The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1901-10-04
w. c. T. u. COLUMN
CONDUCTED BY MRS. M. l.. HOBBS.
RED RUN.
From Patriot rhaianx.

From Patriot rhaianx.
We were standing at the counte
|of one of tie sumptuous barroom
of San Antonio.
Barclay had a ranch to sell, an,
the two Englishmen with us had of
fered him very handsome price 70
lit. | was the broker in the trans
action.
! We met at "Dan's place" by ap
Ipointment, and hoped to conclud,
the deal at once, as fat commits
sion stared me in the face. 1t wa
II o'clock outside-but in "Dan's
lplace" no account was ever kept o.
time.
The Englishmen were a couple o.
sturdy, red-faced, high-booted fel
lows, with a good desl of the
'sport" in their natures. They
we're thoroughly Texanized, and
could gamble or drink rum with the
best or worst plainsmen. Our
|frierds bad just made some very
profitable trades, and were by no
means inclined to omit the function
usually described as celebrating"
"Dan" put out glasses for four,
and bottle Of old rye, in very
proper anticipation of our order.
The Engli-hmen and myself turned
out a good "three fingers" into our
glasses, but Barclay hesitated. |
showed the bottle along to him. 81
think III take sarsapalilla," he
said, quietly.
The Englishmen glanced at each
other significantly. Were not
buying soft drinks to-day, partner, +"
said Todd.
i looked at Bar, lay. He was ev-
identity agitated, and | began to feel
very nervous.
"Come, old chap" exclaimed
Todd, slapping him on the back
"this is big transaction, and de-
serves christening in something bet
ter than stained water"
/ nudgad Barclay. "For good
ness sake, old man, don't let a
glass Of whisky stand in the way"
was trembling, les some foolish
slip in the deal should happen.
The Englishmen had paused with
half lifted glasses, and were looking
Intently at Barclay. Suddenly he
Strengthened up to his full height.
His face was full OF new determi-
nation. His left hand reached out
and grasped the bottle; and, pour
ing out a good, stiff drink, he raised
i to his lips and turned with smile
10 the Englishmen. They nodded
heir approval Of his action. A
strange thing then occurred. Bar
clay took off his hat and looked in
% the crown Of it for a moment; he
turned very pale. Then he set the
Untouched liquor upon the bar
again. "Gentlemen," he said,
you'll have to pardon any seeming
lnsociability, but | cannot drink
iquor."
We we're all astonished at Bar
Jays action. TODD, who by this
ime was a little the worse for wear,
'wole a mighty oath and cried:
If you can't drink with US, you
ant trade with us-that's all !"
ind he banged his fist down on the
able to emphasize what he had
aid.
Barclay turned TO him, he was
perfectly calm, but his face was very
White. He saw the chance Of re-
,ouping his fortunes slipping
hrough his fingers-but he said,
'ery slowly:
"Then the deal is off, gentle
men,"
To think that he would let
tupid, fanatical prejudice obstruct
he opportunity, was too narrowing
or words. ground my teeth in
ilent rage. felt MY heart sink
within me. In my impatience at
he absurdity Of his course, | could
restrain a sudden impulse
0 grasp him roughly by the arm. 4
An embarrassed silence followed.
was secretly furious. Presently
Barclay spoke. Addressing US all,
10 said:
"You are all reasonable men and
viii hear what l have to say. LII
dmit would like to trade with
'ou, gentlemen, but the trade may
o to the devil If | have to drink
in order 70 make it. What
nnoys me most, however, is that
ou may consider me an unsociable
'oor. want you to listen--well
AXE seats at one Of these tables,
nd I'll tell you why l don't drink"
IN J>~on nf Qavclov