The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1897-07-23
CHPThIN CLOSE
BY CAPTAIN CHARLES KING.
Copyright. 1894. by ]. B. Lipp:ncott Col
I.-CoNTINUED.

Quitting New Orleans after long
days sightseeing with his friends. he
had sought berth in the 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-
haps trifle homesick. Twice had the
conductor hustled through the train,
rousing sleeping passengers and see
ing them safely off at dark and mys-
terious stations where hardly 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 poked the waning en-
bers and piled on fresh fuel, whereat
a young man who had got on at Coates
vile with a shotgun and a 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. IS 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, Hopping
down on the opposite seat, sending
some of Lambert's belongings clatter-
ing to the floor. held out his hand.
-" 'Scuse me, suh," he suffered. 81
hope 1 amt Tended you. My names
Potts-Barton Potts. We amt what
we were befo' the wah, you know. But
l know a gen'fm'n-every time. Hope
I ain'-'sulted-''
Not by any means!" protested Lam
bert, loudly and heartily. Don't think
Of such thing! I 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 chamos-
skin. had come in contact with the
strangers elbow and gone rafting
under the seat. Potts made a precipi-
tate dive and fished it out, regaining his
equilibrium after some little struggle.
Coin to Quitman-too? THAI my
home. An I'm glad-meet you.
know a genTm'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-Missur
Lammert. Where'd you say you
b1onged?"
I'm going to Tugaloo."
"Tu-gloo?-Tha'z no kim of place.
C'mawn to Quimman. Come to my
house. What n ellis thiz?" he broke
off suddenly. ---
My sword" said Lambert, simply.
Sword ?-sword exclaimed Potts.
You goin' Tu-gloo with sword? You
Yankee Officer like that-wha'z name ?
-Close?"
"A Yankee officer certainly" laughed
Lambert. I've never met Capt. Close"
The effect of this announcement on
Mr.. Potts was surprising. 1t well-nigh
scbered him. He slowly drew back I'M
til he sat erect, his head webbing bit
in spite of his efforts at self-control.
Presently he began to speak, slowly and
impressively at first, then winding up in
verbal ENHANCEMENT:
7 Il
was talkin' to-Yankee officer-but-
I'm a genTm'n, sub, an 1 stan by
wh-wha-I say. 1 mean to stan your
1 frien', sub; but as TO that oth-fellun
-Close-I'll seem in ell first"