Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-06-09

But the major was landing fish and
did not have time TO listen to Isam, OBJ
trving which that individual, casting
al inquiring glance at the sun, seized
his ax and went 10 work IN the cane
brake. In an incredibly short space Of
time he had cut down and dragged up
enough poles 10 construct rude hut,
and soon after completed the shanty
Then, with one happy glance at the fu-
gitive perchod upon the log contentedly
warning with the Dream, he glided off
into the woods and disappeared from
view.
Despite the popular notion concern
ing the runaway negro, he never got
very far from civilization in his wan
derings.
The swamp was 70 him merely a re-
treat. His smokehouse was elsewhere.
When Isam glided away, leaving the
major pleasantly engaged, he followed
hog paths with unerring instinct and
recalled landmarks with surprising ac-
curacy. But where he was going and
what for are matters that can wait.
The major must not be- left alone.
Is,lm had not been long gone before
the fisherman began to suffer from the
perversity Of the piscatorial god The
Dream and redbelly ceased TO bite. The
colony had been exhausted or driven
away, and IN its place settled tribe OF
shining eats. These began 10 give the
major occupation. His float would g.
under handsomely. There would be a
strong pull, and resisting steadily Il
catfish would break into view.
The major stood this persecution, IL
may b., for Is minutes, then the pa
tience Of the fisherman was exhausted.
AS the hour wore away regret TO say
that the swearing became almost contin-
uous, and the major reached what Is
generally termed a state of mind.
Isam was approaching the camp when
the language Of the fisher attracted his
attention.
"Oomhoo, he said, stopping to lis
ten. sunni dun gone wron wild Mass
Craffud.
Creeping to the edge Of the brake, he
beheld his companion engaged III his
unequal conflict with the fate that at
times overtakes all fishers Isam ducked
back and held his sides.
''Ef dere's anyt'n go'n ter upsot dat
kind er man quick, hit cats. Des lfss II
now!"
The negro peeped out again. The ma
jor was lashing the water with an un-
fortunate victim; then he saw the irate
fisherman dropa huge cat upon the bank
and with the paddle dash him 20 pieces,
and again grind another beneath his
heel, and end by kicking the remains far
out into the stream.
Isam reveled in this display Of pas
sion until weariod out and then prepar-
ed to make his presence known. Going
back hundred yards into the cane
brake. he shouldered his well stuffed
sack and lifted his voice in song:
"Sum folks say nigg'r won steal.
caught one in my CO. 'nfel."
He was cheerfuliy giving EXPRESSION
TO this suggestive refrain when he
broke in upon the scene and pretended
to stumble over gasping cat. Down
came his bag.
"Dere, now, ef Good pick'd de ve'y
fish wanted fur ter mex dat chowd'r,
hit 'ud er been dis same cat p" lsam s
teeth shone, and his eyes glistened. As
he looked about and saw the other un-
welcome captiyes he threw up his
hands.
Where you catch m, Mass Graf
fud?''
Right here" said the major, regard
ing him suspiciously, land l haven't
been catching anything else for an
hour
Den dom yer stop now. Yer des go
rite long ketchin 'em, en- we go'n ter
hav' er chowd'r fun way back. Spec
we'll want bout six more big ones.
How long es hit bin sence yer had a
catfish chowd'r, Mass Craffud?'
Tho ~. .o;o,-sc pacci,y x,-oa VANISHING