dance at these gath
erings. I am thinking of an occasion of merry
making at my cousin's. In the kitchen about
twenty or thirty of them were having a jolly time,
when a big basket of apples and cakes from the
dining-room appeared on the scene. The merri
ment subsided and they all proceeded to feast. In
the mean time Cousin Hannah had made a "horse
head," a frightful looking thing, made of a pil
low, tongs, and red flannel. The flannel was cut
to represent ears, eyes, nose, and teeth, and it was
tacked on the pillow. It was enough to have
made a Mexican war veteran tremble had he met
It In a lonely spot. Followed by a lot of us youngs
ters to see the fun. Cousin Hannah went around
to the back window, and, as some one threw the
sash open on its hinges, she thmst the frightful
thing In before the gaze of the terrified darkles.
Expressions of "Oh Lordy!" "De Lawd hab

140 MEMORY DAYS
mussy!" "De Debll's comin'!" fiUed the room, a
rush was made for the door, and a stampede to the
cabins followed. The larger and stronger finally
rallied In Uncle Reuben's cabin, and the walllngs
of the younger ones, who, being upset In the msh
of older companions, were bringing up the rear,
made the night hideous. The prank explained,
with "Haw-haws!" "What you niggers mn fur?"
"Shure enough I thought old Satan was comin' In
dat window !" "Bet, you just butt me clean over!"
"See Jim clear dat fence!" they all came back to
the banquet-hall and resumed their pleasure. The
darkles were firm believers In ghosts and "ha'nts."
The older ones could tell of some wonderful appa
ritions seen by them — a headless man, woman In
white with eyes of fire, a dancing skeleton and
such things. They were noted for roaming around
at night, but they would go a mile out of the way
to avoid a graveyard. A necklace of diamonds
on a tombstone was safe at night from any negro
thief. Happy beings, you rocked my cradle, you
played with me In childhood, you nursed me in
sickness, you wept by the coffins of my pets, you
cared for me In storm and sunshine, and I shall al
ways remember you with the most grateful affec
tion.

CHRISTMAS TIMES I41
When I go to visit the graves of the dear old
home folks I also go to the graves of Uncle Hump
hrey and Aunt Eliza, and as memory brings these
old friends before me with their patient services,
my eyes grow moist and my tears fall. Quietly
they sleep on the brow of the hill, and the sweet
briar and the wild honeysuckle cover their graves.
And I think that up Yonder these two humble
servants may be singing with "Marse Preston"
and "Miss Hannah" even as they used to sing with
them at family worship on Sabbath mornings in
the dear Christian home near the banks of the
James.

CHAPTER XVII
THE DEATH ANGEL
"O, not in cruelty, not in wrath.
The Reaper came that day;
'Twas an Angel visited the green earth
And took the iiower away!" — Longfellow.
Our beautiful Valley was an Ideal spot for
health. No school in the land had as few ab
sences on account of serious cases of Illness. Now
and then the small boy, having feasted too greed
ily on green apples, or eaten too much melon,
would be "doubled up" from cramps, or have a
spell of cholera-morbus. The unhappy victim
was then treated to a few drops of turpentine, a
blue pill and a dose of castor oil. The prescription
Invariably effected a cure, and the cure was fol
lowed by' a song of thanksgiving for having sur
vived both disease and remedy, and a solemn
vow never again to be Impmdent. It was fun to
see the other fellow tackle the oil, his pleading
looks cast toward the ceiling, most agonized coun
tenance, violent gesticulations, and manifold gyra
tions, as, spinning around on a pivot, he strove to
keep the abominable thing down. The whole

THE DEATH ANGEL 1 43
scene was voted almost equal to the circus. In
winter the cure for a "cold" was to "bake" the
feet before a hot fire, then jump into bed and cover
up head and heels — "aU over." For a sore throat
the good mother gave the sufferer, on retiring at
night, a good dose of hot red-pepper tea, and
bound the swollen throat with a woolen stocking.
There was virtue In the treatment and I speak
from a warm experience in the matter. For on
one dark night, when I had expressed doubts and
made opposition beyond the line of forbearance,
acute arguments were used which Induced me to
reconsider my course and to yield In the matter.
The combined warmth of both applications work
ed a marvelous cure, and by moming I was well.
One moming in November John Watson, whose
father was a doctor, announced that scarlet fever
was In the neighborhood just across the river, and
that some children had died. Then there was a
hush In the merry talk and a serious air pervaded
the little group of girls and boys standing by the
big log fire in our schoolroom. It was a cloudy,
gloomy day, and something seemed to whisper
coming evil. The next day nearly every pupil
had a little bag containing brimstone and assa-
foetida suspended around his neck. This was a
|:allsrnan to ward off the disease, and many of the

144 MEMORY DAYS
faithful believers In the preventative showed their
devotion by frequent sniffing of the aromatic con
tents of the bag.
The next moming Cousin William met us at his
gate and told us not to come in, as Luther had
scarlet fever. It made us turn pale,' and on
we hurried to tell the sad news at school. And
as I thought of the fever being right In Cousin
Jennie's home, and that she perhaps would take
It, I was sorely troubled In my heart. Our teacher
said that the germs were in the air, that It was "an
epidemic," a new word tO' our ears, and that stop
ping from school would not keep us from having
it, as we all had to breathe the air. In a few days
nearly all the children at Cousin William's were
down with the fever, but It seemed to be a mild
type. It was a long, sad week to us at school.
We were listiess In our studies, and our teacher.
In sympathy with us, relaxed much from his strict
standard. There were many vacant seats in the
room. Next the fever got Into the Valley, and
then for two weeks there was no school When
the early violets began to peep forth In the warm,
sunny comers the disease had run Its course and
all were well at my cousin's. I was rejoiced to see
Jennie again, looking only a little pale, and I
brought her a little bouquet made up of viokts

THE DEATH ANGEL 1 45
and dogwood blossoms tied with a cotton string.
Her smile of appreciation more than paid me for
the trouble I had when the old dogwood limb
broke. But our sky was not cloudless. Rumors reached
us that Lucy McFarland was very ill with the
fever. She was an Irish girl, a little beauty of
about nine years of age, with black, curly hair,
dark brown eyes, cheeks like a red peach, and
pouting lips. She was a pet with all the larger
pupils and a universal favorite. I had often given
her a choice apple that otherwise Cousin Jennie
would have enjoyed. One evening the tidings
came that Lucy was dead. When I ran In to tell
my mother I just cried, big boy that I was, for I
was very fond of the sweet little girl. We could
not go to the funeral, but our thoughts were there.
Again school opened, but the playground was
quiet the first moming. In little groups we stood
around and talked of little Lucy. Some of the
larger Valley girls had been to the funeral, and
they told us how natural she looked In her little
coffin with white roses on her breast, and that they
buried her in the little cemetery under a pine tree,
and Cousin Jennie said that some day we would go
there and put some flowers on the little grave.
10

146 MEMORY DAYS
When Tom, Lucy's brother, came Mr. Roach
shook hands with him,, and stooping over whis
pered something in his ear.
On opening school Mr. Roach spoke of the fe
ver, of the anxiety and sorrow it had brought, for
there were several homes over the river in which
little chairs were empty. He spoke very touch
ingly of the little girl whose face had helped to
make our room bright. He said that she was
up yonder In a city whose streets are of gold
and whose gates are pearls. He ' said that he
would always remember her with the kindliest feel
ings, and his words were beautiful and Impressive.
Our sympathy went right out to Tom and, at noon,
he was the recipient of many favors and delicate
little courtesies. There Is something very tender
In the sympathy of childhood. It does not come
In high sounding words, nor In beautifully written
sentences, but It beams forth In the kindly look and
is resplendent In the kindly act. Thus, to the
crashed and bleeding heart. It often comes as
sweet and refreshing as the dew of the morning
to the flower that Is bent or broke.
"No radiant pearl which crested fortune wears,
No gem that twinkling hangs from beauty's ears,
Not the bright stars which night's blue arch adorn,
Nor rising sun that gilds the vernal morn.
Shine with such lustre as the tear that flows
Down virtue's manly cheek for others' woes." — Darnain.

CHAPTER XVIII
A WRECK AND A DEER HUNT
"The antlered monarch of the waste
Sprang from his heathery couch in haste.
But ere his fleet career he took.
The dew-drops from his flanks he shook;
A moment listened to the cry.
That thickened as the chase drew nigh;
Then as the headmost foes appear'd.
With one brave bound the copse he cleared." — Scott.
South of my home. In graceful outilnes, rose the
ridges and peaks of the Blue Ridge. At Balcony
Falls, In a gap worn out In the ages past, the
James River dashes through the mountain ranges.
Across the stream, just as it enters this mountain
channel, a large dam was built to form a sheet of
water above, on which boats might ride. When
the river was much swollen the water, as It poured
over, boiled up below almost to the height of the
stmcture. On one occasion when the river was up a large
freight-boat got adrift above, and, at the mercy
of a high wind and strong current, drifted down
toward the dam. Aboard were some negro hire
lings returning home, as It was Christmas week.
Some of them jumped into the icy water and tried

148 MEMORY DAYS
to swim to land but were drowned. The captain
headed the boat for the dam and awaited the fear
ful plunge. The boat made the leap, plunged
into the seething waters, but stemmed the tide and
gallantly rode on below, down the roaring stream,
seemingly into the very jaws of death. When it
passed close tO' Velvet Rock, whose moss-covered
top was only a few Inches above the water, some
of the half-crazed negroes jumped on the rock.
On the doomed boat sped, until it crashed upon
a sloping rock just above the surface of the stream,
wrecking the front part. Every one jumped on
the rock. The hinder part of the boat staggered
for a few minutes, and then, swept around by the
current. It broke off from the wrecked part and
was hurled away to Its doom. The evening was
cold and the wind biting, and, as the water was
rising, the men would either freeze or be washed
off. The news flew In every direction, and hundreds
rushed to the scene. To' get a rescuing boat to the
Imprisoned men required an experienced and skill
ful hand. There seemed to be but one man equal
to the emergency. He was Sam Padget, an old
negro boatman who knew well the channel and Its
dangers. "WiU you go, Sam?" asked a dozen
men at one time. "Yaas, sir; sure I will. I can't

A WRECK AND A DEER HUNT I49
Stand here an' see dem poor men drown." Then
taking a large canoe up the stream above Velvet
Rock, he floated safely down to It and took In the
four men who were on the rock. To get to the
shore through the rocks and whirling waters
seemed an impossible feat. Down he came, grad
ually nearing the shore. At last the boat touched
the bank and they were safe. "Bress de good
Lawd fer dati" sang out an old darky as he
jumped once more on terra firma. Everybody
praised Sam, and after resting a few minutes he
started out for the lower rock where the wreck
was. Down he drifted thither, took in four men
and landed them safe. The crowd made the
mountain hollows echo with their cheers. Two
more trips are made and only two are left. They
cheer at every return.
"Sam, aren't you tired?" asks somebody.
"Yaas, boss, I mus' rest a little." And putting
his head in his hands, with elbows on his knees, he
rested some twenty minutes. Was the brave, faith
ful man praying for strength and safety in the last
trip? It was twilight, and the dangers Increased.
Rising he said, "I'se ready. I'll try to get them,
too." "Hurrah! he has got them!" cried some
one. On he came, nearer and nearer to the shore.

150 MEMORY DAYS
and the great crowd almost held its breath. But
when within a few yards of the bank a whirling
current suddenly hurled the little boat upon a half-
hidden rock. It upset and the men were thrown
Into the Icy waters, where, struggling for a few
seconds, they sank to rise no more! A wail of
sorrow swept over that great throng, and tears
flowed freely. Later there was a handsome monu
ment erected near the spot, a monument travelers
can see to-day as they pass. The lines of inscrip
tion read, "To the memory of Sam Padget, who
lost his life In rescuing men from a wrecked boat."
And he was a hero.
One bright morning in the summer of 1852 my
keen eye caught sight of a flag floating from the
summit of a peak that rose abruptly from the
water's edge just above the dam. Most beautifully
did its graceful folds sport with the mountain
breeze. I looked at It long, and with wonder and
admiration. Said my father, "It Is a Whig flag to
help rally the voting boys." On the morning after
the election, as If conscious of victory. It seemed to
float more proudly than ever. It waved on until
the sleeting rains and winds of winter tore It from
Its staff.
My father remarked one day to Cousin Wil
liam, a Democrat, "The prettiest thing George

A WRECK AND A DEER HUNT 151
Washington ever said was 'Give me a banner to
plant on the mountains of West Augusta, and I'U
rally around me men who will lift our bleeding
country from the dust and set her free.' So this
general of whiggism [Taylor] literaUy planted a
banner on the mountain and rallied around it
voters who lifted his bleeding party from the dust
and set her free."
From my earliest childhood I had a curiosity
to climb the splendid mountain ridge that lay
sleeping just south of our home. FinaUy my fa
ther gave his permission and my brother and I,
taking the dogs and foUowing a cattle trail,
reached the lofty summit. I expected to see, be
yond, broad farms and beautiful homes as in our
VaUey. But I saw only mountain ridges and peaks
in endless chains. It reminded me of the Delect
able Mountains in Pilgrim's Progress, of which
my mother had read to me and shown me their pic
ture. I could see little vaUeys or coves between
the longer ridges, running toward the west, with
sparkling streams, and open spaces covered with
grass dotted here and there. My father told me
that in these coves were the favorite haunts of the
deer. Deer-hunting was indulged in chiefly by those
who kept packs of hounds. The deer, when not

152 MEMORY DAYS
alarmed and feeding, may be approached within
easy shooting range in this manner. The deer
grazes for half a minute, and then, throwing up
his head, sniffs the air, scenting danger. Getting
on the leeward side, with hat off and arms and
gun close by his side so as to look like a post, the
hunter steps softly toward the deer just as its head
goes down to graze, and stopping as the head
comes up. Thus by close watching and patience
he gets nearer and nearer the game, when, as the
head goes down, quick as a flash, bang! goes the
gun and over falls the prize. Such victories are
rarely won.
The kind of deer-hunting furnishing, perhaps,
the most sport is called "driving." Let me de
scribe it. On the appointed day the hunters and
hounds rally at the house of Captain Burks near
the head of the Valley, and the campaign is
planned. Two strong men, as "drivers," are to
take the dogs and, entering the coves several miles
west of the river, they are to come down until a
deer Is started, and then aim to drive it by the
"stands." These are places where hunters await
the coming of the deer, and some are on either side
of the peak on which we saw the flag floating. It
seems the deer have regular routes for running to
the river on either side of this mountain.

A WRECK AND A DEER HUNT 1 53
The drivers blow their homs and the hounds,
eager for the hunt, respond In a choms that Is
music to the hunter's ear. Off they go, and plunge
Into the depths of the woods. Over the wooded
hills and along the streams the dogs search for the
game, scattering far and wide unless blown in by
the driver's hom. The yelping of the pack In the
north cove is a sign that a deer has been started.
The dogs In the south cove are blown In, so as
to head off the game if It crosses the ridge and
turns to the west. Now the music begins. Soon
it Is seen that the deer Is taking the line for the
"stands" north of the peak. Outranning the dogs
It will often tum up some ravine and. In the dense
laurel thickets, try to hide from its pursuers. On
the bare rocks and In the water the dogs often
lose the trail and much time is lost. Again the
chase begins, and over Hell Gate Hollow and
across the huckleberry ridges the panting buck
comes, nearer and nearer to his doom. Most of
the day is spent in getting the deer on the "last
mn." On the "stands" men are alert, hearing
the baying of the hounds. Rhodes, in the first
stand, cocks his gun and holds his breath. But,
bad luck, the deer Is bearing too far toward the
mountain. He aims and fires, but on leaps the
frightened animal. Stone, In the second stand,

154 MEMORY DAYS
braces himself behind his tree and right toward
him comes the deer. When within a few yards
Stone steps out, aims, and the old rifle "flashes In
the pan," as the old flintlocks would sometimes
do, and on bounds the fine buck. Stone throws his
hat on the ground, stamps his foot and utters lan
guage not becoming a Christian! Parks, on the
last stand, with nerves at highest tension, knows
that If he misses the day is lost. Leaning across
a large rock, to Insure a steady aim, he fires, and
the "monarch of the herd" comes to the ground.
"Hurrah for me ! I got him !"
"You'd not done it If my cussed old gun hadn't
missed fire," growls Stone.
Here come the dogs. Sounder In the lead, and
gathering around they bark their delight at the
success of the hunt, until, hushed to silence, they
lie around panting with tongues lolling out.
"All hands to Paxton's Spring, for I'm nearly
dead for a drink," shouts Burks, the leader of the
band, and with the deer across his horse he leads
the way.
At the spring the tired hunters first quench their
thirst out of the old gourd, and sitting around dis
cuss the events of the day. Moved by the spirit,
Captain Burks says, "Let's have some 'grog,'
boys." "All right," respond the others in a lively

A WRECK AND A DEER HUNT 1 55
choms. Whereupon, producing a flask of "moun
tain dew," he mixes an unsplrltual combination
known as "grog," which seems to give new life
to the tired huntsmen.

