The climax. [volume] (Richmond, Madison County, Ky.) 1887-1897, 1889-10-30
OLD SHORTS FRANKS.
How Famous slis.l..lppl Character Il

How Famous Mississippi Character Had
Fun with a Kentuckiau.
Old Short used to say that he had
met but one man in his life who got
the best of him, and he hugely enjoyed
relating the story on himself after the
novelty Of his experience had worn of.
According to his account of the affair,
a Kentucky horse-trader arrived at his
house one night with a drove of horses,
and by permission remained all night.
There were no white persons on the
place except Old Short and his wife.
Soon after supper the good lady retired
to her own room, leaving host and
guest in possession of the parlor for the
evening. 1t was not long until Old
/ Shorts brain had evolved a scheme
whereby a vast amount of amusement
could be had at the Kentuckian's ex-
pense, and proceeded to put it into ex-
ecution. He began by asking the
stranger If he was fond of music, add
ing that he had ''nigger fiddler" who
could pull a powerful bow" Ger
tainly the guest would be delighted to
hear him, and black Steve was sent
for. Several good old tunes were given
in excellent style, and then Old Short
asked the horse-trader if he could
dance.
Too old for that now," said Ken
lucky.
30, I guess not" said Short; you
are mighty ikely-looking man, and
have great fancy to see you wing
little Play US something lively,
Steve"
Steve quickened his motion and the
stranger looked surprised, but again
demurred
Going to a side-board, Old Short
pulled out a drawer, and, taking from
1t a Notwithstanding pistol, he again
expressed an intense desire to see
the Kentuckian wing" The latter
reconciled himself to fate and proceed
ed to execute such pedal responses to
Steve's music as his memory could re-
call He soon got tired, but renewed
requests from Old Short, pistol in
hand were always honored, until, at
the end Of couple of hours, the host
declared the show at an end. threw
the pistol back in its drawer, and
stepped to the porch for drink of
water. The Kentuckian's blood was
up by this time, so he went to the
drawer and got the pistol. He detect
ed In a minute that it was not loaded,
but saw ammunition in the drawer.
Hastily putting on a brand new per-
cussiOn capt was an old-fashioned
pistol-he waited Shorts return.
When Old Short came in the Kentucki-
an remarked that turn about was fair
play, and would Mr.. Short be kind
enough to favor him with double
shuttle or two. The pistol was pre-
sented on refusal
''Pshaw, that thing amt been loaded
in year." said Short.
That's right where you're mis-
taken, said the guest 81 loaded it
while you were out Getout and wing,
old man"
81 looked at that man." said Old
Short years afterward, land I never
saw so much mischief in a mans face
before l glanced at the pistol and saw
the cap, and decided to humor him.
He made Steve play. he made me
wing until the sun shone in the win
dows the next morning. I thought
never saw a man so fond of seeing other
people dance. My old bones ached as
tried to do the feats of my youth. but
still the fiend was Unsuitable. Give US
something hvelier,' he would say to
Steve, and turning to me would re-
quest me to timber up, that he never
had so much fun in his life. He never
let up on me until his horse was sad
died and his drove ready to travel in
the morning, and then l was too tired
to follow him. That was a great night
for fact, but it spoiled my taste for
dancing"
Poor Old Shortl The pines of his
native State are signing long since
over his grave, but his pranks and
peculiarities will be long remembered.
St Louis Globe-Democrat