Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-05-01
CHAPTER MIl-tcentInusal.

SNfgF A-ft
I'VE don't want to get there too
early" explained the judge. as they
quilted the cabin We 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 eio-
quent words?" said Mr. Mahaffy.
the Judge.
And why not. Solomon" asked
The opportunity be crayed 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. tie cast a
glance Of triumph at Mahafy, 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
hAbeA AhEhhAlAAit AeAh ELAlG hONh " NAt
liver. He haunted its banks as
though he expected 10 see his Uncle
Bob appear any moment. The Judge
and Mahany 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 Mahafy
parted with his last stray coin. and
whi's his Task was being filled the
judge i:.dulged I'm certain winsome
gallantries with the fat landlady.
La. Judge Price. how you do run
ont" she said with a coquettish toss
OF her curls.
That's the charm OF you, ma am. ="
said the Judge. lie leaned across the
bar and. sinking his voice to husky
whisper. asked: Would It be perfect
ly convenient for you to extend me a
limited credit?"
Now, Judge Price. you know a
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
cloud of dust enveIoped It, a cloud
Of dust that came from the tramping
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 II wonder IL we
missed anythinST" continued the
Judge, finishing what he had started
to say.
The score or more OF men were
quite near, and the judge and Ma.
haffy made out tJa tall figure OF the
sheriff ia the lead And then the
crowd. very excited. very dusty, very
noisy and very hot, flowed into the
judges front yard. For a brief mo-
ment that gentleman fancied Pleas.
antville had awakened to fitting
sense OF its obligation to him and
that It was about to make amends
for its churlish lack of hospitality. he
rose from his chair. and with a splen-
aid florid gesture. swept OF his hat.
Its the pussy rellowl" cried a
voice
oh, shut up-d don't you think /
know him?" retorted the sheriff tart.
ly.
Gentlemen" began the Judge
blandly.
Get the well-ropei"
The judge was rather at loss prop
erly 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
MIR. Slocum Price. or whatever
your name Is. your little game Is up"
Amt he boid?" II was the won.
ans voice this time. and the fat land
lady. her curls awry and her plump
breast heaving unanimously, gained
a place in the forefront of the crowd
Dear madam, this IS an unexpect.
ed pleasure," said the Judge, with his
hand upon his heart.
Il want my money!" shrieked the
landiady Good money-not this
worthless trash," she shook a bill IN
der his nose. The judge recognized
Il as the one OF which he had de.
spoiled Hannibal
You have been catched passing