Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1895-11-29

law TO 20 ONBT W luCSuu UulS yGr6 GllnB,
an so felt responsible"
"Well, what of it?' said Old Monte, with
q sudden burst of energy. II don't see no
kick comm to any one nor why this yere's
to be regarded. If Dave wants to be re-
ligious an sing them hymns heap, you
bet that's his American right. I'll jest
gamble 500 Dave comes out all even an
protects his game clear through"
The next day the excitement had begun
to subside, when a notice posted ON the
pustoffice door caused it to rise again. The
notice announced chat Short Creek Dave
would preach that evening in the big
warehouse of the New York store.
81 reckon we better all go, J." said Chero-
kee Hall "I'm goin to turn up my box
an close the game at 1880 sharp, an Ham
ilton says he's goin to shut up the dance
hall seein as how several ladies is due to
sing a lot in the choir. We might jest as
well turn out an give Short Creel; the
best turn in the wheel, jest ITO start him
along the new trail.
"That's whatever, said Tut, who had
recovered from his first gloom and now
entered into the affair with spirit.
That evening the New York warehouse
of candles could make it, All Wolfville
was there. As result Of a discussion held
in private with Short Creek Dave and by
that converts own request Cherokee Hall
took a seat at the dry goods box which was
to serve as pulpit to assist in the conduct
of the meeting. The congregation disposed
itself about on the improvised benches
which the ardor of Tut had provided. At
n1p ihn
space in the center reserved as an aisle in
company with Cherokee Hall, this latter
gentleman carrying Il giant Bible, which
he placed on the dry goods box. Rapping
gently on the box for C|er, Cherokee adj
dressed the meeting briefly:
"This yero is prayer meotin of the
camp" said Cherokee, "an l am asked
by Dave to preside, which l accordin do
No one need make any mistake about this
yere gatherin on account of my presence.
This yere is a religious meetin. I'm not
myself given that way. but I'm alters glad
to meet people what is, an see that they
have a chance in for their ante, an their
game is protected. l am one of those, too
who believes a little religion wouldn't
hurt this camp much. Next to a lynchin
/ don't know of more excellent influence
in a western camp than these yere meetin's
l amt expectin to be in on this play none
myself, an jest set here in the name of or
der an for the purpose of a square deal. [
now introduce to you a gentleman who is
liable to be as good a preacher as ever
banked a Bible-yOur townsman, Short
Creek Dave.
"Mr. President, " said Short Creek Dave,
turning to Cherokee.
"Short Creek Dave" said Cherokee,
sententiously, at the same time bowling
gravely in recognition.
"And ladies and gentlemen of Wolf
VILE" continued Dave, ~ shall open this
yere play with prayer"
The prayer proceeded. 1t was fervent
and earnest, and replete with unique ex-
pressions and personal illusions. In these
last the congregation took breathless in
terest. Toward the close Dave bent his en-
ergies in suppliCation for the regeneration
of Texas Thompson, whom he represented
in his prisons rs a good man, but living u
misguided and vicious life. The audience
was listening with grave and approving
attention. when there came an interrupt
ton. 1t was Texas Thompson, who arose
to address the chair.
"Mr. President" said Texas Thompson,
drawing a long breath, 81 objects to Dave
a-tacklin of the Redccmer for me, an
a-makin of statements which aim to show
I'm nothin morc'n fcon. This yere talk
is liable to queer me up on high, an l OBJ
jects to it, "
prayer is a free for all game, an thar
amt no limit onto it,, said Cherokee
"The chair therefore decides agin the
pint of order"
"Woll, then," reioined Texas Thomp-
son, "a-wavin of the usual appeal to the
house, all I've got to say is this: I'm
peaceful man, an have alters been the
friend of Short Creek Dave, an l even as
sists at an promotes this yere moetin. But
l gives notice yere now, if Short Creek
Dave keeps on a-malignin of me to the
Great White Throne as heretofore, I'll
shore call on him to make them statements
good with his gun as soon as the Contree-
button box is passed"
"The chair informs the gent" said
Cherokee, with vast dignity, "that Dave
bein now an evangelist, can't make no
gun plays nor go canterin out to shoot as
of u former day. However, the chair recog-
nizes the rights of the gent, an standin as
the chair does in the position Of lookout
to this yere game the chair will be ready
to back to play with Colts 45 as soon as
ever church is out in person."
MIR. President" said Dave, "jest let
me get a word in yere. I've looked up
things little, an finds that the Apostle
Peter, who was "A main guy of them days.
scrupled not to fight. Now, folders Pc
ter's lead in this. 1 might add, too, that
while it gives me pain to be obliged to
shoot up Deakon Thompson in the first
half of the first meetin we holds in Wolf
vile, still the path of duty is cl'ar, an
shall shOrely walk therein, fearin nuthin.
1 therefore moves we adjourn ten minutes
an as there is plenty of moon outside, if
the chair will lend me its gum not pack
in of soch frivolities no more, a-regardin
of 'em in the light Of sinful buffs-I shall
trust to Providence to convince Texas
Thompson that he's away off in this mat
ter. You bet 1 knows my business"
"Unless objection is heard, this yere
meetin will stand adjourned for 10 min
utes," said Cherokee, at the same time
passing over his six shooter.
Thirty PAGES were stepped off, and tho
men stood up in the moonlit street, whilo
the congregation made line of admira-
ton on the sidewalk.
81 counts one, two, three and drops the
contribution box" said Cherokee, "whar-
upon you all fires and advances at will.
TQs oil 1,,yij