The Lamar register., 1912-06-12

tainly her grief could not blind her
to the fact that he had met the stu
alton with largeness Of public spirit
that was an impressive lesson to the
entire community.
These were all points over which
he and Mahaffy had wrangled, and
he felt that his friend, in seeking to
keep him away from Belle Plain. was
standing squarely in his light. He
really could not understand Solomon
or his objections. He pointed out
that Norton had probably left . Will
no one knew yet-probably his es-
tate would go to his intended wife
what more likely? He understood
Norton had cousins somewhere In
tractive possibility of extended litiga-
ton. Miss Malroy needed a strong.
clear brain to guide her past those
difficulties his agile fancy assembled
in her path. He beamed on his friend
with wide sunny smile.
You mean she needs lawyer,
Price?" insinuated MahafYy.
That slap At me. Solomon. is I'M
worthy Of you. Just name some one.
comparable to miner l may say 1
have devoted my entire energy to her
affairs. and with disinterestedness.
have made myself felt. WIN you men
ton who else these cutthroats have
tried to browbeat and frighten? They
know that my theories and conclu-
sions are q menace to them! got
EN- in a panic, sar-presently some
fellow will lose his nerve and light
out for the tall timber-and 1t will
be just Judge 6locum Price who's
done the trick-no one else!"
Are you looking for some one to
haffy. sOurly.
Your remark unoovers my fondest
cope. SOlomon-rd give i've years OF
,ly life just to b shot at-that would
ound out the episode OF the letter
ieeiy"; again the Judge beamed on
i hairy with that wide and sunny
smile OF his.
Why don't yoa let the boy go
alone. Pricef" suggested Mahaffy. He
lacked that sense Of sublime conf
fence In the judges tact and discre-
ton of which tAs Judge. himself. en-
,ertained never . doubt.
Il shall not o6trude myself. Solo
mon; shall merely walk out to Belle
Plain and leave . civil message.
know what's de- Miss Malroy In her
bereaved state-ahe has sustained no
ordinary loss, md In NO ordinary
:ashion. She Aas been the center OF
a striking and profoundly moving
tragedy! I woaA give q good deal to
know II my late client left a will"
You might aak her," said Mahany
cynically. NOTHING like going to
headquarters for the news!"
Solomon. Solomon. give me credit
for common senoo-go further. and
give me credit 1pe common decencyl
Don't let Us forgst that ever since We
came here she has manifested Q
hospitabls spirit where We
are concerned"
Wouldn't charity hit nearer the
mark. Pricer'
Il have never 20 regarded It. Solo
mon." said the Judge mildly. Il have
read a different meaning In the beef
and -four and potatoes she's sent here.
I expect II the truth could be known
to US she Ia wondering in the midst
of her grief why I haven't called. but
she'll appreciate the considerate del
icacy OF gentleman. wish It were
possible to get cut flowers In this
cussed wildernessi"
The Judge had been occupied with
a simple but ingenious toilet. He
had trimmed the frayed skirts OF bis
coat; then. BY turning his cuns in
side out and upside down a fresh sur
face made its first public appearance.
Next his shoes had engaged his at
tention. They might have we'll dis
couraged less resolute and resource
full character. but with the contents
of his ink-well he artfully colored his
white yarn socks where they showed
through the riffs in the leather. This
the judge did gaily. now humming a
snatch OF song, now listening civiiiy
to Mahafy. now replying with undis-
turbed cheerfulness. Last OF all he
ciapped his dingy beaver on his head.
giving 1t an indescribably 1aunty
slant and stepped to the door.
We'll, wish me luck, Solomon, I'm
Hannibal!" he said.
At heart he cherished small hope OF