The Windham County reformer. (Battleboro, Vt.) 1876-1897, 1895-12-06

This is Mr.. French, az l believe,
he said, turning out of his course (
speak to the man introduced i'm tn
last chatpre, who, with the same rest
less. anxious look he then wore, wa
unobservantly hurrying by the other
on his way to the Court House.
80 Yes, yes, SIR" replied French
slightly checking his speed, and look
ing back. with half surprised, halt
vacant expression.
'Ay, | WAS sure knew YOU" re
iouined the Judge. How are tn
times with you, Mr.. French? You vii
pardon my freedom. sir, but the grea
interest ! take in the success of on
enterprising and intelligent young mel
like yourself But no matter now
see you are in haste. will no
detain you, sir. A very good day I,
you, Mr.. French. "
well, upon my word, now, here il
my friend COLONEL Carpentern' h,
again exclaimed, as turning from tn,
person he had just saluted with such
poor success, his quick and wary ey,
caught sight of the gentleman thu.
addressed coming up behind him
Most happy to fall in with you,
colonel he continued, grasping ano
warmly shaking the hand of the other.
How are your family, sir? Shall
confess it, colonels have really some.
times greatly enived you.
"Why SO, sir?' asked Carpenter,
with little GOODNESS.
Envied you your well deserved APP
pellation that of Friend of the
People, as they call you," replied the
I judge.
1.-The people need friend at this
crisis, ! think, SIR" responded the
unbought yoeman, with cold dignity.
IF there is one title that I should
covet above all Others" resumed the
judge, without appearing to notice
the drift Of the others remark, lit
would be the one | have named.
What can be moretruly honorable
distinction. | have often regretted
being so trammelled by my station on
the bench, as to prevent me from act
ing as | would otherwise like to do.
But a Judge, you know, colonel, in
party times, must not act openly on
any particular side. ~
" He had better do that. however,
than act secretly on all Sides" re-
turned the other, with biting signif-
canoe.
so. doubtless, doubtless, SIR" re
joined the Judge. with forced laugh,
but with the air of one perfectly I'M
suspicious of any intended PERSONAL
ties. "ies, indeed. But. ah !" he
continued, slightly motioning towards
the Court House, against which they
had now arrived. What have we
here? A public meeting?"
quite possible. At all events |
think of going in myself" said Car
penter, quietly turning from the other
into the Court House yard. but soon
pausing little though without look
ing round, to hear the remarks which
the other seemed intent on making.
Indeed! Why, | had not heard of
it, else | should have been pleased TO
have dropped in. | came out, be sure,
only for a little exercise, but"
Here he paused, in expectation that
the other would speak; but finding
himself disappointed. and left alone in |
the street, he resumed his walk, while |
MS now unguarded countenance very |
plainly showed the disquiet he felt at
the rebuffs he had received in bis at
.empts to conciliate Colonel Carpenter.
and obtain from him an invitation to
20 into the meeting. which in reality
vas his only object in coming out to
attend.
While digesting his modification
md occupied in coniecturing how he
:ould have become an object of sus-
,icion among the opponents of the
curt party, as everything now seemed
o indicate, his attention was again
'rrested by the sounds Of approaching
footsteps: and, looking up, his eyes en-
the sarcastic countenance of
Tom Dunning who, coming from an
opposite direction, was also on his way
o join the company at the Court
House.
"Ah, Mr.. Dunningn exclaimed the
Judge, starting from his reverie and
lowncast attitude, while his face in
family frightened into smiles sum
noned for the occasion; right glad I
o meet you, sir. l have been thinking /
must engage some such expert and I
ucky sportsman, as they say you are, I
0 catch and send me up a fresh
almon. occasionally. | suppose your i
ever failing spear will be put in c
equsition again, when the spring a
pens; will it not?' f
'Der-yes, your worship, unless turn a
~ attention to the catching Otter r
els, or other slippery varments," re- i
lrned the hunter, with sly, sig s
ificant twinkling of his eyes. as he @
rushed by the rebuked cajoler, and n
ushed on without waiting for reply. n