Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-03-27
( BJNUcHAnkE s1ER

s',':*.~' e..,....
Tho Judge regarded Hicks long and
intently ana in silence. His magnin-
cent mind was at work. II Betty had|
been distraught he had not observed
any sign Of 1t the previous day. III
Ware were better informed ~ to herl
true mental state Why had he chosen|
this time to 20 to Memphis?
II suppose Mr.. Ware asked you to|
keep IN eye on. Miss Nalroy while bel
was away from home?" said the Judge.
Hicks. suspicious Of the drift Of his|
questioning, made no answer. II sup
pose you told the house servants tol
keep her under obssrvation7" contin-
usd the Judge.
"I don't talk TO no niggers." replied
Hicks, except TO give EN- my or
ders."
wen. did you give them that OIL
der7'
NO, DIDN'T.
The sudden and hurried entrance Of
big Steve brought the judges exam
lnation Of Mr.. Hicks to q standstill.
"Mas'r. you know dat ar coachman]
Gsorge-the big black fellow dat took
you intofown las evenin'? Jes' been
down at Shanty Hill whar Milly, his
wife. u carryin' on something scan
dalous cause George amt never come
home!" Steve was laboring under in.
tense excitement, but he ignored tho
presence Of the overseer and ad-
dressed himself to slocum Price.
We'll, what Of that?" cried Hicks
quickly.
.-c:s:ss. warn. 70 George. mind you.
Mas'r, but dar was his team in de
stable this mo'ning and lookin' mighty
nigh done up with hard driving"
EYES," interrupted Hicks uneastiy;
put q pair Of lines In . nigger's
hands and he'll run any team OF It's
legs!"
AN the ksrriage all scratched up
from bein' thrdshed through the
bushes" added Steve.
There's q Niger for you!" said
Hicks. "she took the rascal out OF
the field. dressed him like he was Z
gentleman and pampered him up, and
now first chance he gets he runs OIL"
"Ah!" said the Judge softly. Then
you knew thls1"
"Of course I knew-wa'nt IL my
business to know? I reckon he was
on .skylarking. and when he'd seen
the mess he'd made. the tr1ning fool
took to the woods. Well, he catches
1t when lay hands on him!"
do you know whom and under
what circumstances the team twas
stabbed, Mr.. Hicks?" inquired the
Judge.
mo. I don't. but I reckon it must
have been long after dark" said Hicks
.unwillingly. II seen to the, feeding
lust after shutdown like I always do,
then went to supper" Hicks vouch-
;safed to explain.
"And no one saw or heard the team
drive in?"
mot as know Of" said Hicks.
"Masr Ca'ington's done gone on to
get pack of dawss-he lows hits
might important to ind what's como
of George" said Steve.
Hicks started violently at this piece
of news.
II reckon he'll have to travel a
right smart distance to find pack OF
dogs" he muttered. Il don't know OF
none this side of Colonel Bates down
below Girard."
The Judge was lost In thought. He
permitted an interval Of silence to
elapse in which Hicks glance slid
round in . furtive circle.
when did Mr.. Ware set out for
Memphis!" asked the judge at length.
early yesterday. He goes there
pretty often on business"
"You talked with Mr.. Ware before
he left!" Hicks shook his head. did
he speak Of Miss Malroy?" Hicks
shook his head. did you see her dur
ing the afternoon"
.sNo-maybe you think these Mig
gers amt enough to keep q man STIR
ring?'' said Hicks uneasily and with .
scowl. The Judge noticed both the
nneasiness and the scowl.
II should imagine they would alb
sorb every moment Of your time. Mr..
Hicks" 10 aSreed ahtably.
"A mans got to. be hog for work
to hold O. Job IKE NINE" said Hicks
sourly.
"But Il came 10 your notice that
Miss Marcy has been in . disturbed
mental state ever since Mr.. Norton's
uurder9 an interested In this point.
Mr.. Hicks, because your experience il
% entirely. Ut variance with my own.
It any privilege to SEQ and speak
with her yesterday afternoon: wa
profoundly impressed by her natural
ness and composure." The Judge
smiled. then he leaned forward across
the desk. sWhat were you doing up
hero early this morning-hasn't hog
for work like you got any business OF
his own ct that hour?" The judges
tone was suddenly offensive.
Look here. what right have you
rot to try and pump me?" cried Hicks.
For no discernible reason Mr.. Cav
Andish spat on his palms.
"Mr. Hicks" said the judge, urbane
ana gracious, Il believe in frankness."
Sure" agreed Hicks. molltfied BY
4 the Judges altered tone.
s~1l...s~-> IN mt hAaltatA IN RaY