The Red Cloud chief., 1912-05-16
CHAPTER viii-(contInued).

I'VE 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"
Il suppose we may confidently look
to you to favor US with few elo-
quent words?" said Mr.. Mahafiy.
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.
maads for u speech. He cast a
glance OF triumph at Mahaffy. and
nimbly mounted convenient stump
He extolled the climate OF middle
Tennessee, the unsurpassed fertility
OF tie soil: he touched on the future
that awaited Pleasantville; he apos-
trophlzed the jail
Presently tho crowd drifted away
in the direction of the tavern. Han.
nibal meantime had gone down to the
river. lie haunted its banks as
though he expected to sec his Uncle
Bob appear any moment. The Judge
and Mahaify 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 Mahaffy
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.
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 perfect
ly convenient for you to extend me
limited credit?"
Nov. Judge Price. you know a
she answered. shaking her head.
mo offense. maam." said the Judge.
hiding his disappointment. and with
Mahafiy he quilted the bar.
The sudden noisy clamor OF many
voices. high.pitched and excited. float
ed out to them under the hot sky. II
wonder" began the Judge. and
paused az he saw the crowd stream
into the road before the tavern. Then
q cloud OF dust enveloped It, o cloud
Of dust that came from the tramping
of many pairs of feet. and that swept
toward them, thick and impenetrabie.
and no higher than q tall mans head
in the iifeless 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.
hairy made out the tall figure OF the
sherin 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 fancied Pleas.
antville had awakened to a fitting
sense of its obligation to him ana
that 1t was about to make amends
for its churlish lack OF hospitality. He
rose from his chair. and with q splen-
did forid gesture. swept on his hat.
ITS tho pussy fellow!" cried a
voice.
"Oh. shut up--don't you think
know him?" retorted the sheriff tart.
ly.
Gentlemen" began the Judge
blandly.
Get the well.rope!"
The Judge was rather at loss prop.
erly to interpret these varied remarks.
He was not long left In doubt. The
sherif STEPPED to his side and dropped
. heavy hand on his shoulder.
"Mr. Slocum Price. or whatever
your name is. your little game is up!"
Amt he boldy" It was the WON.
ans voice this time. and the fat land.
lady. her curls awry and her plump
breast heaving tumuituously. gained
. place In the forefront OF the crowd
Dear madam. this is an unexpect.
ed pleasure!" said the Judge. with bis
hand upon bis heart