CHAPTER XIX
WINTER SPORTS
"'It snows!' cries the school-boy, 'Hurrah!' and his shout
Is ringing through parlor and hall.
While swift as the wing of a swallow, he's out.
And his playmates have answered his call;
It makes the heart leap but to witness their joy;
Proud wealth has no pleasures, I trow,
Ivike the rapture that throbs in the pulse of the boy.
As he gathers his treasures of snow!" — Mrs. Hale.
Very pleasant to me Is the recollection of a snow
storm In the old Valley. All night long the flakes
had been falling thick and fast, and quietly cover
ing the earth with a mantle of white, and It looked
so pure and beautiful as, in the early moming, I
first saw It on the window sill. The cedar trees
in the yard, drooping under their crystal burdens,
presented grotesque figures, and far up on the
mountain sides the old pines stood, proudly ar
rayed In white. Visions of untold pleasures swept
across the minds of us boys, and we fairly clapped
our hands In glee. The clouds had gone, and the
sun arose, flooding the earth with a splendor daz
zling to behold. The winter birds were flitting
from tree to tree, chirping In cheerful notes, or

WINTER SPORTS I 57
seeking the bam and surrounding sheds In search
of food.
In those days snow did not interfere with the
attendance upon school. Except the smaUer ones,
the pupils all came, some on horses, some In
sleighs, and some bravely trudged through the
snow. A roaring fire was soon kindled and a space
before the door swept or shoveUed away. Then
began the fun of snow-baUIng. The boy who
could make a hard baU, and. In throwing, make a
center shot was the hero. As the negro boys who
came to take the horses and sleighs home started
back, they were followed by a shower of baUs, and
their ducking of heads and doubling up in dodg
ing was prime fun for the boys. Here was a duel
between two veterans, and the baUs flew thick and
fast until one gradually retreated. Here a half
dozen smaller boys had attacked a larger one, in
front, on the flank, and In rear, pelting him with a
storm of shot and shell that soon made him take
refuge behind a big tree.
At the noon recess the firing along the skirmish
line was resumed, and both muscle and lungs did
good work. Then some budding military genius
would propose a battle with balls. Sides were
chosen, the lines drawn, and the battle began. As
the boy who was hit had to fall out of line as

158 MEMORY DAYS
wounded^ good marksmanship was at a premium.
Soon the lines were thinned down to two to one.
Pop,, pop ! went the guns, and one of the two fell.
Then came the tug of war, each side cheering on
its champion. Cool and collected, they aimed and
shot, but by skillful dodging the balls skimmed by.
One boy stepping on a rock, lost his balance.
"Zip !" went the ball of his opponent against his
side, and the victorious army made the grove ring.
I had just read In the life of Napoleon Bona
parte, of the snow fort at Brienne, and how he
captured it, and I proposed our making one. All
worked like bees, and soon a rude Imitation was
piled up and named "Fort Defiance." The late
victorious army was tO' man the works, and ours
was to storm them. Their banner, planted on the
wall, was a yellow handkerchief, ours a red
one. The attack began by a shower of balls from
long range aimed especially at the flag on the ram
part. Its staff tottered, and down It fell amid our
cheers. We charged up closer, but a well-directed
fire from the garrison checked our advance, and
soon we fell back to the first line, for there were
two lefthandcd boys In the fort whose aim was
deadly. Again we charged, but again retreated.
I told our captain of Napoleon's plan. Six good
throwers were selected to move quickly to the rear

WINTER SPORTS 1 59
and attack that point vigorously, as we made
another charge in front. Being hit In the breast
and back at the same time was more than mortal
boy could stand, and soon the red flag waved over
the captured fort.
In due time, of course, a crust was frozen on
the top of the snow strong enough for coasting.
Instead of the fancy sleds of modem times, we
had plain ones, or light poplar planks, planed on
the bottom, curved in front, and with small blocks
nailed thereon. On these we could "fairly fly"
down a hill.
A long bench dragged up the hill near by, and
holding about twenty boys and girls, packed on
like sardines, fumlshed more fun than any other
coasting arrangement. Down the slope it glided
with its merry freight, and as Its speed slackened
somewhat at the foot of the hill sometimes the en
gineer at the rear end, by a quick movement of his
foot, caused the bench to wheel around, tum over
and dump Its cargo peU-meU, heels over head, on
the snow. From this crash of heads and wreck
of matter the juveniles would extricate themselves
with few bruises and in different frames of mind.
Some were laughing, some were mortified at the
undignified performance, and others were indig
nant almost to the point of capsizing "the en-

l6o MEMORY DAYS
gineer," as the rear boy was called. Cousin Jennie
vowed she would never ride again If Sel Brafford
was the guide. Yet the next day a new engineer
would play the same trick on the eager passengers.
Having a small board, big enough for only two,
I Invited my sweet cousin to ride with me. "Will
you upset me at the bottom?" she asked with a
merry twinkle of her eye. "Not for the world,"
I responded. "Then I'll tmst you," she said.
All ready, with my precious freight In front of me
and securely held to guard against accident, down
the hill we went and swept away out on the level
below. "That's nice, I'll try It again," said the
little girl with a winning smile. So we had a
second merry ride, and I felt happier than at a
picnic, when hark! from the grove came the dis
mal sound of "Books !"
Among the sweet pictures of the past which
memory holds are the bright moonlight nights,
when, taking my younger brothers and sisters out
on the hill back of our home we coasted until the
summons came for us to leave our sport. With
flushed cheeks and tired limbs we gathered around
the cheerful fire, prayers were said, little feet were
warmed, and all were tucked in our beds to rest
and dream of pleasant things. How often since
then, as the burden and cares of life pressed

WINTER SPORTS l6l
heavily upon us, have we wished to be back in the
dear home nest and again to be tucked In the little
tmndle-bed by hands of love !
In a few days the ponds and river were frozen
over so that moming and evening lessons could be
taken in the art of skating. In that day skates
were a luxury In which the country boy rarely In
dulged. The first lesson In the art was to learn to
stand on them. The second, to pick one's self
up gracefully when the steel runners would fly
from under one. The third lesson was to move
forward, as the tendency often was to go back
ward. The fourth lesson, to stop and keep erect
when at full speed, as the stopping often meant a
general collapse. Having mastered the above les
sons, and being puffed up with pride, I wished to
show my skill to an admiring crowd of juveniles of
both sexes. I intended to jump over a small stick
Imbedded In the Ice when going at high speed.
"Look out! I'm coming!" I cried, and jumped.
For a moment I was In a confused state of mind
and body, then saw new stars near the zenith, fol
lowed by an aching sensation in the vicinity of my
brain. Soon I realized that I was lying sprawl
ing on the Ice, hatless and almost headless. Rally
ing from the wreck I decided there was no place
like "Home, sweet home."

1 62 MEMORY DAYS
The Ice that winter was fourteen inches thick,
loaded wagons crossing on it at the ferry. The
young ladles, having witnessed some of the un
graceful postures we beginners assumed, decided
not to venture on an uncertainty. One sad day,
two little damsels growing bold and braver, by
slow degrees, came out on the Ice. As the Ice got
smoother their little feet threatened to slip, and
Cousin WIU took each by the hand and restored
confidence. One feature of thick Ice is that It
sinks in the center of the stream, and cracks In
straight lines with the noise of a gun. These
sounds run rapidly, and when passing near one
Ignorant of the cause they are alarrning to a high
degree. Just as Cousin Will took the visitors by
the hand there came a tremendous cracking seam
right toward them, and under their feet! "Oh,
oh!" they screamed, and tried to run, and In the
excitement slipped up and pulled Cousin Will
down also, all In a shapeless mass, stmggling for
dear life.
Mr. Paine cried out, "No danger!" The only
reply was, "Oh dear, the Ice is sinking! We'll be
drowned! Save us, save us!" Quiet being re
stored to the Ice, their nerves also got more quiet,
and regaining their feet they quickly sought the
shore and vowed to have no more to do with such
a treacherous thing as Ice.

CHAPTER XX
'possum HUNTING
"'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view.
And robes the mountains in its azure hue." — Campbell.
In the fall of 1856, In the absence of my father,
I was Installed as guardian of the home. One
dark night, as the clock struck twelve, my mother
tipped Into our room and whispered, "Something
Is after the chickens. Go out and see." Armed
with the gun and my father's sword — a Revolu
tionary relic — my brother and I boldly marched
out to repel the midnight Invasion of our domain.
Pictures of rogues and wild-cats flashed through
our minds, and "death to the foe !" was to be our
battle cry. Sure enough, the domestic feathered
tribe were cackling and screeching, the old rooster
sounding forth the very notes of despair! We
reconnoltered at a safe distance, closing In grad
ually on the enemy, but we had taken the military
precaution to leave the gate open for retreat.
Suddenly, just behind us, there was a scrambling
at the fence and a crash Into the weeds on our side.
Before valor could say, "Charge!" Instinct whis-

164 MEMORY DAYS
pered, "Save yourselves," and at once the sword
of the brave and the historic gun were in full re
treat through the open gate, and our forces rallied
on the back porch. Then came our big dog Nep
trotting after us. He came over the fence to our
aid and we had run from our best friend. With
Nep as our body-guard we went forth again. The
door was Intact, yet bedlam reigned Inside the
chicken house. Bringing a lantern and flashing
the light Into a corner, I saw the cunning foe as
the keen eyes of a 'possum twinkled down upon me
from the wall plate. The midnight robber was
then captured and caged for exhibition on the fol
lowing day.
A 'possum hunt was arranged for the next night.
Scott, the boss at the quarry, was to be captain, and
Uncle Reuben, with his dog Tip, was to lead the
van. Uncle Reuben was a faithful old slave of
my cousin's, and a regular '"possum scenter."
Now for the boy a 'possum hunt was Ideal sport.
The time, the darkness, the stillness of the night,
the deep woods — all added a weirdness that he en
joyed. Supplied with an axe, matches, and fat
pine for torches, up the mountain branch we went.
"Be quiet till Tip trees," was Uncle Reuben's
order. Soon Tip's bark told of game, and a line
of battle was formed around the tree. "Strike a

'POSSUM HUNTING 1 65
light!" shouted Scott, whose dignity as captain had
been quite overshadowed by Uncle Reuben. Out
flashed the torch, and It revealed a picturesque
scene. Upon a stunted gum, and hugging the end
of a limb, was the marsupial quadmped. A blow
from the axe that made the old tree quiver never
moved him. He scorned the barking of Tip and
the shouts of the besiegers.
"Lem me clime up dar and shook him off," said
barefooted George, whose skin In the torch light
gleamed blacker than the night.
"Go up," said the Captain, and up George
shinned, and shook the limb. But the 'possum
stuck closer than ever. George was crawling out
nearer the prey, when crash ! and down came limb, ,
'possum and nigger, all In a heap. In the excite
ment the light went out and Tip caught George's
heel Instead of the 'possum. Yelling, he kicked
the dog off and cried, "Kotch him ! Kotch him !"
Scott, somehow, got hold of the animal by the hind
leg, but It made an Impress of Its teeth upon the
leg of the daring Captain, who Immediately let go.
After Scott's experience the others were more cau
tious in handling the 'possum.
"Here he goes up de tree !" shouted Uncle
Reuben. He caught the game by the tail, and
swinging his head against the tree a tmce was de-

1 66 MEMORY DAYS
clared, and he was thrown into the bag, the first
fmlts of the hunt.
After a short breathing spell. Uncle Reuben
said, getting up, "Grass don't grow under de feet
of 'possum hunters. Les's go to Simmon HoUer."
Thither we go. Tip scents for the game In ad
vance. We follow, now butting against a tree,
now pulling through a knot of bushes and feeling
In the dark for the hat knocked off, not knowing
but that we might gather up the coils of a snake.
Jumping over a log Tip sniffs the air and gives
a significant bark. "What you got dar now?" asks
his master. "Light, boys." Uncle Reuben gets a
stick and says, "Some varmint Is In here. I'U
twist him out and you boys be sure to kotch him
when he mns. Here it Is, somethin' soft. Look
out, he's comin' !" Then from those depths
there comes to our nasal organs most unmistakable
proof of the sort of game It Is.
"Whew, whew!" cries Uncle Reuben. "De
Lawd hab mussy! Skunk, skunk! Run, boys;
run !" We run — mn at the risk of cracked heads
and torn garments, until Uncle Reuben calls from
behind. "Hold on dar, de Debil ain't gwine ter
git you !"
A council of war is held, and as the unaromatic
odor comes floating tO' us on the midnight breeze It

'possum HUNTING 1 67
Is voted to retire to the more fragrant air of our
homes. The opossum is noted for his cunning In seeming
to be dead and seizing an opportunity to escape.
The one we brought home that night was turned
over to the cook to prepare for dinner. The next
day he still seemed Insensible, but not stiff, and was
dipped In hot water and most of his hair was
scraped off. Being plunged Into water still hotter,
he suddenly came to life and, almost hairless,
scampered around the room among the frightened
negroes, several of whom were In the kitchen
They rushed out Into the yard crying, "De Debil
in dat ar possum. He's wusser dan a ha'nt!"
"Umphl save me from gwine back In dar!"
But, when dinner came, seated around their
favorite dish of '"possum and taters," these
negroes forgot their scare and did justice to the
meal.

CHAPTER XXI
THE NEW TEACHER
"The clouds may drop down titles and estates;
Wealth may seek us, but wisdom must be sought;
Sought before all, hut (how unlike all else
We seek on earth!) 'tis never sought in vain." — Young.
The snows of another winter had fallen gently
upon the little grave under the moaning pine, em
blematic of the purity of the little life so early
closed. A new teacher had been installed In the
Crystal Spring Seminary, and he wielded the
birchen sceptre with a firm hand, so that law and
order still reigned. Passing over this year we
come to a turning point In the history of our school.
Many of the older boys had joined the great army
of workers, and their places had been filled by new
boys, most of whom belonged to the bare-footed
brigade. Some of the larger girls had entered the
school of housekeeping, and doubtless were now
turning the spinning-wheel. Some of them, on the
threshold of young womanhood, whose budding
charms were attractive to the young men, were
deemed, by pmdent mamas, ready for select female
schools. Much to my sorrow, Cousin Jennie's

THE NEW TEACHER 1 69
name was on the list. Farewell to the pleasant
walks to and from school, farewell to the sweet
smiles that had brightened the old school-room
and made the long days seem short! Under an
Inspiration of the poetic muse, and after a great
waste of pencil and paper, copying and revising, I
pronounced the following verse very good :
The day will be so very long,
When I no longer see thee near;
Sad will be my evening song.
When thou art far away, my dear!
I wanted my sweet cousin to see this, but my
heart failed me when, several times, I vowed I'd
show it to her. Somehow I was getting a little
shy when she was near me, and I thought the word
"dear" a little too pointed. But I just couldn't
leave it out and make the thing rhyme, and I
thought the time had not quite come for such
"burning words." In solemn home council It was
decided to send Jennie to a select school for girls
at the home of our pastor, some five miles away,
but all the joy did not leave my heart, for I could
still see her on the Sabbath days, at old Falling
Spring Church.
But then, generally distance lent enchantment,
for the parson guarded, with tender care, his bevy
of fair young women, and discouraged any atten-

170 MEMORY DAYS
tions from former young gentleman friends. Ah,
well do I remember those bright Sunday mornings,
how soon I'd get up, anxious to be early at the
shrine ; the waiting and watching at the gate, and
how my heart went pit-a-pat as the looked-for-
carrlages with their treasures drove up guarded by
the reverend gentleman himself on his steed ! But
I felt paid for my labors by a nod and a smile as
the girls, looking like visions of the moming,
swept In through the gate around which many an
admiring swain was doing faithful picket duty.
There was no danger of such devoted sentinels
ever sleeping on post.
Crystal Spring Seminary had now reached the
point where a college-bred teacher was needed.
Some of us were ready for Latin, Greek, algebra
and geometry, hitherto unknown visitors within
the walls of our school. These names had a high-
sounding ring about them, and It was with a lofty
air of importance that I reeled off this list of new
studies to a plain old farmer. With a touch of
Irony In his tone he replied, "Can you spell? Do
you know English grammar well?" I almost felt
insulted. After some skirmishing In the field of inquiry,
Mr. Wm. F. Paine, a graduate of Princeton Col
lege, was chosen to fill the chair. His father was

THE NEW TEACHER 1 7 1
a veritable son of "Green Erin," having crossed
the Atlantic, in his earlier days. In search of the
"home of the free." When Mr. Paine came. Dr.
Watson, our family physician, as master of cere
monies, pointed out the landscape, and Introduced
him into the homes in his field of labor. We gave
him a grand reception In our home, all, from the
oldest to the youngest, giving him glances of wel
come. As he talked of Princeton, of Washington
City, of the Capitol, and the President, with whom
he had shaken hands, our wonder and admiration
rose to a high point, and Uncle Frank said Mr.
Paine had seen the world and could teach us things
outside of books. Before school commenced he
had won my set of boys, for though his head was
full of Greek, Latin and geometry, he'd talk to us
about our every-day matters, go fishing and swim
ming with us, and tell us funny anecdotes that
made us shake with laughter. I remember this
one: "A country preacher, in the fall of the year, go
ing to preach a funeral, called at the home of a
good sister who had just made some nice sausage.
She filled the pockets of his overcoat with the
savory meat. For some reason the burial was to
be before the sermon. During the services at the
grave some hungry dogs scented the parson's

172 MEMORY DAYS
highly seasoned treasures, and, as they nosed too
close for safety, only by a vigorous use of his heels
did he ward them off. Afterward In the pulpit,
as the church was cold, the pastor still wore his
great-coat. At the close of the sermon, a dignified
old deacon, wishing to^ whisper something In the
preacher's ear, tipped softly up the pulpit steps,
which were somewhat In the rear, and gave the
coat tail, just by the sausage-laden pocket, a smart
jerk. Not turning his head, the excited parson
kicked with a zeal both spiritual and physical In
the direction of his assailant. The deacon, stmck
amidships, lost his equilibrium, tumbled headlong
down the steps, and, as he was gathering up the
bmlsed mass and getting fresh wind, the preacher.
In his defense, said, 'Brethren and sisters, please
pardon me. The truth Is, I have sausage here in
my pockets, and ever since I've been on the
grounds this hungry dog has been trying to steal
them." Proud of the dawn of a new era upon our Semi
nary, I told Uncle Humphrey that I was going to
study Latin and algebra. "My laws, child," said
he, "how smart you Is gettin'. Did yer pa ever
do that?" "No, when he was a boy colleges hadn't
started yet," I repHed. "Well, well, Lating and

THE NEW TEACHER 1 73
alglbber, if you takes in all dat, your little head
will just bust!"
I had great respect for the old man, and his
good opinion weighed much in my young mind.
He was a deacon In the Baptist colored church at
the Natural Bridge, and "Bmdder Humphrey"
was an oracle of both wordly and spiritual wisdom
in the eyes of the faithful. I had as much confi
dence In his being "good" as In one of our own
church elders, and I often slipped around to his
cabin window and heard him pray at night. He
always asked God to bless "Marse Preston,"
"Miss Hannah," and "de chillun." We chUdren
were made to treat these old negroes with great
respect, and when convicted of giving "sass" to
one of them we were sure of punishment.
One evening, about sundown, as I was returning
from the Valley, in the grove just above Cousin
William's, I met Cousin Jennie and Mr. Paine,
strolling along and chatting at a fast rate. I
thought she was smiling on him more sweetly than
was necessary, and the green-eyed monster whis
pered uncomfortable things in my ear. I looked
wistfully back, as the small boy looks over the
high palings Into the orchard where the red
peaches are hanging. I knew then that I liked
Jennie very much, or I would not have felt so
worried. "But, pshaw! she's too young for Mr.

