Chapter 1

April 16, 1852

The sun bequeaths a beautiful spring morning round the mountain. The perfume of flowers abounds and the sound of a rooster saturates the morning air. The rabbit box is closed. Possibly concealing a successful catch hiding inside. Uncle Isaac, one of the Jernigan slaves, peeks into the rabbit box, looks up and calls out to Wee-Bean, "Mars Norman dis a fat-un!”

A lark darts from a fragrant cedar to an oak sapling. Standing in the front of the house the wagon is full of the last of the winter crops of greens and cabbage. Jack, the pet mule, is harnessed and raring to go. Wee-Bean clatters out of the house and down the steps. He reaches down and pats their brown hound, Charlie, on the head and tosses him a biscuit. His twin sister, Polly watches as Jack turns his head, swishes his tail and neighs for Wee-Bean to come over. Wee-Bean plucks a fresh clump of tall spring grass and delivers it to Jack's smacking lips. Betty Gail Jernigan sits in the wagon, studying the bright and busy scene. She pulls her beautiful auburn hair to the back of her head tying it into a ponytail, all the time, smiling at the familiar family scenes occurring on their little farm.

"Let's git," hollers Buck Jernigan, summoning their twins, Polly and Norman to hurry to the wagon.

Their darkies, Uncle Isaac and his wife Sally climb aboard the wagon and they rumble off toward town. Jack heads up the hill and along the narrow dew-moistened trail. The old mule is full of excitement. Even a mule knows a fresh hay treat is waiting for him if he is left at the livery stable in town, the little Village of Stone Mountain.

Although the village is growing because of the newly finished railroad, it is still noted as an insignificant town, consisting only of several churches, a grocery, a grog shop, a bar, a blacksmith shop, ten pin alleys and a few tumbled-down shanties. Yet this little hamlet stands in full view of the sloping side of the Mountain. In contrast, Stone Mountain is home to one of the finest education institutions in the state, the Stone Mountain Academy. Arriving at the Academy, Wee-Bean and Polly leap from the wagon.

"We will pick you up after Mr. Johnson's funeral," Buck calls to his two children. Wee-Bean links up with one of his friends. Just as the bell rings, Polly, her brother Wee-Bean and his friend enter the school looking for their teacher, Miss Martha Tweedle.

"Giddy-up Jack," commands Mr. Jernigan. The wagon slowly turns as they head toward the depot track crossing. The plaintive sound of the whistle of the train can be heard in the distance. Peering over the trees, the bellowing clouds of smoke indicate the distance remaining before the train arrives. The engine rolls into view. "Squeakkkkk" echo the brakes, which slowly bring the train to a stop. The mail car door opens and the railroad agent throws the mailbag to the waiting postal clerk.

"Thanks!" the postal clerk shouts as he grabs the bag and climbs onto his buckboard. He immediately heads toward the post office. In passing, he shouts to the Jernigan's, "Good morning to you Buck. Good morning Betty Gail."

"And a good morning to you!" Buck replies, along with a wave. Betty Gail nods and smiles.

The engineer jumps from the fuming steam engine as it reaches the water tank. He grabs the handle of the waterspout and slowly lowers it, turning the valve to allow water to flow into the boiler. When the boiler is full of water, the engineer retracts the large metal nozzle and closes the valve. He climbs back into the engine cab and slightly releases the brakes on the engine, allowing the cattle car to roll where it needs to be. The car's agent raises his hand indicating to the engineer to prepare to stop. As the cattle car nears the proper alignment with the corral gate, the agent drops his hand. The engineer pulls the brake handle, stopping the cattle car precisely before the corral gate. The railroad agent unlocks the large sliding door. Around thirty head enter the corral. A flatbed rail car loaded with cut granite is parked on a sidetrack waiting to become a part of a southbound train due that afternoon.

"Hey, Buck!" James W. Goldsmith yells. "Can you help me a moment?"

Buck stops the wagon by the depot. "Might can. What do you need?"

"Jesse Lanford bought six heifers, but he isn't here to claim them. I don't mind doing it for him but I need a witness. Would you sign the papers with me?"

"Anything for a neighbor." Buck signs the document knowing his neighbors would do the same for him.

