hey were a bit embarrassed, for this was the first time
they had ridden in a buggy together. They confined their remarks to the
weather, the bad roads, the Casey old maids (whose house they passed),
the swollen Cumberland River, and other small talk. However, this
constraint soon passed and they began chatting and laughing in a
natural and pleasant way.

"Mr. Very," said Viola, "I want you to tell me about the adventure you
had on a ferry boat, to which John Larkin referred the last time I saw
him."

"That was one of the strangest experiences of my life," replied Jasper.
"A couple of years ago, before coming to this region, some of my
friends wanted me to run for the office of representative to the State
Legislature. I did not much like the idea of ministers being put
forward for political office; but, thinking if elected I might do some
good at Frankfort, I consented to be a candidate. One day on my
electioneering tour I was wanting to cross the river on a ferryboat,
and was passing through some underbrush and woods near the embarking
place when I heard some one say: 'That Jasper Very is a great rascal
and so are all his preacher friends. They will steal horses and do
other mean things. It is a scandal to the county that such a man as
Very should be put up to run for office and the first time I see him I
intend to whip him for his impudence.' This surprised me a little, and
I tried to find another way of reaching the boat without passing these
men; but the underbrush was so thick I had to go that way. I summoned
up all my courage and rode up. There were six men talking together. I
said: 'Gentlemen, who is the man among you who is going to whip Very
the first time he sees him?' The man who had made the threat spoke out
and said: 'I am the lark that's going to thrash him well.' Said I:
'Very is known to be much of a man, and it will take a man to whip him,
mind you.' 'O no,' said he, 'I can whip any such preacher the Lord ever
made!' 'Well, sir,' said I, 'you cannot do it. My name is Very and, as
I never like to live in dread, if you really intend to whip me, come
and do it now.' He looked confused, and said: 'Oh, you can't fool me
that way. You are not Very.' 'Well,' said I, 'that is my name, and now
is your time. If you must whip me do it now.' He said: 'No, no, you are
not Very at all; you only want to fool me.' By this time we had got
into the boat and he began again cursing Very. I said to a gentleman:
'Please hol