Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1911-12-19
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VAUGHAN KESTER GAWHN
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CHAPTER IX-Continued.
ESTABLISHED 1865.

expected to see his Uncle BOD appear
at any moment. The judge and Ma
haffy had mingled with the others IN
the hope of free drinks, but In this
hope there lurked the germ OF a bitter
disappointment. There was plenty oi
drinking. but they were not invited TO
ioin in this pleasing rite, and after
period Of great mental anguish Mahany
narted with the last stray coin In the
rocket of his respectable black trou-
sers, and while his flask was being
filled the judge INDUCED in certain
winsome gallantries with the fat land
lady.
ia. Judge Price, how you do run
on" she said with a coquettish toss OF
her curls. -.
That's the charm of you, ma'am'
said the Judge He leaned across the
bar and, sinking his voice to husky
whisper, asked, Would 1t be perfectly
convenient for you to extend me a lin
tied credit?"
Now. Judge Price, you know heap
better than to ask me that" she an
swered, shaking her head.
mo offense, ma'am," said the judge,
hiding his disappointment, and with
Mahaffy he quilted the bar.
why don't you marry the old girl?
You could drink yourself to death in six
months" said Mahaffy. That would
be a speculation worthw hile-and
while you live you could fondle those
curls!"
Maybe III be forced to it yet" re-
sponded the Judge with gloomy pessi-
mism.
With the filling of Mahaffy's flask
the important event Of the day was
past, and both knew 1t was likely 10
retain it's preeminence for a terrible
and indefinite period; thought that
enriched their thirst as 1t increased
their gravity while they were ira
yersing the stretch Of dusty road that
lay between the tavern and the
Judges shanty. When they had settled
themselves in their chairs before the
door. Mahaffy, who was notably
Jealous Of his privileges, drew the cork
from the flask and took the first pull
at its contents. The judge counted the
swallows as registered by that use
full portion Of Mahaffy's anatomy
known as his Adams apple After
breathless interval, Mahaffy detached
himself from the flask and civilly
passing the cuff Of his coat about its
neck, handed it over to the judge.
In the unbroken silence that succeeded
the flask passed swiftly from hand to
hand, at length Mahaffy held 1t up to
the light. It was two-thirds empty. and
a sigh stole from between his lips.
The Judge reached out a tremulous
hand. He was only too familiar with
his friends distressing peculiarities.
Not yeti" he begged thickly.
why not?" demanded Mahaffy
fiercely. Is it your liquor or mine?" He
Quilted his chair and stalked to the
we'll where he filled the flask with
water. Infinitely disgusted, the judge
watched the sacrilege Mahaffy resumed
his chair and again the flask went
it's rounds.
TT amt so bad" said the judge after
a time, but with a noticeable lack OF
enthusiasm.
Were you in shape to put anything
better than water into it, Mr.. Price?"
The Judge WINGED. He always WINGED
at that Mr.
We'll, 1 wouldn't serve myself such
a trick as that" he said with decision.
when I take liquor, it's one thing;
and when want water, it's another"
1T is, indeed" agreed Mahaffy.
II drink as much clear water as is
good for a man of my constitution"
said the judge combatively. My
talents are wasted here" he resumed,
after a little pause. I've brought them
the blessings of the law, but what does
it signifyi"
why did you ever come here?"
Mahaffy spoke sharply.
Il might ask the same question Of
you, and in the same offensive tone"
said the judge.
May l ask, not wishing to take a
liberty, were you always the same old
pauper you've been since I've known
you?" inquired Mahaffy. The judge
maintained a stony silence.
The heat deepened in the heart Of the
afternoon. The sun, a ball Of fire,
slipped back of the tree-tops. Thick
shadows stole across the stretch Of
dusty road OF in the distance there
was the sound of cowbells. Slowly
ha
golden light slinted sitting deeper and
deeper into the woods. They could
see the crowd that came and went
about the tavern they caught the dis
tant echo of it's mirth.
''Common-quite common" said the
judge with somber melancholy
Il didn't see anything common" said
Mahaffy sourly. The drinks weren't
common by long sight"
Il referred to the gathering in it's
social aspect. Solomon" explained the
Judge; "the illiberal spirit that prevail
ed, which, 1 observe. did not escape
you"
"Skunks!" said Mahaffy.
Not a man present had the public
spirit to set 'em up" lamented the
Judge They drank in pairs, and I'd
blistered my throat at their damn jail
raising! What sort of a fizzle would
it have been If l hadn't been on hand
to impart distinction to the ocasion?''
Il don't begrudge 'em their liquor
said Mahaffy with acid dignity.
Il do" interrupted the judge. i
hope it's poison to EN-
1T will be in the long run, If it's any
comfort to you to know it,"
It's no comfort. it's not near quick
enough" said the judge relentlessly.
The sudden noisy clamor of many
voices, high pitched and excited, float
ed out to them under the hot sky. Il
wonder" began the judge, and paused
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