The Jernigans hurry to the church. Today is a sad day in this village and it's residents. One of the Town's founders and a good friend, Andrew Johnson is to be buried in the afternoon. Betty Gail and some of her friends are going to prepare the family meal to be served after the funeral service. Other families providing food pull their wagons up to the church and begin to unload. Betty Gail, Sally and Isaac unload their contribution. Buck holds the halter of the lead horse while they are taking the fare to the basement of the church, and nods to Betty Gail as she retrieves the last of the vegetables. "I'm headed to the blacksmith shop. Jack sorely needs a foot trimming and to be shod. The wagon wheels need greasing, too. I'll be back in plenty of time for the service."

"Whoa... Jack." Buck climbed down and clasped the calloused hand of his old friend Levi Hambrick, the blacksmith. "Nice seeing you and your wife at the laying out last night, Levi. I'm sorry Betty Gail and I did not get to spend more time talking with you two."

"Yes, so were we. There was such a large crowd there. I don't believe anybody spent much time talking with others. I know you and the Johnson's are very close friends."

"Yes, we are," replies Buck as he continues. "Our families came from the Carolinas about the same time. My father and Andrew's father were very close." He chuckled for the first time since Andrew's death. "Talk about spinning tall tales, whenever those two gents got together, they could really mystify their listeners with Indian war stories. I'll pick my mule up after the funeral and will have Isaac get the other horse and buggy we left here yesterday."

"I should have everything ready in a couple of hours. Instead of having Isaac pick up the buggy, I'll leave it for you in front of the church." Levi released Jack from the wagon and looked back at Buck. "Please give my regards to the Johnson family. My wife will be at the funeral but I told the Johnsons I could not make it today."

"I'll be sure to do that, Levi." Buck left his friend and strode the two blocks to the church, focusing on his obligation. This isn't the way he would have chosen to spend his day. The loss of his good friend weighs heavily on his mind as he hurries the last few steps of his walk.

Around eleven o'clock, the friends of Andrew Johnson begin to gather outside the church. They greet each other somberly and forming small groups, inevitable they begin discussing local matters, and how Andrew has touched nearly everyone in the community. Buck is talking to Lewis Tumlin and Michal Winningham. "Michal, I know you dug the first grave in the new cemetery for the Guess child. As I remember it, he is supposed to be a descendant of George Guess."

"You are right. George Guess's Indian name was Sequoyah. He was the man who wrote the alphabet for the Cherokee Indian Nation."

"Yeah, that's exactly what I thought. Did you prepare the grave site for Andrew as well?"

"Preacher asks me if I would do it. Andrew will be buried on his family plot on top of the hill. Mighty purty spot."

"Yes, Betty Gail told me." Then Buck turns to Lewis Tumlin, "Has anybody started to dig in the Etowah Indian mounds you bought in '38?"

"Even now and again some ask and some try and slip in. We can see the mounds from the house and try to keep everybody out. The mounds are an important archeological site and we hope to preserve them forever, if possible."

Clusters of mourners talking in whispered communication wait patiently for the start of the funeral services. Some of Buck's Masonic Brothers gather together to discuss local issues. Other neighbors mill around for a comfortable spot and talk that will momentarily free their minds of their grief. John Beauchamp, who sold the mountain to Andrew talks with the Veal brothers about his first impressive meeting with Andrew.

Aaron Cloud and Thomas Henry are discussing Thomas's effort to build a new tower on top of the mountain after Aaron's blew down. "Thanks for the valuable information about building a tower, Aaron, and what I should do to keep it standing. I tell you, it's not as easy as I thought."

Aaron replies and laughs, "Just be sure your tower is anchored better than mine or the wind will make short work of it! I saw yours last week and everything looks great. The anchors seem to be deep enough in the granite but you never know. When do you think it will be finished?"

"Hoping by June. Mine is about half the size of yours, only forty square feet at the base and eighty feet high. I hope to turn the tower into a popular observatory with the finest telescopes available in the South to exhibit the wonders of Heaven in their utmost glory."

"Professor Harper's astronomy lectures about the Glorious Sun during the day and the Wonders of the Heavens at night will draw a big crowd to the observatory."

"That's right. Thomas Johnson and John Quack are going to sponsor the lectures and observatory for me."

"Anything to bring in the tourists will help all of us. Stone Mountain has become a very popular destination since the road was completed."

