The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1905-02-10


Lydia Cranston and Kitty Cosby stand
ing a few feet from him. They haC
heard all. In Lydia's eyes great tear
stood. and in her face shOne kindlinl
light upon which her very soul seemed
to breathe. Covered with embarrass
ment. Buckley went to them.
I'm very SORRY" he began, bu
Lydia put up her gloved hand ant
stopped him.
Don't, don'tp she said gently, almost
reverently.. as she looked straight into
his eyes. "DOn'tr'
He had not been introduced to her
companion, and the fact seemed to
have escaped her. The three walked to
| the door.
Il am Miss Cosby, Mr.. Buckley .
Kitty said sweetly. Lydia has COM
pletely forgotten that we don't know
each other"
81 am delighted to meet you," he
faltered, red in the face. This is a
rather rough and tumble camp meet
ing reception to offer you the first time
you honor the old warehouse with your
presence, Miss Cosby" he managed to
get out. but we are an emotional peo-
pie and
"Hushw suddenly exclaimed Lydia.
facing him with her great, wondering
eyes Don't speak lightly of that"
Then her voice sank into ineffable
Sweetness., "Show me, Mr.. Buckley,
where It happened. mean from
which direction did the mob come, and
is this the door-where the poor boy
where you stood-this hereT
George grew redder; he essayed a
light laugh, but she was persistent.
She laid her hands on his arm. Tell
me-" she urged, lis this the very spotT
That's right, miss" said Truitt,
coming up. THE gang come rnnnin'
right down that walk after JEFF. He
hain't a plumb coward, but a mob o.
fifty bloodthirsty men would rattle
any boy that's been made pet of all
his life. They was all right on his
heels an he seed George Buckeyes
George let i'm in an then stood right
on that sill thar an dared one of 'em
to pass i'm. He had gun, but they
could "a ground Inn to sausage meat.
One man cooked revolver. an George
heard it an yelled out an dared i'm
to shoot i'm while he stood In the
light, an bemeaned i'm fer q coward
an all he could think Of. His pure
grit, an the respect they had fer i'm,
shamed the gang, an they left. But
thars hero, miss. You young ladies |
study about leaders of great battles
that are this an that, but I'm a old |
soldier, an what George Buckley done |
last night was the bravest thing ever
seed or heard tell Of"
1--WE thought Major Cranston was
here" Miss Cosby explained when Tru-
lit had gone. Eve have been looking
all over town for him."
George accompanied them to the car
'iage and helped them in. He was still
1ushed and embarrassed. Lydia was
Iuiet and thoughtful.
You must come up and see us very
'oon," she said. Il want you to know
Kitty"
Buckley turned back to the office, an
Try with himself, the FRUITS and ey-
rythfng pertaining to the. recent hap
'ening.
"Oh, what an ass made of myself"
lie thought-"what a deplorable, help
ess ASST -.t,...
He had just seated himself at his
esk when JEFF Truitt came in.
George" he said "Kenner has offered
ne job at the compress, and
"Well"-G gorge looked up from his
york. with a frown-"that's all right.
guess"
Their eyes met, and Truths fell t.
he ground. He turned out of the
DOR, meeting Kenner on the sidewalk.
II made George mad Jest now" he
aid to Kenner. II wouldn't "a done
fer the world. but
"You didn't mike me mad, old boy"
aid George. coming up, with a smile
was worried about calculation
as making. | hardly knew who was
)eaking to me-"
We'll, TN glad" said Jen, with
nile of relief. Il wouldn't, bother
Ou fer the world"
"I'll bet be was mad" said Kenner
} himself as he moved on. George y
uckley's as hard to understand some.
NEE MS a woman. He didn't like the
ay the Tr1.ltts carried on fore them
'ung ladies. Lord, he don't know
hich side his breads buttcrcd on. :
! live a hundred years I'll never
rget Lydia Cranston's face while old ),
-uitt was a-talkin', an George is as :
ind as bat-kickin' himself right :
wv" III
He went into the office few minutes =
ter. George was at his desk. dry
n In his hand. the flush still on his d.
ce. II met Bob Hanks uptown I"
While ago. Kenner observed. 81
George did not seem to hear.
Hes put on new two horse deliv- :,
Y wagon, painted up with his sign :.
it, jest like city wagons" r.
Buckley was still inattentive. =,
BY the way. the little devil told me q,
was goin' to let up on that school Al