The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-02-16

nOu6enOl0
returning. l sprang to my feet. Some one was
knocking at the door. No. il was only dog
scratching himself on the porch and bum Ding the
floor with his ''elbow." At last, having grown
holder under many false alarms became sufi-
GENTLY quiet TO look about the room Many
shelves, well filed with books, revived my hopes
After ALL the colonel might seriously contemplate
literary performance. Several old paintings hung
on the walls, one of which was especially notice.
able: that of two men bending over a handsome
fellow who lay on the grass. A case of surgical
instruments, and carriage disappearing over the
brow of hill, told the story of duel. The room
was heavily furnished, and the broad fire. place,
with its large brass andirons, spoke of day when
the probable scarcity of wood entered not into the
calculations of household economy. On each end
of the manel piece there sat two plaster of Paris
kittens, with red eyes and blue noustaches; and
noticed large turkey wing fan hanging near the
fireplace.
The colonel continued to snore and l. turning
from the pictures and the many marks of long
ago farm house, gave myself up to a closer study
of his face. His forehead was of that gracefully
recediDg type, often in old prints, and his
nose was aggressively prominent, but his chin
lacked strength. He was apparently about fifty
i've years of age.
The farm life sounds, which seem to attain sort
of ripeness when the full-grown red-oak leaf marks
a seriousness in the age of spring, came with
reverie- inspiring influence into the room. An
alarming cry of hen proclaimed the near approach
Oh u udWk the eCFeAIl OF q naWk DeSDOke n RnAW
ing keenness of appetite; the ducks "quacked," and
turkey gobbler sent hollow echo down into the
woods.
The colonel muttered, rubbed his eyes, sat up,
| and, seeing me, started.
Colonel" said |, "you have enjoyed your nap,
hope"
He looked at me, and, by puzzled expression on
his face, knew that he trying to recall the
circumstances of my arrival.
"Yes" he replied. "Let me see, believe your
| = az L.. LII n Ill kolSh
81 remember now" He did not remember, for
this was the first opportunity which he had given
me to make myself known. His puzzled express
sion, instead of fading away, grew deeper.
pardon me, Mr.. Burwood, but received you
all right when you came, didn't II"
"Oh, yes"
"Well"-the puzzled expression grew deeper
still-"what want to get at is this Did make
a fool of myself? Could you see-that is did you
detect that was a little the worse for having
having beguiled a lonesome hour with compan-
ion-blast it all, did you think that had been
drinking too much?"
mo-" replied with a soothing lie.
The puzzled expression vanished The colonel
shook hands with me, opened door that led into o
hail. shook hands with me again and limited, In O
delicate way, that he would like to know what he
could do for me.
| spoke of the advertisement and handed him
several letters of recommendation. He read them
carefully, and then, as he returned the papers
nodded his head in approval.
"Some time ago." said he, 81 took up the idea Of
writing history of Shellcut county; not with the
intention of going into dry detail, but TO give in
connection with necessary facts, numerous anec-
dotes characteristic of old timers. Thus far
have done very little work it because have not
been able to secure the necessary help have been,
especially during my later years. considerable of q
reader, but don't understand the knack of writing
thing as it should be set down. My people have
laughed at my attempts-shall l make you .
julep2"
mo, thank you," replied.
"Well, Pll make myself one. Well" he con-
tinued, busying himself with the mint, 81 decided
that would get an amanuensis. Iput in an adver-
tisement-wait o minute, Mr.. Burwood. Before
we go further, let me ask you question. Were