“Well, I’ll be d——d!”
————
It was nearly midnight when they came home again. After feeding the old mule, they sat down on the door-step.
“My Captain, will you get your violin and play some real music?”
“Jeannette, how did that old mule ever manage to travel to Hyden and back with such a load of sweetness?”
“By dint of placing one foot before the other, Sandy. We were only sixteen hours on the road; we made nearly two miles an hour. I do not think I would care to hear ‘The Arkansaw Traveler’ after that journey; but suppose you end the day, it must be merging into the morrow, by playing ‘Turkey in the Straw.’”
The old familiar tune awoke Simeon and he awoke his wife. “Listen, Mandy! those crazy things are back. Hear Sandy, he’s playing ‘Turkey in the Straw;’ that boy will never settle down.” He called out: “Go to bed and give other people a chance to sleep; or else keep still and start breakfast.”
[pg 70] In a little while the house was very still. There was no sound except the chirping of the cricket of the hearth. You who dwell in cities and know nothing of firesides, may not appreciate his simple song.
The Cricket’s Song.
I.
Chorister of the hearth,
When stillness reigns, I sing
To God, Eternal King,
Praises for the fireside.
II.
Thy simple souls dwell here,
Content throughout the year.
Love garlands every day;
Peace keeps harsh words away.
III.
Grant the door open wide
For young and happy bride,
With husband by her side;
May their sweet dream come true.
IV.
When morning star doth rise
Joy comes; the baby cries;
New mother with glad eyes,
Beholds hers and Thine own.
V.
Make this a place of rest;
The place that God loves best;
The place where love abides;
God bless our happy home.