Jesse Lanford is talking with a freelance writer in town to cover the funeral when he spots William Adair, Jr. who lives on the Lumpkin place outside Madison. "I see someone you should meet. He was in charge of laying the rail iron that brought the first train through our little town then to Decatur and on to Atlanta. William, I would like you to meet Mr. Elias Mason a freelance reporter. I though maybe he could write an interesting story about you and the road coming through Stone Mountain."

"Nice meeting you, Mr. Mason. Be glad to answer most any question you have about the road through these parts. Help put the Georgia Road in place from Madison to Atlanta."

"Thank you Mr. Adair. How has the road helped this little place?"

"Why it's helped to increase the influx of tourist to Stone Mountain. Crowds are getting bigger everyday on the train, but hauling cotton and livestock is the biggest business." More locals gather to hear all that William has to tell the reporter.

"Mr. Adair, please tell me how you got started with the Georgia Railroad and how you took that first train through here to Marthasville."

The clanging of church bells silences the conversation and everyone turns toward the church.

"Please Mr. Mason, look for me at the mercy meal after the funeral. I will be glad to continue our conversation then," whispers William as he moves toward the church doors with the rest of the crowd.

"Yes sir Mr. Adair. I will look forward to continuing the interview after the funeral. Thank you kind sir."

The crowd is silent as the funeral coach approaches. Friends form a line on each side of the path leading from the street to the front doors. Betty Gail, Isaac and Sally rush to join Buck just as others seek solace with their families.

Two black horses slowly draw the shiny funeral coach up the gentle hill and come to rest in front of the Baptist church. Stable boys secure the horses and buggies as the family members and pallbearers step quietly from their buggies and wagons, gathering at the rear of the coach. Buck can't help but notice the large decorative windows of the coach that extend the full length of each side. The rear door's top half is glass with an upper border ornate with perfectly cut and beautiful stained glass. In the center of the stained glass border is a design depicting the crucifixion glistening brightly from the midmorning sun. In the simple, wooden coffin lies the body of Andrew Johnson.

The family and pallbearers silently assemble at the rear of the funeral coach. The minister opens the door. The pallbearers assume their positions. Men who had served with Andrew as Commissioners or Postmasters of New Gibralter, yet their current situation seem to have taken a toll on each one. Aaron Cloud is the last to grasp his friend's coffin. The family escorts the coffin as Pastor Lewis Towers, proceeds in front. Passing by the line of friends are William Edgar Johnson and Jane, both eighty years of age, the father and mother of Andrew. Each uses a cane and needs assistance upon reaching the steps of the church. Andrew's son, thirty-five year old William II, assists his grandfather. Andrew's other two son's, thirty-two year old Thomas and thirteen year old George, assist their grandmother. Next are Andrew's sister Lucretia and her husband James Goldsmith. Andrew's other sister Sara and her husband, John Ford, follow Lucretia. The last of the family to enter to church is twenty-six year old Mary, Andrew's daughter and her husband, Dr. John Hamilton.

After a prayer and the singing of two gospel songs, the Pastor Lewis Towers begins the eulogy for Andrew Johnson. "We are here to celebrate the life of the founder of the City of Stone Mountain, Andrew Johnson, our loved one, our neighbor, our friend and our leader. He has gone to be with his wife, Elizabeth, who has been waiting for him in the hereafter for two years."

Betty Gail reaches lightly for Buck's hand. As good friends of the Johnson's, they remember how painful it had been for Andrew to lose his wife. The pastor's words of reunion are a great solace to Buck as he glances at his beloved Betty Gail. He continues to listen intently as the pastor gives a brief synopsis of his friend's great life.

"Andrew was born in South Carolina on June 4, 1800, and, as we all here know, he passed away on April 16 of this year 1852. Just short of 52 years, Andrew lived his life to the fullest. Around 1828, he and his wife, mother, father and three sisters moved here from the Indian territory of South Carolina. In 1830, he and his family owned and operated a general store on Killian Hill Road. Andrew, who always believed in a strong state militia, became a First Lieutenant in Captain Latimer's Voluntary Enlistment in the 4th Regiment of the Georgia Militia in 1836. When he realized the value of the mountain as the most popular tourist spot in our state, he decided to purchase the entire mountain. Andrew bought the mountain from his, and our, good friends Mr. John Beauchamp and William Meador. In 1836, he built a hotel at the foot of the mountain, right at the spot where most people begin their trek up the mountain."

