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Smith, Francis Hopkinson, 1838-1915

"Colonel Carter of Cartersville"


The colonel and I remained behind. He was in no mood for such frivolity.


CHAPTER VIII
_A High Sense of Honor_

While the judge's decision had relieved the colonel of all
responsibility so far as Yancey and Cartersville were concerned,--and
Yancey would be Cartersville when he was back at the tavern
stove,--there was one person it had not satisfied, and that was the
colonel himself.
He began pacing the floor, recounting for my benefit the various
courtesies he had received since he had lived at the North,--not only
from the proprietors of the office, but from every one of its
frequenters. And yet after all these civilities he had so far forgotten
himself as to challenge a friend of his host, a very worthy gentleman,
who, although a trifle brusque in his way of putting things, was still
an open-hearted man. And all because he differed with him on a matter
of finance.
"The mo' I think of it, Major, the mo' I am overwhelmed by my action.
It was inconsiderate, suh. It was uncalled for, suh; and I am
afraid"--and here he lowered his voice--"it was ill-bred and vulgar.


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