Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1893-11-24

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cents pound to the older Benton. Be
ing well-to-do and possessing much in.
telligence and resolution, he did not
fear that he would he docked when he
delivered his tobacco.
On the 10th of December the farmer
started with his tobacco for the village.
1t was loaded high upon two big wag-
ons, each drawn by a pair of horses
Crandall drove one team and hired
man the other
When they arrived at the warehouse
of David Benton g. Son they saw young
Benton standing at the entrance of the
building.
Dick Peters, who did the unloading
for Benton, was burly, hl-favored
negro, fit tool for his master.
Peters began to take off the bundles
from Crandall's wagon. He threw three
bundles In pile on one side and then
threw fourth bundle on the other
side, growing in an undertone that il
was not good.
Crandall stepped forward and looked
at the condemned tobacco.
This is just as good as the others
which you have received as all right"
said the farmer, in firm voice.
mo it AIM" answered the fellow, as
he threw another good bundle in the
same direction.
PUT that tobacco where it belongs"
cried Crandall, in threatening tone.
Let it alone, and use your own judg-
ment with the rest of the load, just as
you have DONE" said Benton, who was
closely watching the proceedings.
Emboldened by the support of his
employer, the mental threw another
good bundle upon the two that had
preceded it.
BY this time three other wagons
loaded with tobacco had arrived at the
warehouse, and several farmers had
gathered about Crandall in sympa-
thetic manner.
This will do" cried the young man,
as he stepped close to Peters, who
skunk back, awed by his commanding
eyes. Crandall turned toward Benton.
80 you are attempting to dock me-"
said the farmer.
my man is simply doing his duty.
He is rejecting damaged tobacco"
you lie!"
As Crandall spoke he looked Benton
squarely in the eye. In spite of his as
surance the buyer was for a moment
disconnected, but he quickly recovered
himself.
THAT sounds well from such big
sneak as you are" said Benton, with o
sheer.
what do you mean?"
"You know we'll enough what
mean," cried the buyer, hoarsely. ut
was you that told Miss Archmuty that
locked"
Crandall comprehended the situation
in fash. Benton had resolved to at
tempt to dock him, although he was a
well-to-do raiser, so great was the buy
er's desire to obtain revenge for q
wrong he imagined the farmer had
done him.
II never mentioned the subject to
her." cried Crandall, in the most indig.
nant manner.
"You are the liar"
81 care nothing for your abuse of my
self, but you have dared to drag into
this controversy the name of a young
lady. 'Pll give you what you deserve"
. Crandall struck Benton with his fist
with such force that he lifted him from
his feet and sent him recling against
the platform before the door of the
warehouse.
"Gosh!" shouted a. country boy,
that's good one Give him another. "
Benton waeabout to spring forward
to return the blow when he saw two
young women i'll a carriage. They were
driving by the warehouse just as Gran
: dali struck the buyer, and had stopped
their horses in astonishment- One OF
t them was Miss Archmuty,
5 Of course, Benton was filled with
t chagrin because Miss Archmuty had
moment it occurred to him that an un.
Q expected opportunity to gain sigma.
r triumph had presented itself.
Fortunately, the young lady is here
1 to speak for herself" he said, as he po-
e litely raised his hat and looked toward
Miss Archmuty. ''She, l think, will &C.
e knowledge that Mr.. Crandall is the
g man who told her that locked"
, "Mr. Crandall has never said one dis.
paraging word against you," the girl
, replied, earnestly, blushing because she
was The center of attention.
The farmers raised derisive shout
Benton glared at them fercely.
"She's told the truth" cried Amos
Northrop, who at this moment appeared
on the scene. I'm the informant, and
glad enough am that | saved so good
girl from marryin' such mean char
:, as you be. I've known John Crandall
from boy, and he's alters worn square
u toed boots. Amt he, boys?"
Eyes, he's man all through" as
scented one of the farmers. Benton was
pale with rage.
"Pll have this id Crandall arrested
for assault and battery" he cried.
8 "You don't dare do it," shouted Amo,
Il Northrop, tauntingly. you're unpop
ular enough now; and if We arrest this
young man who's struck so good blow
y for the cause of us all, we'll mob we
y even if it is agin' the law"
That's the talk, Amos Wen bact
l. ye," exclaimed the crowd
Benton turned on his heel and slunl
away.
: Mr.. Crandall put back on his Wagon
. the bundles of tobacco that had beer
> removed and drove home. He after
= ward succeeded in selling the crop at {
{ good price to another buyer in Hart
ford.