"When the first gold rush in America began in Dahlonega, his investment in his property around the mountain and in town begin to grow. Stagecoaches from Milledgeville stopped at his hotel. Passengers would spend the night and then travel on to Dahlonega the next morning."

"On December 21, 1836, Andrew was appointed to the Dekalb County Commission. With his influence, the Stone Mountain Academy was incorporated and approved by he General Assembly on December 31, l838. In 1839, he assisted in having New Gibralter incorporated as our town and served as our first commissioner. The city limits ran from his house to three hundred yards in all directions. He also served as our postmaster for seven years beginning in October 1839. Thanks to his persuasion, the railroad officials brought the Georgia Railroad through our city in 1845."

The sermon reminds Buck of the many good times he had with Andrew. The two watched the first load of granite leave Stone Mountain on the newly constructed spur line of the railroad, both laughing at how long it would take until the entire mountain had been hauled away. He remembers the time Andrew and John Graves announced that the Southern Central Agricultural Society would be holding a fair for all Georgians, right in Andrew's beautiful grove. Buck nearly laughs when he remembers the main feature of the fair: A traveling exposition complete with a run-away elephant. And there were the sad memories like when Weldon Wright used blasting powder to make a trail 25 feet long and two feet wide upon the steep side of the mountain. This was to be a tourist attraction for adventurers to walk on for a mere twenty-five cents. Then, while trying to extend the trail further in 1846, he was blown off the mountain by a pre-mature explosion. Buck squirms in his seat as he thinks of poor Weldon remains at the base of the mountain. A brief pause in the pastor's sermon brings Buck's attention back to the moment at hand.

"Andrew's hard work and determination helped him become one of Dekalb County's wealthiest landowners. His two thousand acre plantation at the steep side of the mountain is a perfect example of cotton farming. His success and vision have become this community's success and outlook for the future. He took us from Rock Mountain to New Gibralter, the railroad and then to Stone Mountain. Andrew was the catalyst for developing our community into a rare pearl. We must all strive to protect and build upon the inheritance and vision given to us by Andrew Johnson. May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be eternal."

After a communal reading of the Twenty-third Psalms and the Lord's Prayer, the congregation stands. The pallbearers, with Pastor Lewis Towers leading slowly and solemnly, return the casket to the funeral coach. The family and friends form the funeral procession to the Johnson Cemetery. Betty Gail begins to cry as she sees the open grave and the four strong straps that will support the coffin and lower it to its final resting place. Buck pulls her into a close embrace and comforts her.

The pallbearers remove Andrew's casket from the funeral coach for the last time, placing it on the straps. After the family and friends gather around the grave, Pastor Towers delivers the final prayer. Then each pallbearer takes one end of the strap, lifts the coffin and slowly walks on each side of the gravesite, centering the coffin over the grave. In unison, they lower the body of Andrew Johnson slowly to its place of eternal rest.

Isaac and Sally take Buck and Betty Gail to Levi's to get Jack and the buckboard. Buck assists Betty Gail from the wagon and helps her aboard. He holds onto the horse's bridle and turns the wagon. " Isaac, you and Sally head for home. Betty Gail and I are going back to the church. After the family meal, we have to pick up some dry goods, several bags of chicken feed, corn, okra and pea seeds and some new plow heads. Then we will pick up Polly and Wee-Bean and head home."

Those who attended the graveside service are returning to the church for the mercy meal. This gathering is less solemn than the actual funeral. The people are more out-going and talkative. After a brief prayer, they partake of the meal.

Mr. Elias Mason and William Adair sit together and pick up their discussion about the railroad. Mr. Mason asks William, "When did you first start with the railroad?"

"Well it's been about ten years, in 1842 to be exact. We started working on the survey just as I was 21. My pa gave me a dollar and told me to 'work out my fortune!'" William lets out a little chuckle. "So I applied at the Georgia Railroad office and got a job as the assistant surveyor. John A. Wright was my boss. It took us about six months to finish the road survey from Madison to Covington. It was December 22 and cold when we were finally done. You want exact dates, if I remember 'em?"

"Yes, in fact, I do. Did you lay iron on the road right away?" asks Elias.

