The state herald., 1912-08-02


door. They now advanced. One was
gaunt and haggard, his face disiigured
by great red scar; the other was u
shock-headed individual who moved
with shambling gait. Both carried
rifles and both were dressed in coarse
homespun.
Morning. sir" said the man with
the scar. "Yancy's my name, and
this gentleman lows he'd rather be
known now as MIR. Cavendish."
The judge started to his feet
Bob Yancy?" he cried.
Yes, sir, that's me-" The judge
passed nimbly around the desk and
shook the Scratch Hitler warmly by
the hand. Where's my nevvy. sir?-
what's all this about him and Miss
Betty?" Yancys soft drawl was sud
denly eager.
Please God wen recover him
soon!" said the Judge.
By the window Darlington moved
impatiently. No harm could come to
the boy, but Betty-a shudder went
through him.
They've stolen him." Yancy spoke
with conviction. Il reckon they've
started back to Moth Carolina with
him-only that don't explain what's
come of Miss Betty, does it," and he
dropped rather helplessly into n chair.
Bob are Just getting off sick bed.
He's been powerful porely in conse-
quence of having his head laid open
and then being throwed into the Elk
river. where ! fshed him out" ex.
planned Cavendish, who still contin-
ued to regard the Judge with unmixed
astonishment. first cooking his shaggy
head on one side and then on the
other. his bleached eyes narrowed to
slit. Now and then he favored the
austere Mahaffy with teeting
glance. He seemed intuitiyely to un-
derstand the comradeship OF their
degradation.
Mr.. Cavendish fetched me here on
his raft. We tied up to the sho this
morning. 1t was there we met Mr..
Carrington-rd knowed him slightly
back yonder in Moth Carolina. con.
tinued Yancy. He said I'd ind Han.
nibal with you. was counting heap
on seeing my neyvy."
Darlington. no longer able to con.
troll himself swung about on his heel.
whats been done?" he asked. with
fierce repression. What's going to be
done? Don't you know that every
second is preoious?"
Il am about to conclude my inves-
legations. SIR" said the Judge with
dignity.
Darlington stepped TO the door.
After all. what was there TO expect OF
these men7 Whatever their Interest.
II wRs plainly centered In the boy. lie
passed out into the hail.
AS the door closed on him the Judge
turned again to the Scratch Hitler,
MIR. Yancy. Mr.. Mahaffy and 1 hold
your nephew in the tenderest regard:
he has been our constant companion
ever since you were lost TO him. In
this crisis you may rely upon us; we
are committed TO his recovery. no
matter what II involves" The judges
tone was one OF unalterablo resolu.
tion.
II reckon you,all have been mighty
good and kind to him. said fancy
huskily.
1--WE have endoayored to be. Mr.
Yancy-indeed had formed the reso-
luton legally 10 adopt him should you
not come TO claim him. | should have
given him my name. and made him
my heir. His education has already
begun under my supervision" and the
Judge. remembering the high use TO
which he had dedicated one OF PEG.
loo's trade labels. fairly glowed with
philanthfopie ioryor.
Think OF that" murmurcd Yaney
softly. lie was deeply moved, SO wna
MIR. CAyondlsh. who was gifted with
Il wealth OF ready sympathy Tie
thrust out hardened hand TO tho
Judge
"shakoi" he said, You're heap
better than you look" a thin ripple
OF laughter escaped MHhAny. but the
judge accepted Chills and Fcyora
pronorod hand lie understood that
hero was u simple genuine soul
price, isn't Il important Tor us 20
know why Mf, Yancy ihlntH the boy
has been taken back to North care.
linaf" said Mahany.
"Just what Kin 10 Hannibal 70 you.
Mr.. YRncyg" asked tho judge foHum.
Ing his seat
"sirietiy speaking. he amt none.
That he come 10 live with me n all
owing 10 Mr cronshaw. who's n good
man whom left 20 himself. but he's
got q wife no u hody may ray be never
In ici, TO himself" began ianey. ana
then briefly he told the story Of tho
woman ard the child much M hu had
told II 20 nlndon NJ tho linfony tho
day Of General Quintard'a funeral
Ths Judge, his back 10 the Hight ana
his face IN shadow, rested hia leit 81.
tow on tho desk and with bis chin
sunk IN bis palm. followed the Scratch
Killers narrative with the closest NJ
tention,