174 MEMORY DAYS
Paine," I thought, "and I'll just bet he's got a
great big sweetheart down yonder. I dpn't think
she'd like that big mustache of his, and I know
there would be no fun kissing him!" Thus I con
soled my troubled spirit as I wended my way home-
¦^v^ard. I enjoyed a sharp remark of a young fellow at
church the following Sunday. Mr. Paine met a
young lady as she rode up, assisted her to alight,
hitched her horse, and was escorting her down to
the church door. As they passed Into the yard, the
girl bestowing a bewitching smile upon her new
acquaintance, said young Socrates, "Miss Fanny
has a Paine in her head this moming, and It will
soon go to her heart." Of course the audience
laughed, and an old bachelor remarked, "That
kind of a pain Is hard to get rid of."
Perhaps our reader would like to peep Into our
school-room after a few months of work under our
new teacher. The morning session has opened and
the machinery, well oiled, is mnning smoothly. A
glance over the benches shows that the personnel
of the school has largely changed In the last few
sessions. There are fewer girls and more boys.
The first lesson of the moming Is from the Shorter
Catechism. This was a special request of some of
the old Scotch-Irish Presbyterian fathers and

THE NEW TEACHER 1 75
mothers who wanted their young hopefuls trained
up In the doctrines of the law. Then comes a
Latin class and the verb Amo Is conjugated. We
have learned that around "Amo te" there Is a ten
derness that Is suggestive of practical use only on
special occasions. There is not the buzz In the
room that was In the elder day, yet a certain free
dom is allowed. Hanging up on the wall. In gilt
letters. Is the only written mle, "Do what is
RIGHT." Dr. Birch Is not standing In the comer
waiting to prescribe, as of yore, but he is near by,
in his office. The school is better classified, and,
although the discipline Is not so rigid as In other
years, still there Is a smoothness in the order of
things that gives a pleasant air to the room.
The daily session Is shorter, yet we make better
progress In our studies. A class In algebra goes to
the black-board and astonishes the visitor by the
ready manner In which "x -f y" Is handled. Stress
is StiU laid on spelling, and parsing In English
grammar Is considered an accomplishment. Alto
gether, our visitor is pleased with the pictures of
order, of study, and of thoroughness seen, ex
presses great satisfaction, and leaves with the kind
Invitation, "Call again."
We were taught singing, and many a little voice
there got Its first training, that afterward swelled

176 MEMORY DAYS
out In some church choir. When divided Into four
sections, we sang by parts the exciting words,
"Scotland's burning, Scotland's burning,
Look out! look out!
Fire! Fire! Fire!
Cast on water, cast on water!"
and the walls fairly rang with the music.
I remember my zeal In Latin. In the long sum
mer evenings I would often stop under an apple
tree and read Fables for an hour. I am sorry such
a spirit did not longer remain with me.
In the absence of Cousin Jennie I turned my
attention to gathering sweets from other flowers.
Not that I was false or forgetful, but my gallantry
naturally turned to some fair object whose smiles
made sunshine along my path, and little courtesies
, on my part made life sweeter, and added a refining
influence. Belle W., a bright little girl, was the
recipient of many gifts of my partiality.
One day Cousin Will saw me slip Into her hand
a pencil I had begged from him. "Alex," said
he, "you're In love with a little gal no bigger than
my fist." "She'll grow some more," I replied.
Then there was the old grape-vine swing by the
creek, not a thing of beauty, but a joy forever. It
didn't matter what I was doing at recess. If Belle

the NEW TEACHER 1 77
called me to come and swing her, I obeyed, and
her merry laugh and "thank you" paid me weU.
At the noon recess trout-fishing in the deep hole
was a fascinating pastime. A "duU" made of
white horsehair, fashioned after the manner of a
noose and attached to the end of a light-colored
rod, was the implement of warfare. The wily fish,
darting to and fro, was finaUy brought to bay on
the deeper side of the hole. Then slowly and cau
tiously the "duU" was moved toward the fish,
nearer, nearer. Now 'tis over his head — "swish!"
and out he comes dangling in the air. There was
the "Big Hole" for swimming, diving, ducking
and turning summerset from a spring-board. Oh,
those blessed days ! Their memory steals over me
softly and sweetly, a beautiful vision that fiUs my
soul with a quiet joy.
My mind stiU dwells on the tender things of
those days. Mr. Paine didn't mind our having
little sweethearts, as he said it made us nicer to the
girls and there was no danger of our eloping with
any of them.
In those days, as now, funny things happened in
the recitations. Once a big mountain boy was
listening to the algebra class recite. After hearing
a boy explain a problem, beginning, "Let x equal

178 MEMORY DAYS
the horse," he whispered to me, "To save my neck,
I can't see how x can stand for a horse!" SeU
B. was a lazy fellow In school, and, in Latin
would guess at words from their resemblance in
sound to English words. He translated, "Socrates
fidlbus doctus est," Socrates played on the fiddle!
The teacher said It was enough to make the old
philosopher turn over In his grave, to be styled a
fiddler. Again, in Virgil, reading of the night
Troy fell, when Aeneas, taking his father on his
shoulders, and his little boy by the hand, was
escaping from the buming city, whilst his wife, as
the text, "Pone subit conjux," Implies, followed close
behind. Sell rolled out, "His wife rode out on the
pony." Said Mr. Paine, "Creusa surely needed a
pony that night." One more shot of Sell's and the
curtain will fall. In the same author are found
the words "Dido et dux." Sell, after measuring
the words with his eye, thus audibly soliloquized,
"Dido must have been a greedy woman to eat
more than one duck."

CHAPTER XXII
MARRIAGE BELLS
"There swims no goose so gray but, soon or late.
She finds some honest gander for a mate." —Pope.
I am going to write about some friends who In
my childhood and boyhood cared for me, and were
my companions. I mean the faithful old servants.
Whenever I think or speak of them, a chord in my
heart Is struck that vibrates In love and grateful
remembrance. Our cook. Aunt Eliza, was a bright
mulatto, a great talker and noted singer. Coming
up the hill from the spring with a bucket of water
on her head and one In each hand, she would sing
in a voice that could be heard afar off. Her
songs were always of the spiritual sort and she
seemed gifted In taking a tune and improvising
words to fit it. A favorite refrain was,
"In Canaan's land so bright and fair,
Oh I'll be so happy there."
For the simple reason that Bill Brown, her first
partner, smiled too often on an ebony maiden In
his neighborhood their ways parted, and she was
what the heartless world calls a "grass widow."

l8o ' MEMORY DAYS
In course of time one Wince Coleman laid siege
to her heart, and his pockets often were heavy
with sticks of red candy, a share of which we
children always got. Wince was a general me
chanic and the blacksmith at the quarry. He won
my mother's kind regard by doing for her certain
little jobs which required skill, so a cup of good
coffee and a full plate often made his eyes dance.
How and where he "popped the question" is a
mystery, but the time came when two hearts beat
as one.
Asking for the bride was an ordeal for Wince,
an ordeal almost equal to that of his young master
on a similar occasion. Following my father down
Into the garden among the grape vines, he blurted
out, "Marse Preston, I wants you to give me Liza.
We's a lubbin' one another. I'll try to be good to
her." This was the essence In a nutshell. "Yes,
you can have her," father replied; "but don't
forget your promise." Again bowing low and
scraping one foot on the ground. Wince said,
"Tank you, sir, Marse Preston. I does 'predate
de blessin'."
Well, the day was set and the verbal invitations
given to Aunt Eliza's wedding. A white bridal
dress was made, and red ribbon for her hair, new
shoes, and white gloves were bought by my mother.

MARRIAGE BELLS x8l
The heart of the bride-elect was lighter and her
song louder. Then came the baking of pies and
cakes, as mother said, equal to her own wedding
feast. The hour came for the marriage beUs to ring.
My Cousin Will, Jermie, and some other young
friends were there. Uncle Aleck, Cousin Wil
liam's head man, was to perform the ceremony.
The parlor was thrown open and the guests, white
and black, crowded In. The bride, leaning on the
groom's arm, and carrying a big bouquet of roses,
entered, and they stood before the colored divine.
"You, Liza Brown and Wince Coleman, have
come to be j'ined in holy matrimony. Any Inter
jections, let be said now. Does ye lub one
another?" Aunt Eliza lisped out, "Yes, sir," and
Wince in a high key, sang out, "Sure 'nough I
does." At this one of my cousins laughed out, and
there was danger of a general volcanic outburst,
but mother cleared her throat in time, a signal for
order and quiet. The parson proceeded, "Now,
jine right hands. Wince, does you take Liza for
your lawful and wedded wife?" "You bet I
does." "Liza, does you take Wince to be your
lawful and wedded husband?" She nodded as
sent. "Den de blessin' of de Lord be on you both,
and be good chillun. I announce you man and

1 82 MEMORY DAYS
wife, and let nothing eber dismember de legaHty
ob dis matrimonial union. Amen."
Then followed a hand-shaking, and Uncle
Reuben sang out, "Let's kiss de bride." "Wince
may kiss me, but you niggers won't," said the
bride, and thereupon Wince kissed her. Then the
negroes retired to Aunt Eliza's house, where. In a
large room, a royal supper was spread. What a
happy time ! . One road to a darky's heart Is
through his throat, and when armed with knife
and fork behind a cooked turkey he is In the
border-land of paradise. There was abundance
that time, and all ate to the full.
After supper Jack cut the "pigeon-wing" to the
music of the banjo. There was no waltzing, as the
colored maids were too modest to be hugged In
public. Uncle Aleck told some big yarns and led
off in the "Haws-haws" that followed. Sam sang
some negro' melodies to the banjo, and all went
merry-hearted creatures, with the kindliest feelings -
merry hearted creatures, with the kindliest feelings
toward the "white folks," left for their homes.
Uncle Ike was the wag on our farm, and could
mimic the voice and manner of any negro. In
the negro' life In our valley there was no care nor
thought for the morrow. Well fed, well clothed,
and well housed, not overworked, and mostly with

MARRIAGE BELLS 1 83
kind and Indulgent masters, they seemed the hap
piest beings on earth. Their pride In the master's
family was remarkable and they had perfect con
tempt for "po' white trash," the poorer whites
who, in many ways, put themselves on an equality
with the negroes. Old man B. was the hardest
man on his people In our neighborhood. He
made them dance up to the music of work and
obedience. Yet, on one Christmas, he would take
the men to a store and give them a fairly nice suit,
and a pair of boots; and, on the next Christmas
the women went and got a nice dress and shoes
apiece. And these servants were loyal to their
master's house, and would resent any reflection
upon It.
A negro could often express a general tmth In
a quaint but pointed way. Once two of them were
removing an old tree from a yard. The church
man was pulling it with a rope In a certain direc
tion and the sinner was digging away at the root.
As the tree began to shake the one holding the
rope would jump back and forth, watching the
threatened danger. "Ha!" said the sinner,
"church-man skeer bad as any other man !" The
other replied, "Church-man want to stay here long
as any other man, too."

CHAPTER XXIII
BARRING THE TEACHER IN
"Opposed to her, on t'other side advance
The costly feast, the carol and the dance.
Minstrel and music, poetry and play.
And balls by night, and tournaments by day." — Dryden.
The mellow autumn days with their golden sun
sets had passed. The trees, so lately clothed In
their gorgeous robes, were beginning tO' look bare
and cold. The time for the gathering of the later
fmlts and crops had come, and all was bustle and
stir on the farm. The grand old orchards were
bending under their loads of fruit, and the time for
apple-picking, cider making, and apple-butter boil
ings were equal to a picnic for the boy. Especially
did he enjoy life In the vicinity of the cider-press,
and as the rich juice trickled down into the trough
he sampled It times without number, as his capacity
for storage seemed to have an elasticity that knew
no bounds.
Then came the heaping loads of corn, which
were thrown In a long pile by the cribs, and next
the fun of the husking. I well remember the
frolic that particular fall. For two or three days

BARRING THE TEACHER IN 1 85
previous there was unusual activity in the culinary
departments, extra cooks, extra baking, pigs
roasted, chickens boiled, loaves of bread and pump
kin pies piled almost as high as a boy's head. A
barrel of cider, getting a Httle spice to Its flavor,
was rolled Into the yard and tapped. The day
came, — a day, of course. In the week of moonlight
nights, — and invitations were sent to the neighbor
ing farms and to the furnace hands In the Valley.
At least one hundred came, and the work began.
The pile was divided and two leaders selected, and
the leaders walking up and down their heaps led
the singing in Improvised lines to a monotonous
tune, and at the end of each line a choms by the
buskers, thus:
1st Captain, "Ole 'possum up de simmontree,"
Chorus by all — "Shuck away, shuck away!"
"Cut him down and eat him up."
Chorus — "Shuck away, shuck away!"
2nd Captain, "I fell in lub wid a. yaller gal,"
Chorus — "Oh, yes, oh, yes!"
"Her eyes did shine like stars at night."
Chorus — "Oh, yes, oh, yes!"
The choms leaders now and then changed the
words. Buckets of cider were handed around,
and then the choms was,
"Drink away, drink away!"

1 86 MEMORY DAYS
By eleven o'clock came the scramble at the divid
ing line for the last ears, and the winning side tried
their lungs.
Next was the feast on the long tables In the
yard. The negroes surely did enjoy this change
of work. After the supper my father was sitting
in the house, when four stalwart negroes came in,
caught him up In his chair, and placed It on a box
in the middle of the yard. Thus seated on an
Improvised throne he was saluted as king. As
before a Dahomey prince, they bowed the knee;
to the music of the banjo' and bones, danced fantas
tic figures, and marching around him in a large
circle they sang the old-time melodies. In the pale
moonlight the scene was weird enough, and doubt
less was a faint reflection handed down through
their generations of kingly homage away back
yonder In dark Africa.
When the court reception was over my father
arose from his throne, thanked his dusky subjects
for the honor conferred upon him in being selected
for their king, when he had no royal blood In his
veins. He thanked all who sang around the com
pile for their kindly work, and told them If any
one of them. In going by, ever felt hungry tO' come
In and get a "square meal."
Then there was a choms of, " 'Rah for Marse

BARRING THE TEACHER IN 1 87
Preston !" and with, "Good night, Boss," "Good
night, Marse Preston," "Good night. Miss Han
nah," "Good supper!" "Neber eat such pies!"
"Good white folks," etc., those happy, faithful
slaves departed to their homes, with no care and
no thought for the morrow.
The frosty winds of December were again fan
ning our cheeks as moming after moming we were
on the road to Crystal Spring Seminary. The
period of the year was nearing to which both the
small boy and his older brother looked with much
Interest, the time for the ringing of the Christmas
bells. In the fertile brain of some boy the Idea
originated of barring Mr. Paine out, "just for the
fun of the thing." We had no doubt of his giving
us holiday, but stIU It seemed amusing thus to
break into the monotony of school life. The plot
was laid, the day set, and early one cold moming
the clans gathered and the work of barring out
began. The vote on the question had not been
unanimous, and some spumed the Idea. Some of
the girls were Indignant, and threatened to stay
outside. But the keen morning air suggested the
Inside. Mr. Paine was popular, and the remarks
made in connection with him were all pleasant and
respectful. The fortress was secure and anxious
hearts awaited the crisis. The hour for the open-

1 88 MEMORY DAYS
ing of school came, passed, and no teacher ! Was
he sick? Had anything happened to him? One
of the boys reported him "alive and well" at
breakfast that moming, for he ate six big buck
wheat cakes! Several false alarms were sounded,
but were only passers-by.
"Boys," said Wm. A., "won't this shock
Mr. Palne's nerves!" "I wonder If he didn't
dream about It last night?" said John ToUey.
"No," remarked Joe P., "he'd been here soon
this morning, and upset all our plans." "You big,
ugly boys ought to be ashamed of yourselves!"
said Mary Peck, a pretty girl. "You young sin
ners will repent of treating Mr. Paine this way!"
piped In a big boy who said It was wrong, and
similar remarks were made, until our patience
being sorely taxed, John Watson jumped on the
writing-bench, and pushing aside a loose plank of
the loft, said In a careless way, " 'Spose he's up
here." Thrusting his head Into the opening and
peering into the gloom, he cried out in an excited
tone, "La ! I'U declare, if he isn't here !" "Yez a
foolln'," said John Sullivan, the Irish boy. "Look
yourself, then," replied John. Up went Sullivan's
head Into the hole. "Saint Patrick's day In the
momin', an shure he's right here!" A hush of
awful solemnity rested upon the school, a dead

BARRING THE TEACHER IN 1 89
silence, broken, in a few seconds, by sounds of ani
mation from the loft. Seeing Is believing, and all
doubts were removed when Mr. Paine descended
from the upper regions.
Laughing heartily he said, "You seem anxious
to keep me inside. I'll not run away." The girls
tittered and the boys grinned, but the expression
was not one of joy. Said Mr. Paine, "A llttie
bird flew by my window and sang, 'Look out for
Tuesday morning!' I took the warning and
thought I'd play a joke on you." A buzz swept
over the girls, and some of them clapped their
hands, saying, "I'm so glad!"
"I'm going to give a week's holiday, and treat
you too, for the nice things you said about me just
now," continued Mr. Paine. "Open the doors and
get to your lessons."
Of course everybody laughed at us afterward,
but we grinned and endured, for the candy was
sweet and the apples juicy that we got on that
Christmas eve.
"Down from the misty past came the expression
"School butter." We heard of It from our
fathers, and looked upon it as the greatest insult
when cried out to a lot of sphool boys. The
offender had to be caught, at any risk, and naught
but a ducking could atone for the wrong.

190 MEMORY DAYS
There was not a poor child In the neighborhood
that did not come to our school. There was a
county commissioner who had charge of a fund
raised by taxation to pay the tuition of Indigent
children. The teachers kept a record of their
time, and at the close of a session the accounts,
vouched for on oath, were paid. So In that day
education, in the Valley, was as general as now.

CHAPTER XXIV
THE NATURAL BRIDGE
"Some objects please our eyes
Which out of nature's common order rise.
The shapeless rock or hanging precipice." —Pope.
A few miles above Balcony Falls, Cedar Creek
comes rushing down from the hills into James
River. Across this creek, and spanning a deep
ravine, about a mile and a half from the river.
Nature, in ages past, built a grand arch which we
call the Natural Bridge. This ravine, whose
western side Is a perpendicular waU of rock. Is Im
passable for a mile below, and two miles above
the arch. One of our old preachers, on seeing this
bridge, said, "If man had made this, he would
charge toll for crossing. I think the Lord should
have a gate here and the proceeds go to foreign
missions." The width of the chasm here Is about three
hundred feet, both sides being rock waUs. The
height of the lower part of the arch from the creek
below Is two hundred and twenty feet, and it is
forty feet thick. The cedar, arbor vltae, and

192 MEMORY DAYS
spmce pine grow In great profusion, and from a
short distance the stmcture seems clad In a garb of
living green.
Strangers can be taken across, ignorant of the
fact that It Is a natural bridge, as the road bed lies
between a natural wall of rock covered with ever
greens on the north, and a high, solid plank-fence
on the south. We go to the brink and cautiously
peer Into the depths below where the water Is
winding and foaming among the rocks, a dizzy
feeling comes over us, and we draw back from the
awful chasm.
Once a little fellow from Boston, who wished to
look over, got on his hands and knees to Insure
safety. Thus, bold beyond prudence, the shelving
rock on the edge suddenly gave away and his de
parture for parts below was very unceremonious.
A cold shudder passed over the spectators, and for
a few seconds they held their breath. A feeble
cry was heard. Held by the hands of others a
visitor looked over, and there, caught In some
cedars projecting from a crevice In the wall, some
twenty feet down, was the poor fellow hanging
over the yawning chasm. From the store, near
by, a rope was quickly gotten, whilst words of
cheer were shouted to him by those above. The
rope was let down In noose form, which he ad-

THE NATURAL BRIDGE 1 93
justed under his arms, and they drew him to the
top. Fainting, he lay unconscious for several
minutes. Reviving he asked, "Where am I?"
"At the Natural Bridge In Virginia," some one re
plied. Springing to his feet he said, "I'm going
home," and left on the very next stage coach.
On a crag projecting out over the depth below
was a cedar stump with a level top about a foot In
diameter. On this. It was said, a romantic maiden
stood and read a love-letter. It made my head
swim to look at it and think of the foolish feat.
At one time, during my boyhood, a car let down
by ropes and pulleys was worked for a while, and
the less timid were lowered and elevated in this car.
On one occasion, when the car was near the bottom,
the man at the wheel lost his hold and down came
the car with a bump that mixed up the passengers
very much. They decided to walk back.
Once a smart chap put on buckskin gloves to
show the folks how to go down the rope. The
crowd below were ready, and down he started,
hand over hand at first. But soon fearing to tmst
to one grip he began to slide down, the rope mn
ning through his hands. The gloves, from fric
tion, soon wore out, and when he reached the bot
tom the rope had nearly worn his hands to the
bone. 13

194 MEMORY DAYS
Standing by the creek below and looking up to
the great arch overhead, one Is stmck with awe
and admiration at the immense stmcture. On
both sides are traces of names carved in the hard
limestone, names seeking ImmortaHty ! At the top
of them all Is that of George Washington, now
seen only with the aid of a glass. It Is said that
he threw a silver dollar across the bridge as an
exhibition of his muscle. If so, the Father of his
country must have belonged to the free-silver
party. On looking up directly under the arch there can
be seen the image of an eagle as if painted there.
His head is toward the north. Now, on looking
more closely, the Impress of a lion's head can be
clearly seen under the eagle's right wing, as if
overshadowed by It. Thus nature, foreseeing that
the British Hon would crouch beneath the Ameri
can eagle's wing, stamped the picture there that
our fathers might see and take courage.
The Natural Bridge is an ideal place for picnics,
and during the warmer months, from far and near,
many parties come with heaping baskets of lunch
to celebrate a gala day. There under the arch,
seated on the clean, smooth stones by the purling
water, they talk and jest, and then, spreading their
lunch on rock tables, they eat and drink to each

THE NATURAL BRIDGE I95
Other's health. Afterward, In groups, mostly of
two, they scatter around, and the day passes as a
sweet dream. Many a romance, beginning there
under the Inspiration of Nature's sublime works,
ends under the bridal arch.
Going up the stream some three hundred yards
and climbing up the east cliff by a winding path,
some two hundred feet from the bed of the creek,
there can be seen under a ledge of rock a current
of water rushing madly on, in a line parallel with
the creek. It is ice cold, deep and dark, and
called the Hidden River. Whence came It and
whither does it go? Nature alone can answer.
In a snow storm, when the trees are drooping
beneath their burdens, the dark green foliage In
striking contrast with the snowy robes, the scene
presents a picture as If from some enchanted land.

