The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1871-04-13
whisky bottle and tin tumbler were at

but stop, gi me the knife first" and he
handed the waist belt, pistols and scab-
bard, to the host, willis. he thrust the
knife into. the bosom Of his hunting'
shirt. AS the inn-keeper was obeying
the bidding Of his strange visitor, the
latter poured the tumblcr full of whis
ky and tossed it off at a swallow
Landlord" he cried again, 81 want
something to eat--rve money for that,
too" There was deep, tone in
his voice that disturbed me mystc.
riously.
The additional plate was placed on
the table, and the stranger seated him
self opposite to me. He had a fine
iace---a careless independence on it;
but the courteous manner in which he
asked, 81 hope l amt one too many
here, stranger" excited my surprise. !
assured him that l was pleased rather
than otherN se, as l dsliked eating
alone.
Enough said," answered he, "there's
my fist" and we shook hands over
thesablc. His appetite was in proper
ton to his bulk, and we discoursed
little until after supper, whom he COM
menced q conversation in which he
evinced sound mind, although his
language was rough and full OF pro-
vincalsms.
During our talk ingratiated myself
| in his favor, and in return for my po.
lteness he rccounted many deer, vol,
and bear bunts, with such power that
l vas delighted. The conversation,
however. tagged, as fell into Train
Of musng on the very important bust
ness which had brought me to that
country. A gloom gradually settled
on the face of the stranger, from which
tried in vain to rouse him. he an
swered me courtcously, to he sure, hut
very short; and every now and then
had recourse to the bottle, till it was
emptied.
"Landlord, fetch me some liquor
he called, authoritatively, and he
drank more and more, till finally lie
fell from his stool, and, as | retired to
bed in another corner Of the room, |
heard his snoring ring through the
cabin.
Being much fatigued, having travelled
forty miles on horseback during the
day, slept till ! felt hand grasp my
arm-opening my eyes, l behcld the
sun shining through the window and
the stranger awakening me.
STRANGER" said he, "exause ME, but
saw last night that you was d whole
souled fellow, and l want you to 60 |
with me-
"Where to ?" l asked.
"The magistrate" he replied.
'.What for?'
give got something on my mind
must out tried liquor last night, but
couldn't keep it down. l amt drink.
ing man no how, and feel like dog.
Come along with me. and be my
friend"
There was bold frankness in his
manner that l could not withstand |
accordingly arose and equipped myself
and we walkedto the house of the
who sent word that he
would be up in couple of hours.
but tell him." said my companion
to the servant, ~ want to see him on
a matter of life and death"
"Da's no use O. dat" grinned the
slave, "massa don't care bout life and
death till he git his sleep out"
We left the house, but John Rox, as
he called himself. did not allude to his
pressing business more than 10 say,
. When we see the Judge you'll know
ALL"
We returned to breakfast, and l OBJ +
served my companion refused the I
dram presented him by the
andlord, and ate sparngly. Some.
hing was evidently preying on his
mind, and / anxiously awaited the :
iour to hear it developed.
The time came, and we were admit
ed to the presence ef the dispenser
ustice, who was man of wealth, good I
spirits. and rotundity ofperson. {
"Well." said the Judge, what's the !
matter"
"Why, you sce," said Rox, "day be- {
fore yesterday l staid at &C. all day, /
md hadn't confounded cent, and as
wouldn't chisel, | went without eat
ng Yesterday morning started off
as hungry as pauther, and as rode
along, thinks /, what am | to do? I'm
above cheating any man out of din
Ter, but dinner l must have. Just then
fellow came riding along .he road.