The Washington herald., 1911-11-09

eyebrows Hicks was plainly disturbed
by the question.
Sort of out of her head. Mr.. Ware
seen 1t, too"
He spoke OF it?'
Yes, sir; him and me discussed 1t
together"
The judge regarded Hicks long and
intently and in silence. His magnificent
mind was at work. If Betty had been
dist .au8ht he had not observed any sign
of 1t the previous day. If Ware were
better informed as to her true mental
state why had he chosen this time to go
to Memphis?
IT suppose Mr.. Ware asked you to keep
an eye on Miss Malroy while he was
away from homer" said the judge. Hicks,
suspicious OF the drift of his questioning,
made no answer. Il suppose you told
the house servants to keep her under
observation" continued the judge.
Il don't talk to no niggers,' replied
Hicks, except to give 'em my orders"
We'll. did you give them that order"'
No; I didn't"
The sudden and hurried entrance Of big
Steve brought the judges examination
of Mr.. Hicks to a standstill.
'Mas'r, you know dat ar coachman
George-the big black fellow dat took
you into town las evenin? I jes' been
down at Shanty Hill, whar Milly. his
wife, is carryin' on something scandalous
cause George amt never come home"
Steve was laboring under intense excite
ment, but he ignored the presence Of the
overseer and addressed himself to Slo-
cum Price.
well, what Of tnat?" cried Hicks
quickly.
Thar warn't no George, mind you,
mas'r, but dar was his team in de stable
this mo'ning. and lookin' mighty nigh
done up with hard driving"
Yes" interrupted Hicks, uneasily;
put a pair Of lines in a nigger's hands
and he'll run any team of its legs!
AN the kerriage all scratched up from
helm thrashed through the bushes add
ed Steve.
There's a Niger for you!' said
Hicks. "She took the rascal out of the
field, dressed him like he was a gentle
man, and pampered him up and now
first chance he gets he runs on
"Ah." said the judge. softly. Then
you knew this?'
"Of course 1 knew-wa'n't it my busi-
ness to know? I reckon he was of sky
larking and when he'd seen the mess
he'd made the trifiing fool took to the
woods. Well, he catches it when 1 lay
hands on him.
DO YOU know when and under what
circumstances the team was stabbed, Mr..
Hicks?" inquired the judge.
NO, 1 don't, but I reckon it must
have been along after dark" said Hicks
unwlllingly. 'I seen to the feeding just
after sundown like I always do, then
I went to supper" Hicks vouchsafed to
explain.
And no one saw or heard the team
drive in?''
Not as I know Of" said Hicks.
"Mas'r Ca'ington's done gone of to-
get a pack Of dawgs-he lows hits
might important to find what's come
of George" said Steve.
Hicks started violently at this piece Of
news.
'I reckon he'll have to travel a right
smart distance to find a pack Of dogs"
he muttered. II don't know of none
this side of Col. Bates down below
Girard"
The Judge was lost in thought. He
permitted an interval of silence to elapse
in which Hicks glance slid round in a
furtive circle.
when did Mr.. Ware set out for
asked the Judge at length.
early yesterday. He goes there
pretty often on business"
You talked with Mr.. Ware before he
left?" Hicks shook his head. Did he
speak of Miss Malroy?" Hicks shook his |
head. Did you see her during the aft
ITO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW |