ving been at the tavern
with some of his young friend, had indulged in the liquors which
Nebeker kept for sale. While at this tavern George had become
acquainted with Stella Nebeker, and she soon found a place in his
affections. She was comely, vivacious and sensible, fond of society, a
natural leader among her set, having most of the accomplishments
furnished by the schools and social gatherings of their neighborhood.

Nebeker said to George in his loud and hearty way: "LeMonde, today you
have covered yourself and horse with glory, and incidentally have put a
good many dollars into my jeans pocket. Now you and your friends must
celebrate this victory by a layout (feast) and dance at my house. Next
Saturday will be moonlight, and Stella and I will invite our friends
and you must ask yours to come, and we will have a jolly supper, and
wash it down with some first-class Kentucky whisky, and wind up the
meeting with a party dance."

George agreed to this proposal; and after bidding the tavern keeper and
his lovely daughter a kind adieu, he departed to the stable, whither
his faithful servant, Mose, had led his horse.

Costello Nebeker lived about ten miles from Mr. LeMonde's plantation in
rather a rough and hilly country. For a number of years he had kept a
public house; and as his place was the only one of this kind for many
miles around, and as it fronted on a much-traveled county road, he had
many customers at his bar and guests in his tavern. His house was a
large frame structure, the lower part of which was used for a bar and
lounging place and the rear for a dance hall. On the second floor were
several sleeping rooms, some of which were occupied by the keeper and
his family, and the rest were prepared for travelers.

The sky was clear and the woods beautiful on the following Saturday
evening. As the sun began to hide his brilliant rays behind the noble
hills covered with regal forests, and the moon, nearing its full, was
already throwing a silvery light over the scene, those invited to the
supper and dance were making their way, some in buggies along the main
road, but most on horseback, coming down hills and across valleys, all
moving to a central point, the tavern house.

It is not our design to dwell upon that feast, which consisted of most
of the good things then in season in Kentucky, but to come at once to
the dance and to a striking incident which occurred there.

Rather late in the evening, after dancin