Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1908-09-17

already had the lust for riches in his
face. They dig all the time by the
water, and the girl talk and laugh
with the stranger. I tell her one day
what L tink about him. but she laugh
at me.
Wen, one time feel like a change.
and go on long trip. 1 shoot much
and see many strange things and rive
as man should 1--we. But at las I feel
something tell me to turn roun' and
go back. So ptart on the back trail.
One morning 1 see the smoke of a
camp nre, and fin Great Bear and his
tribe hunting buMalo.
Great Bear. he tell nae somst,inr
about South Wind that make me strike
him. But Great Bear know that 1
strike not him. but the words, and he
give me two fresh horses, and tell me
when I have done what I have to do.
where 1 should I'm him, so that the
blow might be wipe cut Then We
shake hands Ike men and I ride ON.
In tree days / ride what I would
ride In seven At other time. When I
reach the valley, shoot enc horse to
put him out Of pain 1t was not nice.
no! and it add 4 little grain to the
devil that was m me.
You have broke the stem Of a wild
noWerr Well, It was all the same. I
tink Ehe was glad to see me. but she
was YER weak The aaxt day sh0 die.
The next day we bury her By the
brook she lof, and take my knife ana
make cut on the handle OF my gun.
For vhatf change ttngs about. One
time in q Hnkaing camp a man who did
not know me. show me his pistol han
de 1t was all cut with notches. He
toll me he make cut every time he
XII man 1 ttnk he try to scare me.
l laugh. for ! d not Like to see suck
men. and I say that the next cut he
make In the handle I would XIII him.
For minute he look a. though he
would shoot Then he laugh as though
l was mad The next day he kin q
young boy at game AZ cards. 70
to the place where he 10, and roaain'
him OF what 1 have said. That was the
second time / have ever start a Axht.
Last night was the third
Sc change things about and make
q cut on my pistol handle to show
that have not kill. For tree years I
reel that cut and swear sof to pnysolf.
l TOOK many trails and stay at many
places. but the face I look for / did
net see. Once year 1 come here 10
McGills, whore the great trails to the
north and west cross. The play is good
and many people pass.
We'll, las night. the place was full.
You know how It is-much talk. much
drink. But Lanfranc has no lof to let
the white wine make a fool of him. So
l stand one side. and drink one, two
glass-not much. BY and by the door
open and a man come in. He not see
me, but l have no need OF the white
wine to make my blood run fas'. He
been drinking. and he laugh an wave
his hand at the crowd, and tell McGiu
to NIL up the glasses.
Everybody YER glad to drink with
the stranger, but take my glass and
spill it on the floor before McGnls
dog. He zee what do, and he turn
quick. For what you do thisr he say.
/ laugh and point whore the dog has
turn away. I think had rather drink
with McGilrs dog than with you
say. and smile in his face.
Men say I am too quick to shoot,
but even las night, 1 give him much
time. He had his gun out before l
draw. Then draw quick, but have
no fear. for It was my time. It was
fate. Then cut the notch smooth on
my pistol handle. See! / feel good"
Lanfranc laid the pistol down on the
bench before the other man. Sergeant
Mack's hand went oHt mechanically
to the pistol. and his fingers ran carsss-
ingly along the smooth out in the
wood. Good good" he muttered
half to himself
Lanfranc's finger touched the back
OF the sergeant's hand for second
Shall we go. mon amir" he asked.
softly.
Sergeant Mack Strengthened up as If
he were about to salute. mo, Ian
franc. hang Il, mol am more a man
than thtsl"-and he touched the
stripe on his sleeve.
Lanfranc's black ayes flashed with a
brilliant smile. You have the great
heart, mon ami" he said simply. 81
ride porth tonight to keep the word
with Great Bear"