The Delta independent., 1895-12-11

empty handed. What he did with it
had an instructive feeling that its COM
had been provided for.
Fan then proceeded to dress him in
the most expeditions, but the same
time the most scrupulous. manner. In
spite of the nervous anxiety of La
port, he could not help wondering at
the systematic provision that had been
made for a thorough and complete
change of appearance. The linen,
cuffs, collar, studs, sleeve buttons,
finger ring, watch chain, had not been
forgotten. He was quickly dressed in
a handsome suit of gray tweed, an i'm
maculate vest and a fine soft black hat
with a broad brim. He was shaved
with marvellous dexterity, fitted with
a flowing gray wig and gold glasses,
a pair of silk stockings and riding
boots with spurs, field glass thrown
over his shoulder and rouge given to
his face; and when Fan held up little
mirror before his eyes, Laport saw
himself transformed into comfor-
table well-to-do governor with Horid
face that indicated good living.
Excuse me, sah," said Fan, as he
admired his work. you'll hav' to sojer
up; jess frow out your bress and put yer
shoulders back. Yer got a bad sag in
yer backbone. Der duds amt made
for it. Jess one more pint-good nuff,
if yer can hold him dar."
Fan ran his eye over the details and
looked at a little watch that he carried
in his vest pocket. Laport saw that
it was exactly like the one Kent had
given him and that the woman had cx-
hibited while he was on the milestone.
Indeed, it reminded the servant to re-
place in Laport's vest pocket the time
piece that Kent had given him. He did
this with the remark: "Dat's de gen.
erals time. Tother ones for to make
q gallus show"
A moment later he had gathered up
all the evidences of his work and sum-
moned the lady who appeared to be his
mistress. She came in flushed, rs If
she had been riding, looked at Laport
critically and said:
you are Dr. Samuel Franklin, OF
Cincinnati, and l am your daughter.
You are to assume, to the best of your
ability, the manner Of q rather per-
can scold me for my extravaganza n
little il you like. You are to carry
this roll of bills and when called upon
pay our expenses. You are also to
take this little checkbook and draw
your check as l direct. Further direc-
tions 1 can give you rs we journey.
The horses are ut the door"
Five minutes later Laport was on the
back of a handsome horse, riding by
the side of jaunty and spirited COM
panion. Immediately behind them
rode three others, who made up the
group. The way for some distance
was across fields, but presently they
came into one Of those grAss.grown
lanes that divide farms, and little
later struck common country high
way running southwest Not word
was spoken by Laports companion
for mile or two except an occasional
direction as to speed. But after an
hours ride they came to group Of
houses, when she said: ut is neces-
sary that we show ourselves here. You
are to preserve the air of the father
OF the family-that Is all"
At the largest of the houses the party
drew up md asked for o drink Of wa
ter Of a man at the door. While IL was
being served Laport remained in the
road-thc rest drew up chatteringly at
the door and managed adroitly to tell
the man how they Ind been disap.
pointed in their ride and were hurry
ing back to Shirleyville. Some qucs.
tions were also asked about better
roads; and then. with flippant jests,
4t,pa IN fha q n
they started Off again. 1t was now
half-past three o'clock and u ride OF
half an hour brought them to an inter.
secting and evidently not much travelled
road. I'VE turn SOUTH" said Laport's
companion. 1.-THE rest 90 on TO Shir.
leyville. DO you understand There
is no telegraph on our route"
The moment they were in the new
road she said: II shall have to ask you
TO make the best time you can for the
next five miles, until we come to an.
other highway. Your horse has a good
gait-let him have his head"
She then struck her animal and La.
port followed her. The pace was q
painful one, for he no longer had the
supplencss Of youth. But determination
supplied him with endurance, and they
rode Mt n rapid pace through an unin'
habitcd tract, aud he was much re-
lieved when they turned once more into
q well-trnvelcd road that ran in west.
erly direction, and his companion said
"You can take 1t easy now. Wei
walk our horses here and let them dry
We are safe. II you are pursued the
scent will lead 10 Shirleyville."
She drew up by his side rs she spoke.
II can now tell you." she said, what
your route will be. We shall stop for
the night at hotel in Charlotte. Itis
ten miles farther on. You will pay
our bill in the morning with check
which the landlord will cash because
have already cnshed the two which
Mr.. Kent got you to sign, and the land.
lord knows they are good. There is a
II u L. IL