The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1903-08-13
THE PR1N CEToN UNION: THURSDAY AUGIJsT. -. 1aoa

to have more sense than that ne said
crustily. poles put out heer to work
his time out, an eft everybody in town
is allowed to laugh an joke with him
he'd crack about as many rocks as you
or me-"
You are a durn liar, Jeff Dukes"
said Pole angrily. You are a-makin'
that up to humiliate me furder. You
know no law like that never was en-
forced. Eff I ever git you out in Pea
Vine destrict, I'll knock dent in that
egg shaped head O. yor'n an make
them eyes look two ways fer Sunday.
You know gentleman like Alan Bish-
op wouldn't notice you under ordinary
circumstances, an so you trump up
that excuse to git his attention."
The two men glared at each other,
but Pole seemed to get the best of that
sort of combat, for the officer only
grOWled.
You can insult a man when you
are under arrest" he sale, "beca'se you
know l am under bond to keep the
peace. But I'm not afeerd OF you"
'They tell me you are afeerd O. sper-
its, though" retorted the prisoner.
'"They tell me little niger boy that
was shot when a passle O. skunks went
to whip his daddy fer vagrancy stands
at the foot O yore bed ever night. Oh,
l know what I'm talkin' aboutv'
Eyes, you know a lots" said the man
sullenly as his eyes fell.
TO avoid encouraging the disputants
further Alan walked suddenly away.
The marshal took willing advantage Of
the opportunity and followed him.
Il could make a case agin you" he
said, catching up, but l know you
didn't mean to violate the ordnance"
mo, of course didn't" said Alan,
"but l want to know if that fellow
could be released if paid his fine''
''You are not fool enough to do it, are
your?
''That's what am"
Have you got the money in yore
pocket?" The officer was laughing, as
If at a good joke.
Il have"
as he swung his short club round by
string that fastened it to his wrist
well, you come with me, an I'll show
you man that wants $50 wuss than
any man know of. don't believe Bill
Barrett has slept wink sence this
thing happened. He'll be tickled to
death to git off so easy. The town has
deviled the life out of him. He don't
go by whar Poles at work. mean,
whar he amt at work-fer Pole yells
at i'm whenever he sees i'm"
That night when Alan reached home
he sent a servant over to tell Mrs. Ba
lSer that Pole was all right and that
he'd be home soon. He had eaten his
supper and had gone upstairs to so to
bed when he heard his name called out
side. Going to a window and looking
out, he recognized Pole Baker stand
ing at the gate in the clear moonlight.
"Alan.' he said softly, come down
heer Il minute. want to see you"
Alan went down and joined him. For
moment Pole stood leaning against
the fence, his eyes hidden by his broad
DrlmmeQ SLOUGH hat.
Did you want to see me- Pole?" Alan
asked.
Eyes, l did," the fellow swallowed
He made motion as if to reach out
his hand, but refrained. Then he looked
straight into Alans face.
Il couldn't so to sleep till I'd said
some'n' to YOU" he began, with an
other gulp. II laid down an made
try at it, but it wasn't no go. I've got
to say it, I'm heer to swear that eff
way to pay you back fer what you
done today III never draw a satisfied
breath. Alan Bishop, yo're a mana
man from yore outside skin to the
marrow O. yore bones, an eff l don't
find some way to prove what l think
about you I'll jest burn up! got into
that trouble as thoughtless as I'd play
prank with my baby, an then they
all come down on me an begun to try
to drive me like a hog outn a field
with rocks an sticks, an the very old
Harry riZ in me an detied 'em.
reckon thar wasn't anything Bill could
do but carry out the law, an knowed
it, but l wasn't ready to admit it.
Then you come along an rendered
verdict in my favor when you needed
the money you did it with. Alan, eff l
don't show my appreciation it III be
beca'se l don't live long enough. You
never axed me but one thing, an that
was to quit drinkin' whisky. Pm goin'
to make try at it, not becase l think
that IL pay you back, but beca'se with
sober head kin be a better friend to
you eff the chance ever comes my way"
I'm glad to hear you say that,
Pole,' replied Alan, greatly moved by
the fellows earnestness. II believe
you ca do it. Then your wife and
children
Hang my wife an children!' snort
ed Pole. ITS you I'm goin' to work
fer-you, say!"
He suddenly turned through the open
gate and strobe homeward across the
fields. Alan stood looking after him