The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1896-01-08
low SHORT CREEK dave
MADE HIS PLAY GOOD.
..pan Queen in the San Francisco Examiner

his hand, perhaps; but beyond these a
curious interest did not go. Not word
nor look touching Short Creeks relig-
ious exploits betrayed the question which
was Juggling at the Wolfville heart
Wolfville was too polite, and then, again,
Wolfville was too courteous. Next to
horse stealing, curiosity is the greatest
crime of the frontier, and the one most
ferociously resented. W olfville just ex-
pressed its polite satisfaction in Short
Creek Dawes return, and took it out in
handshaking. The only incident worthy
a record was when Cherokee Hall said
in tone of bland friendship:
81 don't reckon now, Dave, you're OBJ
jectin' to whisky after your rider"
81 amt done so usual" said Dave
cheerfully, shut this we're tune, Chero-
kee, I'll have to pass. Jest confdin' the
truth to you all, I'm little off on them
beverages jest now an I'm allowin' to
tell you the win an lose thereof little
later on. An now, if You all will excuse
me, I'll canter over to the o. (. house
an feed myself some"
81 shore reckon he's converted" said
att, as he shook his head gloomily. ~
wouldn't care none, only its me as gets
Dave to 60 over to Tuscan this yere time;
an so feels responsible"
swell, what of it?" said old Monte,
with sudden burst of energy. 81 don't
see no kick comm to any one, nor why
this yere's to be regretted. If Dave wants
to be religious an sing hymns heap you
bet that's his American right. I'll just
gamble hundred dollars Dave comes
out all even an protects his game clear
through"
The next day the excitement had be-
gun to subdue, when notice posted on
the postoffice door caused it to rise
again. The notice announced that Short
Greek Dave would preach that evening
in the big warehouse of the New York
store.
81 reckon we better all co." said Cher
okee Hall. "Tm goin' to turn up my
box an close the game at 80 sharp; an
Hamilton says he's goin' to shut up
the dance hall, SEEM as how several la
dies is due to sing a lot in the choir. We
might jest as well turn out and give
Short Creek the best turn in the wheel,
jest to start him along the new TRAIL"
"That's whatever" said Tut, who
had recovered from his first gloom and
now entered into the affair with spirit.
That evening the New York warehouse
was as brilliantly lighted as wild abun-
dance of candles could make it. All
Wolfyille was there. AS result of a
discussion held in private with Short
Greek Dave, and at that converts own
request, Cherokee Hall took seat at the
dry goods box which was to serve as a
pulpit to. assist in the conduct of the
meeting. The congregation disposed IT.
self about on the improvised benches
which the ardor of Tut had provided.
At 8 O'clock Short Greek Dave walked
up the space in the center reserved as an
aisle in company with Cherokee Hall,
this latter gentleman carrying giant
Bible, which he placed on the dry goods
box. Rapping gently on the box for Or
der, Cherokee addressed the meeting
briefly:
"This yere is prayer meeting OF the
camn' said Cherokee, "and am asked
by Dave to preside, which l accordin'
do. No one need make any mistake
about this we're gatherin' on account OF
nv presence. This yere is religious
meeting. I'm not myself given that way
but I'm alters glad to meet people what
is. and see that they have chance II
for their an e and their game is protect
ed. I am one of those, 100, who believes
a little religion wouldn't hurt this camp
much. Next to lynchin', don't know
of more excellent influence in western
camp than these yere meetin's. ain
exnectin' to be in on this play none my
self and am jest here in the name OF or
der and for the purpose of square deal
| now introduce to you gentleman who
is liable to be as good preacher as ever
banged a Bible, your townsman, Short
Greek Dave
"Mr. President" said Short Greer
Dave, turning to Cherokee.
"Short Creek Dave" said Cherokee
sententiously, at the same time bowling