The Washington herald., 1911-10-16
THE -PRODIGAL JUDGE
By VAUGHAN KESTER he
coOpyrisht.Lsl. the BObbs-Mcnin company.>

back on Balaam's Cross Roads and set
out for home through the fragrant 81
lence of the pine woods.
Just beyond tie Barony, which was
midway between Balaam's and the Hill.
down the long stretch Of sandy road he
saw two mounted figures, then as they
drew nearer he caught the fiutter of
skirts and recognized one of the horse
women. 1t was Mrs. Ferris, wife of the
Barony's new eEner. She reined in her
horse abreast of his cart
Aren't you Mr.. Yancy?'' she asked.
II am Mrs. Ferris and I am very pleased
10 make your acquaintance"
The same here" murmured Yancy,
with winning civility.
Mrs. Ferris companion leaned forward,
her face averted, and stroked her horses
neck with gloved hand.
This is my friend, Miss Betty NAL
roy"
Glad to know you, ma'am.'' said
Yancy.
Miss MaIroy faced him, smiling. She
was quite radiant with youth and beauty
We are just returning from Scratch
HILL" said Mrs. Ferris.
And the dear little boy We met is
your nephew, Is he not, Mr.. Yancy?" II
was Betty Malroy who spoke.
I'm manner he is and in a manner he
amt" explained Yaney. somewhat enig-
maticalIy.
DO you know the old deserted cabin
asked Mrs. Ferris.
Yes, ma'am; know it,
Il am going to have Sunday school
there for the children; they shan't be
neglected any longer if 1 can help it,
Now, won't you let your little nephew
Gomez
Il reckon you-all can count on my
nevvy," Bob said.
Hannibal and Yancy were the first to
arrive at the deserted cabin in the old
field Sunday afternoon. Shy chIldreS
from the pine woods, big brothers wi
little sisters. and big sisters with lid
brothers, drifted out of the enclrclinN
forest.
Mrs. Ferris missionary spirit mani
tested itself agreeably enough on the
whole. She read certain chapters from
the Bible, finishing with the story of
David, a narrative that made a deep I'M
preston upon Yancy, comfortably seated
In the doorway.
You will all be here next Sunday,
won't you, and at the same hour?' she
said, rising. -.
There was sudden cIatter- of hoofs
beyond the door. man, well dressed
yard. AS Mrs. Ferris came from the
cabin he flung himself out Of the saddle
and, hat in hand, approached her.
Il am hunting place called the Bar
ony; can you tell me if am on the
right road?" he asked. He was a man in
the early thirties. graceful and powerful
of build. with a handsome face.
1T is my husband you wish to see. I
am Mrs. Ferris"
Then Gen. Quintard is dead?' His
tone was one OF surprise.
His death occurred over year ago.
and my husband now. owns the Barony.
Were you friend of the generars?"
NO, madam; he was my fathers
friend. but had hoped to meet him"
His manner was adroit and plausible.
''wilI you ride on with us to the Bar
ony and meet my>husband. Mr.-?" she
paused.
"Murrell-Capt. Murrell Thank you:
should like to see the old place. I should
highly value the privilege Then his
eyes rested on Miss Malroy.
Betty. let me-present Capt. MurrelL"
The captain bowed, giving her a glance
of bold admiration.
BY this time the children had struggled
or into the pine woods as silently as
Hannibal remained. Mrs. Ferris turned
to the former.
"If you will close the cabin door, Mr..
Yaucy, everything win be ready for next
Sunday" she. said, and moved toward
the horses, followed by Murrel. Betty
Malroy fingered for moment at Hanni-
balls side.
"Gooi-by. little boy; you must ask your
uncle Bob to bring you up to the big
house to-see me-" and STOPPING she kissed
him. s'Good-by. Mr.. Yancy."
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