The Washington herald., 1911-10-19
THE PRODIGAL JUDGE
By VAUGHAN KEsTER.
CHAPTER v.
The Encounter.

Betty Malroy had ridden into the
trial, and when Yancy and Hannibal
came from the house she beckoned the
Scratch Hitler to her.
You are not going to lose your
nephew, are you. Mr.. Yancy?" she asked
eagerly. when Yancy stood at her side.
NO, ma'am." But his sense of elation
was plainly tempered.
Il am very glad! 1 rode out to the
, Hill to say good-by TO Hannibal and to
you, but they said you were here and
that the trial was to-day"
Capt Murrell. with Crenshaw and the
squire, came from the house, and Muir
rel's swarthy face lit up at sight Of the
girl. Yancy would have yielded his place,
but Betty detained him.
Are you going away, ma ann he
asked with concern.
"Yes-to my home in West Tennessee, "
and a cloud crossed her smooth brow.
But amt you ever coming back. Miss
Betty" asked Hannibal, rather fear
fully.
"Oh, I-hope 50, dear" She turned to
YanCy. Il wonder you don't leave the
Hin, Mr.. YanCy. You could so easily go
where Mr.. Bladen would never find you.
Haven't you thought of this?'
THAT are a pint" agreed Yancy
slowly. Might I ask what parts you'd
specially recommend" lifting his grave
eyes to hers.
1T would really he the sensible thing
to do" said Betty. Il am sure you would
like West Tennessee-they say you are a
greater hunter YanCy smiled almost
guIltily
Mr.. Yancy. If you should cross the
mountains, remember I live near Mem
phis. Belle Plain is the name of the
plantatiOn-it's not hard to find; just
don't fOrget-Belle Plain"
Il won't forget. and mebhy you will
see us there one Of these days. Sho',
I've seen mighty little OF the world
about as far as dog can trot in couple
OF hours"
Betty glanced toward the squire and
Mr. Crenshaw They were standing near
the bars that gave entrance to the lane.
Murrell had left them and was walking
briskly 'own the road toward Cren-
shaws store. where his horse was tied.
She bent down and gave Yancy her slim
white HIND.
"GoOd-by. Mr.. Yancy-lft Hannibal so
that l can kiss him Yancy swung the
child aloft. Il think you are such
nice little boy. Hannibal-you mustn't
forget me-" And. touching her horse
lightly with the whip, she rode away at
a gallop.
she sho'ly is a lady" said Yancy,
staring after her. And we mustn't for
get Memphis or Relle Plain. nevvy."
When Betty Malroy rode away from
Squire Balaam's, Murrell galloped after
her. Presently she heard the beat Of his
horses hoofs as he came pounding along
the sandy road. and glanced back over
her shoulder. With an exclamation of
displeasure she refined in her horse.
Murrell quickly gained a place at her
side.
IT suppose Ferris Is at the Barony?"
he said. drawing his horse down to a
walk
'T believe he is" said Betty with a
curt little air.
May ride with you?" he gave her a
swift glance. She nodded indifferently
and would have urged her horse into a
EallOp again. hut he made a gesture Of
protest. "DOn't-or shall think you are
still running away from me-" he said
with short laugh.
Were you at the trial?" she asked.
II am glad they didn't get Hannibal
away from Yancy."
oh Yancy will have his hands full
with that later-so will Bladen." he
added significantly He studied her out
Of those deeply sunken eyes of his in
which no shadow OF youth fingered, for
men such as he reached their prime
early, and it was a swiftly passing
splendor. Ferris tells me you are going
to West Tennessee?" he said at length.