CHAPTER XXV
COUSIN Jennie's party
"Pleasure that comes unlocked for is thrice welcome;
And if it stir the heart, if aught be there
That may hereafter in a thoughtful hour
Wake but a sigh, 'tis treasured up among
The things most precious; and the day it came
Is noted as a white day in our lives." — Rogers.
"Alex, you and Mr. Scott come up to-night.
Jennie will be home, and bring some of her school
mates, and we have Invited some other young folks.
Come, for we'll have lots of fun."
"Thank you," said I to Cousin WiU. "I tiilnk
we'll come." I hurried to find Scott, who was
manager of the cement tunnel on our place, a pleas
ant, jolly fellow of some twenty-four years of age,
who boarded at our home. He made a companion
of me, and also took delight, sometimes. In teasing
me. One summer I had cultivated a watermelon
patch and sold the luscious fruit. On a hot eve
ning. In getting ready for market, I was going
down the spring hill, carrying a large basket con
taining three melons, and Impatient at some delay.
Meeting Scott, he placed his foot, a foot of unusual

COUSIN Jennie's party 197
size, just in front of mine. Of course I tripped,
and down I fell, rolling in one direction and the
f mit in another. As the author of my misfortune
began to enjoy the performance, I made him think
he was in a hail storm by raining rocks upon him.
Taking refuge behind a tree he begged for a tmce,
and promised to pay the market price for Injured
melons. Yet I was very fond of him.
On telling Scott of the party he patted me on
the shoulder and said, "Of course, my boy, we'll
go, and have a frolicsome time." "Whew! going
to a regular party," said I. "Why, I never was
at one. What do' they do?" "They talk and
laugh, eat apples, chestnuts, cakes and play
games," he repHed. "If we can just start a kissing
game, look out for a feast!"
En route to the party Scott offered me some ad
vice In conducting the social campaign. "Sit up
to the girls and talk like a rattle-trap. The more
foolishness you talk the louder they'll laugh.
Girls don't fancy a slow, bashful chap."
WeU, In time came the ordeal of Introduction to
four strange girls all seated In a row. I bowed
four times in the right direction, but did not catch
the Individual names. It was my luck to get in
a corner with Miss D., a taU, dignified-looking
girl, apparently old enough to be my mother. I

198 MEMORY DAYS
touched on the weather, on gossip, on her school,
but she only half smiled, and lisped out "yes" or
"no," according to the tenor of my remarks. I
grew discouraged, and felt that I was doomed to
failure in this line of business. But on her remark
ing that she was a victim of the toothache, my
heart went right out tO' her In sympathy, and I gave
my experience in this affliction, told of the baby's
cutting teeth, of all the remedies I ever heard for
the same, and wound up by asking If she would let
me pull it! Giving me a look that chilled my
kindly feelings, she replied, "You are crazy, boy!"
I wondered If she was not half right. I would
have retreated, but was hemmed In, escape seeming
impossible. Just then I noticed Cousin Jennie and
Scott watching us, and evidently enjoying the situ
ation. I looked Into the fire; my Ideas had aU
flown. I grew redder and hotter, the perspiration
began to moisten my temples, and to add fuel to
the flame I heard Scott say, "A dead calm on the
sea !" In a fit of desperation I gasped out, "Let
me bring you a drink of water. Maybe It will
help that tooth." "No, thank you," said the
afflicted one. "Then, I must get one. Excuse
me," and squeezing through a narrow space I shot
for the door. I felt Hke singing, "Joy to the
world," as the night air cooled my heated brow.

COUSIN Jennie's party 199
Regaining my wonted temperature I again re
turned to the room, but tried the other side this
time. My experience In the new quarter was more
agreeable. A little black-eyed girl chatted so fast
that I could hardly wedge In a remark, only show
ing my Interest by nodding assent and laughing at
her wit and spice. Scott had cornered a pretty girl
with black curls, and was entertaining her tO' per
fection, judging from the way she was smiling.
As I saw my uncle Introduce John W., a bash
ful youth, toi my afflicted friend, I wished to
whisper In his ear to beware, for other ships had
wrecked on that shore ! I could not help observ
ing the drift of things. They did not talk much,
only looked unutterable things at each other.
When the stock of Ideas seemed to be getting
low, plays were Introduced. First was the game
of "button." Around the ring went the leader
with a button in hand, pretending to give It to each
player, with the words, "Hold fast what I give
you." Then each one guessed at the question,
"Who has the button?" At the command, "Rise,
buttoner," a pawn was collected from each one fail
ing to guess the right one. After a few rounds
came the sale of the pawns, an exciting time.
These consisting of pencil, knife, ring, or handker
chief, had to be redeemed by the owners acting the

200 MEMORY DAYS
penalty imposed by the judge. Held over the head
of the judge, with the words "fine" or "superfine"
prefixed, as it was the property of a boy or a girl,
sentence was passed, and the owner called forth to
redeem same. The judge was a young lady cousin,
a bright, fun-loving girl. "Fine," said the leader
at the sale of the first pawn. "What must the
owner do?" "Whistle 'Old Dan Tucker,' " said
the judge. Whereupon Cousin Will, after several
attempts, got his mouth puckered up to the tuning
point and gave us a verse of that inspiring tune.
"Superfine" was called out for the next. The pen
alty was to stand up in the middle of the floor and
recite a piece of poetry. My little black-eyed
friend, equal to the occasion, jumped up and gave
us a stanza of the song, "Young Rory O'Moore
courted Kathleen Bawn." Thus the sale went on
amid peals of laughter. I almost held my breath
as my knife went up. Said the merciless judge,
"Sing us a verse of a love song." I was so scared
I didn't know a love song from a comic song, and,
as my musical bump was not well developed, I
begged to be excused. "No," said the judge,
"you must try for your treasure." Clearing my
throat two or three times the frog only seemed to
get larger. Amid caUs of "Sing," "Go on," I
tremblingly took the floor and stmck out on one of

cousin Jennie's party 201
my boyish favorites, "Miss Suslanna," a negro
melody. At the end of the first verse things were
swimming so around me I decided to take my seat.
Next Cousin Jennie's kerchief was held up and
she was to select a gallant knight, take his arm,
and promenade three times across the room.
Bless her sweet soul! perhaps to pay me for my
effort at vocal music, she chose me, and I forgot all
my late agony In the bliss of having her arm In
mine. We executed the movement as gracefully
as the waxed floor permitted, for at one turn I
came near "skeeting" up, to the amusement of my
partner. The last was old Scott's, and I was
delighted when he was told to kneel at Miss D.'s
feet, fold his hands and say, "Here I give myself
to thee." Down he went on his knees, and when
he got to, "Here I — ," the poor girl, fearing the
thing might be half In earnest, I suppose, blushed
crimson, and said, "I don't want you I" The room
roared with laughter and Scott retreated, looking
quite crest-fallen.
The next game was proposed by Scott, who ex
plained that It was Innocent, and the spice that
seasoned It was a modest kiss; that over In east
ern Virginia they all played it and enjoyed It.
Before they could rally from the announcement of
the new feature of the play, Scott was getting aU

202 MEMORY DAYS
things ready for the practical part. Couples were
first chosen by lot, then a couple were chosen to
take chairs In the center of the room, and around
themi the rest marched singing some verses, the
chorus being, "Come my love, kiss me quick and
let me go." At this point each couple In the ring
changed partners with those In front, and those In
the chair. If both were wlUIng, In plain English,
kissed each other. Then the front couple took
the chairs and the play proceeded. By a streak of
good luck In the changing of couples, I got with
Cousin Jennie as our turn came to take the chairs.
She whispered In my ear that she was not going to
let me kiss her, but In her eye there was a look of
"I dare you !" So, when the moment for action
came, being too near the bee-hive to lose the honey
I dared to try. SHghtly hesitating, she yielded.
I would not have exchanged that kiss for the presi
dency. Mr. Palne's partner was a girl who had
been staying at my cousin's, rather plain looking,
and as she was rather tender toward him, we
watched the performance with much Interest. His
gallantry made him dance up to the music the
accompaniment to which she played with a good
grace. Scott, I think, plotted to get with Miss P., the
owner of the curls. They were among the last In

COUSIN Jennie's party 203
the chairs, and he, in his ardent enthusiasm, gave
her such a smack that it made Cousin Sarah, the
mistress of ceremonies, fairly jump. Scott's
smack "broke up the meeting," as my cousin sug
gested a rest from our labors !
Apples and chestnuts were then brought In and
a new music filled the room. I did not offer to
crack the nuts for Miss D., although I remembered
the sore tooth. Naming the apple and counting
the seeds fumlshed a source of interest. Mine
had thirteen seeds. As the numbers In their mean
ing ran thus, "Eleven he courts, twelve he mar
ries," in my innocence I was asking for Informa
tion as to thirteen. Scott, sitting by me, at this
juncture leaned over and whispered, "Hush!" I
hushed. Soon the old clock in the hall stmck eleven, the
good-nights were said, the gate closed on the de
parture of the last guest, and the "party" was a
thing of the past. I had been Introduced Into a
new sphere of life. My brain fairly whirled with
the excitement of the evening, and it was long ere
sleep came to my pillow.

CHAPTER XXVI
DECLAMATION EVENING
"While words of learned length and thund'ring sound
Amazed the gazing rustics ranged around;
And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew
That one small head should carry all he knew." — Goldsmith.
The former instructors at Crystal Spring had
ignored the claims of Demosthenes and Cicero on
the rising generation. But our new teacher, as
soon as the ordinary machinery of the school was
in running order. Introduced this Important feature
of education In semi-monthly exercises. Visitors,
he said, would not be invited until, by practice,
some ease and grace had been acquired. This
promise was somewhat quieting to our nerves.
Friday morning dawned bright and beautiful,
the day for our first attempts on the rostrum. In
honor of the occasion shoes had an extra gloss, and
Sunday neckties were in evidence. Mr. Paine ex
plained and Illustrated the outlines of manner and
gesture. As we listened our hearts beat faster than
on the great day of Aunt Rachel's oratorical dis
play. The work on the raw material began.
First came the juveniles, some of whom, like scared

DECLAMATION EVENING 205
rabbits, rattled off their pieces In double-quick
time, on the principle that he who wins the race
must mn the fastest. Mr. Paine cautioned them
and advised putting on the brakes, but the wheels
only went the faster. One young hopeful stag
gers up to the rostrum, forgets the first line, and
down he goes amid the titterings of the audience.
Another starts out on too high a key, scares at his
own voice, and rushes to his seat.
On the suggestion of our teacher, that we try to
make gestures, Dick Morris beat the air to a
modest extent, but every stroke was out of time and
out of tune. George Campbell, in a gesture about
the stars, got both arms extended in a perpendicu
lar line toward the heavens, when lo' ! his memory
failed and his hands were still among the stars!
Bravely he stood at his post, feeling for the sen
tence that would lower his upper limbs, until amid
the "kee-hees" of the mder ones, Mr. Paine told
him to take his seat. He seemed greatly relieved
to get back safe to terra firma. I tried to declaim
the merits of the Father of our country, but both
voice and knees were shaky, and, in an expressive
gesture aimed at the locality of the heart, I stmck
a little below said organ, and the concussion, for
an instant, slightiy Interfered with the correct

206 MEMORY DAYS
modulation of voice. But I soon rallied, and pro
ceeded with my lines.
WiUiam Anderson did "Marco Bozzaris" In
heroic style. In the gesture at the last "Strike!"
in his enthusiasm outreaching the narrow limits of
the stage, his clenched hand just grazed the nose of
an admiring listener. John ToUey marched up,
faced the audience, and tried to^ launch out In "The
bark that held the prince went down," but the
"goslings" made him squeak so as tO' make the
house roar. He sat down feeling much like a
goose. Mr. Paine was lenient In his criticisms, and said
there was hope of our success, and that practice,
doubtless, would bring rich results. He spoke of
the value of the exercise In making men of us.
Said he, "The leading men of our country can
speak. In the law, in the pulpit. In the Legislature,
in Congress. Right here is the starting point, and
I want you to make these walls ring, and then your
voices may ring In other and grander walls."
Those words sounded as an inspiration to some of
us, and there stole into our hearts a desire to ex
cel — the first whisperings of ambition.
The special exercises for the next week were to
be compositions, handed In Tuesday moming, ex
amined, and handed back with criticisms on Friday

DECLAMATION EVENING 207
evening. This work, too, was new to us. Sub
jects were assigned to^ us In classes according to
grade, and such scratching of heads and thinking
to collect ideas on our subject, "Water !" Though
a fluent topic, yet, when we tackled It, the springs
seemed almost dry. The bundle of cmde Ideas —
"the essay" — ^was criticised In a deHcate way, and
the better points complimented. Our school now
was on the right plane of Instmction, and a stimu
lus had been infused that gave to It a new life and
a brighter hope.
As the weeks rolled by, the exercises In elocution
became more entertaining under patient drill and
instruction in the art, and the feeling of hesitancy
was giving way to that of confidence. By and by
we aspired tO' a debating society, but our teacher
did not think us quite ready In years or training for
such an organization. But "genius In the bud"
Is hard tO' suppress, and at the noon recess, under
the big trees on the hill, now and then, we would
choose sides, and, in a cmde way, try to debate
some question. I'm thinking of the practical one
we discussed: "Which exerts the greater influence
over man, woman or money?" William Ander
son led O'ff In a strain that fairly made the leaves of
the trees seem to jingle like gold and silver coins.
^weeping everything before him, he came down

208 MEMORY DAYS
the ages with money as the signal light that ever
beckoned man on to any deed, good or bad. He
said the Rothschilds with their millions could buy
kings and that one hundred doUars could bribe the
average Congressman. Having swept over the
field he took his seat amid the clapping of little
hands. The writer was to champion the cause of woman.
With some misgivings as to winning, he began with
Eve, who tempted Adam and caused the fall of
the race; referred to Delilah, to Jezebel, to
Trojan Helen, and to Joan of Arc. Then, from
his grandmother, who taught him the Catechism,
from mothers and sisters In our homes, from the
tens of thousands of sweet maidens whose Images
disturb the dreams of just so many devoted youths,
from all these he gathered an influence that led
man far beyond the gold and silver mines, up
toward the stars, even to the pearly gates. And,
as he sat down, the same hands clapped. Other
speakers followed, battling manfully for their re
spective banners. When, finaUy, the vote was
taken, so masterly were the arguments, or so de
voted were the audience to "filthy lucre," that
money won.
At length one evening we had an Invited audi
ence and an appreciative one — as our m.Qthers^

DECLAMATION EVENING 209
sisters, and others who loved us were there to en-
courage us In our efforts. Cousin Jennie, too, was
there, and I nerved myself for my best effort.
One of her smiles would pay me for all my labor
on my selection. And dear old Aunt Rachel had
come, for the first time since that cool autumn eve
ning when she bade us farewell several years
before. With a tear glistening in her eye, she
said, "The house and the old trees look natural,
but I miss so many of my old boys and girls !
These young ones I hardly know now. We are
all getting older."
The exercises began, and as piece after piece was
rendered in a creditable manner, the visitors smiled
and rejoiced at these exhibitions of hitherto latent
talent. A general Invitation was now given for
all declamation evenings, and we generally had an
audience that Incited us to greater efforts and in
spired us with higher aspirations.
The girls who honored us with their presence on
these notable evenings generally walked. In imita
tion of English girls who delight In such exercise,
and the older boys were delighted at the chance of
escorting some of them home. Those soft, mel
low autumn evenings ! I look back to them with a
longing affection, for a new life was opening up to

2IO MEMORY DAYS
my heart. Boyish diffidence was giving away to a
desire to associate with bright, beautiful girls.
Now, Instead of being satisfied In giving them
apples and grapes, I thought of flowers with their
emblems, and pretty verses of poetry as a feast of
a higher order for the soul. Prudes had said,
"Attend to your lessons, my boy. You are too
young to play with Cupid's darts. Your mind
will be abstracted and distracted by the sparkle of
bright eyes." The effect of such association was
to make me study more diligently, and to arouse
a desire to excel.
Cousin Jennie was In Chrlstlansburg at school.
I just pored over the map of southwest Virginia
to locate my fair cousin, and she seemed a thousand
miles off! Then, the cruel teacher forbade even
cousins to write to each other. I wondered If she
ever had a sweetheart. Anyhow, I sent Cousin
Jennie an original valentine, twenty verses of hexa
meter measure, the production of which cost me
many late hours and much hard thinking. Of
course I signed my name, as I wanted no doubt as
to the author of such an effusion. She managed to
send me a reply and thank me for my "nice
poetry," also tO' inclose a geranium leaf. I read
the letter over a dozen times and smelled the leaf
clear away.

CHAPTER XXVII
NARROW ESCAPES
"Ranged in a line the ready racers stand.
Start from the goal, and vanish o'er the strand;
Swift as on wings of wind upborne they fly.
And drifts of rising dust involve the sky." — Pope.
It was the week before Christmas. The old
river had been frozen over, aUowIng pedestrians to
pass safely across. A few sunny days, however,
had made the bridge treacherous. The tailor on
the opposite side was making suits for my brother
and me, and as the boats were frozen fast In the
ice, our treasures were so near and yet so far."
Mortal boy could stand It no longer, Christmas,
and no new suits to don. So we decided to cross
on the ice bridge. We knew there was danger, as
the ice was dotted with holes here and there, and
the water was dark, cold, and deep. Each of us
grasping a long, light pole about five feet from
either end, we started on our perilous feat. If
either of us broke in the pole would span the hole
and help him to scramble out of the Icy water. On
we went, winding around the holes, and when
about the middle of the stream we got almost

212 MEMORY DAYS
panic-stricken; but as it was as dangerous to re
treat as go forward, we still tried to reach the
farther shore. When within eight or ten feet of
the bank, the ice having all melted away, we found
a channel of water in our path. There was no
time for delay, as every rnlnute the Ice was getting
weaker under the warm sun. But my good angel
whispered a way of escape. Placing the pole on
the bottom in the middle of the channel I sprang
across, and just did land on the slippery bank.
My brother, taking the pole, tried twice, but failed
to get beyond the vertical line, and so fell back on
the Ice. It was an awful situation, and he began
to cry. The third time he struck the edge, and as
he began to slip down the steep bank into the water
I caught and helped him up. We surely were on
the edge of a watery grave. The home folks were
so glad of our safety that they forgot to scold us.
They cut a way for a canoe tO' come through the
ice and take us back.
I once heard a man tell my father that he bet an
Irishman fifty cents he could not lick an Iron
wedge on a bitter cold moming. "Faith, an' I
can," sang out Pat, and the tongue and wedge met,
but stuck fast together. Pat jerked the wedge
loose and tore off some of the skin of his tongue!
"By the holy saints, the cussed thing Is bewitched!"

