The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-25
CHAPTER XIV. SiIas Tomlin Scents Trouble,

One day-it was a warm Saturday, giv- ing promise of a long, hot Sunday to fol- low-Mr. Sanders was on his way home, feeling very blue indeed. He had been to town on no particular business-the day was half holiday with the field hands and he had wandered about aimlessly, making several unsuccessful efforts to crack a joke or two with such acquaint- ances as he chanced to meet. He had concluded that his liver was out of order, and he wondered, as he went along if he would create much public comment and dissatisfaction if he should break his promise to Nan Darlington by purchasing a jug of liquor and crawling into the nearest shuckpen.
 lie was walking along feeling very blue and uncomfortable, when he heard his name called, and turning around, saw negro girl running after him. She came up panting and grinning. -saIIsa.c !
 Miss Ritta say she wish you'd come dar right now said the girl.f'I been runnin' an hollin' after you tell l wuz fear'd de dogs d take after me. Miss Rit- ta say she want to see you right now"
 The girl was small and very slim, bare legged and good humored. Mr. Sanders looked at her hard. but failed to recognize her, nor had the faintest idea as to the identity of Miss Rita"
 You're way wander ahead of me-" he remarked, after re1ecting awhile. q reckon I've slipped a cog som'ers in my machinery. What is your name?"
 Pm name Larceny. Don't you know me, Marse Billy? I use ter blong ter de Clopton Cadets, when Miss Nan was de captain; l been knowin' you most sence l was born"
 What Is your mammy's name?"
 ttMX m !, girl. grinning broadly. "she cooking for Miss Rita
 MT. Sanders remembered Creecy very we'll She had belonged to the Gather family before the war. Where do you stay?'' he inquired.
 T stay dar wid Miss Rltta," replied Larceny. T goes ter de do. an waits on Miss Nugeeny.'
 "Ah!" exclaimed MT. Sanders, with smile of satisfaction. Here was a clew. Miss Nugeeny must be Eugenia Claiborne andb Miss Rita was probably her mother.
 Miss Rita say she want ter see you right now" insisted Larceny When she seed you on de street, you wuz so fur she couldn't holla at you, an time she call me outer de gyarden, you wuz done gone. I was at de fur con'er de gyarden pickin rasbeies, an I had ter drap ever thing"
 Do you pick raspberries with your mouth? ?'' inquired MT. Sanders with a solemn air.N
 "Is my mouf dat red?" Inquired Lar ceeny, with an alarmed expression on her face. She seized her gingham apron by the hem, and. using the underside, proceeded to remove the incrimipating stains remarking, Pm mighty glad you tor me, kaze eff ol' Miss Polly had seed dat-well, she done preach my funer'l once, an I don't want ter hear it no mo-"
 MT. Sanders proceeded to the Gather place, and was ushered into the parlor where to his surprise he found Judge Vardeman of Rockville one of the most distinguished lawyers of the state. MT. Sanders knew the judge very well. They greeted each other very cordially, and were beginning to discuss the situation it was the one topic that never grew stale during that sad time-when Mrs. Claiborne came in.
 I'm very glad to sec you, Mir. San ders,'' she said. 'I have sent for you at the suggestion of Judge Vardeman, who Is a kinsman of mine by marriage. He is surprised that you and l are not well acquainted"
 Mr.. Sanders made some fitting response and as soon as he could do so | Witnout rudeneSs, closely studied the countenance of the lady. There was a vi- vacity, a gaiety, an archness in her man ner that he found very charming. Her features were not regular,s but when she laughed or smiled, her face was beautiful. T have sent for you, MT. Sanders" said the lady, laughing lightly, 'to ask if you will undertake to be my drummer"
 Your drummer!'' exclaimed Mir. Sam ders. Well I've been told that I have way of blowin' my own horn. but as for drummin', reely hain got the knack on it."
 r. -"Oh. I only want you to do little talk ing here and there and give out various | hints and intimations-you know what mean. I am anxious to even up matters with a. friend of yours, who, I am afraid, isn't any better than he should be-" While the lady was talking MT. Sanders was staring at a couple of crayon por- l traits on the wall. He rose from his