The morning times., 1897-02-21

negro quarters to the AherCrOnhie Place.
The delay that Chunky Riley made pre-
vented hiE. from meeting them, but 1T did
not prevent him from hearing the niurmur
of their voices as he struck into the path.
They were too far off for Chunky Riley
to know whether they were white or
black, but Just as he turned into the path
TO go to Gossett's the scent of a cigar
fIoated to his nostrils. He paused and
scratched his head again. He knew by the
scent Of the cigar that the voices he heard
belonged to white men, but Tho were they?
II they were the 'patterolers'' they'd
catch Aaron beyond all question; it would
be impossible for them to escape.
SO thought Chunky Riley, and SO, think
ing he turned aud followed the pathtoward
the Abercrombie Place. lie moved rapidly,
but cautiously. The scent Of the cigar be
came stronger, the sound OF mems voices
grew more distinct Chunky Riley left the
path and skirted through the low pines
until he came to the fence that enclosed
the spring lot He knew that if he was
heard, the men would think that he was a
calf, or mayhap, a mule; for the hill on
which Aaron had left him was now part
OF great pasture, in which the calves and
anu. Ltt " ttli Ll4N
Were allowed TO roam at viii.
Coming to the fence, Chunky Riley would
have crossed it. but the voices were louder
now, and he caught a glimpse OF the red
sparks Of lighted cigars. Creeping closer
and closer, but ever ready 10 drop on the
ground AID run away on all fours, Chunky
Riley WAS soon able TO hear what the. men
were saying. He knew the voices OF his
master and young master, Mr.. Gossett-
Old Grizzle, as he was callcd-and George,
and he rightly Judged that the strange
voice nngling with theirs belonged TO
MI Jim simmons, who, with a trained pack
Of hounds -''Higger dogs they were called
held himself at the service Of owners OF
rundway negroes.
Mr Simmons average fee was S15-that
is to say, when he was ''called in time
But in special case : his charge was $50.
When Chunky Riley arrived within carshot
of the group MI. Gossett was just con
Guiding protest that lac had made against
the charge of $50 which he had reluctantly
agreed to pay for the capture OF Aaron.
You stayed at my house today, you'll
stay there tonight, and maybe you'll
come back 10 dinner tomorrow. There's
the feeding of you and Your dogs You
don't take any account Of that at-all. Mr.
Gossett's voice was sharp and emphatic.
His stInginess made him notorious in that
region, and gave rise TO the saying that
GoSsett loved dollar better than he did
his wife But he was no more ashamed
Of his stinginess han he was of the shabbi-
ness Of mis- hat.
.'But, Colonel demonstrated Mr.. Jim
Simmons. didn't you send fer me? Didn't
you say, Glad to see You, Simmons; walk
right in and make yourself at home?' You
did, fer fact He spoke with d dra wi
that irritated the snappy and emphatic Mr..
Gossett.
why, certainly, Simmons; certainly, L
did l mentioned the matter to show you
that your charges are out Of all reason in
this case. All you have TO do is to come
here with your dogs in the morning, skirt
around the place, pick up his trail, and
there you are
But, Colonel" insisted Mr. jim Sim
mons, with his careless, irritating drawI,
''ain't il 4 plum fact that tins nigger's
been in tie woods a month, OF scech
matter? Amt it n plum fact that you've
tracked him and trailed him with your own
dogs?-and good dogs they are, and III
tell anybody so. Now, what do you pay
me fer? Fer catching the nigger? No,
Stree! The nigger's as good as caught
now-when it comes tothat. You pay me
fer knowing how tocatch him-that's what
you pay Inc fer. You send fer the doctor
He comes and fUmbles around little, and
you have to pay the bill, whether he kills
oil cures You don't pay him fer killing or
curing; you pay him fer knowing how TO