NARROW ESCAPES 213
said Pat by way of explanation. I had never
Studied philosophy, and having little confidence in
Trent's veracity, I doubted the story. The next
morning, when the mercury was dancing around
zero, I spied an axe at the wood pile, all bespangled
with crystals of frost. An evil spirit whispered to
make the experiment and prove Trent to be indeed
mistaken. So, gently I brought the tongue and
axe together, and tightly they adhered to each
other ! The more I pulled, the more of the unraly '
member clung to the iron. In my distress I went
for help, my tears flowing fast. On opening the
door to my vigorous kick, I presented to my dear
relations the appearance of a juggler trying to
swallow the axe, handle and all. "Oh, my!" cried
mother. "What's the boy doing?" exclaimed
father. "He's got the axe In his mouth," piped
in my brother. It was no time for useless words,
as mine were few. By the application of warm
water and the heat of the fire the abominable thing
let loose my tongue. Long did I sit by the fire
that morning musing over the ups and downs of
life. My sympathy went out to Pat, and I was no
longer a doubting Thomas, and at the table, when
some one asked me If I would have an axe In my
bill of fare, I almost thought an ugly word.
Where is the boy who does not like to gallop

214 MEMORY DAYS
a horse? There is an excitement and exhilaration
In the gait that Is inspiring. The boy also loves
to run races on his pony with his neighbor. And
horse racing was not always confined to the Dark
and Bloody Ground. I plead guilty of this sin,
though mine was unadulterated — ^no betting. In
the summer evenings, Dick B-, a white boy living
on our place, and I volunteered tO' take the horses
to a distant pasture. At first we rode bare-back,
and would race across the field at a speed that the
average Kentuckian rarely equalled. My father,
to check this reckless amusement, forbade our tak
ing even bridles. He did not use the word "race."
There was a technicality In the law by which the
tenor of same might legally be avoided, so we
decided to race without reins, bit, or saddle. The
gap Into the pasture was by a gentle slope, down
which two paths started, at first several yards
apart, but converging below Into one. Each
armed with a long switch and on a horse In each
path, at a given signal down the slope we dashed
at full speed. Lo ! at the bottom of the slope the
horses following the paths, ran together, side
against side, with such force as to hurl each other
to the ground on the right and left, the boys fortu
nately thrown several feet beyond the prosttate
horses. Both boys and horses gave a groan, but

NARROW ESCAPES 215
except the shock no damage was done. We did
not give the Incident to the reporter of the Home
Journal. The next evening we tried the sport again.
Dick headed his horse near a fence that had long
stakes projecting over a pig-path that ran close by
It. I started mine some distance out, on a paraUel
line. "Ready? Whoop !" away we went. Dick's
horse took the pig path, and to save his brains he
bowed to every stake as he passed under It.
Glancing over and seeing Dick's extreme polite
ness, I was so convulsed with laughter that I just
rolled off my horse, and lost the race. He still
swept over the plain, but not near the fence nor
converging paths.
From the curse in Eden, down the ages, man
has ever stood in dread of serpents. The sight of
a snake makes him shudder, and retreat for a stick
or stone wherewith to kill the deadly reptile. The
rattler Is the most honorable of them all, as by the
singing of his rattles he gives warning of his pres
ence. When In coil he can spring several feet at
his victim. I once heard a negro say that a rattler
sprang at him and Its tongue grazed his chin.
I was down In the meadow one day watching
the mowers with their scythes cutting the grass, for
I always loved the smell of the new-mown

2l6 MEMORY DAYS
hay. I was barefooted, and by the edge of a
swamp I stepped on some grass, which, blown
down, formed a smooth matting. I stood there
only a short time, but I thought the ground under
my feet was very soft, and pretty soon I felt a cir
cular motion there, and then came a "ZIz, zlz!"
At once I became a first-class acrobat, and with a
"Whew!" I vaulted some five feet, away and
shouted for help. On cutting away the grass there
was found a rattler four feet long, whose slumber
I had disturbed. That evening his mate was also
killed near by.
The black snake and the rattler are deadly
enemies, and, on meeting, there Is a battle. The
rattler, being clumsy, throws himself Into coil for
the defensive. The other, more active, begins to
circle around his enemy, at first at a safe distance.
Round and round, with almost lightning speed, he
goes. The rattler. In trying tO' watch the other's
swift movement, gradually becomes dizzy.
Closer and closer the circle is drawn to the doomed
victim. Then, at the right Instant, he springs
upon the rattler, grasps him by the bade of his
neck, and quickly encircling him in his coils, gives
a contracted motion and It Is all over with the
rattler.

CHAPTER XXVIII
COMMENCEMENT DAY
"Man loves knowledge, and the beams of truth
More welcome touch his understanding's eye
Than all the blandishments of sound his ear.
Than all of taste his tongue." — Akenside.
In the earlier days at Crystal Spring Seminary
we studied Webster's old blue back Speller, and
almost knew It by heart, from "baker" to "Nebu
chadnezzar." The frontispiece of that book was
always a source of much Interest to me. In the
picture there was a temple standing on a steep hlU,
and the road leading up to It was winding and
rocky. Upon the front of this beautiful building
was written In golden letters, "Knowledge." At
the foot of the hill a teacher had a little boy by
the hand, and was pointing him up tO' this temple.
Away beyond on a hill rising above this one and
higher and steeper, was another temple, and on its
highest front blazed the word "Fame." I soon
learned that the road to the higher temple led
through the lower one. I often studied the pic
ture, and wondered if the little boy ever reached
the temples.

2l8 MEMORY DAYS
Many of the old books had given way to newer
and better methods, as Pike to Ray In arithmetic;
Olney to Mitchell, in geography; and Smith to
PInneo, In English grammar. Steel pens had
driven the goose quill into- the back ground, and
the Spencerian copy plates, with their graceful
curves, were hailed with delight. But to teach a
pupil the first principles of Latin I have never yet
seen a happier combination than old BuUIon's
Grammar and Reader.
We were now nearing the second session under
Mr. Paine. Things In school had drifted along
smoothly, and we had advanced from one grade
to another in our studies. The drill of the Friday
evening exercises In declamation had brought forth
good fruits. Boys who, a year ago, were timid
and shaky when on the rostmm, and made awk
ward gestures, now were more at ease in their
delivery and more graceful In their action. Also
the improvement In composition had been such
that some of the advanced pupils now and then
entertained the audience by reading and declaiming
original productions that brought forth expressions
of applause. So, In view of the progress made,
our teacher decided to close the session on a
grander scale than Crystal Spring Seminary had
ever seen. A few representative classes were to be

COMMENCEMENT DAY 2 1 9
examined In the moming, then a recess for a picnic
dinner, and speaking In the evening. The larger
boys were to write their speeches, and topics were
chosen In time, so as not to conflict with work In
our regular studies. Cousin Will was to have the
valedictory, the honor speech. William Anderson
was to make a stump speech In behalf of the Fill
more and Donelson ticket. My subject extended
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, a patriotic effusion
on "America." Faithfully did we work over
them, writing, re-writing, memorizing, fitting in the
gestures and pronouncing the big words. In my
closing sentence. In a mighty effort for a "curl," I
got America up so high In the realms of glory,
among the stars, that with difficulty did she get
back to her old home on terra firma.
A rostrum and seats were arranged in the grove,
all In keeping with the dignity of the occasion. In
writing and rehearsing my speech, thoughts as to
what Jennie would say gave an Inspiration to
my pen and a new ardor to my zeal.
At 9 o'clock one June moming the exercises
began. Our fathers and mothers were there,
friends from across the river came, and the old
schoolhouse was crowded. Such an examination
those good old people had never seen before, and
they listened with pride to the inflections of Latin

220 MEMORY DAYS
and Greek verbs, to the translation of Virgil, and
Greek fables, and to classes In history, familiar
science and astronomy. Hard problems In Davie's
Bourdon were solved at the board, and propo
sitions In Legendre were demonstrated to the
wonder of the spectators. Last, but not least,
came the class In the Shorter Catechism, and it
astonished the audience by rattling off, without a
halt, the questions on sanctlfication, justification,
adoption, and baptism.
At high noon the examination exercises closed.
Soon the invitations were given to the feast of good
things on the well-laden tables In the grove.
Several negro "uncles" and "aunts" were there,
and they waited on the tables nicely. Said Aunt
Eliza, our cook, to me, when I refused a choice
dish, "La! child, you must eat. If you's gwine to
speak dis evenin'."
After the feast of sweet and fat things, with a
breathing spell between, came .the feast of mind.
MoUIe, a bright little girl, recited a salutatory
poem, gracefully Introducing the exercises. Every
thing passed off smoothly, not a trip In memory.
Our friends smiled and applauded, the curious visi
tor admired the tone of things, the negroes were
delighted, and the very trees seemed to look
down upon us In quiet approval. When WiUiam

COMMENCEMENT DAY 221
A. closed his political speech with "Three cheers
for Fillmore and Donelson!" two or three old
Whigs joined him In a modest whoop. Old Uncle
Humphrey, on the outskirts, thinking the meeting
at fever heat, joined In with, "Dat's so, glory!
amen !" Cousin William, a strong Democrat,
looked solemn over the enthusiasm. Nat Morris
then. In a labored effort, discussed the vexed
question of "Labor and Capital," and many regular
declamations were rendered In good style. Belle
W. read a composition on "Gates," a subject that
at first struck the audience as prosy. But the
bright little girl, beginning with the gates of Eden,
and ending with the Pearly Gates of John's
wonderful vision In Revelation, was applauded
handsomely as she took her seat.
As the farewell of Will's valedictory, taken up
by the echoes of the grove, died away, a feeling of
sadness swept over our hearts. The singing class,
embracing nearly all the pupils, then sang that
good old song, "Good-bye," and at its close many
eyes were moist.
Then came congratulatory remarks. A big,
rough-looking mountaineer, shaking WiUiam A.'s
hand heartily, said, "Billy, you's chuck full of
politics. Some day we'll run you for sheriff or
gov'nor, or something of the kind." Cousin Jennie

222 MEMORY DAYS
slipped a dainty little bouquet into my hand and
whispered, "I was proud of you." Gold could
not have bought those words from me. Her eye
had nerved me all through my speech, and then
the fragrance of those flowers ! Old man Watkins
the blacksmith, squinting at me through his glasses,
remarked, "Young man, you just tore Amerlky all
to pieces!" The thought flashed into my mind
that maybe I had so treated my subject. Uncle
Humphrey told me, "My stars, Alexander, you
s'prised me."
The handshaking and the good-bys were over,
and the door of Crystal Spring Seminary closed
on another session. The sun went down In a flood
of glory that evening, a fitting close of the greatest
day of our school.

CHAPTER XXIX
THE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE.
"From early youth war has my mistress been.
And though a rugged one, TU constant prove
And not forsake her now;
The flashes of contending steel
Must serve instead of glances from my love.
And soft breathing sighs, the cannon's roar."
On the walls of the Military Institute at Lexing
ton the flag of the Old Dominion had been floating
since 1839. Often I had heard It spoken of as a
school where the boys wore uniforms with stripes
on the pants, the coats bespangled with pretty
buttons, and where they were driUed and trained
for soldiers, eating rough fare and sleeping on hard
beds. And when, for the first time, I saw a cadet
at FaUIng Spring Church, I was charmed with
his appearance, so neat, so erect, and with such
quick, elastic step. I looked on him as a new
species of the genus homo, a more finished type
than the common pattern. I read more about
Alexander and Napoleon, and, fired with a martial
spirit, I hoped to go there, learn to be a soldier,
and I thought that, should war come, I might be a
hero.

224 MEMORY DAYS
When I first saw the Institute sitting in all Its
grim dignity on the hill. Its turrets and towers
reminding me of pictures of the old castles of
the Middle Ages, I thought It very grand. I
rode close to Its walls, and saw the cannon with
their murderous-looking mouths bidding defiance
to any foe.
Soon there came the rat-ta-tat of the dmms, and
cadets came pouring out from under the great arch,
with burnished guns, cartridge-boxes, and white
belts, the officers with swords and nodding plumes,
and all presented to me a novel picture. In reply
to my question as to the stir, I was told It was for
drill. "Fall in!" cry the orderly sergeants, and
the four companies form and march off to the
parade ground, all keeping step to the music of the
band. Then Major Gilham took command and
the drilling began. They moved In straight lines
to the front, to the right and left, wheeled around
In circles, formed a hollow square, double-quicked
across the grounds, looking like a beautiful
machine worked by a master hand. It was the
prettiest sight I had ever seen, and I thought that
even Napoleon's Old Guard was far surpassed
by that brilliant array of young warriors.
As the flag passed near me I admired its beauti
ful design, and asked the meaning of the words,

THE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE 225
"Sic semper tyrannls." "Take your foot off my
neck!" said a wise-looking chap near me. Not
knowing the significance of the picture, my sympa
thy went out to the feUow lying on his back.
The "Glorious Fourth" used to be a great day
In old Lexington. On this day the commencement
exercises of the Institute were celebrated, closing
with fireworks and a grand baU. Many
visitors from a distance came, and the country from
far and near flocked in to the show. I cut a notch
high on my stick the day I, too, celebrated with
the other patriotic citizens. I heard the booming
of the carmon In salute at sxmrlse, and I was early
on the ground. The corps, in martial array,
marched to the Presbyterian Church, the music of
the brass band stirring the very soul of the old
town. Col. Francis H. Smith, the model superin
tendent, taU and graceful in his bearing, presided.
First, the Declaration of Independence was read
by one of the graduating class, then the National
oration, and one or two other speeches foUowed.
Then the diplomas were given, an address to the
corps by some noted speaker thriUed the audience,
and the band played "Good-bye."
As soon as the shades of night had faUen, the
parade ground of several acres was weU fiUed by
15

226 MEMORY DAYS
hundreds to witness the fireworks. This display,
to me, was a new page of history, and It was grand.
The last rocket described Its graceful curve, ex
ploded In flames of purple and crimson tints, and
that exhibition was over.
The tide now turned toward the ball-room In the
mess hall. Woe ! unto the Romeo who' had no
ticket, for he would be denied admittance by the
stem sentinels at the door.
Into the brilliantly lighted and handsomely
decorated hall the crowd surged and promenaded
round and round, until the leader of the orchestta
sang out, "Get your partners." And then
"When music arose with its voluptuous swell.
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again,
And all went merry as the marriage bell."
It was the first dancing I had even seen. The
music was enchanting, but the men looked like
monkeys cutting figures on the floor, whilst the
ladies moved around gracefully. If you wish to
prove Darwin's theory, of man's evolution from
the monkey, just watch him cut the "pigeon wing"
In a dance hall. The square dances and the "old
Virginia reel" were in favor, as only a few couples
were seen waltzing.
In that hall were representatives of the beauty

THE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE 227
and chivalry of Virginia, for, from country and
town, many belles and beaux had come to join In
the festive occasion.
At one o'clock supper was announced, and the
music ceased. "From labor to refreshments," the
dancers went. Again the fiddle strings were ttined
and the revelers "tripped the light fantastic toe"
until dawn began to crimson the east, when the
lights were extinguished and the banquet hall
deserted. I used to hear much of Interest connected with
the school. New cadets were hazed with a rough
hand, "bucked," dragged, or ducked. A Httle
fellow from Texas with cowboy pluck, once re
sisted, and when they came at him In overwhelm
ing numbers, with a bone he knocked ten In a pile
before he was overpowered.
Maj. Thos. J. Jackson was the artillery drill-
master. The lowest class furnished the locomo
tive power — in place of horses — for the guns. One
time when the battery was moving at full speed
down the slope and the Major running by the side,
a wheel came off and fairly whizzed after him.
"Look out Major! The wheel's a comin' !" cried
the cadet officers. He never turned to look and
the wheel grazed his side. Had there been a
collision the wreck might have been a serious one.

228 MEMORY DAYS
Col. Jas. Massie, some years before, had been
commandant there. I heard him tell this Incident.
He was drilling the corps and ordered a "charge
bayonet movement going toward a high, close
board fence on the west side of the ground. He
was stepping backward between the line of glitter
ing steel and the fence. He forgot the command
"Halt." Finally he backed against the fence and
on came the line of steel! Perspiration oozed
from his forehead In great drops, his limbs quaked
but the word came not. When within a few steps
of the fence he shouted In a stentorian voice,
"Confpund you, stop!" The order was not from
tactics, but they stopped. For a few minutes all
order was broken In peals of laughter at his sad
predicament. Said the Colonel, "I never after
ward gave an order for 'charge bayonets' In front
of a plank fence."
In 1856, I think, the State placed a bronze
statue of Washington at Its Military Institute.
The unveiling was on July 4th, and the oration
was delivered by Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, a
Virginia Congressman. I remember well the ap
plause and the booming of the cannon In salute.
The teaching In the school was of a practical
character, and It made excellent mathematicians
and civil engineers. The military training and

THE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE 229
discipline fitted men to preside over railroads. In
surance companies, or any corporation requiring
a close insight Into details, but it did not give the
classic finish like Its sister school on the same hlU.
I heard It said that in Latin the cadet read In
Caesar until he got to the "bridge," and finding it
washed away, retreated to the lines of English. In
drIUIng the corps was said to equal that of West
Point. I saw Major Hardie, the commandant at
West Point, driU the V. M. I. boys at one com
mencement. He was reported as saying they exe
cuted movements as weU as his corps, only, not
being accustomed to his voice, they were a little
slower in catching the commands.
In the spring of 1861 the war cloud was loom
ing upon the horizon. The deep mutterings of
the coming storm could be heard in the distance
and the wiser and more pmdent looked anxious.
In Lexington political feeling ran very high. A
strong Union sentiment prevailed in the town,
especIaUy among the mechanics and tradesmen.
On the other hand, the students of the CoUege and
the cadets were almost unanimous in their sympa
thy with the seceded States. The corps of the
Institute was a splendid body of young men, repre
senting the chivalry of the Old Dominion and the
best blood from many Southern States. There was

230 MEMORY DAYS
no congeniality between them and the majority of
the Union party of the town. Some of the latter,
of the plebeian order, as opportunity was pre
sented, would deride and jeer the cadets for their
"rebellious" principles. Of course there were
bitter retorts, and the feeling arose to such a pitch
that only a spark was wanting for an explosion.
A lot of Unionists in the town decided to show
their loyalty to the old flag by unfurling it from the
top of a lofty pole, to be raised In front of the
court-house. Late one evening this pole was
brought In, dressed and left lying In the stteet
ready for raising on the morrow. That night
some one by boring holes, made It useless for
the jubilee. I never heard who did the mis
chief, but they blamed the cadets, and indignation
was at the boiling point. Some of them swore
vengeance against the boys with stripes and buttons.
On the Saturday foUowing a small party of
cadets, being uptown, were assaulted In a store,
by a much large number of town roughs. The
cadets got the worst of the skirmish and beat a
hasty retreat to the barracks, where they related
their rough treatment. It wa^»the spark, and the
pent-up fires burst forth. ^
The long-roU was beaten and the cry was, "Get
your guns ! We'll storm the town !" Some of the

