The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1912-03-06

vile a jail-raising was in progress.
During all the years of its corporate
dignity the village had never boosted
any building where the evil-doer could
be placed under restraint; hence had
arisen its peculiar habit OF dealing
with crime; but a leading citizen had
donated half an acre OF ground lying
midway between the town and the
river landing as a site for the pro-
posed structure, and the scattered
population of the region had assem-
bled for the raising.
I'VE don't want to get there too
early" explained the Judge. as they
quilted the cabin. 1--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 a few elo-
quent words?" said Mr.. Mahafy.
And why not, Solomon asked
the judge.
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 a speech. He cast a
glance of triumph at Mahaffy, and
nimbly mounted a 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 its banks as
though he expected to see his Uncle
Bob 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 a bitter disappointment. After a
period of mental anguish Mahany
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
oni" 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 husky
whisper, asked: Would it be perfect
Iy 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.
No offense, ma'am," said the Judge,
hiding MS 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 cloud of dust enyeloped it, 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. Il wonder If 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
haffy 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 a brief mo
ment that gentleman fancied Pleas
antvilIe had awakened to a fitting
sense of its obligation to him ano
that it was about to make amends
for its churlish lack of hospitality. he
rose from his chair, and with a splen
did ford gesture, swept OF his hat
It's the pussy fellow" cried {
voice.
oh, shut up-dont you Think
know him?" retorted the sheriff tart
ly.
Gentlemen" began the judge
blandly.
Get the welI-ropel"
The judge was rather at loss prop
/ erly to interpret these varied remarks
He was not long left in doubt Tn,
sheriff STEPPED to his side and dropped
a heavy hand on his shoulder.
Mr.. Slocum Price, or whatevel
your name is, your little game is up!'
Amt he bold?" it was the won
ans voice this time, and the fat land
lady, her curls awry and her plum
breast heaving unanimously, gaineC
a place in the forefront Of the crowa
Dear madam, this IS an unexpect
ed pleasure!" said the judge, with hi
hand upon his heart.
Il want my money!" shrieked th'
landlady. Good money-not thi
worthless trash!" she shook bill un
der his nose. The judge recognizes
it as the one of which he had de
spoiled Hannibal
You have been catehed passing
counterfeit" said the sheriff. A Ugh
broke on the judge, light tina
stunned and dazzled.
Il can explain"
Speak to them, SoloEon-yo1
know how l came by the money!!
cried the judge, clutching his frienl
by the arm. Mahaffy opened his thil
lips, but the crowd drowned his voic
in a roar.
A tall fellow shook long finge
under Mahaffy's nose.
You scootl"
Mr. Mahaffy seemed to hesitate
Some one gave him a shove and b
staggered forward a step. Before b
could recover himself the shove wa
repeated.
''Lope on out of here!" yelled tn
tall fellow. Mahaffy was hurried t.
ward the road Twenty men were i
chase behind him. Then the wood
closed about him. His long legs
working tirelessly, carried him owe
fallen logs and through tangled thica
cts, the voices behind him CROWN
/ mana apd r-,ora distant nc he ran