The Washington herald., 1920-09-26


Bloom, still pensive.
And now. upon the left bank.
they caught a glimpse of a white
village, high up on the hills,
smothered among green trees.
That was Cold Brsnch-no boom
town, bat the slow growth OF
many years. Cold Branch lay on
the edge of the grape and corn
lands. The lig country road ran
just back OF the heights. Cold
Branch had nothing in common
with the frisky ambition of Oko-
chee with its pertinent lake.
Mac" said J. Pinkney, sudden
ly. Il want you to stop at Colo
Branch. There's a landing there
that they made to use sometimes
when the river was up"
Cant" said the captain. grin
ming more broadly. i've got the
United States mails on board.
Right today this boats in the
government service. Do you want
to have the poor old captain keel
hauled by Uncle Sam? And the
great city of Skyland, all discon-
solate. waiting for its mail? I'm
ashamed of your extravaganza,
J P"
Mac" almost whispered J.
Pinkney, in his dangerous voice.
Il looked ipto the engine room of
the Dixie Belle" a while ago.
Don't you know of somebody that
needs a new boiler? Cement and
black Japan can't hide flaws from
me. And then, those shares of
building and loan that you traded
for. repairs-they were all yours,
Of course. l hate to mention
these things, but"
"Oh. come now, J. P" said the
captain. You know l was just
fooling. I'll put you off at Cold
Branch, if you say so"
The other passengers get off
there, too" said Mr.. Bloom.
Further conversation was held,
and in ten minutes the Dixie
Belle" turned her nose toward d
little, cranky wooden pier on the
left bank. and the captain, re-
linquishing the wheel to a roust-
about, came to the passenger
deck and made the remarkable
announcement: "All out for Sky
land"
The Blaylocks and J. Pinkney
Bloom disembarked. and the
pixie Belle" proceeded on her
way up the lake. Guided by the
indefatigable promoter they slow
ly climbed the steep hillside.
pausing often to rest and admire
the view. Finally they entered
the village of Cold Branch. Warm
ly both the colonel and his wife
praised it for its hOmelike and
peaceful beauty. Mr.. Bloom con-
Quoted them to two-Story build
ing on a shady street that bore
the legend, "Pinetop Inn" Here
he took his leave. receiving the
cordial thanks OF the two for his
attentions, the colonel remarking
that he thought they would spend
the remainder of the day in rest,
and take a look at his purchase
on the morrow.
J. Pinkney Bloom walked down
CCld BranCh's main street. He
did not know this town. but he
knew towns. and his feet did not
falter. Presently he saw a sign
over a door: Frank Z. Cody.
Attorney at Law and Notary Pub
lie" A young man was Mr.. Cody
and awaiting business.
Get your hat. SON." said Mr..
Bloom, in his breezy way, and a
blank deed, and come along. It's
job for you"
Now" he continued. when Mr..
Cody had responded with alac-
rity. lis there a bookstore in
town."
One" said the lawyer. Henry
Williams"
Get there" said Mr.. Bloom.
We're going to buy it,"
Henry Williams was behind his
counter. His store was a small
one. containing mixture of
books, stationery. and fancy rub
bish. Adjoining it was Henry's
home-a decent cottage. vine-em-
powered and cozy. Henry was
lank and soporific. and not in
clined to rush his business.
81 want to buy your house and
store" said Mr. Bloom. Il haven't
time to dicker-name your price"
It's worth $780," said Henry,
too much dazed to ask more than
its value.
shut that door," said Mr..
Bloom to the lawyer. Then he
tore off his coat and vest. and be-
gan to unbutton his shirt.
"Wanter fight about il, do yer?
said Henry Williams, jumping up
and cracking his heels together
twice. "All right, hunky-sail in
and cut yer capers."
Keep your clothes on" said
Mr.. Bloom. I'm only going down
to the bank"
He drew eight 500 bills from
his money belt and plansed them
down on the counter. Mr.. Cody
showed signs of future promise.
for he already had the deed
spread out, and was reaching
across the counter for the ink
bottle. Never before or since was
such quick action had in Cold
Prsnc
Your name, please" asked the
lawyer. .
Make 1t out to Peyton Blsy-
lock-" said Mr.. Bloom, God
knows how to spell it,"