The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-05-09
CHAPTER II.

MT. Hummer lived but snort oiS- tance from the river. His house, a rude structure, was made of cedar logs. He had no family. He said that his wife and child years ago, had been drowned in an overflow. Since then, he had lived alone. The first morning after my ar rival, he went out and killed me mess of squirrels. It seemed as though he could not do enough for me. He ex- plained how he cut cedar timber and rafted it down the river. asked him if did not kno that he was violating the law. He replied with sharp satire on the human family:
 Everybody violates the law" said he "When a man cusses, he violates the law of the land, an when a man gifts mad, he violates the law of God"
 "That is very true," l replied, "but the violation of such laws do not place a man in that immediate danger which he incurs by violating the revenue laws of the government. Now, am going to be honest with you: am revenue officer"
 We were eating supper, at the time. He put down cup of coffee, looked at me for moment and said
 It ain't possible that you have come spyin' round here to take me to jail, is it ?"
 l shall not take you to jail, MT. Plum mer, but when return to Little Rock, shall be compelled to make a truthful report"
 "Ef you want in my house I'd hang you"
 He glared at me.
 "You are fine man. You come up here, maxim me believe that you air gentleman. Now you show that you air wolf"
 "i am compelled to discharge my duty"
 But man ken discharge his duty without bein' scoundrelr'
 Look here Don't be so abusive in your remarks"
 The little old fellow laughed. "I am in my own house." said he.
 "And am in house built of gov ernment logs" said l.
 Lemme tell you something. fit fer this here union. l toated flag whar good many men was afeerd to go, and don't want no man to come around an say that my house belongs to the gover'- ment. So when you go back to town you air goin' to teii them feiiers that old Pete oughter be put in jail, air you2"
 "l shall offer no suggestions. shall only make report. The officials, who are generally pretty we'll informed, may take such action as they choose"
 "Some people mout call you brave," said he, "but l call you fool"
 "Why sop"
 "Cause nobody but fool would come up here like you've done."
 My dear sir, could have been dis honest with you and could have gone home without telling you my business"
 The old fellow laughed again. "Let me tell you something. Us fellers ain't such fools as you think we air. We've got man in Little Rock that knows all about the revenue business. Jest about the time you got ready to start up here, l made my arrangements to meet you. It was our plan that you should come to my house. Haw, haw. Come in, boysr' he called.
 Several men, as rough men as have ever seen, entered the room. Each man carried gun. sprang to my feet and drew my pistol. A powerful fellow grabbed my arm.
 "Put up your pop, bub," said he, taking my weapon. "S.t down thar r tercing me on to bench.
 "He's very nice lookin' chap, Jack," said old Pete, addressing the man who had taken my pistol. "Yas, young rooster, a sort O spring chicken. Lige, did you fetch the rope ?"
 "Got her right here."
 "Young feller," said old Pete, @what have you got to say fur yourself" No use in denying it, was scared. I am not brave man. had, with reason able courage, fought Indians on the plains, but great Lord, to be hung It was awful.
 
 "What have you got to say ?" repeated old Pete.
 "This is an outrage l" exclaimed.
 "Fellers," said Jack. he's gettin' little too active. Reckon we'd better tie him."
 They tied me. It was useless to struggle. Set him up agin' the wall, Jack, said old Pete. aNow, m git the jug an we'll commence to enjoy ourselves. We ain't