The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-11-03

arm went from the house.
Ten or fifteen minutes elapsed. Ma
haffy considered this good sign: II
didn't take long TO say no. he reflect
ed. Another ten or fifteen elapsed
Mahaffy. lost heart. Then there came
hasty step beyond the door. II Vas
thrown violently open and the judge
precipitated himself into the room A
glance showed Mahaffy that he was
laboring under intense excitement.
Solomon. bring shocking news
God knows what the next few hours
may reveal" cried the Judge, mop
ping his brow Miss MalToy has dis
appeared from Belle Plain, and Hanni
bal has gone with her."
Where have they gone asked
NJ -haffy. and his long jaw dropped
Would TO. God | had an answer
answered the Judge. with a melan
choly shake OF the head. He gazed
down on his friend with an air OF
large tolerance. II am going 10 Belle
Plain. but you are too drunk. SleeT
IL of. Solomon and join me when
your brain is clear and your legs
steady"
Mahaffy jerked out an oath. lifting
himself of his chair, stood erect. lie
snatched up his hat.
Stun your pistols into your peck
cts and come on, Price he said, AND
stalked toward the door.
He fitted up the street and the
judge puffed and painted in his wake
They gained the edge OF the village
without speech.
There is mystery and rascality
here" said the Judge
What do YOU know, Price. and
where did YOU hear this Mahany
shot the question back over his Shout
der.
Al Pegloe's: the Belle Plain over
seer had just fetched the news into
town"
Again they were silent all their
energies being absorbed by the, physi'
cal exertion they were making. The
road danced before their burninG
eyes. il seemed 10 be uncoiling itself
with hideous undulations.
Mr.. Mahaffy was conscious that the
Judge. OF whom he caught a blurred
vision now AT his right side, now al
left was laboring painfully in the heat
and dust. the breath whistling from
between his parched lips.
You're just ripe for apopiexy'
Price" he snarled moderating MS
pace
GO on" said the Judge, with stolid
resolution.
Two miles out OF the village they
anne TO roadside spring mere they
for an instant Mahaffy scoop
"a ND handouts OF the clear water ana
sucked il down greedily The Judge
lropped on his stomach and buried
us face in the tiny pool. gulping up
great thirsty swallows. After long
instant he Stood erect
With drops of moisture clinging 10
lis nose and eyebrows. Mahaffy was
, dozen PAGES down the road. hurry
ng forward again with relentless
igor. The Judge shuffled after him.
rhe tracks they left in the dust cross
ID and re-crossed the road. but pres
,ntly the slanting lines Of their ad'
rance straightened, the Judge gained
md held a fixed place at Mahany
right, a step or so in the rear. His
,pulept fancy began 10 deal with the
situation.
IF anything happens TO the child,
he man responsible for IL would bet
tel never been born-lll pursue him
with undiminished energy from this
moment forth he painted
What could happen TO him,
Price," asked Mahaffy.
God knows. poor little lad
~will you shut up cried Mahaffy
solomon"
Why do you go building on that
dea? Why should any one harm him
what earthly purpose
II tell you. Solomon, We are the
pivotal point in a vast circle OF crime
This is a blow at me-this is revenge
sir. neither more nor less! They
have struck at me through the boy.
il Is as plain as day"
What cid the overseer say"
Just that they found Miss Malroy
gone from Belle Plain this morning,
and the boy with her
This is like you. Price! How do
you know they haven't spent the
night at some neighbours"
The nearest neighbor is five or six
niles distant Miss Malroy and Han
nibal were seen along about dusk in
the grounds at Belle Plain; do you
mean TO tell me you consider it like
Iy that they set out on foot at that
hour, and without a word to anyone.
TO make a visit?" inquired the Judge;
but Mahaffy did not contend for this
point.
What are you going to do first,
Price,"
Have look over the grounds, and
talk with the slaves"
Where's the brother--wasn't he at
Belle Plain last night"
1T seems he went to Memphis yes
terday"
They plodded forward in silence;
now and again they were passed by
some man on horseback whose des-
tination was the same as their own,
and then at last they caught sight
Of Belle Plain in its grove OF trees
CHAPTER xviii.
The Judue Takes Charue,