The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-11-22
MAJOR JOHN BRANDON.
CHAPTER I.


 Major John Bindon. member of the Arkansaw Historical society, was re- quessed to read a paper relative to the days ef the code within the memory oi men nov living. The major cheeifully responded in the following:
 Arkansaw had been a state some ten years when became one of her citirens. I was a very ambitious young man. De- voted study had failed to win for me a name of any distinction in the east, SO, in this wild country, was determined to make living if nothing else. Knowing notbing of the state, had no particular point in view, but mounted on a good horse, I struck out for some place to sui, my fancy. One evening, when the win- ter's sun, losing his glare just above the tree tops, sank down like ball of dull fire, l stopped at large double log house. The surroundings spoke of re- 6nement. The yard vas a perfect wilder ness of shrubs anu mowers, and the fields lying adjacent bore evidences of a fine state of cultivation.
 "Get down, sir; get down." said a polite old gentleman, coming out to the fence. "Here, Abram, take the gentle mans horse. Come in and have seal" !"
 The room into which he ushered me was large and comfortable. The furni- ture was old fashionable, and as held out my hands to the blaze, wondered how the great old brass andirons had escaped the cannon moulder in the early days of the American revolution. My host, soon learned, was Judge Blake, an emil nent jurist of that day. When told him that l had come to practice law, his face beamed with pleasure.
 @Young and ambitious, of course" !" said he. "Well, shall not discourage you. We have need of youth and ambi- ton in country like this. The ability that would often go unrecognized in an older state, many times meets with brilliant success in a country where ora tory has a peculiar charm and where logic, although an audience may be un- educated, finds an appreciative convic- ton. Let me. introduce my wife and 
 arose and bowed to pleasant middle aged lady and girl of surprising loveli- ness.
 Mir. Brindon will remain over night with as" said the judge. "Houses are scarce in this section, my dear sir,n turn ing to me. "My wife brings the vel come news that supper is ready-welcome news indeed to me. for l have, as no doubt has been the case with you, ridden several miles to-day. Come"
 At the table, the young lady whom they called Jassamine, sat opposite me. l had ample opportunity for studying her face, at first pleasure and then fasci- nation. She would occasionally steal a glance at me, and my eyes, falling, would rest on the cold roast of a bear into which my appetite. despite my admira- tion, was making something of an in- cision. Aftel supper we sat around the log fire. found Jassamine to be proud and we'll educated, though she did. not effect that super-re6nement which so many young people to des- pise their surroundings.
 @lfyou are going to practice law" said the judge, "I don't know of . better place than this. Our county seat is about four miles from here. It is not much Of . village, but its legal business is large. The lssters of recommendation which you have shown me"-vhich l had shown too, rather proudly-@vill admit you into the best society. The one from Judge King should be treasured .. precious document 1 am going to town and If you desire it, will assist you in beating"
 thanked him warmly. fancied Jas samine's eyes rested on me in approval
 CHAPTER II.
 The village vas indeed small, but e the judge said, thers was . future before it. There was evidently not much of . past behind 1t. The cosrt-house and iail vese log ssEuctures, vssy much allie h appsazancs, tAoueht TAs bssinsss heasss vsss snoA and sssmsd b bs| f1led up vitA tho sains q aaimals. lde-