The Arkansaw traveler. (Little Rock, Ark.) 1882-1???, 1889-06-15

ave got to go over and tell what know about t.
So long, gentlemen"
Ii was court day again, but how different from
one court-day that had seem From where we
sat we could see groups Of farmers gathered on the
public square, and we could hear the coarse laugh
ter of the saw mill man who had Just told an old
Joke. An old negro, with number of shuck
horse collars strung on his arm passed the door,
humming a camp meeting tune; old negro
woman, with a basket full of glazed ginger cakes
stood near the courthouse door a Louisville
whisky drummer with his feet high up against an
awning-po sat in front of Major Patterson's
tavern women carrying baskets OF eggs and hanks
of yarn rode past followed by mule colts that bit at
one another. The tavern bell rang for dinner
"Come, let us call on Major Patterson" said
Henry.
The major met us under the awning, and with
great show of courtesy conducted into the house
won't you take little nip before you eat2" he
asked.
"No nip" Henry answered.
"Wall, it's jest as free water, boys, if you want
ii. Here. let me show YOU my gran'son Come
here, Wash Calling a wild looking youngster1
Come here, and tell these gentlemes how old you
air"
give, goin' on six :" the boy shouted, Selling a
chair and slamming it against the wall.
"Dont be bad Wash"
"Will If want to-"
"If you don't be good | won't let you ride old
Jerry to water"
don't want to ride him Ho!' he exclaimed,
~ 'Dct L cOulu XIII YOU
"COme, let's eat" said the major. "Step this
way"
The dining room was we'll filled with people
who had come 10 attend court. The grand Jury
lied in, and the commemorative attorney, young
and arish in the consciousness that he was attract
ing attention, sat down and reached up his hair
reaching over from the back of his head as though
his bullying brow were arms length away The
circuit judge sat at the head Of the long table lie
wore sort of pokerhan graveness of ex preston,
and hnn ~ fln
would draw down the corners of his mouth and
clear his throat with an echoing hum, hum Ham,
monds and Jimmy came, and Major Patterson, who
had seated himself near Henry and me, leaned over
and whispered
Them two fellers never come here unless Pm
crowded. can only count on 'em when courts in
session"
| we'll remember the conversation that was held
during the meal 1t arises now above the recollec-
ton of rattling dishes and occasional dog fight
in the hall.
Hammonds- "Judge, how's the docket"
The Judge (hum, um)-"Pretty full"
Jinny-"Do you reckon you'll get through with
the Balch case?"
The Judge-"I don't know. We can never tell
how long case may last"
Major Patterson Speaking to a negro boy
"Drive them devilish dogs out OF the hall"
Commonwealth Attorney Preaching and
pulling back his hair)-"My end of the docket is
pretty heavy. Got about sixty indictments and
the grand jury still at work"
Patterson-"What air most of the indictments
fur?"
Commonwealth Attorney-"Oh, first one thing
and then another. Socked it to one teller for
breaking the Sabbath"
Hammonds docking up in surprise)-" Sabbath
breaking, did you say2"
Commemorative Attorney-"Yes, shot a man on
Sunday"
Hammonds-"Oh, | see"
Patterson-"Whose brindle dog is that out
there?"
Foreman of the Grand Jury-"Mine"
Patterson-"Wal | wush you had either left
him at home or improved his disposition befo' you
brought him. He's wuss than rattlesnake in
August"
Foreman-"IIe amt lamb"
Patterson Ito negro boy)-"Dave, git some b'ilin'
3ho,, hi H. ;oS4,