The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1897-05-14
ChPTHIN CLOSE
BY CAPTAIN CHARLES KING.
Copyright, 1894, by J. B. Lippincott Col
1.-CONTINUED.

1.-IONIlNU
Quitting New Orleans after a long
days sightseeing with his friends, he
had sought berth in :he Pullman and
slept soundly until aroused by the porter
after two o'clock to change cars at the
junction. Now he was wide awake,
and. after the first few miles of jolting
and grinding through the darkness, was
becoming chilled and lonesome-per-
bapS trifle homesick. Twice had the
conductor hustled through the train,
rousing sleeping passengers and see
ing them safely off at dark and mys-
serious stations where hardly-a glimmer
of lamp or candle could be seen away
from the mere shanty which served
as waiting-room and office. A heap
Of wood was stacked up near the stove,
and Lambert polled the waning en-
bers and piled on fresh fuel, whereat
young man who had got on at Coates
vile with a shotgun and big bottle
for luggage, and who had for nearly an
hour been singing sentimental snatches
to his own deep satisfaction. now smiled
maudlin approval and companionably
held forth the bottle. rs good" said
he, in loyal defense of the stimulant
most courteously declined. ''Bes' thing
you can take these CO. mawning's. Live
bout hyuh an'where?'
NO" said Lambert, civilly, yet hop
ing not to be further questioned. He
busted himself again with the fire, then,
rising quickly. sought his seat.
But the young man with the flask
was gregarious and bubbling over with
the milk of human kindness. He
promptly lurched after, and, Topping
down on the opposite seat, sending
some of Lambert's belongings clatter-
ing 20 the floor, held out his hand.
"'Scuse me, suh," he suffered. 81
hope l amt Tended you. My names
Potts-Barton Potts. We amt what
we were befo' the wah, you know. But
] know a gen'lm 'n-every time. Hope
i ain'-'sulted-"
Not by any means." protested Lam
bert, loudly and heartily. Don't think
ef such a thing! l simply didn't feel
like drinking; but I'm a thousand
times obliged to you"
THAI right. THAI all right" said
Mr.. Potts, grasping Lambert's hand
and shaking it impressively. 'I-hello.
Wha'Z that?'
Lambert's sword. encased in chanois-
skin, had come in contact with the
strangers elbow and gone rattling
-nder the seat. Potts made precipi-
cate dive and fished it out, regaining his
equilibrium after some little struggle.
Coin to Quitman-too? -Tha'& my
acme An I'm glad-meet yon.
know gen'Im'n-an' I'll stan your
frien'-I mean it. Missur-Missur-
MY names Lambert" said the lieu
tenant. quietly essaying to relieve Mr.
Potts of the sword.
''Lammert? Glad-meet you-Missul
Lammert. Where'd you say you
b'longed?''
I'm going to Tugaloo."
"Tu-gloo?-Tha'z no kin of place
C'mawn to Quimman. Come to my
house. What N ellis thiz?" ne broke
off suddenly.
MY sword. said Lambert, simply.
Sword ?-sword? exclaimed Potts
=" Nou goin iu-glOo WIN sworn 1ol
Yankee officer like that-wha'z name
Closer
IA Yankee officer certainly" laughed
Lambert I've never met Capt. Close.
The effect of this announcement Oh
AIR Potts was surprising. 1t well-nigl
sobered him. He slowly drew back un
til he sa: erect, his head wObbling hi
in spite of his efforts at self-control
Presently he began to speak, slowly anC
fmpressively at first, then winding up IL
a verbal ENHANCEMENT:
''ALissur Lam-p-bert. l didn't know
was talkin' to-Yankee oificer-but-
I'm a genI'm'n. sub. an stan by
wh-wha-I say. / mean to stan YOU
frien', sub: but as fo' that oth-fellui
-Close-I'll seem in ell first.