The age-herald., 1898-02-06

evening, entered into the village or Reed- land, in the southern portion of Alabama during the yellow fever epidemic last sum- mer. The little town wore it's customary cloak of quietude and when darkness made it's appearance. all of the natives" it seemed. had gone to their homes. Nobody is without a home down In that country. and nobody starves to death.
 I had made a trip to Reedland prior to this one, and, consequently. knew the lay Of the land to a certain extent.
 As drove through the public square, for thss town boasted of such a thing, was impressed with the absolute stiffness which then reigned. No one seemed astir, and but for the lights in the windows of the two bar rooms, which the town anoroeo, and the occasional ''crack" of the pool balls in one of them; which made 1t appear evident that there was some life left about the town, would have thought the vii- lage totally deserted. The square was in tensely dark. there being scattered through it in many places tall, dark-looking trees, oak and hickory, whose shadows made the natural darkness all the blacker. Occa- sionaly the flame of 8 street lamp would flicker up, and then suddenly die away, as if it had not the energy to do the part NO--,o@ and there afforded light and their scar city, and their indistinct, spluttering flames only added to the sombreness of the scene. My natural tendency towards observation caused me to notice all of this as l was slowly driving across the square thinking as to where l should go when left Reed land.
 Being familiar with the location of the hotel, 1 drove down to it, and stopping in tod eta a n knocked at the door, The proprietress came to the door, and upon being informed that desired to secure lodging for the night showed me to-a room. The hotel build ing was a long, rambling, two story anair and as soon as I satisfied myself that l could find my room again, l went out to carry my team to the only livery stable or which the town boasted. l should have said "of which the mayor boasted, Tor ne owned the town and all the land around it. All the people lived in his houses lie forced his tenants to elect him mayor, or he would turn them out of house and home. He was the supreme dictator around those premises Whatever he said had to go, whether the people desired 1t or not.
 He was the wearer of the Blue Spansled Peacock Feather and Yellow Jacket in Reedland.
 After I had disposed of my horse and buggy, I betook myself back toward the hotel stopping, by the way, to take a
  cidental" or two. This was where made a slight mistake. Though only saw whom supposed were the village "do nothings, after events proved that was wrong in my estimation of these gentlemen
 Leaving the bar room, I walked around to the hotel went to my room, and found there big South Alabama pine fire, which had been made during my absence. drew up a chair in anticipation of long, comfortable evening, with my thoughts 10 fx, fla., afe had cea through my brain, however, when I was made aware, by the heavy tread of feet, that someone was, or. that a number or people, were coming up the passageway to- ward my room. I was correct in my sup position, for the footsteps ceased immedi- ately in front of my door, and a loud knock was delivered upon the door, which resounded throughout the whole house.
 "Who's there, I asked.
 "Come to the door, replied my would-bc - disturber in a big loud tone.
 didn't feel justified in going to the door, especially in a hotel in strange town, without knowing something as to who the person on the outside was, so replied: 'If you can't say who you are, can't open the door,"
 1T am the mayor of this here town, and if you don't open this here door, I'll break it down." answered the man on the out side.
 Now, what the devil am into, thought
 
 and several other men, officers, presume, and it is just my luck to get mixed up in case of mistaken identity" and be put to a lot of trouble, and have possible redress. These thoughts passed through my mind quickly, and I arose, opened the door, and was greeted by a big, black-eyed. red-faced, double-jonted, collarless, vest less, six-footer, who eyed me a moment and then said: Shark is my name, sir am mayor of the town of Reedland, and hnrn an WI ing his hand toward four men who stood around here. "are my board of aldermen, and We want to know where you come from. as4E
 why" said I, that's easy to explain, came from "Bucktown, ,ssand have been there for over month; sick most of the time." 2 -a
 His honor eyed me again, and said: "You are certain you are right about it?"
 .Of course, why shouldn't I be- said I. "I don't know Then he sized me up again and remarked: That's all guess" and turning to his a1dermanic board, he said:
 'sWell, we had as we'll might go.'
 After delivering this sentence, he mo- tioned his board to lead the way. and their receding footsteps was the last heard of the mayor that night.
 After they left began to think it over: as to what their visit meant but could como to no definite conclusion, and not having been accustomed to allow myself to look for trouble, I sat down in front of the fire to think, very probably, of the Girl Left Behind" The fire smoldered away, and I retired.
 Morning came, and as found to be the case, usually, down there, there came with it a breakfast of fat pork, fried, and corn bread, and muddy coffee.
 After breakfast, when paid my bill, the landlady gave @me a smile; one of those smiles which becomes significant after you recall the events which occurred during the time being. It was my intention to make trip into the country that morn ing. and while on my way to the livery sta ble to"get my team, my attention was at- tracted to several men standing around tree; all gazing at white placard fas- tened upon the body of the tree. Thinking this might have some connection with the visit of the mayor and his board of alder men of the night before, was impelled, by my natural curiosity to walk over and sec what the excitement was This wals