South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-02-06

when they reached the foot OF the
hill Goree stopped again.
did you ever suspect I was a very
vain kind of fellow, Colonel?" he
asked. Sort Of foolish proud about
appearances?"
The cOloneps eyes refused 10 wan
der TO the sOiled sagging suit of
flax and the faded SLOUGH hat.
1T seems to me-" he replied myS-
titled, but humoring him, Il remem-
Der a young buck about 20. with the
highest coat. the sleekest hair. and
tn prancingest saddle horse in the
Blue Ridge"
Right you are" said Goree eager
". And it's in me yet, thought it
don't show. Oh. I'm as vain as a
turkey gobbler. and as proud as
Lucifer I'm going TO ask you to
indulge this weakness OF mine in a
little matter"
Speak out, Yancey. Wen create
YOU Duke OF Laurel and Baron OF
Blue Ridge. if you choose: and you
shall have a feather out of Stella's
peacock's tail TO wear in your hat"
I'm in earnest. In a few minutes
We'll pass the house UP there on
the hill where / was born. and where
my people have lived for nearly a
century. Strangers live there now
and look at me! ! am about to
show myself 20 them ragged and
poverty stricken, a wastrel and a
beggar. Col. Coltrane. I'm ashamed
TO do il. / want you 10 let me wear
your coat and hat until we are out OF
sight beyond. 1 know you think IL
foolish pride, but 1 want TO make
as good a showing as ] can when /
ride past the old Mace"
Now. what does this mean?" said
/ COltrane TO himself. as he compared
his companions sane looks and quiet
demeanor with his strange request.
But he was already unbuttOning the
coat asserting readily, as il the
fancy was in no wise 20 be consider
ed strange.
The coat and hat fitted GOree well.
He buttoned the former about him
with a look of satisfaction and dig
nifty. He and Coltrane were nearly
the same size-rather tall. portly.
: and erect Twenty-Five years were
between them. but in appearance
they might have been brothers.
/ Goree looked Older than his age; his
face was puffy and lined: the colonel
had the smooth. fresh complexion
Of a temperate liver. He put on
/ Gorees disreputable old flax coat
and faded SLOUGH hat
Now. said GOree. taking I'D the
reins. I'm all right. I want you TO
ride about 10 feet in the rear as we
20 by. Colonel SO that they can get
a good look at me. They'll see I'm
no back number yet by any means.
1 guess III show up pretty well 20
+ lhem once more. anyway. Let's ride
on"
He set out up the hill at "A smart
trOt. the colonel following. az he had
been requested.
Goree sat straight i'm the saddle.
with head erect. but his eyes were
turned 20 the right. sharply scanning
every shrub and fence and hiding
place in the old homestead ward.
+ once he muttered 10 himself. VIII
the crazy fool try it. or did dream
half of it,"
It was when he came opposite the
little family burning ground that he
saw what he had been looking for
a pun OF white smoke. coming from
the thick Cedars ~ one corner. He
roppled SO slowly 90 the left that
Coltrane had time 10 urge his horse
90 that side, and catch him with one
arm
The squirrel hunter had not over
praised his aim. He had sent the
bullet where he Intended and where
( Goree had expected IL would pass
through the breast of Col. Abner
Coltrale's black frock coat
Goree leaned heavily against Col
traue. but ne did not fail The
horses kept pace. side ny side. and
The coionels arm kept him steady.
The little white houses OF Laurel
Shone through the trees. half mile
away. Goree reached out one hand
and groped until &C. rested upon Col
trauc's fingers, which held the bride.
Good friend" he said. and that
was all
Thus did Yancey Goree. as he
rode past mis- old home make. con-
sidering an things the best show
ing chat was in his power.
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