The professional world. (Columbia, Mo.) 1901-192?, 1903-08-14

New Orleans, whittier he had gone to
sell his cotton, with the story that he
had been knocked senseless and rob-
bed Of his wallet, and in proof of this
he produced a newspaper account Of
the midnight outrage, and exhibited a
wound on the head, inflicted by the
such d~rollery did he recite this story
That the Major laughed at him, which
meant, of course, that his tenure of the
old plantation was not to be disturbed.
The memory of this rascally trick
came back to the Major as he sat there
looking owe his papers. He recount
ed 1t all as a Renaissance of his own
weakness, and he was firmly and al
most angrily resolved that this season
the old fellow should not waddle from
under his obligations. Amusement was
harmless, but constantly to be cheated
was a crime against his wife and his
children. Children? Yes, for out of
no calculation for the future did he
leave Louise.
Their came atap at the door. Mrs.
Cranceford had sent a negro boy with
an umbrella and a lantern. The night
was wild, and the slanting rain hit
hard. Before he reached the house
the wind pulled out mis- lantern, leav-
ing him to stumble through the dark.
AS he stepped upon the porch there
was a loud "halloa" at the gate, and
just at that moment he heard his
wife's voice. John, go out there and
see who that is" she said.
He went round to the gate. His
wife stood on the porch waiting for
him. Presently he came back, walk
ing rapidly.
"Who is it, dear?"
"a negro man. Margaret, we must
go at once to Louise. Pennington is
dying"
With an inarticulate note of aston
ishment she fled to her room, to pre-
pare herself for the journey, and the
Major loudly commanded the carriage
to be brought out.
Lanterns flashed across the yard,
under the streaming trees, and flicker
ing in the gale that howled about the
barn.
Pale, impatient, and wrapped in a
waterproof, Mrs. Cranceford stood at
the front doorway. The carriage drew
up to the gate. Are you ready?" the
Major asked, speaking from the dark
ness in the midst of the rain.
YES" she answered, stepping out
and closing the door.
where is Toni" the Major in
CURED.
"He hasn't come home"
"He ought to go. l wonder where
he can be-"
"He could be most any place." she
answered; and as she stepped under
the umbrella to walk with him to the
gate, she added: But I think he is
at Wash Sanders house"
He helped her into the carriage,
took a seat beside her, and shut the
door with a slam. "As fast as you
can!" he shouted to the driver. They
sat a long time in silence, listening to
the rain and the hoofs of the horses
sloshing in the wet sand. The car
riage stopped.
WHATS the matter?"
de bayou, sah."
"Drive on"
"De bridge is full O. holes"
"Drive through"
de waters mighty high"
Drive through"
Down they went with a splash. The
carriage swayed, was lifted, was
swung round-the horses lunged; one
of the doors was burst open and the
ate poured in. Mrs. Cranceford
chung to the Major, but she uttered not
a word. Up the slippery bank the
horses strained. One of them fell, but
he was up in a moment. Firmer foot
ing was gained, and the road was
reached. Now they were in a lane.
The Major struck a match and looked
at his watch. 1t was nearly 2 o'clock.
Across the fields came a light-from
Louise's window.
The carriage drew up at the gate.
'That you, Major?" a voice asked.
Eyes. Why, how did you get here,
Jim?"
"Tnra down the fences and rndA