The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-02-23


on the walls, one Of which was especially notice
able: that Of two men bending over . handsome
fellow who lay on the grass. A case Of surgical
instruments, and q 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 aDdirons, spoke Of day when
the probable scarcity of wood entered not into the
calculations OF household economy. On each end
OF the mantelp piece there sat two plaster Of Paris
kittens, with red eyes and blue moustaches; and
noticed large turkey-wing fan hanging near the
fireplace.
The colonel continued to snore and /, turning
from the pictures and the many marks of long,
ago farm house, gave myself up to a closer study
OF MS face. His forehead was of that gracefully
receding type, 30 often seen In old prints, and his
nose was aggressively prominent, but his chin
lacked strength. He was apparently about fifty
d We years of age.
The farm-life sounds, which seem to attain sort
of ripeness when the full grown red oak leaf marks
seriousness in the age of spring, came with
reverie- inspiring influence into the room. An
alarming cry of hen proclaimed the near approach
Of a hawk; the scream of q hawk bespoke . gnaw-
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 l, "you have enjoyed your nap,
hope"
lie looked at me, and, by puzzled expression on
his face, knew that he was trying to recall the
circumstances of my arrival.
Eyes" he replied. "Let me see, believe your
name is" EYES, he added, when l had told him,
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 little the worse tor having
having beguiled a lonesome hour with q compan-
ion-blast 1t all, did you think that had been
drinking too much?"
NO" replied with a soothing lie.
The puzzled expression vanished The colonel
shook hands with me, opened door that led into .
hall, shook hands with me again and limited, In q
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, he returned the papers,
nodded his head in approval
"Some time ago." said he, al took up the idea of
writing history of Shellcut county; not with the
intention of going into dry detail, but to give i'm
connection with necessary facts, numerous anec-
dotes Characteristic of our 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 a
reader, but don't understand the knack of writing
a thing as il should be set down. MY people have
laughed at my attempts-shall l make you q
julep7"
"No, thank you" replied.
"Well, I'll make myself one. Well" he con-
tinued, busying himself with the mint, 81 decided
that would get amanuensis. Iput in an adver-
tisement-wait a minute, Mr.. Burwood. Before
we go further, let me ask you question Were
you ever amanuensis to George d. Prentice?"
mo-" l replied.
"Good. Well, put in an advertisement, and
pretty soon there came along one of the worst
looking fellows | saw, a tramp printer. He
said that he the very for the place, having
served for many years amanuensis to Prentice.
didn't like his looks, of course but thinking that
had found q soiled gem that had fallen from the
casket of poet, secured him. He was capable,