Evening star., 1914-10-11

Chantry stole out again to reconnoiter. light still
burned in Cube Acres cabin and tpsy laughter oated
through the open window from the table which the
Shuckspurs playing poker. Rowan and Laban
nailed the lid the coffin again. deadening the blows
with the backsmiths leather apron, and the little group
stole noiseessy forth to their horses In the darkness
the lovers swiftly embraced and exchanged kiss.
Then Latchiepel and the old rode off in d-
recton; the three youths in another-toward Jackson
THE @Temple of Justice" at Jackson-to borrow
phrase from the silver-tongues who forgathered
therein at quarter sessions-was adorned with Greek
facade. 1t was quite imposing from distance but
view revealed the tobaccosained bases of the
columns and the ribs of lath staring through ragged
holes in the plaster However, the columns still
faithfully supported pediment whereon was repre-
sented in plaster bas relief the conquest of Lo the poor
Indian by the hardy pioneer; while Justice, from safe
vantage in the background, looked approvingly
little before of the day following the trys at
Cube Acres forge half dozen tilted back in
chairs this portico, smoking talking, and laughing.
But mostly they laughed, in various keys, from the
treble pipe of Newt Sanders, the one-armed circuit
clerk the basso profundo of County Recorder George
Oakes while Charlie Enders the Sheriff intermittently
buried his face his hands, grew purple about the neck
and ears shook convulsively and squealed like pig
stuck fence For the Fltt boys and Labe Pentecost
had brought to town the story of the hoang of the
Shuckspurs.
Presently cloud of dust appeared down the road,
and few minutes later old Cato Shuckspur,
kempt and shaggy Hun invading imperial Rome,
rounded the into Main street, his rifle his
saddle, and homemade sheepskn holster dangling
from each hip.
The next horseman followed at interval of couple
of rods the third similarly, and to the rear which
closed by two-horse wagon laden with long,
black-lidded box The driver was Rat Shuckspur. In
a spirit of bravado, braced by moonshine whisky, he
using the end of the coffin for seat-and no King
in coronation pageant sat with sitter back
prouder mien.
3Hyer we be- Sheriff. he called grandiloquently,
the wheel scraped the horseboc II reckon Brother
Curly got you word down what war comm with?'
3Yes,' answered Enders descending the steps; Hbut
we had about given you up. Thought maybe the
FEtts or Pentecosts had wooled you"
Rats little puckered face glowed 3The woolin' air
t'other way about. I've got thousant dollars worth
of Pentecos in this here box Done it in fair fight too,
at over four hunnerd yard. Hey Boys?' --
The boys nodded stily They were much too close to
the dreaded machinery of the law feel entirely
@Shall unkiver him?" continued Rat.
"Oh no. not here in the street, demurred the Sheriff
@That wouldn't be nice. Better-better take him in
side the courthouse He suddenly broke into series
of cacles gurges, and squeaks and clapped handker
chief to his face
"What's a1ln you Sheriff. queried Rat. 4You act
like hoss with the epzudick"
@Its what they call Influenza explained Judge Poor
man gravely. >
aNew disease to me-" observed Rat 3But you can
gamble that whisky in hawg doses, will t-cure
anything. 1hat reminds me. L want TO set EN- up TO
all you felers don't collect thousant dollars
every day. Besides. amt had sniff of red ticker in
coon's age"
THE company crossed the street to a saloon picking
up a number of recruits in transit Rats
to two dollars and thirty centso settle which he
compelled to draw uncle aside and effect loan.
@Now, Sheriff he on brisky, putting at the cigar
with which Enders had returned the treat show do the
law provide for this money be aid-in bills, gold
or silivero"