The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-10-09
THE JUDGE AND DAN'L.
BY EDGAR MELTON COOLEY.

A tall, raw-boned man sat on the top of "stake-and-rider' fence, in the shade of a butternut tree, whiting a
 stick. Beneath him, curled up in the high and tangled swamp grass, squirrel dog dozed lazily.
 The fence was in the bottom lands in the edge of a village. A river flowed near by and a road climbed a hill and rolled away towards larger town-the
 .Dan'i," the man said, addressing the dog, pears like everything Is goin to rack an ruin in Cloverdale. Times aint what they were hereabouts twenty years
 The dog raised his head and looked at his master a moment; then lazily re- sumed his nap. The man laughed-ra low, suttsrSll sHban.l,! laugh.
 The dog made a vain attempt to raise his head. Then he tried to wag his tail. air and then resumed its perch. You're just like the town. Dan'l," re-
 stunned tho man.. just like the town. shade. Amt got no more energy nor a turtle on a log. I declare to goodness.
 sir, I don't know what's goin' to become
 High overhead hawk circled slowly in
 the blue sky. From some where across the road came the song of a meadow lark and the plaintive whistle of ground squirrel.
 ''IAst ,n to that now-iust listen to that squirrel over there coaxin you to come an catch i'm, an you
 The man paused as he caught the sound of wagon wheels approaching. A sleepy looking horse. hitched to light wagon and driven by white-haired man, came shambling along the road. When the driver saw the man on the fence. he drew
 "TIowdy. Judge" he said, 'Howd'y." "Howd'y, major," replied the judge, throwing away his stick. Mighty tne day"
 The major coughed.
 Clouds over in the southwest" he said. Looks like 1t might rain.'' Both men lapsed into silence. The horse stood with closed eyes and nodded head. The dog panted in his sleep. The hum of insects arose from the grass. The major struck an iron weed with his whip; then he looked up suddenly. Come here, judge" he said. The other climbed slowly down from the fence and shuffied over to the wagon.
 The dog raised his head a moment; then lowered 1t again. The major leaned far over the wheel, with the manner of one who has an important bit of information to impart.
 "cloverdale has doctor" he whis- pered. and leaned back to note the effect "A doctor? When did he come?'
 "He didn't come at all.' replied the major. chuckling. Its a woman!"
 ,,.S *G0od Lord| exclaimed the judge, ex-
 ton. if swear little. but I'll be damned If l know what tho town is comin to, sir. A woman doctor! We'll, we'll, we'll! Nice. business for a woman to follow. Better be in the kitchen where she be- longs"
 ton. Them's the very words I said to
 tho kitchen says I, where a woman belongs. Just think of the influence on
 one of 'em,' says I, but what'll be git tin the notion in her head that she's too good for washin' dishes an maxim
 beds says l." And the major gave vent to his displeasure by whipping the dust into clouds.
 As men of influence in Cloverdale,
 Judge. Whitmore," resumed the major. strengthening himself up with an air of great importance, ''as men of influence an leadership. as you might say, I allow
 means to discourage this woman from
 remaining in our midst, sir. She's a
 menace to the community" And he coughed az though the responsibility sat heavily upon him.
 Whitmore nodded his head in approval and climbed awkwardly into the wagon. wen inform her that her presence ! here is not needed" he said, determin- i edly.
 Thornton gave pull on the reins. The
 shook its tail at the flies and started de- | liberately towards town. They rode a | short distance in silence and then Whit l more suddenly said:
 Hold on a minute. major. I swan if | we ain't left Danl behind. Wouldn't take farm for that dog, sir. Smartest Thursdays story, "A TOUCH OF NATL