The Washington herald., 1911-11-04

Betty! The Judge Is mighty kind, and
so Is Mr.. Mahany-they're awful kind,
Miss Betty, and 1t seems like they get
kinder all the time-but with Uncle
Bob, when he liked you, he Just laid
himself out to let you know it!'
That does make a great difference,
doesn't itT' agreed Betty sadly, and two
piteous fearful eyes were bent upon him.
Don't you reckon II Uncle Bob is
alive, like the judge says, and he's ever
going to find me, he had ought to be
here by now?" continued Hannibal anx-
| iously
But It hasn't been such a great while
Hannibal; it's only that so much has
happened to you. II he was very badly
! hurt II may have been weeks before he
could travel; and then when he could
perhaps he went back to that tavern to
try to learn what had become of you.
But We may be quite certain he will
| never abandon his search until he has
made every possible effort to find you,
dear! That means he will sooner or
later come to Wess Tennessee, for there
VIII always be the hope that you have
found your way here
Sometimes 1 get mighty tired wait
Ing Miss Betty confessed the boy.
| Seems like I Just couldn't wait No
longer" He sighed gently, and then
his face cleared. You reckon he'll come
most any time, don't you, Miss Betty?''
/ Yes, Hannibal; any day or houri"
Whoop" muttered Hannibal softly
under his breath. Presently he asked
Where does that branch take you to?''
He nodded toward the bayou at the
loot OF the terraced bluff.
empties into the river" answered
Betty.
Hannibal saw a small skifr beacbed
among the cottonwoods that grew along
the waters edge and his eyes lighted
up instantly. He had a Juvenile passion
for boats.
Why, you got boat, amt you, Miss
Hettyg This was a charming and an
important discovery.
Would you like to go down to itT'
:" Deed I would! Does she leak any,
Miss Betty?"
Il don't know about that. Do boats
usually leak, HannIbaI7"
Why, you amt ever been out rowing
her, Miss Betty, have you2-and there
amt no better fun than rowing a boat"
They had started down the path.
L used to think that. too. Hannibal;
how do you suppose II is that when peo-
pie grow up they forget all about the
really nice things they might dor
What use is she II you don't go row.
ing In her?' persisted Hannibal
''Oh, but 1t is used. Mr.. Tom uses II
in crossing to the other side where they
are clearing land for cotton. 1t saves
him long walk or ride about the head
of the bayou"
Like should take you out in her,
Miss Betty?'' demanded Hannibal with
palpitating anxiety.
They had entered the scattering TIM
Der when Betty paused suddenly With
startled exclamation, and Hannibal felt
her fingers close convulsfvely about his.
The sound she had heard might have been
only the rustling of the wind among the
branches overhead in that shadowy 81
lence, but Betty's nerves. the placid
nerves OF youth and perfect health, were
shattered.
Didn't you hear something, Hanni-
bal?> she whispered fearfully.
For answer Hannibal pointed mystic
riously, and glancing in the direction he
indicated, Betty saw woman advanc-
ing along the path toward them. The
look Of alarm slowly died out of his
eyes.
Il think it's the oyerseer's niece she
told Hannibal and they kept on toward
the boat.
The girl came rapidly up the path,
which closely followed the irregular line
Of the shore in its windings. Once she
was seen TO stop and glance back over
her shoulder. her attitude intent and lis
tcning. then she hurried forward again.
Just by the boat the three met.
Good EVENING"" said Betty pleasantly.
The girl made no reply to this: she
merely regarded Betty with fixed stare
AT length she broke the silence abb
ruptEy.