THE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE 23 1
professors, hearing the confusion, appeared on the
scene, but they could not restrain the maddened
crowd. Some, In their Impetuosity, started at once
for the town with guns and ammunition. In squads,
or straggling, as each one got ready. Captain
McCausland, a professor, and afterward a general,
told them If they were determined to go, to organ
ize first and go with some system. This advice
resulted In halting the advanced squads at the old
tavern, at the foot of Main Street, about half a
mile from the Institute. In the wagon yard they
awaited the arrival of others, who poured In as a
turbid stream.
About 3 o'clock in the evening, on looking out
of my window In the College on the hill near by,
I saw the gleam of bayonets. Rushing down to
the tavem, I found the yard full of cadets In a
state of wild excitement. Major Gilham, the
commandant, told them to form their companies,
and It was but the work of a few minutes tO' or
ganize. In unreasonable madness their sole in
tention seemed to be to storm the town; that It
was responsible for the wrong done them.
Up town all was excitement, as the report
spread that the cadets were coming on a mission
of vengeance. The Union party were arming
themselves to give the young soldiers a warm re-

232 MEMORY DAYS
ception, knowing they had the advantage In firing
on the unprotected lines from doors and windows.
It was a critical point, both In the history of the
town and of the Institute.
Down in the yard at the foot of the hill all
things were about ready for the forward move
ment. The companies had their officers, their car
tridge-boxes were full, and aU were waiting for
the order to march. Just then a tall, military-
looking man came up at a rapid pace, and, ascend
ing the stile, stood with arms folded and for a
moment surveyed the scene before him. It was
Col. Francis Smith, the superintendent, who It
seemed had just heard of the trouble and came
In the crisis of the affair. The moral grandeur
of that scene surpassed anything of the kind I have
ever witnessed. There he stood, calmly looking
down Into the flashing eyes and upon the glittering
bayonets ready to be bathed In the blood of Lex
ington's citizens. In those ranks were dear young
men who, he knew, would be slain In the streets
If they went forward. Stretching out. his hand
over the battalion the buzzing gradually subsided
and at length there was silence. Then he said,
"Young gentlemen, I know you have received a
great wrong, and you have my sympathy. I am
your friend. This Is not the way to right the

THE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE 233
matter. I appeal to your reason and better na
tures. A moral victory Is better than a bloody
one. Follow me and I will see that you get re
dress." Then stepping down from, the stile he
started toward the Institute. There was a dead
silence for a few moments, but moral Influence
triumphed and the crisis was over. One and an
other began to say, "Let's go back," and on a sud
den, as If by magic, the companies broke ranks and
all followed their esteemed instmctor.
It showed the splendid discipline of the school
and that only one born to rule, in one minute, could
have transformed a whole corps of cadets from'
madmen to order and obedience.
On arriving at the Institute, Colonel Smith took
them into one of the society halls, gave them good
advice, showed them their rashness, and how near
It led to a tragedy written In their own blood.
Some of the professors made speeches and the
prospect for war was touched upon. It was there
that Jackson, afterward "Stonewall," made the
famous remark, "If we have to fight, let us draw
the sword and throw away the scabbard." An
order was Issued that for the present no cadet
should go up town.
In a few days Virginia seceded, and those gal
lant young men, under Jackson, were ordered to

234 MEMORY DAYS
Richmond. There they rendered valuable service
as drill-masters. Then In more active service they
won laurels on many a hard-fought field. Grand
and noble, old "V. M. I.," I salute you for your
past, I praise you for your present, and I bid
you God-speed in a future course of usefulness and
prosperity.

CHAPTER XXX
FALLING SPRING CHURCH
"On thy calm joys with what delight I dream.
Thou dear green valley of my native stream!
Fancy o'er thee still waves enchanting wand." — BloomHeld.
There was a pleasure In the home life of my
boyhood on the old farm by the James that only
deepens with the years. Often have I wished that
again as a little barefooted boy I could wade In
the spring branch, or gambol over the grassy hiUs.
And It Is sweet to recall scenes and incidents con
nected with the spot that Is haUowed in memory.
Whenever in the early spring I hear the frogs
singing, I am carried back to the old home, and,
sitting on the porch, I again hear the music among
the green wIUows in the pond by the meadow.
Ours was a busy home; there were no drones
in the hive. We were trained to work, from feed
ing the llttie lambs up to foUowing the big plow.
Thus, industry, as we grew older, was woven into
the warp of our beings. So many pets on the
farm Intensify the boy's devotion to his home; the
kitten, the dog, the lamb, the calf, the pony, all

236 MEMORY DAYS
have a hold on his affection. Pure mountain air
and freestone water gave us muscle, and roses on
our cheeks. Obedience was taught as the first les
son, and If a pupil was slow In leamlng, his Ideas
were quickened by the appHcation of the rod. Yet
we only loved and respected our parents aU the
more. We never grew restless under this whole
some discipline, nor wished to go to a far country.
In fact, we half regretted that the day, sooner or
later, would come for us to leave the home nest
and try our wings in finding other homes.
Our church was Falling Spring, one of the old
Presbyterian churches of the Valley. It was built
of stone, emblematic of the solid faith, of the
brave pioneers who laid Its foundations, and It
stood on the edge of a beautiful strip of woodland.
At the foot of the hill a spring gushing out fell
with a gentle murmur over a ledge Into the pool
below. All the surroundings of the old church
were beautiful.
Although we lived six miles distant and had to
cross the river, we were generally among the first
to arrive on Sunday mornings. With few excep
tions the whole country was of our faith, and
from a circle within a radius of five miles or more
the good people came trooping In from all direc
tions. And very many of these fathers and moth-

FALLING SPRING CHURCH 237
ers who thus came up to ZIon's HIU, bringing their
little ones with them and training them up In the
law and the prophets, were the very salt of the
earth. The pews had doors, the pulpit, on a plat
form four steps high, was closed In on the sides by
a railing, and over It was a sounding-board In
shape like the dome of a mosque. The old fam
ily pews, with all together in the church below, are
figurative of all together In the church above.
Within those walls and surrounded by such tender
associations Christian character was molded that
could battle bravely with the temptations of the
world. The little babes came into those homes
and soon In their snowy robes and spotless purity
they were given to the Lord In baptism. The years
rolled by, the covenant promise was fulfilled, and
on sacramental mornings the dear' young people,
one by one, came from the Session House with a
look of quiet joy as they entered the new life.
"The promise Is to you and to your children."
And, too, there was a social pleasure connected
with the old church. Friends met and exchanged
kindly words, heard of others' Ills or joys, and
sympathized or rejoiced with them. The young
people especially enjoyed the meeting in the grove
on their arrival, when courtesies would be ex
tended by young men to young women. Here and

238 MEMORY DAYS
there, near some well-known dismounting block
or carriage stand, a young beau could be seen
patiently awaiting the arrival of his sweetheart.
Her kindly words and bright smiles amply repaid
him, If young and timid, for the trial of mnning
the gauntlet of curious spectators as he escorted
her through the church yard to the door.
After the doxology and benediction, again the
business of gallantry at the doors was revived in
a brisk manner, and of rivals the one nearest the
door was the fortunate one. Carriage doors had
to be opened, saddle-horses brought up to the
block, riding-skirts thrown over the graceful fig
ures, and the stirrup adjusted to the dainty little
feet. Then the more devoted swains decided to
escort the dear creatures home, take dinner, eat
some of the choice cake, compliment "pa" on the
looks of his crops, and try to tell "grandma" some
thing of the sermon.
On our road home were many girls and boys as
brothers and sisters. These would pair off and
thus relieve the monotony of the homeward ride.
In my early "teens" I noticed that the girls gen
erally preferred going to church on horseback.
Afterward I understood better the why and the
wherefore. Very pleasant were these rides with
such companions, and I Imagine that. In addition

FALLING SPRING CHURCH 239
to comments on the sermon of the morning, an
analysis was sometimes made of the text, "Love
thy neighbor as thyself." At the turning off places
brothers and sisters again met, and loved each
other as before the separation.
Falling Spring was a representative church of
the Valley. For thirty years Rev. John D. Ewing
was Its pastor. He was one of the grand old min
isters of the State. Having baptized our babies,
married our young people, and burled our precious
dead for so long a time he was dearly loved by his
flock. His sermons, the communion Sabbaths, and
the revival days all made the old church hallowed
In our memory. As the shepherd of the flock the
bread he broke was pure and sweet. His voice
had a musical ring that was pleasant to hear, and
there was nothing sensational In his subject-matter
nor manner. His style was so plain that a child
could understand. In his long pastorate the num
ber enrolled on the church book, by comparison
with sister churches, showed that his labors had
been especially blessed in winning souls. And
doubtless there were many stars in the crown the
Master gave him when He called him home.
The singing was general, not confined to the
choir. When Mr. Parry, the leader, struck his
fork and caught the tune the music filled the house.

240 MEMORY DAYS
They always sang a doxology at the close of the
service. The cemetery was a sacred spot, for In it
slept the dust of the fathers and mothers of the
church. I loved to walk In It and read the in
scriptions on the monuments. The lowly mounds
were covered with periwinkle and In the summer
dotted with wild violets. A holy stillness brooded
over the place and made one tread more lightly
around the graves of the sainted dead.

CHAPTER XXXI
CONCERNING COURTSHIP
"Wedded love is founded on esteem.
Which the fair merits of the mind engage;
For those are charms which never can decay.
But time, which gives new whiteness to the swan.
Improves their lustre." — Penton.
A bashful youth longed to teU his love to the
girl of his choice, and tell her how his heart beat
for her alone, and to ask her to be his wife.
Finally he vowed by the bow and arrows of Cupid
that he would ask the young lady on his very next
visit. When they were alone In the dimly lighted
parlor. In a tremulous tone he began, "Miss Juliet,
I've always thought lots of you. I think of you
In the daytime and I dream of you 'most every
night. You are the dearest girl to me In all this
country and — " Just then the damsel threw up
her hands and exclaimed, "Hush, hush! you scare
me!" The poor feUow thought he was on the
wrong road to success and, in obedience, he hushed.
There was an ominous pause and a quick beating
of hearts. Juliet did not fancy the tum things
were taking, and decided to be aggressive in the
i6

242 MEMORY DAYS
matter, so giving him a side glance and a smile,
she said, "Scare me again!" The mercury In his
heart's thermometer ran right up to loo, and he
scared her again!
I used to hear how a timid lover In North Caro
lina "popped the question." Taking a piece of
pine wood he cut it IntO' some artistic shape, as a
dagger, or a heart, and sent this to^ his lady love.
She thus Interpreted the mute emblem, "I pine."
If she did not care for him she burned one end
slightly and returned the gift. He thus read, "I
make light of your affections." But if the refrain
to the song of her heart was, "Scare me again,"
she cut a knot on one end and sent it back to the
anxious donor. He Interpreted It thus, "Pine not."
Variety Is said to> be the spice of life and surely
It adds a pleasure toi courtship. I heard of an old
bachelor whose hard heart Cupid at last pierced,
and he decided to ask Miss Nancy, an old maid,
to marry him. Mounting his steed he was soon
at her home and called her from the porch to the
gate. Then he blurted out: "Miss Nancy, I likes
you powerfully and wants you to be my wife. I'm
goin' down to old man B.'s to^ buy a cow. Think
about it and tell me when I come back. Good
moming." Miss Nancy's thoughts never whirled
through her brain so before and she was standing

CONCERNING COURTSHIP 243
at the gate when he rode back. Before he got to
the gate he caUed out, "What do you say. Miss
Nancy? All right?" And she sang out In a
tenor key, "Yes." And I suppose they Hved as
happily together as If they had spent two or three
years In Interchanging geranium blooms, rosebuds,
and billet doux.
A young man once Imagined his admiration to
be the very flower of womanhood. Calling unex
pectedly one evening he was ushered by one of the
juveniles into the parlor adjoining the family sit
ting-room, and the girl was not Informed of the
presence of her admirer. He had ears to hear and
he heard. The soft, sweet voice of Miss Angelina
was changed Into harsh, angry tones as she spoke
disrespectfully to her mother. Then he heard her
slap her little sister who Immediately set up a bawl,
and above It all rose the voice of his adored, "Shut
up, you brat you !" Guided by some evil genius,
she suddenly burst into the parlor and stood be
fore him with the mask off. Amazed at meeting
him she just stood still, and wringing her hands
cried out, "Oh, Harry Bell, I didn't know you were
here!" "I see you didn't," he said. He took her
picture In a snap-shot style. She wore an untidy
wrapper, her hair had a tousled appearance, and

244 MEMORY DAYS
her cheeks lacked the accustomed bloom. He
bowed himself out and he stayed out !
The foUowing incident will show how, on one
occasion, spelling checked the courting. In Fred
ericksburg, Virginia, there lived an excellent lady,
the mother of several charming daughters. They
were at the blooming period of schoolgirl life, and
their sensible mother did not wish them to blend
books and society, a combination generally fatal
to mental cultivation. But the bright eyes and
glossy ringlets of these lasses possessed a magnetic
attraction, strong indeed, upon certain susceptible
youths of their acquaintance.
The mother, a cultivated, shrewd woman, knew
well the effect of frequent calls upon the intellect
ual progress of her fair daughters, and that the
whisperings of Cupid made discord In the music of
the schoolroom. And yet, there was a delicate
question to handle. These young Romeos were
from families in the same social standing, whose
mothers and sisters visited in her home. What
was she to do? Wound the feelings of these ju
venile aspirants to her own gracious smiles, by
closing her doors upon them ? No. This would
be cruel and very impolite.
In opening the campaign she felt safe In Issuing
a general order, to be as fixed as the laws of the

CONCERNING COURTSHIP 245
Medes and Persians, that only on Friday nights
should the young ladies entertain. As Romeo
heard the latest from headquarters, his counte
nance was grave, and his heart sad; yet he grace
fully accepted the restriction to his social pleasure,
throwing, as it did, a damper on his budding
hopes. On Friday evenings the parlor was radiant with
Hght and beauty, vocal with merry voices and
sweet music. The good mother observed and, as
a few weeks glided by, she drew conclusions more
adverse than ever. She decided that this social dis
sipation of these evenings would be demoralizing
to studious habits, and that soft glances and flat
tering speeches did not point the minds of her
daughters up the hill of science.
A happy thought came to her rescue. She would
try a new weapon In the warfare. She seemed to
be suddenly awakened to the fact that too llttie at
tention was given to spelling In schools. She spoke
of its weight in education, and of her earnest de
sire to have her daughters proficient in this branch.
She thereupon announced that she would have a
weekly drill. In the home. In spelling, and that Fri
day evening would be the most suitable time for
such a literary feast. So, the details were ar
ranged, a speUer selected, and a lesson assigned

246 MEMORY DAYS
for the next night, when George T. and Willie R.
were to caU.
The evening came, the parlor was brightj the
boys arrived, the radiant maidens glided In, and
happiness reigned therein. About the time the
social merriment seemed at Its height, behold, in
walked the mother, book in hand, followed by the
juvenile band of the household, several of whom
were to take part with their older sisters In this in
tellectual diversion.
In her most pleasing manner she apologized for
seeming to Intmde, explained her new plan to the
callers, and said she knew they would join in and
enjoy the exercise. To gain her esteem they were
willing to climb a mountain, face a ghost, do any
thing but spell! No time was given to offer ex
cuses, as, at once, the exercise began.
Nearer and nearer, around the circle, came the
words. The boys' hearts beat faster, their color
became florid, and drops of perspiration dotted
their brows! George was next. The word
"phthisic" was given out. He twisted in his chair,
ran his fingers through his hair, and In an abnost
choking voice, said, "tizlck."
There was a titter amongst the little folks, a
smile on the faces of the older girls, but the mother
was dignified, and passed the word to WiUIe, who.

CONCERNING COURTSHIP 247
with fearful forebodings, sat dreading his fate.
He knew there was a "p" in the word, and spurted
out "ptisick."
The juveniles snorted out in laughter, and the
mother had to smile. Then passing the word to
one of the smaller girls, she speUed It correctiy.
The second round she gave the boys easier
words, and they acquitted themselves more satis
factorily. In the third round Willie got the word
"billet doux," which, after much mental agony,
he spelled thus, "blUydoo." A general titter fol
lowed. As If meeting grim death, George tackled
the abominable word! "BlUIedue," he gasped out.
All had to laugh. At this embarrassing juncture,
the mother, taking pity on the boys, told them she
would excuse them on the rest of the lesson, but
the next time she would expect them to go through.
The lesson over, the queenly mother, after chat
ting awhile, bade them good evening, and marched
the little folks to the nursery.
The boys were not happy, their Ideas did not
flow so readily as before the ordeal, and they soon
bowed themselves out. When revived by the fresh
air and around the corner, George said:
"Well, didn't we disgrace ourselves! I never
could spell."
"The old lady is a crank and speUing Is her

248 MEMORY DAYS
hobby," Willie repHed. "You'U not catch me
there next time."
They agreed to keep quiet and let James K. and
Harry B. enjoy the fun the "next time." These
hopeful youths. In blissful Ignorance of their fate,
called, they tried tO' spell, they missed, they per
spired, they twisted, and Inwardly vowed that they
would not spell again until they had memorized
the dictionary.
The four met in an experience meeting, pro
tested against such modern Innovations against
the rights and pleasure of visiting young gentle
men, and took a solemn pledge not to call again
until that spelling was stopped. Yet, they only de
plored the plan, and did not have unkind feelings
toward the good mother, who, in so artful a man
ner defeated them In their attacks upon the fair
citadel of her home.
She kept up the spelling-class, and not until
those lovely girls had bloomed Into lovelier women
did she teU them how she outgeneralled the boys
who were trying tO' be devoted to her schoolgirl
daughters. And they, in their maturer wisdom,
and from a higher point of Intelligence, deemed
themselves fortunate In having a mother so wise
and judicious.
Country weddings In the well-to-do homes of

CONCERNING COURTSHIP 249
the olden time were very elaborate affairs, much
sewing, much cooking, much Inviting. A swell
wedding was always at night, and the whole neigh
borhood was invited. The grounds were lit up,
there were flowers on every hand, an array of at
tendants, a rolling of carriages, and a flashing of
rich costumes. The ceremony over, the blessing
pronounced, the "man and wife" led the guests to
the dining-room. The thing of most interest con
nected with the supper was the cutting of the
"bride's cake," In which was a ring. The one
who got the ring would be the next to wear a wed
ding-ring. Maiden ladles of uncertain years, with
nervous hands would select a piece, and the bach
elors felt cautiously for their.
I used to hear some funny things connected with
weddings. My mother told us of a young Irish
man who, by good behavior and Industry, took
a stand In good society. He was being married
to a lady who had several slaves. Pat was de
lighted with the Idea of having the slaves to work
for him, and when, in the ceremony, the minister
came to the question, "Do you take this woman
whom you hold by the hand to be your lawful and
wedded wife?" Pat, who doubtless wished to cHnch
everything as In a trade, sang out, "Faith, and the
naigers too."

