Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15


justice.
Caleb was the most bedecked old ne
gro to be seen out of Congoland. He
wore a tall white hat, blue frock coat
some 20 brass buttons adorned that
coat-a steel chain presumably for
watch he wore), a chain that crossed
his breast four times. Sundry charms
and bangles dangling about him give
him an appearance imposing as that OF
a knight of the Garter. This was his
usual attire. He felt that such elabora-
ton of toilet was due his position, he
was general sweeper and cleaner of
these offices and this house of justice.
He rang the great bell when courts
were in session. He fed the flock of
pigeons that lowered about the conrt-
house belfry and the Jail tower. Mani
fold as his duties were, he had com
Eparative leisure now; even commission
ers' court was adjourned. He sat basll-
ing in the pleasant afternoon sun, look
ing with unfagging interest down the
vista of old shops and new-set young
~water oaks.
In front of one shop sat his quondam
owner, sometime employer, and always
his object of devotion. Very old and
worn looked the major in the bright
light that fell over him. His neatly
brushed clothes were very shabby, his
handsome old face and military air
were very imposing. His rattan stick
and his cork leg were rested out on a
splint-bottomed chair before him. His
gestures, as he talked to the group of
gentlemen about him, were excited.
he was probably telling a story Of the
war, possibly telling the same story for
the Tooth time. Caleb was trying to
match the excited gestures with his
own experience, and 10 guess at the
particulars of the story; for he had
followed young Travis Calvert through
fighting, wounding and Imprisonment.
His efforts after the thread of the story
: were interrupted, however, by the rCll-
!. ing of a handsome carriage between
him and his master. Down went the
majors cork leg, up the majors stiff
body, off the ma jor's soft hat; and just
so often as a Lady passed, or driving or
walking, just so often and so elaborate
ly was the majors story interrupted.
Gn The present instance the lady was
Miss Lorena Banks, fair, fat and much
over 40. Her carriage drew up at the
post office, too far for either Caleb or
the major to hear the hdgety inquiries
after the Woman's Work, that came al
ways, or nearly always, on Wednes-
day; the Lofty Choir Weekly, that
failed to come last evening; and the
Portrayer of Fashion, that must be in
the Office now, and must be searched
for.
Though Caleb could not hear the
sharp tones, he could note very well
: the gloss and elegance of the equipage.
from his smattering knowledge of
deeds, titles, rent notes, crop liens and
the like, he knew very well the goodly
amount of the lady's income. Some
thing, maybe the time of the year, may
he the insistent odor of violets in the
air, maybe the red glow of the camellia
iaponicas on the coats of the university
boys as they sauntered by him, them
selves glowing with youth and bright
ness, every four out of five smiling over
a valentine; anyhow. something set
Caleb thinking of the long ago. 1t was
of '61, the 18th of February, and bit
terly cold in that intrenched camp,
called by grace Fort Donaldson, Grant
threatened by land, Commodore Fcote
by water. To help in the land attack,
unexpected and unprepared for, until
the fall of Fort Henry, the soldiers
were throwing up earthworlls as hasti-
ly as might be. Under biting snow and
sleet they shoveled cheerily at the red
earth.
Side by side worked Travis Calvert
and his body servant, Caleb. Down in
concert swept the arm of master and
slave. up IN unison hcaved the Sho'els
of earth.
Caleb remembered to-day how Cal
vert had said to him that day: When
get snatch of time. Caleb, am going
to write letter to Miss Lorena. / am
going t., give it to you, and if in the en-
Fragments to come behind these earth
works l am killed. you send it to her
Alf come out safe TIL send it myself
Caleb had said: You talk utgittin