The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1912-10-04
CHAPTER vIlI-(contInuedl.

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CHAPTER VIII-(Contlnucd)
I'VE don't want to get there too
carly" 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 n few elo-
quent words?" said Mr.. Mahaffy.
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 Il speech. He cast a
glance OF triumph at Mahaffy, and
nimbly mounted a convenient stump
lie 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 its banks as
though he expected to see his Uncle
Bcb appear any moment. The Judge
and Mahaffy had mingled with the
others In the hope Of free drinks, but
In this hope there lurked the germ
OF bitter disappointment. After a
period OF mental anguish Mahary
parted with his last stray coin, and
while his flask was being filled the
jddge INDUCED in certain winsome
gallantries with the fat landlady.
La 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 a husky
whisper, asked; Would it be perfect
ly convenient for you TO extend me a
limited credit"
Now, Judge Price, you know
heap better than to ask me that"
she answered. shaking her head.
No 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. II
wonder" began the Judge, and
paused as he saw the crowd stream
into the road before the tavern. Then
cloud OF dust enveloped It. cloud
of dust that came from the trampiug
OF many pairs OF feet, and that swept
toward them. thick and impenetrable,
and no higher than a tall mans head
in the lifeless air. 81 wonder II we
missed anything" continued the
Judge. finishing what he had started
to say.
The score or more Of men were
quite near. and the Judge and Ma.
hary made out the tall figure or 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 fancied Pleas
antville had awakened 20 a fitting
sense OF its obligation TO him and
thai 1t was about to make amends
for Its churlish lack OF hospitality. lie
rose from his chair, and with a splen.
did fiorid gesture. swept off his hat.
ITS the pussy fellow" cried
voice.
oh. shut up-dont you think 1
know him?" retorted the sheriff tart.
ly
Gentlemen" began the Judge
bandly.
Get the well-rope"
The Judge was rather at loss prop
erly to interpret these varied remarks.
He was not long left I'm doubt The
sheriff STEPPED TO his side and dropped
heavy hand on his shoulder.
MIR. Slocum Price. or whatever
your name Is. your little game is up!"
"Ain't be bold?" IL was the won.
ans voice this time, and the tat land
lady. her curls awry and her plump
breast heaving tumultuously, gained
place In the forefront OF the crowo
Dear madam, this Is an unexpect.
ed pleasure!" said the Judge. with his
hand upon his heart.