250 MEMORY DAYS
When the eldest daughter of a friend of mine
was married they had a big wedding, and of course
many guests. After the supper the minister was
talking to the father, and remarked, "I tell
you. Squire, It Is a solemn thing for our girls to
marry and go off." Said the Squire, mbbing his
hands, "I tell you, parson, it Is more solemn not
to." In my boyhood the wedding-bells were ring
ing every now and then along the James and out
among the hills. I was often real sorry when some
stranger from over the mountains would come and
steal away some of our pretty yoijng ladies who
were nice to me and for whom I had a boyish ad
miration. Of the characters, outside of my home, that
stand out conspicuous In the picture of my boy
hood, my kindly feelings go out to none more than
to the family of the physician. I can still see Doc
tor Watson going his rounds to see his patients,
looking so wise in my boyish estimation. He had
a touch of the Irish brogue, and was the life of a
party or picnic. He was a representative of the
medical profession of that day. The old-fashioned
doctor did everything to heal and cure, from the
pill which he made himself to setting a broken
limb or pulling a tooth. Calomel was a power In
casting out the evil spirits of disease and a hot

CONCERNING COURTSHIP 25 I
poultice or a fly blister had wonderful virtues. He
lived up to the old song,
"He bleeds with his lancet,
And he bleeds with his bill."
Cupping was a favorite means of relieving
pain. An old negro woman was describing a tyro
in medicine. "He's mighty keerful. He won't
give you nothin' doubtful, but jlst goes home and
reads up about you."
After singing and dancing with toothache I was
sent on one occasion to the doctor to have It pulled.
But the tooth quieted as If pleading for mercy
long before I got to the doctor, and I came near
returning home. But I bravely faced the music.
He sat me In an arm chair with a big negro girl
to hold my head. Then with a clumsy Instrument
like a brace he pried the tooth out of Its socket.
My head had to come off or the tooth come out,
one or the other. I yelled too late, for the tooth
was out.
I heard this of a Philadelphia doctor. Sitting
In his office one moming, smoking a cigar, and
dreaming under Its soothing effects, a young man
came In for a prescription. The doctor felt his
pulse, glanced at his tongue and wrote a prescrip
tion. As the young man started to leave, the doc-

252 MEMORY DAYS
tor caught his name. "Say, what was your father's
name? Live In Trenton?" "Yes." "Go to Medi
cal College In Philadelphia in 1850?" "Yes, sir."
"Look here, young man, your father and I were
roommates. Tear up that thing, and come here
and let me see what's the matter with you."
A neighbor said his boy Philander was fit for
nothing else and he would make a doctor out of
him. So', in a few years. Philander came home
from a second-rate medical college a devoted son
of Aesculapius. His father, who had a large num
ber of negroes and much sickness that summer
among them, told Philander to practice on them.
A valuable man got sick. Philander prescribed
and the patient soon died. His father told him,
"Philander, gO' out to the mountains and kill the
mountaineers. I can't afford tO' furnish $1,200
negroes for you tO' experiment on." Doctor Wat
son asked him about his patient. Said Philander,
"I couldn't tell what was the matter with the nig
ger and so mixed up a whole lot of medicines and
gave them to him to try to jump up the disease.
But I jumped him out of the ring."

CHAPTER XXXII
THE LAST SCHOOL DAY AT THE SEMINARY
"'Tis vain to weep; to speak, to sigh.
Oh! more than words can tell
When rung from griefs expirii^ eye
In that word, farewell! farewell!" — Byron.
The commencement at Washington CoUege In
Lexington came off the week after the close of our
last session. Mr. Paine and several of his pupils
attended. I had only seen the college buildings
from a distance, sitting on the hill In aU their quiet
dignity, with their great white plUars standing
out in bold relief, and the statue of Washington
on the dome. But now I walked along the
great colonnade, surveyed the campus, looked Into
the society halls, visited the libraries, and felt
that I was on sacred ground. Then came the final
day when the students, wearing badges and pre
ceded by a brass band, marched over to the Pres
byterian Church, the speeches were made, the di
plomas conferred, the medals bestowed, and the
exerises closed with "Home, Sweet Home," by
the band. I looked on with wonder and deHght
and there stole into my heart an aspiration to enter

254 MEMORY DAYS
those classic halls and reap the worthy reward of
literary labor.
Again the call came for us to enter the school
room, and we were more diligent than ever In our
studies. Few things occurred to break Into the
monotony of school life. All were steadily cHmb-
Ing the Hill of Science. Some of the little misses
of a while past were wearing longer dresses, near
ing the border line of girlhood. Belle W. was
growing In my esteem, a feeling, however, bounded
by admiration and friendship. Bright, pretty, and
vivacious, she was a pleasant companion, and I
caught myself bestowing on her favors that used
to be lavished upon Cousin Jennie. By the way,
my fair cousin had developed Into a handsome
young lady, quite a belle among the young knights
of the James. Much to my relief, our teacher
visited often across the river. He had boarded
part of the session at Mr. B.'s, and Miss Kate's
black eyes had done telling work on his heart,
judging from little acts of devotion. Little Dick,
Miss Kate's brother, a juvenile of fourteen years,
came to school. He was a petted, spoiled chap,
and very overbearing toward smaller boys. Tay
lor Peck, a lame boy from the Valley, was a
special object of his rough treatment. We larger
boys often had to shield the little feUow from

LAST SCHOOL DAY AT THE SEMINARY 255
Dick's cmelty. There was such a strong feeling
against "bull-dozing" the smaller boys that Dick
had scarcely a friend In school. There were plenty
of "Tom Browns" who were the champions of the
lltde boys.
Our teacher laid stress on the cultivation of
memory. Our geometry class was thus trained:
in any of the six books of Legendre only the num
ber of the proposition would be given and we had
to give the caption and demonstrate. In Bullion's
Latin grammar the sixty-five mles were thus
learned, and the Latin sentence under each as an
example. It was splendid training, for principles
thus learned stuck In our minds fast and long.
The session was drawing to a close, but not as in
other days. My last words of old Crystal Spring
are the saddest of all. Few things here in life
end as we wish them to do. Hopes the brightest
are often doomed to be blighted. An Idle word
spoken, or a rash act often turns the tide of things
from a cherished course. Our teacher of late had
been lax In discipline ,In a half-dreamy state his
heart not, as formerly. In his work. Some of the
boys whispered that he was "dead In love," was
going to marry Miss Kate, lay aside the birch, and
join the ranks of the farmers. He spoke of clos
ing in a quiet way. But we boys who last year

256 MEMORY DAYS
had gotten a taste both of the custard pie and
lavish praise, wished for more of the same blU of
fare. So' we presented him a formidable petition,
and reluctantly he granted our request to the ex
tent of an exhibition along the line of declamation.
One day at noon, about three weeks before the
close of the session, we were engaged In a game of
town ball. Without any provocation, Dick B.
stmck Taylor Peck with a bat on his lame leg,
causing him to fall down and writhe In pain. We
gathered around, all indignant. I was just boding
with anger, and I felt I must either report the mat
ter to Mr. Paine or paddle Dick well myself. Be
ing a smaller boy, pmdence dictated the former
course. I announced my decision, and amid a
choms of "Go, go, go!" I gave our teacher a true
statement, adding that such treatment had been
going on for some time. He said he'd see about
it, and sent a message for; Dick to report to him.
With a sneering remark at me, Dick slowly went
to the interview. Being unprincipled and un
truthful, he doubtless denied the charge, and
slandered me.
Soon after we were called to our studies, and
first went to the spring as usual. Dick asked me,
"What did you teU Mr. Paine that pack of lies
for?" Not having yet cooled down from the

LAST SCHOOL DAY AT THE SEMINARY 257
scene of the playground, I caught him by his coat
collar and only shook him, without uttering a
word. He "boo-hooed," swore vengeance, was
going to shoot me, and ran up to the house to tell
his tale of woe. Of course he misrepresented the
Incident at the spring, and when I entered the room
Mr. Paine asked me In a very angry tone why I
abused Dick. I told him the provocation, to which
others testified. A big Valley boy said, "If It had
been me, I'd kicked him into the creek!" "You
keep quiet, sir," sharply remarked the teacher.
"Mr. Paine," said I, "I am sorry I have done
wrong and wish to be obedient to the rules of the
school, but I'll defend this poor little lame boy
against this overbearing fellow." A murmur of
assent passed around among the boys. There was
a painful silence. I waited to hear my doom.
"Get to your lessons," said Mr. Paine, who
looked troubled and abstracted aU evening. When
the last lesson had been recited and we were wait
ing to be dismissed, much to our surprise he said,
"There will be no more school. You are dis
missed." It came like a thunder-clap from a clear
sky. All sat still, and the silence was oppressive.
It flashed over me that If I would leave school the
trouble would be over, as he could not decide be-
17

258 MEMORY DAYS
tween us. I had been a companion and personal
friend for nearly three years, and Dick was his
sweetheart's brother. So I spoke up, "Mr. Paine,
I'll withdraw from school rather than have It stop
this way. Although I don't think protecting a
lame boy any reason for leaving." "No, it aint,"
said half a dozen of my friends. Their blood, too,
was up. Said Nat Morris, "Mr. Paine, the way
Dick has treated Taylor Is a shame, and not a boy
here wants him In school. Am I not right, boys?"
"Yes, you are !" fairly shouted the boys. Another
ominous silence followed. But when Mr. Paine,
acting under some strange spell, said, "Get your
books and go home," we arose and prepared to
go. There were tearful eyes, and some of the
girls cried as the good-bys were spoken. As there
were threats of ducking Dick In the creek he has
tened on home.
Some of us boys and girls stayed there a long
time, discussing the affair and regretting It. It
was a great faU for the teacher In our estimation;
so unfortunate an ending to a long period of suc
cess and popularity. Little Taylor took my hand
and said, "Alex, you've been mighty good to me."
I caught him in my arms and hugged him. Slowly
and sadly we tumed away from the dear old house,
where for so many years many of us had spent such

LAST SCHOOL DAY AT THE SEMINARY 259
happy hours. The grand old trees that so long
had sheltered and watched over us, as the evening
breeze stole through their branches, seemed to
nod their "farewells" to our retreating forms. We
passed down Into the hollow, and Crystal Spring
passed out of our sight, but not out of our mem
ory. I wished to hear Cousin Jennie's opinion of the
affair, and called at her home. She had heard a
tme account, and said, "Alex, you distinguished
yourself to-day. I'd done just as you did. I can't
see what has come over Mr. Paine." I replied,
"I know. He's courting Miss Kate, and hasn't
got the nerve to make Dick behave himself." It
was comforting to hear words of approval, for I
knew weU now that Mr. Paine was not disturbing
her dreams.
A few days after, Cousin Will caUed with a
note for me, and to get a book Mr. Paine had lent
me. The note read thus:
"Dear Alex:
"I see I did wrong and am sorry for It. 'Tis
too late to mend the matter. I leave this evening.
I'll never forget your kindness and friendship.
Make a man of yourself. May God bless you.
Good-by. Your friend,
"Wm. F. Paine."

26o MEMORY DAYS
I hastened into the parlor, closed the door, and
wept bitterly, for I had loved him dearly. For a
short while the fountain of my heart was almost
sealed, but his note opened It, and tears came forth
in a flood.

CHAPTER XXXIII
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
"In the long vista of the years to roll,
I<et me not see my country's honor fade;
Oh I let me see our land retain its soul!
Her pride in Freedom, and not in Freedom's shade." — Keats.
"Yonder comes a candidate. I can teU him by
the way he rides." Thus spoke my father, stand
ing by his gate, as a fellow-citizen who desired his
vote rode up. Dismounting, he took my father's
hand and gave It a long, hearty shake. "How do
you do, Mr. Paxton? How is Mrs. Paxton?
How are the little folks? All well? How are
your crops?" He ranted on for some time, but
he soon got to the plum In the pudding. "I am
out for sheriff and most humbly solicit your vote.
I think you and I agree on political questions, and
you know me very well." "Yes," replied my fa
ther, smiling, "perhaps I know you too well! But
I think you'll do." "Hurrah! for our side," ex
claimed Mr. Frank Shields. "I think I'U beat
Dick Wilson all tO' pieces ! But time Is precious."
So, mounting his handsome horse, he cantered off,
seeking new fields to win. Scarcely had he passed

262 MEMORY DAYS
out of sight when my father cried out, "Look
yonder ! If there Isn't another one coming ! Why,
they're just swarming this morning." I should say
the office of sheriff in that elder day was a very
remunerative and responsible one. He collected
the taxes, made arrests, and hanged criminals.
The two poHtlcal parties were the Whig and
Democratic. My father was a Whig. The rival
candidate was a loyal Democrat, and he then rode
up. He too shook hands, and asked after the wel
fare of the home-folks. He was more generous
than his rival, for as a peace offering he gave us
children each a stick of red candy. He seemed to
fear there were rocks In his road, and In a ner
vous manner began his speech. "Mr. Paxton, I
know your standing and Influence in the commun
ity, and feel that If you will rally around me I'll be
elected." "Well, you are doubtless qualified for
the office, but Frank Shields and I are good
friends, both politically and sociaUy, and I shall
be loyal to him." "Ah! yes, I see; birds of a
feather flock together." "Yes, and the flock of
honest birds doesn't want the owl or the hawk to
come Into their nests." He saw the point and his
countenance fell. With a weather remark, he too
pushed on, seeking what he could devour. Still,

POLITICAL AFFAIRS 263
the candy was sweet and I think we juveniles would
have voted for him for any office. We felt like
the old Pennsylvania Dutchman in the campaign
of Andrew Jackson, who when they sent the elec
tion returns, sent this message, "If you haven't
enough to elect him, let us know and we'U send
some more."
Woe unto the candidate whose life had not been
pure and upright. For his sins surely would be
painted on the sky for aU the world to see. Such
a one generaUy had better sense than to try It.
Some, with brazen face, would start In the race,
and even If, on rough seas, they saUed to the polls,
there they shipwrecked. For In those days a high
standard of honor and honesty was demanded by
the people. The more poHtic candidate generaUy
carried in his saddle pockets a large flask of good
old "apple jack," a more fiery argument than
tariff or currency with some voters.
Even the candidate for governor rode around
the doubtful districts, spending the night in some
humble cabin in the mountain hoUow, eating com
bread and fat bacon, and sleeping in some bed with
the junior voters of the family. But he won votes
and so won the prize.
Governor Barbour teUs this incident of one of
his electioneering tours. "My rival and I met

264 MEMORY DAYS
one evening at the home of a plain old farmer
whose vote was worth much; for as grandpa
voted, so did quite a long list of descendants. We
did not touch on politics that night, but strove In
entertaining our host and hostess with spicy stories.
We slept in the same bed, the Hon and the lamb
lay down together! I decided that early In the
moming I'd slip out and try to make my hay be
fore the sun shone. But when I awoke the next
morning the sun was peeping In the window, and
gently reaching my hand toward my companion,
lo ! there was an aching void. The early bird was
out and might get the worm. Looking out of the
window I saw the old man cutting wood. I
thought there was my chance and hurried down.
Said I, 'Good morning, Mr. Moore. Let me
show you how I can cut wood.' I forgot that I
had not used an axe for twenty years. I made
several awkward licks when the old feUow said,-
'If your political axe don't cut any better, you'll
never get to be gov-nor.' Soon I saw he was on the
fence and had both legs on the other side. Then,
remembering that, from observation the night
before, the queen of the establishment seemed
to hold the sceptre, I decided to find her and strike
the political note. Not noticing her about the
house, and as I saw no servant I thought she might

POLITICAL AFFAIRS 265
be out at the stable milking. Away I went on a
tour of inspection, and peering through a crack
saw her milking a young cow and my bedfellow
holding the calf by the tail. My hopes vanished,
for I knew my cause there was lost. I got my
horse, thanked the old man for his kindness, and
went to the next house for breakfast."
Another candidate told the foUowing: "In the
twilight I once stopped at an influential home and
was ushered Into the sitting-room before the
candles were lighted. I noticed In the dim light
two little tots sitting on the floor near the mother.
Knowing that kind attention to her babies wiU
open the road to any mother's heart, I thought
there was my chance. So I caUed them to my
knees and pronounced them the very image of
their papa, and. In my zeal to win their mother's
heart, I bent over and kissed them. I thought
they tittered as though they enjoyed It, and a mur
mur of subdued laughter seemed to pervade the
room which I thought an auspicious omen for me.
I mbbed my hands In view of my success in first
impressions. Soon after a light was brought In
and I almost fainted from the shock when I saw
I had kissed two greasy, black little negroes ! Al
most on my knees, I begged the father's pardon,
and implored them not to teU of my mistake until

266 MEMORY DAYS
after the election. The pets were sent out of the
room, and It was some time before my tempera
ture of mind or body was normal."
In the VaUey there was a sect called the Mil-
lerites who predicted the end of the world on a
certain day, and had ready their robes of ascension.
The leader of a band of these was a weU-known
scamp. Before light on the moming of this day
they went out on a hill to be ready to mount up as
Gabriel blew his trumpet. The leader, to* be first
In the upward flight, climbed on the top of a hay
stack, and under the burden of the occasion, being
wearied, he fell asleep. Some mischievous young
fellows had followed the band to see the fun. The
snoring of the sleeping saint revealed his roostlng-
place. Then these wicked sinners stuck a match to
the hay and In a second the flames and smoke be
gan to roll around the dreaming victim. Shouting,
they awoke him. Up he jumped, and cried out In
the agony of despair, "Judgment day, and In hell!
Just where I thought I'd be!" Some years after
he started to mn for some office, and the rehearsal
by his opponent of the words uttered on the burn
ing haystack just ran him off the race-track.
In that day men voted viva voce In a manly
way. The name of the voter was called out and
he told In a clear voice the name of his candidate.

POLITICAL AFFAIRS 267
There was a ring of honesty about the poUs — ^no
bribery, no repeating, no stuffing the ballot-box.
Some grand old men sat in the gubernatorial
chair of the Old Dominion. There was "Extra
Billy" Smith, one of the gentiemen of the old
school. Courteous as a French cavalier, high-
toned and loyal to the best interests of his Mother
State, he wore the crown with grace and honor.
I saw him once in Lexington at a dining at Pro
fessor James White's. He was In evening dress,
erect, and soldierly in his step. Mrs. White came
in to Invite the guests out to the dining-room. As
guest of honor she asked the ex-Governor to be
her escort. Placing one hand on his breast and
bowing very low he said, "Madam, I'd foUow
you to the ends of the earth."
Another of those giants was Henry A. Wise.
I heard him on the Fourth of July In 1855, I
think, at the V. M. I. commencement, deHver di
plomas to the graduating class. He told them
they would find the world harder than the mattress
of their barracks, but a brave soldier must face and
conquer every obstacle in his path. Those were
grand old men who helped make the lustre that as
a halo encircled the brow of their old mother, and
whose names are a precious legacy handed down
from the far off and glorious past.

CHAPTER XXXIV
WASHINGTON COLLEGE
"The helm may rust, the laurel bough may fade.
Oblivion's grasp may blunt the- victor's blade:
But that bright, holy wreath which learning gives,
Untorn by hate, unharmed by envy, lives." — Grahame.
Near the northem outskirts of Lexington, on a
hill, stand the gray ruins of old Liberty HaU
Academy. They look now just as they looked In
my boyhood. There I learned that many years
before. In 1780, Rev. William Graham, one of
the pioneer teachers of the Valley, taught a clas
sical school there and that the seed sown bloomed
and blossomed Into splendid fmltage. It was the
foremnner of Washington College, founded in
1 8 13, and George Washington gave liberally to
its endowment. As a boy In 1854 I saw It for the
first time. Having heard of It from early boy
hood and seen Its graduates who' were men In the
higher walks of life I had for It a veneration sec
ond only to old Falling Spring Church. The green
campus, the long colonnade of massive white pil
lars, the statue of Washington on the top of the
dome were all objects of great Interest to me.

