Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1897-01-14
From Bunkum.
4 BUNCOED MANS CLEVER RE-
VENICE.

VENICE.
Silas Tatman came to town Saturday
with the avOwed intention ofrcvepg
ing himself on a smooth-spoken
young man who had met him on q
former visit and had relieved him OF
Il carpet sack containing his money
and return ticket.
Tatman came in from Bunkum
Bunkum is renowned for its large hor.
nets nests and the war-like and
grouchy" dispositions of their oc.
cupants.
When Silas arrived at tho depot,
instead Of going to the hotel, he sat
down in the smoking-room and
waited.
The Bunkum farmer had not been
seated five minutes when he was APP
preached by a fellow with sharp,
lnquisitivo nose and n checked suit.
The stranger extended his hand.
" believe l know you," said he.
You are from"
Bunkum," replied Tatman.
"To he sure Bunkum. And your
name is"
Tatman."
Why, Of course. How are you,
MIR. Tatman ?"
"TOlerable )" and Tatman looked
down at his gripsack and chuckled.
My names Cunningham" went
on the stranger, graSping one of
Sllas'S hands in both his own. "Ha,
ha, ha! Strange could't remember
your name"
Ha, ha, ha !! Twas kinder funny.
| reckon thar hain't a nice quiet little
place somewhere were a feller can
talk with friend what he amt seen
for nigh on to two year"
"Oh, yes" said Cunningham, in
his softest tone. 81 know just the
place, not block from here"
"Then reckon we might as well
go there if you're sure it's safe walk
ing through the streets with as much
money as I've got in this here
satchel."
The fellows fingers seemed to itch
as the two walked along. "Ain't
you afraid" said he, "of being
robbed? 2"
g Wall, you just bet your sweet
life the fellow who opens old Silas
Tatman's valise will be sorry"
CUNNINGHAM turned on little side
street, leading his friend by the arm.
About half way down the block they
entered dark and dingy-looking
saloon. Cunningham spoke fa-
miliarly to the barkeeper. who di.
rected them to room in the back of
the place. The two sat down at the
table, and were joined presently by
three other men. Gladsomely thew
tipped the would-be investor upon
the wheat market, and guilelessly
did Rusticus hint at the precious
yellow contents of his old green bag.
The cons" grew impatient, and also
Silas was painting for his revenge.
Well, gentlemen" said he, "I
reckon I'd better be a-goin', and I'd
like to leave that 'ere money with
you, so as it'll be safe while | hunt
up a stOppin' place.
The men were perfectly willing to
accommodate farmer Tatman. They
assured him that the carppt-b and
its contents would be perfectly safe,
and that they would be willing to
wait until he came back.
Much obliged, gentleman" and
L ol uluil AZ pNt. lSl'l very often
that frii"r meets such kind friends
as you are in strange city, and its
kinder S0UthIn' ter know that n tel-
ler's leaviu' his money with honest
people. reckon I'll be back in
about an hour"
The fellows bowed him out. Bya
clever dodge he managed to slip the
key Of the door in his pocket before
he left the room. He remained on
the outside long enough to turn the
bolt silently in the lock, after which
he entered the adjoining room.
In another instant piercing yelp
rent the air. Whack Crash Bang
The chairs were upturned and the
table was tumbled over in the mad
scramble for the door.
AS Silas stepped into the streer, he
heard the door crash as one of the
mon on the inside dealt it blow
with chair. Over his shoulder he
saw stream of hornets sail after the
bartender.
Twenty minutes later, from his
retreat in the alley across the street,
Tatman saw his five friends limping
out of the saloon to the ambulance,
which had been backed up to the.
curbstone.