Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1912-05-08
CHAPTER VlII-(continued).

'.We don't want to get tnere 100
early" explained the Judge, as they
quilted the cabin. I'VE want to miss
the work, but be on hand for the
celebration" E5E
Il suppose we may confidently look
to you to favor us with few elo-
quent words?" said Mr.: Mahaffy.
the judge.
AZ "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 APP
pear than there were clamorous de-
mands for speech. He cast a
glance OF triumph at Mahafry, and
nimbIy 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 Mehaffy had mingled with the
others In the hope OF free drinks. but
in this hope there lurked the germ
OF bitter disappointment. After
period of mental anguish Maha1y
parted with his last stray coin, and
while his flask was being filled the
Judge INDUCED in certain winsome
gallantries with the fat landlady.
# la, Judge Price, how you do run
on!' she said with coquettish toss
of her curls.. ,s BIN lSz, d Il.
That's the charm Of you, a'am,"
said the judge. He leaned across the
I bar and. sinking his voice to husky
whisper, asked: Would it be perfect
" convenient for you to extend me q
limited credit?"' - M II y
\ Nov, Judge Price, you know 9
heap better than to ask me that"
she answered, shaking her head.
mo offense, ma'am," said the judge.
hiding his disappointment, and with
Mahaffy he quilted the bar.
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 as he saw the crowd stream
into the road before the tavern. Then
a cloudsof dust enveloped It, a cloud
of dust that came from the tramping
4 OF many pairs Of feet, and that swept
toward them, thick and simpenetrabie.
and no higher than tall mans head
in the lifeless air. Il wonder II we
missed anything?" continued the
Judge, finishing what he had started
to say ss4 u 81 N AZ ~ ssi,
The score or more OF men We're
quite near. and the Judge and Ma.
hatfy made out the tall figure OF the
sheriff in the lead. And then the
crowd, very excited, very dusty, very
noisy and very hot. flowed into the
Judges front yard For brief mo-
ment that gentleman farcied Pleas
antville had awakened to lifting
sense Of its obligation to him and
that 1t was about to make. amends
for Its churlish lack Of hospitality. He
rose from his chair. and with splen-
did ford gesture, swept OF his hat.
Its the pussy fellow!" cried q
voice.
'Oh, shut up-don't you think |
know him?" retorted the sheriff tart
ly. ST. z, 4
Gentlemen began the judge
blandly. III
Get the well-rope!"
The Judge was rather at loss prop
Serly to interpret these varied remarks.
He was not long left in doubt. The
sheriff STEPPED to his side and dropped
heavy hand on his shoulder.
"Mr. Slocum Price, or whatever
your name Is, your little game liz up!"
TAin't he bold?" 1t was the wom-
ans voice this time. and the fat land.
lady, her. curls awry and her plump
breast heaving unanimously, gained
place in the forefront OF the. CROWD
Dear madam. this is an unexpect.
ed pleasure!" said the Judge. with his
hand upon his heart.