Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1895-06-25

be polite"
Aye, COON in, do"
"Ah, this Is comfortable. Well
where's the gallant corporal an how's
Elsie?" he cried, as he flung himself
without ceremony into an armchair.
Hes cleanin' hisself, he be-" Then
running out she broke the extraordi-
nary tidings of the new arrival to her
husband
"Who dost thou think be a-settin' i
our house-room?'
ELSIE come baclz?~
mo, indeed. There, thou1t never
guess. 1t be none other than Jacob
Gregson."
"Then all can say" remarked the
corporal slowly, as he dried his face on
the huclSaback towel, sis that another
scoundrel is added to the criminal pop
ulation of this understanding coun.
try"
"Oh, hush, Oh dunnot loike to treat
moi own flesh-an-blood thatta way-
asoides. he looks we1-fettled, an OF
sl,ouldna wonder but he be COON to nav
ye all the gowd he's owed thee this
mony year"
"Well, if the pills gilded had better
swallow it, though 1t goes against the
grain to welcome such a dog into the
house"
With this inhospitable speech the cor
poral donned his coat and stumped into
the presence of his visitor, who little
knew how warm reception he was es-
Gaping.
"Here he isl" laughed Jacob jovially
extending both hands to his impassive
kinsman. Large as life an twice as
natural Tip us your ripper, old chap,
for it does me good to see you"
But the corporals right hand was
behind his back and his features wore
no smile.
"Why have you left Elsie's board
bill unpaid all these years? Have you
brought the money in your hand now
you have Gomez"
81 didn't pay it because l couldn't"
was the logged reply. I've brought
hundred pounds now for you, if that
will satisfy YOU"
"And that is ninety-nine pounds
nineteen shillings and twelve pence
more than ever expected to get, so l
think-yes, think may shake hands
with you"
1t is astonishing what a change in
the aspect of affairs a little ready
money produces in a pinched house
hold. Hardly had Gregson handed
over to the corporal twenty five-pound
notes than a genial atmosphere pre-
n e
beamed with smiles, while his wife with
true Derbyshire instinct set about
spreading the table for dinner.
The day passed pleasantly. Jacob
was quite satisfied with the explana-
ton of Elsie's absence in New York
nay was even glad, for it suited his in
terests better. But towards evening
the guest grew little inquisitive.
You've clearinghouse sign out
side. Have you any boarders?" he
asked. ....s. .',r ~.
"Only one," replied the corporal;
"but he's an eye-opener-the smartest
man in this country. He knows ali
about ores an minerals"
"An' the salvation o. SOULS" his wife
burst forth, in loud confederation.
"Oh!" Gregson said, unguardedly,
that's not my man, after ALL"
"Your man? HowP What do you
mean?"
s. "Oh, nothing-merely that don"
know him."
well, he's preacher; gone to Mar
quette to-day to hold a meetin'. Guess
he'll soon be home, for he rode Cap
Wixon's black mare, an she steps |
lively"
"An' that humble" continued the
dame, dwelling with loving accents on
the preachers virtues, "that he sot
eyes on our Elsie, an would ha' mar
ried her, only the foolish wench fought
shy"
''Ah!" Jacob Gregson's interest was
all alive now. "How old is he?-what
does he look like?" he asked, eagerly.
'Short, squat man, broad shoulders,
stoops, lobe of left ear gone, owns up
to forty-two," the corporal replied, with
military accuracy.
Jacob was greatly disturbed.
HAS he slight halt in the left foot?
Has he habit of shifting with the nos
tril?" he asked.
"That's him to t. Have you ever
net him?"
81? No. That is, yes! Tell you
what, if he's the man l mean, I'd rather