The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-01-15
General, do you take me for an infer.

"Oh, no. NOW, II you put up your
daughter and lose her, this Cuban might
come around, and-well, he might scare
the life out Of Bickles."
The major slapped the general ON the
shoulder.
"You are the smartest man in the
world, general. Call that half Niger
looking fellow"
The Cuban resumed his place, put up
$1,000 against Zaiie and won. Shortly
afterwards the boat landed at Campbell's
Bend.
One afternoon, several days later, the
major and the general sat on the veran-
da overlooking the broad field of cotton.
eMaior, is Buckles still hanging
aroundp"
"He was here yesterday, but left some
what downcast, as Zalie positively re-
fused to marry him without my consent.
Who is that coming through the big
gate? BY gracious, it's that internal
Cuban"
"That's who it is"
"Confound my fool hide. / wish /
hadn't done that caper. l wouldn't have
utIlc ~ IL 0duu Uccu hebiA IA AN~"p
that nice piece of paper he's got.
Wish Buckles was here. I'd soon have
them chewing each other. don't know
what to do"
Zalie came out on the veranda.
"Oh, who is thatY' she asked.
The Cuban had dismounted at the yard
gate.
ooh, but doesn't he look like hero of
a novely'
'.Zalie," Numbered the major, Ego
into the house."
The girl obeyed. The Cuban came up
the steps.
"Ah, general, glad to see you again;
and the major, hope he has not forgot
ten me-"
"No," said the major; "sit down.
The Cuban took q seat and began to
fan himself with his broad brimmed hat.
The major snorted; the general hem
med and hawed.
"Ah," said the Cuban, sis Miss-Miss
Jet me see examining the paper); ah,
Miss Zalie. Is she at homer"
"Look here" said the major; 81 want
you to understand that my daughter is
not slave"
"Oh, certainly, understand that, but
she is mine if / can win her. This pa
per-
"Hang the paperr'
"But, as gentleman, you cannot, ah,
give me a word here, cannot repudiate."
"That's fact" the major admitted.
"Win you call herr"
The majors face grew ivid with rage,
but he called Zalie. She came out, and
when the Cuban was presented she
bowed with charming grace.
"a very handsome girl" said the Gu
ban. "She has many fine points"
'Sir," Numbered the major, springing
to his feet.
"No offense. Win my friend, the
general, explain the object of my visit?"
81 WILL" the general answered, "but
would first like to send for friend of
mine, Mr.. Bickles."
"My time is limited. Will the general
EXPLAIN
The general explained; the girl listened
with deep interest. "Oh, how roman
tc," she said, show charmingly uncom-
monl Sir" extending her hand toward
the Cuban, "I'n go with you"
"WhatT the major roared, ego with
this barbarian? No, not if he had fifty
plantations"
IA contract signed by gentleman"
the Cuban said, sis document Of
honor"
The major sat down. You are right"
he said, "you are right, but don't un-
derstand my daughter, don't understand
| her. thought she was woman of
| pride, but don't understand her."
81 do" said the Cuban. He snatched
off his false whiskers and long hair, re-
vealing the familiar features of Buckles.
The major snorted like frightened
horse. For several moments he could
say nothing. Then he turned upon the
general
''You old-old"-
"Hold on, major" said the general,
laughing. "Here is the money the Cuban
won from you ON the boat"
The major took the money and, tuck
ing it into his vest pocket, remarked:
"Bickles, you've got more sense than
/ thought you had, and Ireckon I'll have
TO stand by my contract"