The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1891-11-06
IKE BRENNAN'S VAIN
A Pretty Woman and a CleS.
Lawyer Kept Him Busy.


'If you think your cousin is a
scoundrel, young man, why, say the
word, if it's necessary to say anything.
It's mean to shake L mans good name
away with a shake of your head-that's S
what think"
Ike Brennan pushed back his Pana-
ma and looked with anything but ap-
proval at Lyman Sneed leaning, in
spotless hannels, against the China
tree.
In spite of his dapper appearance he
was not n pleasant young man to look
at. He had that uncertain, nervous
way, so irritating to the honest and
purposeful, and it stood written on his
face that he had not loved Il living soul.
No, not even the pretty Mona Duval,
whom he quit Ike to go and meet. He
thought he loved her, but no feeling
that possessed him was a more thor
oughly selfish one.
His cousin, Dick Burleson, loved
Nona-that was quite sufficient tC
make Lyman Snccd sure that she was
necessary to his happiness. So he went
eagerly now to meet her. Ike watched
him up the ST rect, muttcring:
''Of two evils, choose the least; but
I've alters noticed that women. of two
men, choose the worst; wonder if little
Mona II do that same thing? Her
father rode through many a darned
fight by my side-calculate I'll take
sides here-yes, sir
He rose slowly, lifted his rifle, and
went trailing up the hot avenue. He
was on the lookout for Dick, and very
soon found him among n lot of rough
teamstcrs who We're loating in one of
the principal stores Dick was read
ing to them a New York paper, and
backing up his own side of some politi-
cal question with good deal of fervor.
The men were pulling their boards and
listening with that true Texas phlegm
which might at any moment turn into
ungovernable passion.
Ike waited until the end of one of
Dicks flowing periods, and then said:
Thar, Dick, that1l do for the bust
ness of the United States; supposing
you come now with me and look after
your own a spell"
1t was so unusual for Ike Brennan to
meddle in anyone's affairs that Dick
gave instant heed to his invitation; and
with n final broadside of splendid ad-
jectives for his own party, he joined
Ike, and they sat down together in the
first quiet, shady seat.
Lyman Sneed is playing the mis-
chief with your good name, Dick. It's
against my habit to look after any
body's but my own: but I've reasons
contrary this time"
Lyman Sneed! He is, is hep" And
Dick instinctively put his hand on the
leathcrn sheath that held his knife.
mo tools, Dick, of that kind. It's
me that is making this quarrel, you
know, and l let nobody do my fight
ing
What did he say?"
That is it; he says nothing you can
get hold of. Pities his uncle -pities
Mona Duval-and is so sorry you w IL"
''What?"
''ilc don't say-shrugs his shoulders
and shakes his head, and the shrug
and shake stand for drinking, gamb-
ling, anything you like to make it,
I'm tell Lyman Sneed-"
You'll say neither good nor bad,
Dick. Lyman is like pine coal-if he
don't burn, he blackens. Only don't
throw your chances away for Lyman
TO pick up-that is just what he wants
you to do; give in bit to the old man;
he thinks all creation of you, and if
you won't try to please him, why,
Lyman viii, that's all"
I'm not going to take my politics
and my opinions from Uncle Jack
Burleson, no, not for all his hog-wal-
low prairie, and his cattle and gold
thrown in"
''IIe is an old man, Dick. Life is a
country Jack Burleson has gone pretty
thoroughly over; stands to reason he
knows more'n you"
He conuradicts me half the time for
the very sake of fight He does not
go into court now, and he hasn't any
lawyers or juries to bully. But he
won't make Dick Burleson say black is
white to please him; you bet he won't"
"Dick, you are right; darned if you
aren't! But old Jack is wise and good,
and knows a sight more n is writ in
books. Say Yes when you can"
Sure"
And don't you meddle in my fights,
Dick. If Lyman Sneed needs a hiding,
| know just how much will be good for
him.
Dick saw the conversation was over,
and, looking at his watch, saw also
that he was behind office hours. AS it
happened, a number of trifies had al
ready irritated the old lawyer. and Ly-
mans lifted eyebrows and ostentatlous
diligence irritated Dick. He flung his
books upon his desk, dashed his hat in
a corner and lifted his feet to a COM
Portable attitude. His big boots and
loose flannel hunting-shirt gave his
uncle great offense and he said so.
Dick replied that ''he had been talk
ing with the Lavacca teamsters, and
had forgot to dress"
'Lavacca teamsters, indeed, / don't
see what on earth makes you run after
every drove that comes to town.
81 was getting their votes for my
side, uncle, and making friends against
the day / want their votes for myself
flash of keen pleasure shot into
the old mans eyes, but he was far too
full of fight TO abandon the dispute
He first attacked Dicks politics, then
his personal appearance and abilities,
snH- L.. q l..