Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-12-15
By OPIE READ.
CHAPTER XII.

Jucklin was sitting at the window
when the hearse and the buggies came
within sight, and her chin was un-
steady as she reached for her book
And there she sat, holding the ole
leather covered Bible in her lap.
l had thought that Chyd Lundsforc
would come with words of encour-
agement, but we saw him not, neither
that day nor the next. But four days
later l came upon him as l was going
TO town. He had gun, was followed
by a number of squirrel dogs and came
out of the woods near the spot where
ALI had eased Stuart from his morse
to the ground. l stopped and bluntly
asked him why he had not been over
and he answered that he was busy
preparing for rigid examination.
asked if they were going to examine
him on the art of killing game, and he
laughed and replied No, on the
science of killing men. But the way
he added, looking up into the top OF a
tree, "how is Alf getting along? Does
he appear to be hopeful?"
He is more desperate than hope
full" l answered.
Yes, 1 should think so. Is that a
SQUIRRELS nest I have heard 1t hint
ed that a love affair had something to
do with it-an affair pretty close, al
that. Well, I've got nothing to do with
it. Can't drive out of my mind what
l have had so hard time driving into
it. Sorry, and all that sort of thing
That's no squirrels nest. But II peo-
pie persist in being romantic they
must expect to have trouble. I'm sorry
for the old folks-must take ii rather
hard. Good-hearted and simple enough
to worry over it, surely. Well, If you
happen to think of it, give Alf my re-
CARDS"
The coroner's jury had returned an
expected verdict, influenced largely by
what Etheredge had to say. had
given my testimony, but I could not
make it sound as l wanted it-Alfs
own words were against him, as 1 re-
pcated them that day. The prelimina
~ trial, the mummery before a justice
of the peace, also went against All;
the grand jury had brought in its find
ing. and the next step was the formal
arraignment before the circuit judge
And I was now on my way to town tc
engage additional legal help, as the
lawyer whom we had retained appear
cd to be luke-w and half-hearted
| had heard many stories relating to
the great force and ability of an old
ex-judge named Conkwright, and
called at his office, though / had been
warned that his price was exceedingly
high. He met me grufly, I thought
but l soon discovered that he had a
heart. 1 told Alfs story, now so IA
miliar to my own ears that l fancieo
that l could give it with effect, and
must have touched him, for he SAID:
oh we'll, I'll go into it and we'll say
nothing about the. price. I've been
working for nothing all my life, and
don't see why l should change now
Why, Of course, he ought to have kill
ed him." and his old eyes shone as he
said it. Had to kill him. 1t strikes
me that they are rushing things pretty
last, especially as the docket is cover
I'd with murder cases that have been
put over from time to time. That
stuart set has lots of influence. Beat
me tor reelection, l know that. But
wei show them a few things that are
not put down in the books. And you
don't want the young lady's name men
toned. Of course, not. Wouldn't be
ganant, eh? Well, I'll go down and see
the young fellow some time today
They'll take it up in about week
from now, that is, if we are ready, anC
wen be there. Tell old Jucklin not t.
fret. He's an old lion-tamer, l tel
YOU, and if | had any interest in thai
fellow Etheredge Id advise him u
walk pretty straight. But the old man
has quieted down nightly of late
years"
AIf had undergone no change. He
Was glad to know that Conkwright
took an interest in him, but he shooE
his head when l told him that we were
sure to win.
Il don't believe it, Bill; don't believe
it because l don't feel it. But don't tel
the old folks that I'm not hopeful
Have you seen Millie?'
No, and have seen Chyd but once
and then l came upon him in the road.
What, hasn't he been at the house
\ fine husband he'll make for Guinea
Tell her that l say she must forbid hl'
coming near her again. No, don't NJ
added. It's better to wait. wish
she loved you, Bill but I'm afarid sht
doesn't"
Il know she doesn't" l replied.
Has she said so?"
NO, but she seems always afrait
that l may tell her of my love"
And l would if l We're you, Bill
No. not yet. Tell father not to come
near me yet a while. He couldn't stanC
it
He had written home. begging hi:
parents and his sister not TO think o
seeing him, had actually commanded
them not to come near the Jail.
Mother can stand more than he can
for she's more religious. How abou
YOUR school,"
"Oh. it's all right. The people know
that couldn't teach now, even If
should try ever so hard, and they ar
very considerate They say that the.
are willing to wait
God bless them for that, any way
And this reminds me of preache
that came in yesterday to pray for me
thanked him for his kindness, bu
told him that some one was at hom
praying, and that one Of her words ha'
more influence in my behalf than al
the prayers he could utter in life
time. l merely mention this to sho7
what sort of an atmosphere I'm in.
didn't like the fellows look-understan
that he hasn't been a preacher but
week Still on SUSPICION. as they say