The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-10-01

zion into society at the hotel, was
mot sought by society; it was clear
break on his own part. A number of
gentlemen and ladies were seated near
the end of shaded vcranda, discuss
ing q book that had achieved an almost
instant popularity, when the puffy
newcomer brusqucly showed his way
forward and in loud voice blurtcd out
lbis opinion:
+ 81 amt read the book" said he, "but
I'll bet that it don't amount to much.
TThcrc is moro humbuggcry in this here.
book business than i'll most any other
Y know of. Boolls'n do putty we'll for
women, but in my opinion man is
Throwing away his time with em. l.
Ihad n twin brother that took to books
along back when he was boy, and,
although he was a bright feller-as
bright ns I was-hc never amounted to
much. Ihad to take up Il mortgage on
Ibis place for him not morcn six
months ago. That's about what L
thinlS of books" lie leaned baclc
against the railing of the ''banistcrs"
land surveyed the party with the salts
faction of n man who has carried his
point and who is thoroughly prepared
iAOA SoppSIuCit utIttChs ilC ltIllcS,
especially the bcttcr-naturcd ones.
smiled; the men, with one exception,
laughed. Tho exception was n young
aawyer from Nashville. lie looked
with the inquiry of disapproval at the
Intruder, and then quietly remarked:
II had thought of writing book, u
charming romance, but through fear
that I might possibly compel YOU to
take up another mortgage will fore
go the pleasure of self-cnjoyablc COM
position
The interlopcr, no wise ubashcd, re-
piled: Its good step you're tal1in',
z reckon, rs the writin' of the book
might be moro intcrestin' to you than
tho readin' of it would be to ANYBODY
telse.n
"Doubtlcss," rctortcd the young law
yer, you are right Some dull trade
lplodder might attempt to spill it out
and bruisc his alleged mind on I'M
noolked-for, sharp corners"
'Young Teller what is your namc?"
tho intruder asked; and the young fell
low, never afraid to make himself
known, answered.:
~ am George Miles, SIR"
"Ah, hah! George Miles. Where do
you live?"
Nashville, sir"
"Ah, hah! / know that town putty
we'll l went along with tho army
isomc little durin' the war, and bought
up the hides of the cattle that were
killed for the soldiers, and made n
pretty good thing out of it in the Nash
willie market. | used to know an old
soap boiler there named Josh Miles.
ANY kin to him?"
The ladies Uttered, and the old fellow
Hooked at them in establishment. not
slfnOwing that he had uttered Il With
rcism.
81 never heard of your friend Miles"
said the lawyer, ''although he might
have made Il fair article of soap"
"Pity for you then, I reckon, rs all
lold Josh" The men laughed, tho
ladies Uttered again, and the old fell
How, conscious this time that he must
have said something to the point,
flowed his ACKNOWLEDGMENT. just then
his daughter appeared, standing in Il
door. Father" She called, "I am
,ready."
II am ready, too" he answered, and
Withdrew with clumsy haste.
That evening, while Miles and Sc "
Iernl other men sat under q tree, smols-
ling, the old fellow came out with an
Ienormous cigar in his mouth and
i''squa shed" himself down on q bench.
boys" said he, breaking into the
conversation, I'm gittin' so ruthcr
like this here one-hoss place. / did
think that it would be little too much
flor me to stay out here, and 1 want