Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1903-09-30

cries, Hello, jack How do.
lf66TfI DaleT Hello. old Smoker in
02S3 the beartiest OF tones made
me see that my cousin was a favorite
with the men grouped about the door.
Jack simply nodded IN return. and
then presented me I'm due form. MY
tenderfOOt cousin from the effete.v he
said. with flourish l was surprised
at the grace OF the bows made me by
these roughly dressed. wild looking fell
lows. I might have been I'm n London
drawing room. I was put at my ease
at once by the kindliness OF their greet
ing. for, upon Jacks introduction. I
was admitted at once into their circle.
which to tenderfoot was usually
closed
What a hardy looking lot they were,
Brown. spare. sinewy and hard as
nails. they appeared like soldiers back
from hard campaign. They moved
and spoke with an easy. careless air
OF almost lazy Indifference. but their
eyes had trick Of looking straight AT
you, cool and fearless. and yOu felt
they were fit and ready.
That night | was initiated into the
Company OF the Noble Seven-but Of
the ceremony / regret 10 say retain
but an indistinct memory: for they
drank as they rode. hard and long.
and 1t was only Jacks care that got
me safely home that night.
The Company OF the Noble Seven
was the dominant social force in the
Swan Greek country Indeed. IL was
the only social force Swan Creek
knew. Originally consisting of seven
young fellows OF the best blood OF
Britain, banded together for purposes
OF mutual improvement and social en-
Joyment." il lad changed its character
during the years, but not its name.
First. its membership was extended TO
include approved colonials." such as
Jack Dale and Others OF kindred spir-
IT," under which head suppose. The
two cowboys from the Ashley ranch.
Hi Kendall and Bronco Rnl-no one
knew and no one asked has other
name-were admitted. Then its pur-
poses gradually limited themselves 70
those Of n social nature chiefly in the
line OF poker playing and whisky
drinking. Well born ana delicatcly
bred in that atmosphere Of culture
mingled with a sturdy common sense
and certain high chiv. Try which sur.
rounds the stately he mes OF Britain
these young lads, fr "a from the re-
straints OF custom aud surrounding
soon shed all that was superficial in
their make up and stood forth in the
naked simplicity OF their native man.
hood. The west discovered and re
vealed the man in them. sometimes "a
their honor. often TO their shame.
The chief Of the Company was the
Hon. Fred Ashley Of the Ashley ranch
some time Of Ashley Court. England
big good natured man with mavnifi.
cent physique. good income from
home and a beautiful wife the Lady
Charlotte. daughter OF noble English
FAMILY. AT tne Ashley r..... ID tile tradi-
tons Of Ashley Court were pr served as
far as possible. The Hon. Fred ap-
peared at the wolf hunts i'm riding
breeches and top boots. with hunting
crop and English saddle. while in all
the appointments Of The house the Gus
toms of the English home were OBJ
served. Ii was character site. however.
OF western life that his two cowboys,
Hi kendall and Bronco Bin. felt them
selves quite his social equals. though in
the presence of his beautiful. stately
wife they confessed that they rather
weakened" Ashley was a thoroughly