White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1859-05-26

Meantime he had not escaped notice
as no newcomer in such a place does
but while most of the company scanne,
him somewhat furtively, Kelser, the ego
tlstlcal hero of his own bloody exploits
angered by the interruption, stopped hi
narration, and regarded him with saw
age scowl.
"Another-intruder-" he said, in
sneering, grating tone, intending to dis
concert, lrritate the traveller.
The latter, however, seemed to take nc
notice of the remark but turning to thu
table, upon which there CHANGED to b.
lying an old paper, he picked it mp, as il
were, mechanically, and soon appeared
to be deeply absorbed in its contents.
This quiet, inoffensive proceeding ser.
we'd to irritate the ruffian still more but
contenting himself for the time, by NUT
tering something about all Yankees being
towards, he turned to the others and pro-
ceeded with his story-speaking some
what louder than usual-especially when
he came to the bloody details of his mar
rative-as if to arrest the stranger, and
impress him unfavorably.
Finding the latter was not in the least
disturbed, however, Kelser closed with a
tremendous oath and then, turning to
the landlord, who had once more Joined
the party. he inquired in loud tone, if
he thought there were any "cussed thieves
amongst 'em from abroad ?"
"Hush ]" returned the host, in a low,
cautious tone. "don't go for to make a
muss here. beg of you-for such things
ruin a mans house %
ado You want to take up on that fell
lows side ?" sneered the bully, fixing his
black, snaky eyes upon the host with an
expression that made the latter quail.
"Oh, no, Kelser-I don't want to take
anything up; and so beg you won't say
nothing to him. Come, let's take drink
all round. and call it quits"
ain course we'll take a drink" return
ed the other, with coarse laugh f; "ani
as it's to be all round, why, we'll have it
all round"
Saying this, and rising as he spoke. he
walked over TO the inoffensive traveller,
with staggering air, and, slapping him
somewhat heavily on the shoulder, said
roughly:
"How dye do. stranger %
The man looked up with something
like a start, and displayed features in
striking contrast with those of his inter-
rogator. lIeseemed about FIVE nd-twenty
years of age. had a smooth. broad, high
ferehead-a rather Grecian. slightly effem-
mate. and almost beardless face--and
mild, soft. pleasant blue eyes-the general
expression Of tie whole countenance de-
noting a naturally timid. retiring. and
unobtrusive disposition. Fixing his eyes
spon the bully-rather with the air Of
one who did not exactly comprehend the
cause of being so rudely disturbed, than
with anything like anger or resentment at
the harsh. unceremonious Interruption
he seemed to wait for the latter to volun-
teer some explanation of his uncivil pro-
ceeding.
81 said, how dye do, stranger ?" re-
peated Kelser "but you don't seem to
understand the civil thing"
AT this, the crowd. in expectation of
quarrel, at once started up, and gathered
around the bully and the traveller. This
seemed to startle the latter little, and
glancing quickly from one to the other,
he'replied
al am very well, if that is what you
wish to know ; but really do not COM
prehend why you should be so solicitous
about my health"
There's great many things that you
Yankees don't comprehend % rejoined
Kelser, with chuckling laugh.
"What does this mean, gentlemen 2"
inquired the traveller, turning little pale
his mild, blue eye beginning to CLEAN
with strange. peculiar light-at the same
time glancing from one to the other, till
his gaze rested upon the troubled visaSe
of his host. "What have done that
any one here should seek to insult me ?
Do you permit this. sir % he added, adj
dressing the inn-keerer.
"He can't help himself" interposed
the bully" "Ifthere's anybody as wants
to insult you, it's me and Bill kelser
always does what he likes-anywhere,
and with anybody"
"Aud why do you seek to quarrel with
a man who never saw or exchanged
word with you before ?" quietly asked the
stranger, his lips slightly quivering either
with fear or suppressed anger-asoft glow
diffusing itself over his whole face-and
the pupils of his eyes seeming to expand
and grow dark. and CLEAN even more
strangely than before.
because hate all you cussed Yam
KEGS, and whenever see one OF your tribe:
| always feel like cutting his heart out /!
for Pm one of those as never knowed
what it was to fear eyther man or devil !
"Come !" interposed the landlord Ia
king the bully by the arm-"we was go
ing to take drink. you know ]"
Eyes, I'm for that. too" said kelser'
"always good at eyther drink or fight
lam. You hear, stranger 2" he contin-
ned, taking hold of the latter's arm some.
what roughly. "Your hear, don't you Z
We're going to take drink with the
landlord; and if you can prove you're
decent white man, wen honor you oy "a
king another with you afterwards." :.
81 shall have no objection to treat II
the gentlemen here think I ought to do
so, % returned the traveller, drawing hrm-
self up with digni6ed 6rmness, and speak