The National tribune., 1898-07-21

SAlnS, etc, use0 III the Jay time LOT SauCle-
blankets, and at night upon the bed. There
had been added to them. however, looking
particularly good and rich in contrast with
their squalor, several blankets with ~. S"
marked upon them. Around the room were
canteens, shoes and other soldier belongings
"Have they killed and robbed the men to
whom these belonged, or merely traded
whisky for them?" was the thought that
instantly flashed through Sis and Shorty's
minds. The answer seemed to be favorable
to murder and robbery. Set down, an
make yourselves at home. III git yo' out
suthin' t. wet yer Whistles" said Mrs. Boil
ster, wreathing as much graciousness rs she
could into her weathered-wood countenance.
She apparently kicked at the same instant
stool toward them with her left foot, and
dog ont of the way with her right, per-
Torrance that excited Shorty's admiration.
When | see a woman kick in different
directions with both feet at the same time, L
understood how dangerous her trip would be
in 4 rastle," he said afterward.
ST and Shorty showed two of the stools so
that they could sit with their backs to the
wall, still holding their guns.
The guerrilas came filing in, with an ex-
pectant look Oh their faces. Even Pete Hack
berry looked more thirstily longing than
wrathfnl. The man who had fallen under
Sis eunbarrel had gotten able to walk, was
rubbing his head and moaning with the de-
sign OF attracting attention and sympathy.
Mrs. Bolster produced key from her
pocket. The others understood what this
meant. They lifted aside some sacks of meal
and shelled corn, and revealed a puncheon
which had been cut in two, and the short
piece was earnished by rude, iron hinges aud
hasp all probably taken from some burned
barn. The hasp was locked into the staple
by one of the heavy padlocks customary on
the plantations, and this Mrs. Bolster pro-
ceeded to open with her key. When the
puncheon was turned up it revealed a pit be-
meath, from which she lifted large jug of
whisky. She poured some out IN tin cup
and handed it to Shorty.
"Take big swig," she said; "hit's monty
good stuff-ole Jed Thompson's brewin' from
WALLER corn raised on rich bottom land"
81 trembied as he saw his partner take the
cup. Shorty smelled it appreciatively.
" That is good stuff" he said. Roses amt
nowhere alongside"
He put the cup to his lips and took sip.
Tastes as good as it Smells" he said,
heartily, while the mouths of the guerri1las
were watering. He put the cup again to his
short cough and tremendous sputter, fol-
lowed by more painful coughing and strang-
ling.
Jest my internal luck" gasped Shorty.
- / would talk, am / got some down the
wrong way. Lord, it's bnrnin' my lights
out. Gi' me drink o. water somebody"
One of the children handed him gourdful
of water, while he continued to cough and
sputter, and blame himself for talking when
be was drinking.
The woman handed the cup to ST, who
feared that the liquor might be poisoned or
drugged. He made pretense of drinking,
and then handed the cup back, making
motions that his throat was so sore that he
could not drink much. Mrs. Bolster looked
at him suspiciousiy. but the clamor of the
guerillas distracted her attention, and she
turned to supply them
mo, Pete Hack berry," she said, firmly,
yo can't have more n two fingers. / know
yo' OF old, an jest how much yo' orter tote.
Two fingers'll make yo' comfortable an
sociable; three'H raise the devil iii yo', an
four'll make yo' dancin drunk, when yo'll
have t. be held down. Yo'll have jest two
fingers, an not a drap more"
Jest another finger, Sally. Remember,
yo've bin orfal rough on ME, an / need
more. III promise t. be good" pleaded
''No, not drap more'n two fingers now.
If yo' behave yourself I'll give yo' another
two fingers by-an'-by."
blackberry swallowed his portion at
thirsty gulp and sat down on the door-sill, to
let it do its invigoratng work. The other
two guerrillas were given each two fingers,
and the man whom ST knocked down had his
meanings rewarded by three fingers, and a
liberal application in addition to the wound
on his head, which he declared was much
relieved by it.
Set your guns up agin the wall, an acl<
- commanded Mrs. Bolster. +" No
body a-gwine to hurt yo' The 'Squire'll
be here soon, We'll git spliced, an have a
good time all around. T"
The noisy barking of the dogs announced
the approach of someone:
'Lord, / hope that's Squire Corson,"
said Mrs. Bolster, running eagerly to the
door g If hits him, we kin go right ahead
with the weddin'."
"If tlaes the Squire said Shorty. in a
low whisper without turning his head,
{. we'll grab our guns and fight to the death
We may clean out this gang"
Sis attention had been in the meanwhile
beds, and his curiosity was aroused as to
what such unusual things in cabin might
contain.
mo; hits Cap. Sol. Simmons" said she,
in tone of disappointment, mixed with
active displeasure. "Now, he Ii be cavortin'
and tearin' around, and wantin' t. kill some
body. / wisht he wuz whar hits good
deal hotter"
She came over to where the boys were sit
ting, and said in q low tone:
This mans alters maxim trouble, an he's
bad from his boots up. Keep stiff upper
lip, both on yo', an we'll try t. manage him.
Don't weaken. Hill do no good. He'll be
wuss'n ever then"
81 and Shorty instinctiyely felt for the re-
volvers in their pockets.
The newcomer tied his horse to sapling
and strobe into the house. The guerrillas
seemed rather more fearful than otherwise to
see him. but met him with manners that were
ranged from respectful by Pete blackberry to
absolute serviity by the Others He was
burly, bIack-bearded man, wearing fairly
good uniform of rebel Captain. His face
showed that he was bully. and cruel one.
He acknowledged in an Overbearing way
the greetings of the others, and called out inn
periously:
sal, gi' me a stiff dram O. yer best at
wunst Ny throat's drier'n lime-kilp.
Bin ridn' all mornin'."
''Folks wantin' hkker don't say must t.
me. hut will yo, an please" she answered
sulkily.
: Must please yo' hag," he said,