"Yep, as soon as possible. Although it was the middle of winter, a lot of farmers were holding their cotton. Anxious to get that cotton to Augusta for shipping to Savannah or to transfer the cotton to a connecting road. It wasn't until August of '43 that we began the survey from Covington to Marthasville. We followed the Stone Mountain-Sandtown Indian Trail from Stone Mountain through Decatur and to Atlanta. L. P. Grant was hired to run the survey of the Georgia Railroad from Covington to Marthasville. F. C. Arms who later became the assistant to Mr. Grant carried the level instrument while I lugged the rod. We completed the survey to Marthasville on December 23, 1843."

"How did you get to be the conductor and engineer?"

"Mr. Adams eventually became the superintendent of the Georgia Railroad in 1845 and put me on fulltime. That's when I boarded with Mr. Melton at Yellow River."

"Yea and he married Mr. Adams daughter!" interjects Jesse clapping his hand on William's shoulder.

"Sur-nough did. Got married on September 29, '47 just after she turned eighteen. Where was I? On yeah, I was surveying with Ezekiel Sanford at Latimer's Crossroads in February and March of 1844, staking out the road to Stone Mountain." William shakes his shoulder. "Real cold winter! When it got warmer in April and May, I was assisting Mr. Grant at Decatur in the survey from here to Marthasville."

"So what happened when you finished the survey?"

"I was stationed at Yellow River during June and July receiving crossties, string timber and mud sill for the railroad track from Covington to Conyers. The iron rails had been laid on the road to within three miles of Conyers and the first train crossed Yellow River on April 1, 1845. I continued supervising the laying of iron until we reached Stone Mountain."

"What about driving the train to Atlanta?"

"It was on August 15th, Mr. Arms promoted me to conductor and put me in charge of the construction train. My run was from Covington to where the track was being laid. I retained the position of conductor until the road was completed to Marthasville. Then, on September 14, 1845 while at Decatur, I was told that the track would be finished to Marthasville that afternoon and I was being ordered to go there that night. I had ten car loads of iron for the Western and Atlantic railroad brought up from Augusta."

"That's a heap of rail iron!"

"Sure was! My engineer, John Hopkins, took violently ill but my orders were clear. I must be in Marthasville that night!"

"Why the rush?"

"Big news event. Nothing daunted me as I mounted my engine, the 'Kentucky.'" Running his arm forward as if grabbing the throttle and pulling it back. "I pulled open the throttle and rolled out of Decatur at 8 o'clock p.m. I halted the engine right where the car-shed now stands in Atlanta, a few minutes before 9 at night. The funniest thing was when Mr. John P. King, the president of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company, disembarked from the train in the dark and fell into a well."

"Oh no. Did he get injured very bad?"

William laughs, "Only his pride."

"Whew. You had me worried for a minute."

"You have only asked me about the railroad construction from Covington to Atlanta. Do you know where the railroad really began?"

Putting his pencil down Elias scratches his head. "Didn't it begin in Athens or Augusta?"

With a broad smile William tells the young Elias, The Georgia Railroad Company was chartered December 21, 1833, by a group of Athens citizens lead by James Camak. Their goal was to build a railroad from Athens to Augusta."

Elias picks up his pencil and begins writing. "I remember reading about that now. That was the first railroad in Georgia and I think the third in all of the United States. Right, Mr. Adair?"

"That's absolutely correct Elias. Construction began in 1835, starting at Augusta. The company changed its name to Georgia Railroad & Banking Company in 1836 because the banking side of the business eventually proved more rewarding, then the company leasing its railroad operations to others."

"So how long did it take to complete?"

"The 39-mile Athens branch was completed in December 1841 and was operated with horse drawn cars until 1847 with a 5-ft. gauge track." Elias leans back in his chair and places his coupled hands behind his head.

"So the Atlanta branch was completed in 1845 and soon the 171-mile Augusta-Atlanta connection became the main line."

"That's correct Elias and from early on, Augustans gained control from Athens interests, with Augustan John Pendleton King serving as president of the railroad."

William leans over the table and pats Elias on the hand. "Come by and visit some time and I will tell you the story of the Western and Atlantic state owned road."

"I would like to interview you at your home for the record of the first train through Stone Mountain and into Atlanta."

