The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1911-11-22
ole zI$
He<AmousA6va/bv..~~4 >GGNIQy1g1es4
VAUGHAN HESTER GkMX2E
Copyright The Dobbsa1eriN f"ra"y \NXKRMEHXW

Whit of life down at the steamboat
landing, Mahaffy, I've been experience
ing a most extraordinary coincidence.
When went to the war OF ~, a Haz-
ard accompanied me as orderly. His
grandson is back of that curtain now
-asleep-in my bed!" Mahaffy put
down his glass.
you were like this once before"
the shuck tick ratified noisily at some
movement of the sleeping boy. Ma
haffy quilted his chair, and crossing
the room, drew the quilt aside. A
glance sutficed to assure him that in
part, at least, the. judge spoke the
truth.
There was a hoof-beat on the road.
1t came nearer and nearer, and pres
emily sounded just beyond the door.
Then it ceased, and voice said:
"Hullo. there!" The judge scrambled
to his feet, and taking up the candle,
staggered into the yard. .Mahaffy fol-
lowed him.
whats wanted?" asked the Judge,
holding his candle aloft. The light
showed a tall fellow mounted on
handsome bay. horse. It was Murre1l.
"Haveteither of you gentlemen seen
a boy go through here today?" Muir
rell glanced from one to the other. Mr..
Mahaffy's thin lips twisted themselves
into sarcastic smile. He turned to
the judge, who spoke up quickly.
did he carry bundle and rifle?"
he asked. Murrell gave eager assent.
WELL" said the judge, "he stopped
here along about four O'Clock, and
asked his way to the nearest river
landing"
CHAPTER XII.
The Orator of the Day.
"Hannibal-" the judges voice and
manner were rather stern. Hannibal,
a man rode by here last night. on a big
bay horse. He said he was looking for
a boy about ten years old-a boy with
a bundle and rifle" There was, an aw-
full pause. "Who was that man, Han
nibal?"
1T was Captain Murrell!" The judge
raised his fist and brought it down
with great crash on the table. "We
don't know any boy ten years old with
a rifle and bundle!" he said.
"Please-you won't let him take me
away, Judge--I want to stop with
you!" cried Hannibal. He slipped from
his chair, and passing about the table,
seized the Judge by the hand. The
Judge was visibly affected.
"No!" he roared. HE shan't have
you. Is he kin to you?"
NO." said Hannibal. "He tried to
get me away from my Uncle Bob"
ic, Dbl
Hes dead" And the child began to
weep bitterly. The judge bent and
lifted him into his lap.
There, my son" he said soothing.
y. "Now you tell me when he died,
md all about it,
HE were killed. 1t were only yes
:erday, and can't forget him. don't
want to-but it hurts--it hurts. terri
Dle!" Hannibal buried his head in the
Judges shoulder and sobbed aloud.
Presently his small hands stole about |
he judges neck and that gentleman
strange thrill of pleas
Ire.
'Tell me how he died, Hannibal"
he urged gently. In voice broken
BY sobs the child began the story of
L
Judge shuddered. Can such things |
BE-" he murmured at last. Then he
what Mahaffy told him of |
he man on the raft. Hannibal" he |
said, Solomon Mahaffy, who was here
asst night, told me he saw down at the |
liver landing man who had been |
ished up out of the Eliza man who
lad been roughly handled"
Were it my Uncle Bob?" cried
lifting swollen face to his. |
Dear lad, don't know" said the
Judge alphabetically.
1T were Uncle Bob! l know it were |
ny Uncle Bob! l must 20 find him!"
and Hannibal slipped from the judges |
ap and ran for his rifle and bundle.
stop Bit" cried the judge Now,
f it was your Uncle Bob, he'll come |
back the moment he is able to travel. |
Meantime, you must remain under my
protection while we investigate this
nan Sloss0n."