The Detroit times., 1911-10-24
CHAPTER XXI.
rhe cabin Across enc Bayou.

Inc Odpln ACROSS the Bayou.
Tom Ware was seated alone over
his breakfast He had left his bed as
the pale morning light crept across
the great fields that were alike his
pride and his despair-what was the /,
use Of trying TO sleep when sleep was
an impossibility. He was about To
quit the table when big Steve entered
the room to say there was white
fellow at the door
Fetch him along in here" said
Ware.
The white fellow delivered a pen.
ciled note from Murrell. When he
was gone, the planter ordered his
horse.
As Ware rode away from Belle Plain
he cursed Murrell under his breath
His own inclination toward evil was
never robust he could have connived
over long period OF years TO despoil
Betty OF her property, but murder and
abduction was quite another thing
Three miles from Belle Plain he en-
tered bride path that led toward
t.Ie river. A growth of small timber
was standing along the waters edge.
but as he drew nearer, those better
ly spot had seen At TO make for his
own convenience. came under his
scrutiny; these consisted OF log
cabin and several lesser sheds.
Landing, he advanced toward the
cabin. AS he did so he saw Two wo
men al work heckling fax under an
open shed. They were the wife and
daughter Of George Hicks. his over
seer's brother.
Morning, Mrs. Hicks he said. adj
dressing himself 10 the mother a hulk.
ing ruffian of a woman. Anybody with
the captain"
Colonel Fentress is"
"Humphi' muttered Ware. He
moved TO the door OF the cabin and
entered the room where Murrell and
Fentress were seated facing each 9TH
err across the breakfast table.
We'll. what the devil do you want
of me, anyhow" demanded the
planter.
How's your sister. Tom?" inquired
Murrell.
Il reckon she's the way you'd ex-
pect her 10 be- Ware dropped his
voice TO a whisper.
your damned crazy infatuation!" II
was Fentress who spoke.
mo. | won't. Colonel. but I'm not
going TO discuss that. All want Is for
Tom TO go to Memphis and stay there
for a couple OF days. When he comes
back Belle Plain and its niggers will
be as good as his. | am going TO take
the girl away from there tonight. How
soon can you get away from here,
Tom he asked abruptly.
by God. | can't go too soon." cried
the planter, staggering to his feet. He
gave Fentress hopeless beaten look.
You're my witness that first and last
I've no part In this"
The colonel shrugged his shoulders.
Murrell reached out hand and rested
II on Wares arm.
Keep your wits. Tom. and within a
week people will have forgotten all
about Norton and your sister. am
going TO give them something else TO
worry over"
Ware went from the cabin.
Look here. how about the boy-are
you ready for him II | can get my
hands on him? I'll send him either up
or down the river and place him in
safe keeping where you can get him at
any time you want
This must be done without vio-
lence, John" stipulated Fentress
Certainly. understand Which
shall 1t be-up or down river?'
Gould you take care OF him for me
below, at hatcher" inquired Fentress.
las well there as anywhere"
"Goodi" said Eentress and took hia
leave.
Three-quarters of an hour slipped
by, then, piercing the silence, Murrell
heard shrill whistle; IL was twice
repeated he saw Bess go down to
the landing again. A half-hour elapsed
and a man Issued from the scatter
ing growth OF bushes that screened
the shore. The newcomer crossed the
clearing and entered the cabin. He
was a young fellow OF twenty-four or
five, whose bronzed face wore a reck-
! less expression.
| tContinueh).