Andrew's father William and Buck are also engaged in reminiscing. "Buck, your Grandfather and my father fought the Indians together. It still burns me to think about how they murdered our neighbors, families and friends, the aged and young alike. Incarcerated our grandfathers and allowed them to perish in filth, famine and disease, knowing their mothers, wives, sister and young children had been robbed, insulted, and abused." He slowly shakes his head, "If it hadn't been for Elijah Clarke... I'm sure your pa and grandfather told you some of the horrible stories."

"They sure did. Several of my grandfather's brothers were held captive and murdered by the British and the Indians. Knowing things like that makes it easy to fight because it's the right thing to do."

"That's right. We were certainly glad to see you come to Stone Mountain after the Mexican War. Mexico got what they asked for... Defeat! They should learn to keep their word." William glances around at the thinning crowd as his wife signals him it's time to leave for home. "Well, it looks like the family is ready to head out. It's been a long day for all of us."

Buck shakes hands with the aging William, and the other members of the family as they leave. Other families follow suit, and soon the churchyard is empty. After tidying the church hall, Buck and Betty Gail leave to do their supply shopping. Once complete, they pull up to the Academy and pick up Polly and Wee-Bean. Just as the two chattering children jump into the wagon, the sky begins to turn ominously dark.

Buck points toward the roiling clouds. "A storm must be brewing and we best git." Wind ruffles the leaves on the trees as they pass revealing the lighter undersides. The temperature drops suddenly and thunder rumbles in the distance. The wind gains force--thrashing trees like whips.

"Let's git on Jack, only a half mile to go!" Buck calls out anxiously. Fat raindrops begin to fall... Lightning crackles across black clouds and thunder booms almost immediately. Hail pelts them as the dirt road turns to mud almost instantly. A bright flash and deafening boom knocks Jack over and carries the buckboard over into the ditch with him. Polly, Betty Gail and Wee-Bean are thrown into the mud. Blinding rain and wind cut into Betty Gail's face as she search for each of her children. She hugs them close for a moment before they resume the search for Buck. She hears his cries for help.

"There," she shouts, trying to make her voice heard above the storm. "Merciful Lord, he's trapped under the buckboard." His leg is trapped under the buckboard. The muddy deluge floods over him, in turn his shouts become garbled as the colored sienna water passes over his head. Jack is lying still in the ditch, making no noise. They rush over to Buck and shield him from the rain and mud.

"Pa! Pa!" shouts Wee-Bean in a panicked voice as he wipes the water and mud from his father's face.

Betty Gail assesses the situation as quickly as she can. "All right, Wee-Bean, help me lift the buckboard. Polly helps your pa slide out from under."

"No, No," Buck cries, "Don't touch my leg. It's broken!"

"Go get help and Doctor Hamilton!" screams Betty Gail to Wee-Bean amidst the chaos and wreckage.

He darts off up the muddy embankment and dashes towards town just as the clouds separate and the wind becomes a little calmer. Still muddy, he reaches the livery stable and throws open the door. Screaming and crying, he calls out frantically, "Lightning struck us and Pa's trapped under the wagon! We need help!"

"Come here, Norman. Calm down son. What's happened?" Levi takes Wee-Bean by the hand and tries to settle him down to get more information. Wee-Bean rubs his eyes, "Pa, Ma and Polly are over the crest of the hill and Pa is pinned under the load."

John Beauchamp jumps on his mount and goes for Dr. Hamilton, while others gather outside with their horses, wagons and ropes, ready to head toward the scene with Wee-Bean.

The storm disappears almost as quickly as it came. The sun is bright and the sky sparkles blue once again. As the group led by Wee-Bean, hurries toward the accident they encounter tree limbs, tin roofing torn from houses and water flowing on the red clay street. As the team tops the hill, Wee-Bean sees the overturned wagon Buck is trapped beneath.

"There it is," he shouts.

Buster Phillips is in the group and hastens to the Jernigan's' aid. The remainder of the men remove the harness from Jack. Then they line up on one side, push and return the wagon to the upright position. Wee-Bean scurries to his father's side.

"I'm okay." Buck says calmly. "Go check on Jack."

Wee-Bean, with tears running down his cheeks, slowly approaches poor mud-covered unconscious Jack. Expecting the worse, Wee-Bean pats poor Jack on the head and then realizes that he is blinking his eyes. "Jack! You're alive!" bellows Wee-Bean as he scrambles to lift Jack's head from the mud. Buster Phillips and his companions lift Mr. Jernigan cautiously from the mud and place him on a waiting wagon.

