The Washington herald., 1911-11-07
CHAPTER XXVI-Continued.

They are dragging the bayou down
below the house. It looks as though you
were going to reap the rewards of the
excellent management you have given
her estate. They have been trying to
find you in Memphis, so the sooner you
show yourself the better" he concluded
significantly.
You are sure you have her safe,
John; no chance of discovery? For
Gods sake get her away from here as
soon as you can; it's an awful risk you
rum
She'll be sent down river tonight" "
said Murrell.
Captain" began slosson, who up to
this had taken no part in the converse
ton, when are you going to cross to
t'other side of the bayou
Soon replied Murren. slosson
laughed
Il didn't know but you'd clean forgot
the Clans business. I want to ask an
other question-but first want to say
that no one thinks higher or more fire.
Quent of the ladies than just me; I'm
genuinely fond of 'em. and I've never
lifted my hand ag'in 'em except in kind
ness" Mr. Slosson looked at Ware with
an exceedingly virtuous expression OF
countenance. He continued. "Yo' or
ders are that we're to slip out Of this
a little afore midnight, but suppose
there's hitch-here's the lady knowing
what she knows and here's the boy know
ing what he knows"
There can be no hitch" rasped out
Murren arrogantly.
Il never knew a speculation that
couldn't go wrong; and by rights we
should have got away last night"
well, whose fault is it you didn't?"
demanded Murrell.
l. huf no
ark got on a sandbank as we were fetch
ing it in and it took US the whole damn
night to get clear
'Well?' prompted Murrell with a sui
len frown.
Suppose they get shut of that notion
of theirs that the ladys done drowned
herself; suppose they take to watching
the river? Or suppose the whole damn
bottom drops out of this deal? What
then? The lady, good looking as she is,
knows enough to make West Tennessee
nightly unhealthy for some of US. 1 say,
suppose it's a flash in the pan and you
have to crowd the distance in between
you and this part of the world, you can't
tell me you'll have any use for her
then Slosson paused impressively.
And here's Mr.. Ware feeling bad, feel
ing like hell" he resumed. Him and me
don't want to be left in no trap with
you gone God only knows where"
I'll send a man to take charge of the
keel boat can't risk any more of your
bungling. Joe"
That's all right, but you don't an
swer my question" persisted Slosson,
with admirable tenacity of purpose.
What is your question, Joe?''
"A lot can happen between this and
midnight
IF things go wrong with US therell be
a blaze at the head Of the bayou; does
that satisfy you?''
And what them
Murrer hesitated.
What about the girl?" insisted Slosson.
dragging him back to the point at issue
between them. "As a man I wouldn't
lift my hand ag'in no good-looking wom-
an, except, like I said, in kindness; but
she can't be turned loose; she knows too
much. What's the word, Captain-you
say it, he urged. He made a gesture of
appeal to Ware.
Look for the light; better still, look
for the man I'll send And with this,
Murrell would have turned away, but
Slosson detained him.
Who'll he be-
Some fellow who knows the river"
And If it's the light?' asked the tav-
ern keeper in a hoarse undertone. Again
he looked toward Ware, who dry-lipped
and ashen. was regarding him stead
fastly. Glance met glance, for a brief
instant they looked into each others eyes
and then the hand Slosson had rested on
MurrelIs shoulder dropped at his side.