The Washington herald., 1911-11-04

Il got something want to say to you
you know who I am, reckonT" She
was girl Of about Betty's own age, with
a certain dark, sullen beauty and that
physical attraction which Tom, in spite
Of his vexed mood, had taken note Of
earlier in the day.
You are Bess Hicks" said Betty.
Make the boy go back toward the
house spell-I got something / want
to say to you" Betty hesitated. She was
offended by the girls manner, which was
| as rude as her speech. 81 amt going to
hurt you-you needn't be afraid Of me,
| him on, tell you; there amt no time to
lose!" The girl stamped her foot i'm
patiently.
! Betty made a sign to Hannibal and he
passed slowly back along the path. He
went unwillingly, and he kept his head
turned that he might see what was done
even If he were not to hear what was
said.
That will do, HannIbar-waIt there
don't go any farther" Betty called after
him when he had reached a point sufR-
lcienly 2-<iant 70 he ont of hearing of a
| conversation carried On in an ordinary
tone. Now, what is it? Speak quickly
If you have anything to tell met
! Il got heap to say" answered the
girl with a scowl. Her manner was still
| fierce and repellant, and she gave Betty a
certain jealous regard out Of her black
eyes which the latter was at loss to ex-
plain. Where's Mr.. Tom?" she de-
manded.
Tom? Why, about the place, I sup
pose-in his ofice, perhaps" So It had
to do with Tom. Betty felt sud
den disgust with the situation.
mo; he amt about the place. eItherI
4 - IL -
\ hours after sun-up. and what's more he
amt coming back here Tonight"
There was a moment of silence. The girl
looked about apprehensively She con-
tinued, fixing her black eyes on Betty:
You're here alone at Belle Plafn-you
know what happened when Mr.. Tom
Started for Memphis last time-I reckon
you-all amt forgot thatl''
Betty felt pallor steal over her face.
She rested hand that shook on the
trunk OF tree to steady herself. The
girl laughed shortly
Don't be so scared; reckon Belle
Plains as good as his If anything hap
pened to your"
BY a great effort Betty gained a meas
ure Of control over herself She took q
step nearer and looked the girl steadily
In the face.
Perhaps you VIII stop this sort Of
talk, and tell me what is going to hap
pen to me-if you known she said
quietly.
why do you reckon Mr.. Norton was
shot? can tell you why-it was all
along Of you-that was whyp' The girls
furtive glance, which searched and
watched the gathering shadows, came
back as It always did to Betty's pale
face. You amt no safer than he was,
tell youI and she sucked In her
breath sharply between her full red lips.
what do you mean?' faltered Betty.
do you reckon you're safe here In
the big house alone. Why do you
reckon Mr.. Tom cleared out for Mem
phis? 1t was because he couldn't be
around and have anything happen to
you-that was why" and the girl
sank her voice to>a whisper. You quit
Belle Plain now-to-night-just az
soon as you cam
'This is absurd. You are trying to
frighten me-.
'Did they stop with trying TO
Bees. with harsh insistence.
whatever the promptings that In
spired this warning. they plainly had
sympathy. Her dominating emotion
seemed to be sullen sort OF resent
ment which lighted up her glance with
a dull FIRE; yet her feelings were so
clearly apd so keenly personal that
Betty understood the motive that had
brought her there. The explanation
she found, left her wondering Just
where and bow her own fase was
linked with that Of this poor white.
rro nm e,<,.s-,,,,,r,,> - ,......