The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1916-05-11

NJ kAM ment has tendency to reflect
NA9N ~ on the character of Riley's
Ak541teys9aRktsANN place, but that can't hurt
h/7SAaI@NNW Riley's at all; and mention
It because the combat introduced Uncle
Billy and the Stranger-they will always
call him that In Doghole. The cause, more
over, is really instructive and illustrates a
local pride enjoyed by some three million
odd Of our fellow citizens.
A mild-mannered man was sitting on
Riley's steps, and he gazed up at the star
powdered sky for the reason there was
nothing else to do. They had forced him to
abandon game of pitch through lack of
credit, so he meditated now in chastened
mood on the finty nature of mankind.
Uncle Billy Biggerstafr came down the
street and lowered near. He eyed the un-
familiar figure askance for several minutes,
then passed the time of day, and the
Stranger tried to borrow some tobacco from
Uncle Billy, who pretended he did not have
any, Both did this easily and naturally.
There followed certain constraint Sew
eral others emerged from Riley's and clus-
tered on the porch.
- Gentlemen" the visitor remarked, gaz-
ing pensiyely at the sky, "there's beau
tiful moon"
cts a right good moon," Uncle Billy
conceded, "a right good moon," He rurni-
mated a space, examining the heavens.
But it amt anything Ike to Texas
neon"
The other glanced at him in surprised
dissent. He wanted to know why. Since
it was the same orb that shed its rays on the
entire terrestrial sphere, wherein did the
state Of Mr.. Biggerstaff's nativity excel7
DO you mean to set there and say that's
the same identical moon2" shrilled Uncle
Billy. "Do you mean to say Texas amt
got special moon of her own7"
The Stranger intimated in a difhdent
tone that such was his grasp Of the matter,
and before he could rise from the steps,
Uncle Billy was all over him. Into the
dust they rolled, the younger man striving
to secure Uncle Bily's wrists He was
laughing, though he painted for breath.
For gentleman of sixty years, Mr.. Bigger
staff displayed marvellous force in argu-
nlent, but at last the other pinned him on
his back.
"Now," he said, holding Uncle Billy's
hands far above his head, have you had
enough, you old Wildcat"
ST want this here about the moon cleared
up" Uncle Billy mumbled through the dirt
he had acquired in an effort to bite his
antagonist
The victor laughed again and Let him up.
Sure" he said, IT was only joking. We
all know this moon isn't the same mot
nearly so big"
The Texan busted himself and grunted.
Everybody at Riley's was bowling and he
departed for home in confusion.
That OF teller there" prospector re-
marked, "has got the first dollar he ever
done earned. Come on in. / buy"
"Yes2 How many has he earned?"
Some said ten thousand; others placed
the figures at fifty. The Stranger listened
intently, toying with his glass. He was
about thirty years old and very tall, and
sleuched in his walk. His face was thin and
sharply lined, and he would have looked
lazy but for his alert brown eyes. From
time to time he turned sidewise to inspect a
man playing solitaire in corner.
"Who's that2" he inquired.
"Who? Him over there?" the miner
whirled sharply, oh, he's one Of then
eastern fellers. He don't mix much.
heard as he's looking round for mine
What do you think Of that? Hey2 A mine
kin sell him ten" Recovering from hi
mirth, he asked: whats your name
stranger2"
Bremner-Joe Bremner"
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Bremner
Mines Schoonover- Sam Schoonover."
A game of poker was started. The mai
In the corner abandoned his cards witt
aIacrity and asked permission to sit In. A
Bremner had no money, he was not con
sidered a possibility, of course, and h
dragged chair to spot about six feet re
moved from the table and directly opposit
the fastener.
The latter glanced at him casually. The
he began to stare while the pack was shut
fed. Each time the hands were throw
down he fell to studying Bremner. Durin
a pause in the game for refreshments, b
asked civilly enough, Is your nam
Peterson9"
"Bremner, was the brief reply.
"That's curious. / could have sworn
I used to know q man in Philadelphia tn
dead image oSsyou, only he was stouter an
had moustache.H
"YesP" Bremner returned, unrutied,
look like q lot of people.
This fellow did us up for SIX THOUSAND
I've been wanting to meet him for years.
Though II was said in a testing tone, tt