Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1895-04-04

sweetly upon the soldiers. The
town dude could find no partners
for the dance; the cowboy had a
rough tuSsle to secure one, and the
soldier was the hero Of the hour.
There was whisperings of discomfort.
Occasionally hand was placed om-
inously on the belt. Rude words
were exchanged. a little spark
might start blaze. Bloodshed
seemed imminent. Suddenly, as
OF one accord, tho cowboys left
the hall. Directly there was loud
gathering Of horses feet. There
was heard the cowboys pecu-
liar, terrific yell. They were paint
ing the town red. AS they rode up
and down the street at headlong
speed, recklessly discharging guns,
the soldiers, without arms, looked as
white and helpless as the dear Great
ures who lay close to their breasts
vainly seeking protection.
The boys were hoarsc, their horses
tired and ammunition played out
when they dismounted and meekly
returned to the dance. Being sleepy,
l retired to dream Of happiness and
freedom from restraint in the far
wild West.
A few days later l was at village
in the beautiful valley Of the
Washita. My.friend, Mat Wolf, al
ways ready for fun, had arranged
for charivari-I wish it was spelled
as it is pronounced-t tchevaree'-un-
der rather peculiar circumstances.
A Mr.. Cook, peripatetic-I hate
such big words-piano agent and
tuner had cheated and offended him.
Uncle John Barnett loved the widow
Bradley. 1t was rumored and gen.
orally believed that they had been
quietly married. a mistake, how
ever.
'Oh, Mr.. Wolf, Mr.. Wolf, uncle
John and old Mrs. Bradley are mar
ried. Let's chevaree 'em.'
Il can't. 1 have company. Mr..
Cook is here.'
THAT is just my fort. I have a
charivari. Choose me as leader.
have lead many a one,' said Mr..
Cook.
'All right replied Mr.. Wolf, but
maybe we had better stay at home.
They say uncle John is a terror when
he gets mad, and the old lady will
shoot at the snap of your finger.'
Good enough said Cook, that'll
just add to the fun
Tin pans, bells, horns and whis-
ties were quickly secured. In the
mean time, Mrs. Bradley, a dear
lover of innocent amusement, was
posted, and leaving her house Wis
tied Mrs. Williams. Then three
young men, well armed, were placed
in the house and Mr.. Wolf let one
or two outside into the secret. The
seranaders were mustered in hurry.
Mr.. Cook, at the head of the process
sion, was in his element.
Now bOys,' he commanded,
'slip up quietly to the house. Mr..
Wolf and will mount the porch,
and when I toot my horn raise q
blast that will startle the man in the
MOON
Orders were obeyed. In the dark.
ness the house was surrounded. Mr.
Cook, brave man that he was
jumped lightly into the porch. A,
one loud, fierce sound of his horn
bedlam broke loose. The man in
the moon veiled his face with dark
cloud for very shame. In rapturous
glee, Cook gave the second blast and
shouted BLOW boys, blow, ring
bang and blown
But up flew the windows ant
above the horrid confusion of sound:
the report of guns and pistols anc
whistling bullets sent dismay into
the hearts and quaking into the leg.
of the uninitiated serenaders. Bells
horns and pans were thrown away
and such skedaddling you never saw
Cook saw light at neighbOrs ant
ran for his life. But Trig Williams
had bad dog and no stranger coult
enter the yard. He gave chase t.
the frightened Cook, who, in run
ming away from the new strange
struck a wire fence and in attempt
ing to climb it lost good part of hi
clothing and considerable blood
Finally, he knew not how, ne reached
Bowers store. There was gathered
an excited mob. A seemingly an
cry man cried, What fool was a
the head of the racket?'
Quick, boys, quick, a rope,
. rope, get rope, if we find hin
, We'll hang him !! men shouted.
'Orrin Bowls has an arm shot off
Joe Thomas is fastened under tn
house, no telling who is killed AM
that old man and woman still shoot
ing like furies.'
Cook was in a desperate plight
torn and bleeding, and an angr,
mob forming to hang him. Run
, ming to the door, he met Wolf, wh
said, Come, we must go back an,