WASHINGTON COLLEGE 269
And then when the bell rang for change of classes,
and the students crowded the colonnade going to
their recitation rooms, I saw the busy life of the
great school. I seemed to catch an inspiration, as
it were, from the surroundings, and something
seemed to whisper to me to strive to enter this
temple of learning.
Some grand old men had been presidents of the
school. In the administration of Dr. Henry Ruff-
ner some mischievous students early one morning
tied a calf in the Doctor's big arm chair in his
class-room. When he entered, "Baa, baa !"
greeted his ears with the laughter of the class al
ready seated to see the fun. Taking In the situa
tion at a glance he said, "Young gentlemen, I see
you have an Instructor fully competent to teach
you, so I'll bid you good moming." The calf was
soon on the campus and an apology sent to the
Doctor. Professor Campbell had a roguish cow that
would steal IntO' the campus and graze, to the an
noyance of the students. One night some strong,
bold fellows caught old Brindle and brought her
Into the central part of the lower floor of the
Main Building. Then with paints they proceeded
to give her a coat of many colors. The cow was
bawling and the boys laughing as they commented

270 MEMORY DAYS
on "Old John's fancy stock." But lo ! the Pro
fessor, who had caught a whisper of the frolic,
came on the scene, and In the excitement and dark
ness worked his way up close to the painters as the
finishing touches were being given. Speaking out
in the meeting he said, "Young gentlemen, this Is
my property." "Oh my!" "Look out!" they
cried, the cow was tumed loose, and out went the
lights. The music then was a universal medley,
cow, professor, and boys all mixed up, the latter
trying to escape the horns and hoofs of Brindle,
and In the darkness each one thinking he would be
gored or trampled on. In the stampede she upset
several of her tormentors, but with llttie damage.
The next day she was the admiration of all who
saw her. Professor CampbeU took It as a joke and
did not report the boys.
In September, 1857, I was enrolled as a fresh
man In Washington College. I roomed In a build
ing bearing the unpoetlcal name of "Cat Tail."
The next building was Paradise, In which roomed
some wild boys, so' as to give rise to the expression,
"Fallen Angels of Paradise." Many students
roomed in the college buildings and boarded in the
town. In a short time I was visited by the hazing com
mittee and "initiated." This was of a mild type,

WASHINGTON COLLEGE 27 1
and consisted In securing one's door and inserting
through the keyhole a lighted blasting fuse, fill
ing the room with the disagreeable smoke. If to
get relief one put his head out of the window a
bucket of water was thrown on the victim. Those
who took the treatment In a pleasant way were
visited only once, but woe untO' him who raged In
his den and wanted to fight !
I soon found out that studying at college and
at Crystal Spring were different things. The cur
riculum was extensive, especially In mathematics,
being ahead of any college in the State. In this
department were descriptive geometry, mechanics,
and fortifications and gunnery, equal to any uni
versity course. Professor A. L. Nelson was the
Instmctor, and well did he do' his work. With
long, hard lessons I had often to burn the midnight
oil. Professor J. J. White, Instmctor In Greek, was
my admiration. With a splendid figure and a
voice that brought out all the music in the Greek
words, he Impressed all the students. One day In
class he asked me If I could think of an English
word derived from "graus" meaning old. I piped
out, "Granny," much to his amusement. I came
near having to try to whip some wags who started
to give me the above nickname.

272 MEMORY DAYS
Professor Junius Fishburne taught Latin the
first half of session, but died, and Hugh White, a
senior, taught the rest of the session. The college
suffered a great loss In the death of Fishburne.
Great stress was laid on declamation, and every
Friday evening a certain number had to declaim In
the chapel. It made the knees of the freshmen
shake to face that critical audience. My training
at Crystal Spring helped me much In this exercise.
The discipline of the college was rigid. Students
had to attend chapel twice a day, church once each
Sabbath. Every afternoon there was "study hour"
between 3 and 4 o'clock, when every one was re
quired tO' be In his room and observe perfect quiet.
A boy simply could not stay there and not study.
Such discipline Is productive of better results than
the lax system of modem universities.
On the 19th of January the Graham Philan
thropic Literary Society celebrated Its anniversary.
The buildings were lighted up and the beauty
and chivalry of Lexington and neighboring country
crowded the chapel. The exercises consisted of
the "Anniversary Address," and a question dis
cussed by four debaters.
The next great day was Febmary 22d, cele
brated in honor of the founder of the school.
The memorial exercises were held In the Pres-

WASHINGTON COLLEGE 273
byterian Church, where two speakers, one from
the Graham and the other from the Washing
ton Society, delivered addresses. The cadet corps
from the Virginia Military Institute marched to
the church in martial array, and representatives
from their two societies also made addresses.
Owing to the classical training of the students their
speeches were generally pronounced to be of a
more highly finished tone. That night the Wash
ington Society held Its annlversity in the chapel.
Commencement was the great day of each ses
sion. With a brass band In the front and a pro
cession headed by the board of tmstees and faculty,
we marched over to the Presbyterian Church,
where the exercises were held. Prayer, the saluta
tory in Greek and Latin, two other speeches, the
valedictory, presentation of diplomas and medals
and, then "Good-bye" by the band, when the cur
tain dropped on the session, and all soon were
"homeward bound."
The years passed, and I stepped from one class
to another, until I was a senior. The average
senior is not so wise In his own estimation as a
sophomore. For he feels how much there Is to
learn and how little he has learned; that, as it
were, he has only gathered a few shells on the
18

274 MEMORY DAYS
shore of the great ocean of knowledge whose
waves are surging at his feet, and the deep swell
of whose tides reach even to the "flaming walls
of the universe."
On April 13th, 1861, we heard the booming of
the guns at Fort Sumter, and also the deep
muttermgs of the approaching political storm. Old
Virginia clung to the Union until Lincoln called
for 75,000 men to whip the sovereign States back
Into the Union. The college was all aglow with
the spirit of secession. A military company was
formed, with Professor White as captain. We
were drilled by cadets from the V. M. I. and It
was well done. The professors and older men
formed a squad, and the campus was alive with
military commands and movements.
Doctor Junkin was bitter against secession, as
he was a Northem man by birth and education.
One night a secession flag was put on Main Build
ing by the side of the statue. As the old Doctor
came in the gate the next morning and his eye
caught the flag, he jumped up about two feet, and
cried out, "I'U take that flag down. If I have to
tear the building down !" He had the janitor take
it down and bum it, and the Doctor prayed that
so might all perish who raised a hand against the
Union.

WASHINGTON COLLEGE 275
But we were determined In the matter, and the
next night a large flag was put up, and next morn
ing It was floating beautifully over the building.
A committee waited on the faculty and told them
that flag should not come down! By the way, all
the faculty, except the Doctor, were on our side.
The flag floated on.
The Doctor was quiet, and we went Into chapel
orderly. When our class filed Into his room and
took seats he asked Relly on the right, "Mr. Reily,
Is the flag StiU on the budding?" "Yes, Doctor,"
replied Reily. Then the old man read his resig
nation, closing with these words, "I'll never teach
under a rebel flag!" We filed out quietiy, and on
that day recitations closed at the old college, for
our time was taken up with drill and preparations
soon to join Jackson at Harper's Ferry.
The morning came for our departure. We
marched to the front of the court-house and a
beautiful company flag was presented to us by the
ladles of FaUIng Spring Church, with the Latin
words on it "Pro arls et focis," i. e., For our altars
and firesides. Captain White, In quivering ac
cents, accepted It. There were few dry eyes In
that great crowd who came to see us off. The
dmm beat, and at the command, "Forward,
march," we went to the foot of the hill, where.

276 MEMORY DAYS
getting into a long line of stage coaches and hacks,
we tearfully took leave of dear old Lexington and
our alma mater. The old bell was silent and the
halls deserted. Now closes my ante-beUum story,
for we were enrolled as soldiers In the greatest
war of modem times.
"How can I see the brave and young
Fall in the cloud of war, and fall unsung?" — Addison.

CHAPTER XXXV
TOURNAMENTS
"On his fiery steed betimes he rode.
That scarcely prints the turf on which he trod."
A relic of the Middle Ages, in a modified form,
came down to old Virginia. It was the tourna
ment. In those earlier days, however, mail-
clad knights, with lances couched and on fiery
steeds, mshed against each other in the arena.
Their object was to klU or roll In the dust their
opponents. It was often a contest to avenge a
wrong or Insult to some fair lady, who from her
seat looked down with smiles upon the brave deeds
of her champion. Having struck the shield of
his antagonist with his spear, as a chaUenge, a
herald proclaimed the contest, and amid the clash
of steel and the shouts of the spectators one of
them was doomed to fall.
Not so in Virginia. It was more a test of skill
in horsemanship and steady nerve. A level track
of some three hundred yards In length and lying
by the edge of a grove, was chosen. At Intervals
of forty yards three poles were planted by the
side of this track, with horizontal arms reaching

278 MEMORY DAYS
over It. From these arms rings three Inches In
diameter were suspended on wires so as to be
easily taken off on a spear. The knight had to
come by at full speed, and try to take the rings
off the wires with his lance. The one who, in
the appointed number of runs, took the most rings
was the victor, and might crown some fair one as
queen of love and beauty. It was no easy thing
to take these rings, and many a hopeful knight
flew by and left the rings untouched. Now and
then one more fortunate would take all three rings
at one dash, when the grove would ring with
cheers. It was In the order of a grand picnic. Notice
of the day and place, was sent around and posted
at central points, everybody being invited. The
young people came from near and far. Dignified
papas came to see their boys ride, and smiling
mamas came, hoping to see their handsome
daughters crowned, or, at least, be chosen as
maids of honor. There were three of these maids,
named by the three knights on the list of rings
taken next to the highest. Many a rustic swain
had pledged the crown to some sweet lass should
he win. There was a judges' stand on which sat
men of nerve and experience to decide on speed
or any disputed points.

TOURNAMENTS 279
I recall a tournament near FaUIng Spring. It
was a beautiful day In September, and the foliage
of the grove had the gorgeous tints of autumn.
In carriages. In wagons, and on horseback a great
crowd gathered early In the day. And not least
In the general estimation were the heaping baskets
and Ice cream freezers, fore-mnners of a royal
feast. The knights on the Hst were named from
history — Montrose of England, Dunbar of Scot
land, KlUamey of Ireland, Navarre of France,
etc. Each knight had a characteristic costume and
wore on his breast a representation of the national
emblem. The English wore the rose, the Scotch
the thistle, the Irish the shamrock, and the French
the lily. And as they rode, by twos, before the
stand and saluted as they passed, they made a
pretty picture. Down the long line of spectators,
amid the clapping of hands and waving of hand
kerchiefs, they moved to the starting point. The
riding was fine and the contests close.
The knight of Mountain HoUow, by his cos
tume and mounting, attracted much attention. He
wore a large straw hat from whose crown waved
black feathers from a rooster's tail, a long Hnen
duster, and long red stockings drawn up over his
pants. He was mounted on a raw-boned white
mule. As he made his mns the very ground

280 MEMORY DAYS
shook with the exclamations of the crowd. He
gathered in the rings, too, along with the more
aristocratic gentry. As he came clattering down
the track, his hat flapping, his feathers waving, and
coat-tail streaming out behind, the marshals could
hardly keep the crowd off the track in their en
thusiasm and eagerness to see the clown of the ring.
On the last run the contest was between the
knights of Navarre and of Montrose, each having
the same number of rings. The red rose flew by
and two rings were taken. His friends cheered
lustily. The crisis of the day was reached when
the herald cried, "Make way for the Knight of
Navarre!" as the crowd was again pressing on
the track. On he came, his white plume flashing
down the line, and all the rings were taken ! The
old grove rang with applause, the very trees seem
ing to nod their approval. We aU were sure then
that Miss Mary McC, one of the belles of the
James, would be queen.
The lunch was spread on tables In the grove and
the feast was enjoyed by all. The gallant knights
from foreign lands all seemed to do justice to Vir
ginia biscuit, fried chicken, custard pies, cake and
Ice cream. After a rest from the labors of the
table, came the crowning of the queen. Sure
enough. Miss Mary was chosen, and she made a

TOURNAMENTS 2 8 1
pretty, graceful one. And, mirable dictu, old
"Moimtain HoUow" named, as the second maid.
Hazel, my blue-eyed friend of years ago. Cousin
Jennie was chosen third maid by a feUow from
New York, who had been spending the summer In
the neighborhood, and rode as the "Black Horse"
Knight. He was a down-east Yankee, who was
dressed a la mode, and had a gold watch and
big fob chain. He had been coming over the
river to see my cousin far too often, I thought, for
mere friendship. So the green-eyed monster
whispered, "Look out! He wiU steal your sweet
cousin and carry her to the North." And then I
was wicked enough to wish him at the north pole
and In the middle of an iceberg. And when he
led Jennie up to the queen's court I forgot all
about the tenth commandment, and was jealous
and envious from the crown of my head to the
sole of my foot.
A temporary throne was made and the queen
was seated thereon, with her maids in order around
her. A handsome speech was then made by a
budding genius with oratorical gifts, after which
the white-plumed knight with trembling hands
placed the crown of flowers on Miss Mary's head,
and the courtiers shouted, "Long live the Queen!"
Then the maids knelt before her in meek obedience,

282 MEMORY DAYS
and the court In couples passed before the throne,
bowing and saluting their sovereign, tO' all of
whom she held out the golden sceptre. It was a
beautiful and Impressive scene. I slyly whispered
to Cousin Jennie that If I had been the victor she
would have been queen.
From the high-toned amusement of the tourna
ment the Old Dominion often stooped to one
that smacked of barbaric days. She stepped
from the sublime to the ridiculous. I refer to a
bmtal performance called "gander pulling."
There Is a vein of brutality found In the so-called
civilized man. We throw up our hands In pious
horror at a bull-fight In Madrid, and yet have one
in New York or Boston unmolested by police;
and as to standing-room, why, there would scarcely
be breathing-room! And this In enlightened
Christian America! Why a gander, and not a
rooster or a gobbler, was selected for this cruel
sport must be found In the graceful outlines and
prolongation of the neck. As the gander figures
In history In saving the proud mistress of the
world from the Gauls, his species. In succeeding
ages, should have been spared this humiliation.
Be It to the honor of the women to say that this
sport was patronized only by the men, but the
patrician and the plebeian alike attended and rev-

TOURNAMENTS 283
eled in the sport. Here Is the game as played by
our fathers and grandslres.
A level piece of ground was selected and a pole
planted by Its side, with a cross bar the same as
for the tournament. To this arm a gander, whose
neck had been well greased, was hung by a cord
tied around both feet. The position being uncom
fortable, by the free use of his wings he was In a
state of constant motion. The performance con
sisted in gaUopIng by, at fuU speed, and grab
bing the gander by the neck with such a wicked
wrench as to end his days. It was hard to do, as
the bird, flapping Its wings on the approach of the
horseman, would make aU sorts of lunges, his
head bobbing here and there. Then, when one
got hold of his neck, unless his grip was strong
and quickly clenched it was a failure. If, after a
dash, the bird hung motionless, the prize was won.
Then another bird was put In Its place, and the
sport continued until the last neck was wrenched
out of place.
The feUow who killed the gander took It home
and had "roast goose" for Sunday, as these re
fined entertainments were celebrated generaUy on
Saturday evening. Under some of these birds,
doubtless, the fire had to be kindled early In the
moming, else in the evening there would be tired
jaws and Imperfect digestion in the home.

CHAPTER XXXVI
LAST VISIT TO CRYSTAL SPRING
"Oh I a wonderful stream is the river Time,
As it runs through the realm of tears.
With a faultless rhythm, and a musical rhyme.
And a broader sweep and a surge sublime.
As it blends in the ocean of years!" — B. E. Taylor.
Thirty years have passed since, on that sad
evening, we bade good-by to old Crystal Spring
Seminary. Again I am sitting upon the old syca- .
more root that hangs by the spring. The waters I
are gushing out and gurgling over the clean pebbles
down to the creek, just as they did In my happy
school-boy days. I drink and they are sweet and
refreshing as ever, better than any I have tasted In
these long years. The trout are swimming In the
hole on the opposite side of the creek. The old
mountains are standing as of yore, grand and sub
lime. But, in many things, how great the change !
A few of the old trees near the spring are still
standing, and some on the bank above. I go up
on the gentle plateau and a new house, a neat
dwelling. Is standing where the old school build
ing stood. Little children are playing in the yard,

LAST VISIT TO CRYSTAL SPRING 285
and beyond stands a field of waving com over our
old playground. The grand oaks, hickories, and
poplars that we so loved in those merry days of
childhood have fallen, some by the axe and some
by the storm.
Yet, standing on a rocky knoll, where a grand
cedar once stood, I can point out many weU-re-
membered spots. I go back to the spring, and
throwing myself on the green sward near by I look
up at the blue sky, and memory brings before me
the past. I again hear sweet girHsh voices, and
the ringing shout of the playground. I am amid
the buzzing of the schoolroom and hear the final
good-bys of the last day. I hear the applause
at our exhibition in the grove and I see Jennie's
smile of approval. I hear BeUe caUing me to the
grape-vine swing, and remember how cheerfuUy I
obeyed the pretty princess. But I come back to
the present and I ask where now are aU those
bright boys and girls that once made life so joyous
and beautiful in that grove? And then I re
member, remember that thirty years have flown
since those gala days of youth. Time has brought
changes in our Hves and changes in our homes.
A cruel war has swept over our fair Southern land,
leaving In its track graves, and tears, and desola
tion. And then I remember that upon the min

286 MEMORY DAYS
wrought a new South has arisen; yet we love to
linger amid the memories and monuments of the
old. Where are they, did I ask? Some are still
fighting the battles of Hfe, and many have passed
over the river. Some of those girls are now
mothers training their households in the good old
paths. Many of those boys are found In various
avenues of Industry making good citizens and ful
filling the promises of their boyhood. Aunt
Rachel sleeps In the cemetery of Falling Spring.
I tread lightly as I walk around her grave. "Her
deeds follow her." Mr. Paine was a gallant sol
dier In our Southern army, and now lies In the
graveyard of Holly Springs. Cousin Will fell at
First Manassas. On the next morning I helped to
wrap him In his blanket and lay him In his soldier's
grave, over which the wild rose blossoms, and
around which the morning birds sing a requiem.
William A., wounded In a gallant charge at Man
assas, still halts on his leg. He is a leader at the
bar and Attomey-General of Virginia.
I ask where is Dick B.? and echo answers,
"Where?" The man was the outcome of the boy.
A bloated debauchee, he was shot down to avenge
an Insult. Cousin Jennie, in a happy home, reigns
as queen. Of the girl friends of my boyhood she

LAST VISIT TO CRYSTAL SPRING 287
was the flower of them aU. BeUe lends a charm
to a choice circle, a princess in the sphere in which
she moves. And, as I look around and see that
my only companions are those which Nature gives
me, I can but think of the beautiful lines of Moore,
"I feel like one who treads alone
Some banquet hall deserted.
Whose lights are fled, whose garlands dead.
And all but me deserted."
Then, too, I remember that nearly all the dear
old people are gone to their rest, and strangers
tread in the ancestral haUs. I am almost a stranger
in the land^of my fathers. Bidding fareweU to the
almost sacred spot, I slowly depart, and as I
tum to take a last look at the dear old spring, these
words, as tme as ever poet sang, come into mind :
"But the bloom and the fragrance of those by-gone years
Will linger around its waters forever."

YALE UNIVERSITY

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