The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-02-16

House I could feel the Little Master
shaking in the saddle. and ] knew he was
crying. but / held my head down. not
knowing what TO do or where to 20.
Presently the White-Haired Master.
hearing Of the connection, came running
toward us. His face was as white as a
sheet
why. my SON. my darling boy What
is the trouble2' He placed his arms
around the Little Master. %. tell your
father, Has any one dared 10 hurt so
much as your little finger? There don't
cry any more
"Tnen the Little Master told him what
you have already heard. his voice shak-
ing and his white hands trembling
" Wait. said the Whitc-haired Master.
with that he suddenly turned and
went toward the crowd at the Court
House. followed. though the Little Mas
ter never touched a rein. The people
seemed 10 expect something. and they
made way for the White,haired Master.
and for me with my nose at his coat
tails
" Has the sale been closed?' he asked
sharply. Ills words snapped out like the
popping of a whip
Yes. sir: yes. sir-it has been closed.
tho trader replied. He was as humble
" Gossettr said the White-hared Mas
ter-his voice sounded az ! have heard
IL when he was talking 10 "A lazy plough
hand 'Gossett, j will give you $3.50 for
your bargain.
Mr. Gossett shook his head and smil-
ed. showing two or three yellow teeth. ]
was so anxious 10 get at him that the
Little Master was compelled 10 slap me
with the slack of the bride reins and bid
me stand still.
NO. said Mr. Gossett. I'd ruther
have the Niger than the money
ri give YOU 5000 persisted the
White-haircd Master.
MIR. Gossett showed his yellow teeth
again Well sir he said. If he's worth
that 10 YOU. he's worth 70 TO me. The fact
s.. / want to tame the Niger They say
he's as wild as a buck. and as hard-hcad-
"a rs a mule. j want go tame him.
"The Whito-hairod Master turned 10
the trader why did you insult nay son
and me by refusing TO cry his last hid'
RE caught the man by tho throat and
shook him. The people gave back and
scattered a little az this. for i'm those
times men were quick TO use their knives
and pistols. But the trader had no idea
Of using his. though he had both I'm his
belt
Let mo explain. sir lot mo explain
he cried. as tho White-hair,' Master re-
leased his hold. That gentleman there
said the youngster was only playing me
one of his jokes
What gentleman? the White-haired
Master asked mo. as quick as fash. lie
wheeled and looked around. as If search
ing for some one. The people were still
afraid "a fight was about 10 take place.
and they stood off some distance. but not
so far that they couldn't hear every word
that was said.
What gentleman the White-haired
Master repeated. facing the trader
"The trader went TO Mr Gossctt and
touched his shoulder so 20 - make no
mistake This IS the gentleman sir he
said.
AT this the White-haired Master fairly
roorod with laughter. Pay him another
husdred, Gossett-pay him another hun-
dred, He has earned IT, You'n not find
another man ia the country TO pay you
such "a compliment
There must have been some Joke Or
hit i'm this. for the people laughed even
louder than the Whte-haired Master. and
Mr.. G0ssctt turned very red in the face.
But II it was a joke IL passed over my