Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-11-27

J daughter. "A bold chap, that-do you
know him, Humphries?"
This question brought the landlord
to the window. He looked intently
upon the youth as he approached, but
seemed at fault.
Know him? why yes, think do
know him. sergeant; that's-yes-
that's-bless my soul, I don't know him
at ALL"
"Well, be sure now, Humphries,"
coolly spoke the sergeant. "Such a
good looking fellow ought not to be
forgotten. But he lights, and we shall
soon know better"
A few moments, and the stranger
made his appearance. The landlord
hustled up to him, and offered assist
ance. which the youth declined for
himself. but gave directions for his
horses tendance.
Shall be seen to, captain" said the
landlord.
why do, you call me captain?" de-
manded the youth, sternly.
BLESS me, don't be angry, squire;
but didn't you say you was captain?'
apologetically replied Humphries.
IT did not"
well bless me, but could have
sworn you did-now didn't he, gentle
men?-sergeant, didn't you hear?"
ut matters nor,'>fhe stranger inter-
rupted; 1T matters not You were
mistaken. and these gentlemen need
not be appealed to. Have my horse
cared for, If you please. He has come
far and fast today, and will need a
good rubbing. Give him fodder now,
no corn for an hour"
ut shall be done, captain"
| "Harkee, my friend" said the youth
angrily, "you will not style me captain
again, unless you have more than you
can put up with. am no captain, no
colonel, no commander Of any sort,
and unless you give me the troops, am
not willing to wear the title. So, un-
derstand me-"
| ASK pardon. squire, but 1t comes so
common-ask pardon, SIR" and the
landlord shuffied off, as he spoke, to
see after his business. AS he retired.
Sergeant Hastings made up to the new
conner, and with all the consequence Of
one having a certain portion of au-
thority, and accustomed to a large de-
gree Of Difference from those around
him proceeded to address the youth
on the subject matter Of his momen-
tary annoyance.
| "And with your leave, Young master,
where's the harm in being captain or
colonel? I don't see that there's any
offence in it."
None, none in the world, sir. In
being captain or colonel, but some,
take 1t, in being styled such undeserv-
edly. The office Is good enough. and
have no objections to It: but / have no
humor to be called by any nickname"
"Nickname-why, d-n 1t, sir-why,
what do you mean? Do you pretend
that it's q nickname to be called an
officer in his majesty's troops, sir? II
you do, sir" and the sergeant con-
cluded his staggering speech with a
most stormy stare.
"Pistols and daggers! most worthy
officer in his majesty's troops do not
look so dangerous" replied the youth
very coolly. He saw at a glance the
sort of Hector with whom he had to
deal. and would have answered him
with his boot, but that his policy de-
manded forbearance. He continued,
pacifcally: 81 have no sort of inten-
ton to offend captain or sergeant.
only beg that, as am neither one nor
the other, nobody will force me into
their jackets"
"And why not, young master?" said
the sergeant, somewhat pacified, but
still. as he liked not the nonchalance
of the stranger seemingly bent to
press upon him a more full develop
ment Of his opinions. why not? Is
it not honorable, / ask you, to hold
his majesty's commission, and would
YOU not as a loyal subject. be very
glad to accept one at his hands?"
| There was no little interest mani
tested by the spectators as this ques-
ton was put. and they gathered more
closely about the beset stranger, but
still keeping at a deferential distance
from the sergeant. He, too. looked
forward to the reply Of the youth with
some interest. His head was advanced
and his arms akimbo, and, stationed In
front Of the person he examined, In
the centre Of the hail. his clumsy COM
Pact person and round rosy face look
ed exceedingly imposing in every eye
but that Of the person for whose espe-
cial sight their various terrors had
been put on. The youth seemed an
noyed by the pertinacity Of his assail-
ant, but he made an effort at COM
posure. and after brief pause replied
to the inquiry.
Honorable enough, doubtless.
know nothing about the employment,
and cannot say. AS for taking COM
mission at his majesty's hands, don't
know that should do any such thing
The declaration produced a visible
emotion in the assembly. One or
two of the spectators slid away silent
ly and the rest seemed variously agi-
tated, while at the same time. one
person whom the stranger had not be-
fore seen-a stout good-looking man,
seemingly in humble life. and not over
his own age-came forward. and. with
nothing. ostentatious in his manner
placed himself alongside Of the man
who had so boldly declared himself.
Sergeant Hastings seemed for an In
stant almost paralyzed by what ap-
peared the audacity Of the stranger.
At length, detaching his sword partial
ly from the sheath. so that few inches
of the blade became visible. he looked
round with a potential aspect upon the
company and then proceeded
not 70 ka ,icci ion from the