The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-10-09
.costia..a Fron r.ss Twelve,

light with the country. he was plain
ly in no haste to become committed 10
any one Of the several propositions
Crenshaw was eager to submit.
The Barony would have suited
me-" he told Bladen one day. Tney
had Just returned from an excursion
into the country and were seated IN
the lawyers ONCE.
.You say your father was a friend
OF the old generarsr said Bladen.
Years ago, IN the north-yes, an
swered Murrel
Murrel regarded the lawyer In sill
ence for a moment out OF his deeply
sunk eyes.
"Too bad about the boy" he said at
length slowly.
How do you mean. Captain" asked
Bladen.
81 mean It's a pity he has no one ex-
cent Yancy to look after him." said
Murrell; but Bladen showed no inter
est and Murrell went on. Has fancy
any legal claim on the boyf'
mo. certainly not: the boy was
merely left with Yancy because Cren-
shaw didn't know what else to do with
him"
Get possession of him, and II !
don't buy land here I'll take him west
with me- said Murrell quietly. am
willing to spend Ave hundred dollars
on this II necessary
'T'll have to think your proposition
over" said Bladen.
The immediate result OF this con-
yersation was that within twenty-four
hours a man driving two horses hitch
ed to a light buggy arrived at Scratch
Hill In quest OF Bob Yancy, whom he
found at dinner and to whom he sdeliv-
cred a letter. Mr.. Yancy was pro-
foundly impressed by the attention,
for holding the letter at arms length.
he said:
well, sir, I've lived nigh on to
forty years, but never got piece OF
writing befo'-never. sir. People. IL
they was close by, spoke TO me, IL at q
distance they hollered. but none OF
'em ever wrote"
whats your answer" demanded
the stranger.
"You tell him I'll be monstrous glad
to talk II over with him any time he
fancies TO come out here"
The next day Yancy had occasion TO
visit Balaam's Gross Roads. Crenshaw
gave him a disquieting opinion as to
the probable contents OF his letter, for
he himself had heard from Bladen that
he had decided to assume the care OF
the boy.
Il reckon Bladen will have the law
on his side. Bob"
"The law be damned-I got what's
fair on mine, I don't wish TO better
than that" exclaimed Yancy. over his
shoulder. He strobe from the store
and started down the sandy road at q
brisk run. Miserable forebodings Of
an impending tragedy leaped up with
In him. and the miles were many that
lay between him and the HILL
As he breasted the slope he came
within sight of little group In his
own dooryard. Saving only Uncle
Sammy Bethany, the group resolved
itself into the women and children OF
the Hill, but there was one small fig
ure he missed The patriarch hur
ried toward him, leaning on his cane.
They've took your nevvy, Bob" he
cried, In high, thin voice.
who's took himY asked Yancy
hoarsely.
"Hit were Dave Blount. Get your
gun, Bob, and 90 after him--kill the
miserable sneaking cuss!' cried Uncle
Sammy. by the Fayetteville Road.
Bob, not ten minutes ago--you can
cut him on at OK Road forks"
Yancy breathed a sigh OF relief. A
rife was placed in Yancys hands.
Thank you-all kindly" said Yancy.
and turning away he struck on
through the pine woods. A brisk walk
OF twenty minutes brought him to the
OK Road forks.
He had not long to wait. for present
ly the buggy hove In sight. AS the
buggy came nearer he recognized his
ancient enemy In the person OF the
man who sat at Hannibars side, and
stepping into the road seized the
horses by their bits. At sight OF him
Hannibal shrieked his name in de.
light
Uncle Bob-Uncle Bob" he cried
yes, it's Uncle Bob. You can light
down. Nevvy."
Lego them horses!" said Mr..
Blount.
Light down. Nevvy," said Yancy.
still pleasantly.
Hannibal instantly availed himself
Oh the luNllhtlOu. AT the same tuOmout
Blount struck at Yancy with his whip.
and his horses reared wildly, thinking
tn. blow meant for them. Seeing that
the boy had reached the ground In
safety, Yancy relaxed his hold on the
team, which instantly plunged for
ward. Then as the buggy swept past
him he made grab at Blount and drag
ged him out over the wheels into the
road, where he proceeded to fetch Mr..
Blount smack In the jaw. Then with
final skilful kick he sent Mr. Blount
sprawling. Don't let me catch you
around these diggings again, Dave
Blount, or ! swear to God I'll be the
death OF you'll"
Hannibal rode home through the
pine woods In triumph on his Uncle
Bob's mighty shoulders.
CHAPTER w.
Law At BaIsam's Gross Roads.