Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-11-09
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CHAPTER KILL Continued).

COlIlHuCua PlnSAuly. asa s9s-A
"Tn take it. you'll get all that's com.
ing to you, sir-say about twenty
had ought to let you out
easy. Sort of round out your earthly
career, and leave simething due you
t'other side of Jordan aasss, .- s
Il suppose there Is no use in my
pointing out to you that did not know
the money was counterfeit, and that
was quite innocent of any intention to
defraud Mrs. Walker?" said the Judge.
with a weary, exasperated air.
ut don't make no difference where
you got the money; you know that,
for you set up to be some sort of a
lawyer ny
Presently the sheriff went his way
into the dusk Of the evening, and night
came swiftly to fellowship the judges
fears. A single moonbeam found it's
way into the place, making thin rift
in the darkness. The Judge sat down
on the three-legged stool, which, with
shake-down bed, furnished the JAIL
IIis loneliness was great wave Of
misery that engulfed him. @s
well. just SO my life amt cut
short!" he whispered
He had known a varied career, and
what he was pleased to call his un-
raralleled misfortunes had reduced
him to all kinds of desperate shifts
to live, but never before had the law
laid it's hands on him. True. there had
been times and seasons when he had
been grateful for the gloom of the
dark ways he trod, for echoes had
taken the place Of the living voice that
had once spoken to his soul; but he
could still rest his hand upon his heart
and say that the law had always nod
lded to him to pass on.
Where was Solomon Mahaffy and
where Hannibal? He felt that Ma
haffy could fend for himself. but he
experienced moment of genuine con-
cern when he thought of the child. In
spite Of himself, his thoughts returned
to him again and again. But surely
some one would shelter and care for
him! " 5a.."
'Yes-and work him like horse.
and probably abuse him into the
bargain " A<%
Then-there was a. scarcely audible
rustic on the margin of the woods,
dry branch snapped loudly A little
pause succeeded in which the judges
heart stood still. Next stealthy step
sounded in the clearing The Judge
had an agonized vision Of regulators
and lynchers. The beat Of his pulse
auickened. He knew something of the
boisterous horse-play Of the frontier.
The sheriff had spoken Of tar and
feathers-very quietly he stood erect
and picked UP the stool
Heaven helping me, I'll brain a
citizen or two, before it comes to
that" he told himself.
The cautious steps continued to ap-
proach. Some one paused below the
closely shattered window. and a hand
struck the boards sharply. A whisper
stole into the Jail =.
"Are you awake, Price," 1t was
Mabaffy who spoke. ID,
God bless you, Solomon Mahaffy!"
cried the Judge unstea lily.
"I've got the boy-hes with me-
said Mahaffy. III
God bless you bcth!' repeated the
Judge brokenly Take care of him.
Solomon feel better now, know
ing he's in good hands," s"1
"Please, Judge" it was Hannibal
Eyes, dear lad?' ~
I'm mighty sorry that ten dollars
loaned you was had-but you dent
need ever to pay it back! ~
Mabaffy gave way to mirth e.
Never mind!' said the Judge indul-
gently. ut performed all the essen
tial functions of a perfectly legal cur
rency. Just suppose We bad discov-
cred it was counterfeit before took 1t
to the tavern-that would have been
a hardship"
at was Captain Murrel gave it to
me-" explained Hannibal.
81 consecrate myself TO his destruc-
ticn. Judge slocum Price can not be
Inundated with impunity!"@
Il should think you would save your
wind, Price. until you've waddled out
of danger!''' Mahaffy spoke gruffly.
How are you going to get me out
of this, Solomon--for | suppose you
are here to break jail for me- said
the judge. +.
Mahaffy inspected the building. He
found that the door was secured by
two ponderous hasps to which were
fitted heavy padlocks, but the solid
wooden shutter which closed the
SQUARE hole in the gable that served
as a window was fastened by hasp
and peg. He withdrew the peg, open
ed the shutter. and the judges face.
wreathed in smiles, appeared at the
aperture.
"The blessed sky and air!' he muir
INJURED, breathing deep. "A week CT
this would have broken my spirit"
"1f you can. Price, you'd better come
feet first" suggested Mahaffy.
mot sufficiently acrobatic, Solomon
its heads or lose!" said the Judge.
He thrust his shoulders into the op-
ening and wriggled. Suddenly his for
ward movement was arrested.
II was afraid of that" he said, with
a rather pitecus smile. It's my stom-
ach. Solomon" Mahaffy seized him
BIZ the shoulders with lean muscular
hands. quill" cried the judge hoarse-
ly.
But Mahaffy's vigorous efforts failed
to move him.
Il guess you're stuck, Price!"
Get your wind, Solomon" urged
the Judge. land then, If Hannibal will
reach up and work about my middle
with his knuckles while you pull,
may get through But even this ex-
L