The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1895-05-16

had been excepting company" with her
1or several months, suddenly sprang
INTO prominence by knocking an OK
down with his fist.
one afternoon, when Jim was sitting
Ill the shade of his log house, Bud
| Henshaw shufiled into view.
"Hope / see you," said Jim.
Pears to me there amt nothing
the matter with you eyesight." re-
piled Bud.
"Better brush off your breeches
and set down." Jim suggested.
Amt got time," Bud answered
quickly. ''Fact is, l came over to ak
you for Rose"
"Air you member of the Legisla-
ture, or circuit rider?' asked Jim,
with rude but biting sarcasm.
"Wall, not thet eny one knows on, !"
was the angry reply. "But I'm the
best man in these diggin's, and kin
prove it. Air ye going to face the
muslc?"
"You bet" replied Jim, jumping
up.
Both men were strong and tough,
and it was nip and tuck for few min
utes. Finally Bud landed terrible
blow on the point of his adversary's
jaw, and Jim went down. When he
got up he calmly shook hands with his
conquerer, and said, "I'he gals
yours"
"lhanky," briefly replied Bud, as
he hurried away.
The young mans victory made him
the hero of the hour at VOLTS Point,
and Rose readily agreed to marry him
n year later if he held the belt for
that length of time.
Late in the fall Jim McClanahan re-
ceived visit from a sister who lived
ut Boonville, and whom he had not
seen for many years. When she was
ready to return, she insisted upon tax
ing Rose with her. 81 will send her
to school," she said to her brother,
"and when she returns next summer
she will be n fine lady"
The father finally consented, and
Rose left her home, with its rude but
happy memories, to enter upon new
life.
Rose was naturally bright, and had
vaguely longod for better education
than could be obtained at the winter
school which she had attended in the
"Point. She applied herself earnest
ly, and made rapid progress. Her
aunt kept boarders; and one of them,
Bob Curtis, a manly young fellow who
was in business for himself, soon fell
in love with the girl. His love was
reciprocated, but Rose was unhappy,
believing that Bud would be SO en-
ragged if she "sacked' him that he
might come to Boonvillo and scatter
the form of her city lover over the
pavements. Finally she told Bob of
her fears, and of the peculiar customs
of her native place.
"Why, is that all?" said Curtis.
"Well, l have been thinking few
days holiday would do mo good. 1
will just drop down to VOLTS Poiut
and settle the matter"
Two days later, MS Jim McClanahan
and Henshaw were grinding n scythe
blade under tree in the formers
front yard, n stranger jumped over
the low rail fence and walked rapidly
toward them.
"Am I addressing Mr.. McClana-
han?" he said politely to the older OF
the two men.
"You air if the court knows her.
self, and she thinks she do" replied
jim.
"Thanks," said the stranger curtly.
"My name is Curtis, Robert Curtis,
Mr.. McClanahan, and / am resident
of Boonville. I met your daughter
there some months ago, and recently
asked her to be my wife. She told
me of peculiar custom that prevailed
among your people, and that MIR.
Henshaw had gained the promise OF
her hand in marriage by whipping
you. I am here now for the purpose
of meeting Mr.. Henshaw. am IN
hurry, and if you will tell me where
he can be found will appreciate your
kindness.
Don't halter be found" Bud saw
ocalv iuternosed. instantly compre-