The state herald., 1912-05-17
CHAPTER vIlI-tcon,Inued,.


We don't want TO get there too
early" explained the Judge, as they
quilted the cabin. I'VE want TO miss
the work. but be on hand for the
celebration
u suppose we may confidently look
10 you to favor us with few elo-
Quent words?" said Mr.. Maharry.
the Judge.
And why not, Solomon" asked
The opportunity he craved was not
denied him. The crowd was like
most southwestern crowds of the pc
riod, and no sooner did the Judge ap-
pear than there were clamorous de
mands for u speech. lie cast q
glance OF triumph at Mahafry. and
nimbly mounted convenient stump.
He extolled the climate OF middle
Tennessee. the unsurpassed fertility
OF the soil; he touched on the future
that awaited Pleasantville; he apos-
trophized the jail
Presently the crowd drifted away
In the direction Of the tavern. Han
nibal meantime had gone down TO the
river. He haunted it's banks as
though he expected TO see his Uncle
Bob appear any moment. The Judge
and Mahary had mingled with the
others in the hope OF free drinks. but
in this hope there mrked the germ
OF bitter disappointment. After n
period OF mental anguish Mahary
parted with his last stray coin. and
while his flask was being filled the
Judge INDUCED In certain winsome
gallantries with the tat landlady.
Ia. Judge Price. how you do run
on" she said with a coquettish toss
OF her eurls.
That's the charm OF you. mann"
said the Judge. lie leaned across the
bar and. sinking his voice TO a husky
whisper. asked: Would 1t be perfect,
ly convenient for you TO extend me
limited credit7"
Now. Judge Price. you know a
heap better than 10 ask me that"
she answered. shaking her head
No o1ense. ma'Rm.' said the Judge.
hiding his disappointment. and with
hahaffy he quilted the bar.
The sudden noisy clamor OF many
voices, high.pitehed and excited, roat
cd out TO them under the hot sky. II
wonder" began the judge. ana
paused rs he saw the crowd stream
into the road before the tavern. Then
4 cloud OF dust enyeioped II. a cloud
Of dust that came from tho tramping
Of many pairs OF feet. and that swept
toward them, thick and impcnetrablo.
and no higher than tall mans head
In tho liioleas air Il wonder II We
missed anything" continued the
Judge, finishing what he had started
20 say.
The score or more OF men were
quite near. and the Judge and Ma.
hEny made out the tail ngure OF tho
sheriff In tho lead And then the
crowd, very excited. very dusty, very
noisy and very hot. flowed into tho
jadso's front yard. For brief mo-.
.nont that gentleman fancied Pleas.
Antvillo had awakened 20 a hitting
sense Of H. obligation TO him and
that II was about to make amends
for itn ehurlluh lack OF hospitality Ito
rose from his chair. and with n aplen.
did norid gesture. swept on his hat
"irs tho pussy fellowi" cried n
voice.
oh. shut up-dan't you think /
know himT' fstortsd the sheriff tart.
~
"oentlemsn-" began the Judge
blandly.
Oct tho weliropei"
The Judge was rather NJ loss prop.
orly TO interpret these varied ramarka.
lie was not long left IN doubt Tho
sheriff STEPPED 10 his aide and dropped
heavy hand on hia shoulder.
'hr Alooum Price. or whatever
your name Ia, your little game In upi"
Amt he boldrf II was the WON.
ans voice this time. and the fat land.
lady. her curtis awry and her plump
breast beavins tumHitvoualy. gained
q piAna In Tho forafron, OF the crowd
Dear madam. this Ia an unorpeot
ID pleasur.l" said tho Judge, with his
hand upon his heart.