The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-09-05

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He would go further and say that Mrs.
Brant herself was personally unac-
quainted with him, but that il was
through the fervor. poetry. grace and
genius of her correspondence with that
gentleman that they were to have the
honor of his presence that very even
ing IL was understood that advices
had been received of his departure, and
.hat he might be expected at Robles
at any moment.
but what proof have we of Judge
Beeswinger's soundness?" said a lazy
southern voice at the conclusion of
Col Starbottle's periods. Nobody
here seems 20 know him by sight; is
IL not risky 20 admit n man TO our
meeting whom we are unable TO iden-
tify?"
II reckon nobody but fool or some
Trying mudsill OF Yankee would trust
his skin here" returned another, land
If he did we'd know what 20 do with
him"
But Clarence's attention was rivcted
ON his wife, and the significant speech
passed him as UNDECIDED as had the
coloners rhetoric. She was looking
very handsome and slightly flushed,
with a proud light in her eyes that he
lad never seen before.
Absorbed in the discussion. she
seemed to be paying little attention 10
Capt. Pinckney, as she rose suddenly
10 her feet.
Judge Beeswingcr will be attended
here by MIR. MacNiel of the Fair Plains
hotel who will vouch for him and in
troduce him." she said i'm a clear voice
which rang with an imperiousncss that
Clarence well remembered. The judge
was to arrive by the coach from Mar
tincz to Fair Plains, and is due now"
"But is there no gentleman to intro
duce him? Must We take him on the
word of a common trader-by Jove, a
whisky sellcr!" continued the previous
voice, sneeringly.
ION the word OF a lady, Mr.. Brooks. '
said Capt. Pinckney, with "A slight
gesture toward Mrs Brant, who an
swers for both"
Clarence had started slightly at his
wifc's voice and the information il con
,eyed. His fellowpasscngcr and the
confdant OF MacNiel was the man they
were expecting. III they had recognized
him (Clarenccl. would they not warn
the company Of his proximity?
lie held his breath as the sound of
voices came from the outer gate OF the
courtyard. Mrs. Brant rosc--but at the
same moment the gate swung open
and n man entered. II was the Mis-
sourian.
lie turned with an old-fashioned
courtesy TO the single woman standing
on the balcony. My fair CORE
spondent. believe. am Judge Bee
swingcr. Your agent, MacNiel, passed
ne through our guards az the gate,
but did not deem it advisable 20 bring
him into this assembly of gentlemen
without your further consideration. l
trust was right"
The quiet dignity, and self-posses-
sion, the quaint. old-fashioned colonial
precision Of speech, modified by a soft
Nirginian intonation, and, above all,
some singular individuality in the mum
himself. produced profound scnsa-
ton and seemed TO suddenly give this
gathering an imprcssiyeness IT had
lacked before
For an instant Clarence forgot him
self and his personal wrongs in the
shock OF Indignation he felt ut this po-
tent addition TO the ranks OF his
enemies lie saw his wife's eyes sparkle
with pride over her acquisition. and no
tieed that pinclsney cast disturbed
glance at the newcomer.
The stranger assembled tho few steps
TO the balcony and took Mrs. Brant's
hand with profound courtesy.
Introduce me 10 my colleagues dis
tinctly and separately. II behooyes a
man at such a moment to know 10 whom
hc intrusts his life and honor, and the
life and honor Of his cause"
IL was evidently no mere formal cour-
tesy OF the stranger. As he stepped
forward along the balcony. and under
MRS. Brants graceful guidance, was
introduced 10 each of the members. he
not only listened with scrupulous care
and attention 20 the name and profcs.
sion OF each man, but bent upon him n
clear, searching glance that seemed 10
photograph him in his memory, with
two exceptions.
lie passed Col. Starbottle's expanding
shirt frill with bow OF elaborate pre-
cision. and said; "Col. Starbottle's
fame requires neither introduction nor
explanation" lie stopped before Capt,
Pickrcy and paused.
An officer of the United States army,
l believe, sir?"
Eyes"
Educated at West Point. think, by
the government 10 whom YOU have
taken the oath Of allegiance
"Ncs"
every good. sir" said the stranger,
turning away.
"You have forgotten one other fact,
sir" said Pinckney, with slightly
srpereilious air.