The Washington herald., 1911-10-18
CHAPTER ".
Law at BnInam's Cross Roads
BY VAUGHAN KESTER

Law at ba iaa m - I ross Roads.
But NJ. Yancy was only at the begin
ming of his trouble. Three days later
there appeared on the borders of Scratch
lin gentleman armed with "A rife. 1t
was Charley Balaam, old Squire BH-
laam's nephew.
Can ! see YOU friendly. Bob Yancy?'
Ralaam demanded with the lungs OF a
stentor. sheltcring himself behind the
thick bOIe Of sweetEum. for he OBJ
served that Yancy held his rife in the
| crook of his arm.
II reckon you can. Charley Balaam,
if you are friendly" said Yancy.
I'm a-going to trust you. Bob" said
Balaam. And forsaking the shelter Of
the sweetgum he shuffied up the slope.
How are you Charley" asked Yancy,
as they shook hands.
only lust toIerable. Bob You've been
varrantrd-Dave Rlount swore hit on to
you" He displayed a sheet of paper
covered with much writing and decorated
with large seal
Read it," he said mildly. Balaam
scratched his head.
Il don't know that hits my duty to
do that. Bob. Hits my duty TO serve 1t
on to YOU.
AT IllS 1uncture L 1ClS Sammy ; ptill
form emerged from the path that led
off through the woods in the direction of
the Bellamy cabin. With the patriarch
was a stranger.
"Howdy. Charley. Here, Bob YanCy,
you shake hands with Bruce Darlington,
commanded Uncle Sammy. At the name
both YanCy and Balaam manifested in
terest. They saw a man in the early
twenties. Clean-limbcd and hroad-shOul-
cha oIr
head. Yes. sir. hits grandson of Tom
Darlington that used to own the grist-
mill down at the Forks
where are YOU located at. MI Car
ringtOn?" asked YanCy. But Darlington
was not given chance to reply. Uncle
Sammy saved him the trouble.
Back in Kentucky. He takes RATS
down the river TO New Orleans. then he
comes back on ships to Baltimore. or else
he hoOfs 1t moth overland. He wants to
visit the Forks. he added.
I'm shortly goin' that way myself.
Mr.. Darlington, and Ill be pleased of
your COmpany-but first l got to get
through with Rob Yancy," said Balaam.
and again he produced the warrant If
agreeable to YOU, Rob. I'll ask Uncle
Sammy to read this here warrant"
who's been a-warrantin' Bob YanCy?"
cried Uncle Sammy.
Dave Rlount has"
Il knOwcd hit knowcd he'd try to
get even! What's the charge agin you,
Bob"
Read hit" said RaIaam why. sho'
cant you read plain writin'. Uncle
Sammy" for the patriarch was showing
signs of emba rrassmcnt.
If you gentlemen will let me" said
Darlington pleasantly. After moments
scrutiny of the paper that Balaam had
thrust in his hand. Darlington began:
To the Sheriff of the County of Cum
berland: Greetings:
Whereas 1T is alleged that murder
Gus assault has been committed on one
David BlOunt, of Fayetteville, by Robert
Yancy, of Scratch Hill, said Blount sus-
tanning numerous bruises and contusions.
to his great injury OF body and mind:
and whereas it is further alleged that
said murderOus assault was wholly un-
provoked and without cause, you will
forthwith take into custody the person
Of said YanCy. of Scratch Hill, charged
with having inflicted the bruises and con-
tusiOns herein set forth in the complaint
of said Blount, and instantly bring him
into our presence to answer to these and
several crimes and misdemeanOrs You
are empowered to seize said Yancy
he may be at; whether on the
hillside or in the valley, eating or sleep
ing, or at rest.
DE Lancy Balaam. Magistrate.
Fourth District, County OF Cumber-
land. State of North Carolina. Done
this 24th day of May. 1895
"P. S.-Dear Bob: Dave Blount says
he amt able to chew his meat. l thought
you'd be glad to know"
Smilingly Darlington folded the war
rant and handed it to Yancy.
We'll, what are you goin to do about
hit, Bob?" inquired Balaam.
Maybe I'd ought to go. I'd like to
oblige the squire" said Yancy.
Suppose I come to the Cross Roads
this evening"
That's agreeable" said the deputy.
who presently departed in company with
Darlington.
Some hours later the male population
OF Scratch Hill, with a gravity befitting
the occasion, prepared itself to descend
on the Cross Roads and give its support
to Mr.. Yancy in his hour of need. Even
Uncle Sammy, who had not been of the
hill In years, announced that no con-
sideration of fatigue would keep him
away from the scene Of action, and
Yancy loaned him hNmule and cart for