"Betty Gail, you stay with Polly and Wee-Bean while I go to Dr. Hamilton's," shouts Buck.

As the wagon is about to pull away, Dr. Hamilton rides over the hill. He stops by the wagon, dismounts and begins to examine Buck's leg.

"Hello Buck. Looks like you had a little accident."

"Sure did Doc. Be careful with this leg. I know it's broken."

Cutting away the cloth of his pants, Dr. Hamilton confirms, "It's broken all right, but no tears in the skin. That's good news. Take him to my house so I can splint him up!"

"I hate to bother you on such a day, Dr. Hamilton. I know you and your family must be exhausted."

"No bother on my part, Buck, and there should be no worry on your part. I'm glad I'm here to help."

Jack begins to neigh heavier and louder and suddenly rolls over for a brief moment. He kneels and then stands erect while Wee-Bean is holding tightly to the halter.

"Good boy. Good boy, Jack," says Wee-Bean as he hugs and kisses his beloved animal. Polly hugs Jack and Wee-Bean together, trying to hold back the tears. As Polly turns to look back up the hill, she places her hand upon her chest and inhales quickly and deeply. She taps Wee-Bean gently on his shoulder.

Wee-Bean turns, "What Polly?"

With a grin and giggle, Polly answers, "Look at Jack's tail!"

Wee-Bean stares, speechless, eyes and mouth open wide. Finally, he mutters, "his tail its... standin' straight up.... like a pole!" About the same time, Jack turns his head and flicks his tail but only the tip flickers in response to his attempts to place it in the inferior position. After their shock subsides, Polly and Wee-Bean walk Jack for a bit to check for other injuries.

Buster Phillips returns from Dr. Hamilton's with news for the twins and their mother. "The doc's splintin' yo pa's leg. Said he be good in'bout six weeks. De men will bring him home soon," he says as he dismounts. Polly points to Jack's tail. Buster turns and asks with amazement, "W'at happened?"

"I guess it's still got lightning in it!" replies Wee-Bean as Polly and Buster laugh.

The group begins to gather the remnants of the wagon's cargo. Polly, while surveying the scene, realizes that the birds are out singing again. It makes the drudgery of their work slightly more pleasant. All of the dry goods are now the color of the clay as are the garments she is wearing. The seeds and feed in the burlap are also wet. They load what they can salvage, and Buster hooks his horse to the wagon. Wee-Bean sits on the back of the wagon and holds Jack's harness tightly. The odd-looking animal trails behind.

As they approach the house, Isaac and Sally dash out to greet them. Polly jumps from the wagon and relates the dramatic tale of the violent storm and its consequences. "What happened here, Isaac?"

Pointing and looking toward the hen house, Isaac, still shaken says, "Miss Polly, we's losts da hen house en some shingles on the 'zebo," says Isaac.

Polly scans the farm but nothing else seems amiss. "Looks like everything else is okay."

"What matter whit Jack's tail?"

Wee-Bean replies anxiously, "Still got lightning in it!"

Uncle Isaac, tightens his lips and mutters, "Probly so! Probly so!" and begins to unload the wagon.

Darkness is approaching as friends bring Buck home.

"Pa! You're home!" shouts Wee-bean as he rounds the corner of the house.

"Yep, everything's gonna be all right, son," Buck assures Wee-Bean.

Polly chimes in, "Pa, Sally has fresh rabbit stew for us. It's on the table and waiting, so let's eat!"

Wee-Bean places a stool for his father to rest his broken leg on and they all gather for supper. Pa says, "Need to say a blessing." As the aroma of the rabbit stew fills the air the family join hand and Buck bestows a gracious thanks to God.

With supper over Wee-Bean and Polly assist their pa to his chair nearest to the small fire to warm him from the spring chill and dampness in the house. The events of the funeral and the events of the afternoon move from a formal discussion to humor. Wee-Bean tells his pa the story about the effects of the lightning on Jack's tail, he asks, "how long is the lightning gonna stay in Jack's tail?"

Buck laughs and tells Wee-Bean, "Now that's what you call a real hair raising experience! I have no idea how much longer that lightning gonna stay in it, but what a sight he must be!"