The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1912-04-18

unctuous with good feeling. He wished
that Mahaffy might have been there
to note the reserve and dignity Of
his department.
But you must let me order lunch
con for you" said Betty. At least
this questionable old man was good
to Hannibal.
II couldn't think of it, ma'am-''
You'll have a glass of wine, them"
urged Betty hospta bly,. For the mo-
ment she had lost sight of what was
clearly the judges besetting sin.
The Judge paused abruptly. He en-
dured moment OF agonizing irreso-
luton
lon the advice of my physician 4
dare not touch wine-gout, ma'am.
and liver-but this restriction does
not apply to corn whisky-in modera-
ton, and as a tonic-either before
meals, Immediately after meals or at
any time between meals-always
keeping in mind the idea Of its tonic
properties" The judge seemed to
mellow and ripen. This was much
better than having the dogs sicked on
you! His manner toward Betty be-
came almost fatherly. Poor young
thing, so lonely and desolate in the
midst of all this splendor-he surrep-
titiously wiped away tear, and when
little Steve presented himself and
was told to bring whisky, audibly
smacked his Nps-a whole lot better,
surely!
Il am sorry you think you must
hurry away, Judge Price," said Betty.
She still retained the small brown
hand Hannibal had thrust into hers.
The eastern mail gets in today.
ma'am, and I have reason to think
my share Of 1t will be especially
heavy, for it brings the bulk Of my
professional correspondence" In ten
years the judge had received just
one communication by mail-a bill
which had followed him through four
states and seven counties. Il ex-
pect my secretary" boldly fixing
Solomon Mahany's status, rs already
dipping into it; an excellent assist
ant, ma'am, but literary rather than
legal"
Little Steve reappeared bearing 4
silver tray on which was a decanter
and glass.
"Since you insist, ma'am," the Judge
poured himself drink, my best re-
! spects-" he bowed profoundly.
IF you are quite willing, judge. l
h{vl/ mill {Hnl
Bowen, who has been here-since-''
her voice broke suddenly.
II understand, ma'am," said tho
judge soothingly. He gave her =
glance of great concern and turned
to Hannibal. Dear lad, you'll be very
quiet and obedient, and do exactly
as Miss Malroy says? When shall l
come for him, ma'am?'
I'LL send him to you when he Is
ready to go home. I am thinking OF
visiting my friends In North Caro-
lima, and 1 should like to have him
spend as much time as possible with
me before l start for the east"
It had occurred to Betty that she
had done little or nothing for the
child; probably this would be her last
opportunity.
The state of the judges feelings
was such that with elaborate alb
sence of mind he poured himself q
second drink Of whisky; and that
there should be no doubt the act was
one Of inadvertence, said again. my
best respects, ma'am," and bowed as
before. Putting down the glass, no
backed toward the door.
Il trust you will not hesitate to
call upon me II can be OF any use
to you, maam-a message will bring
me here without moments delay"
He was rather disappointed that no
allusion had been made to his recent
activities. He reasoned correctly that
Betty was as yet in ignorance Of the
somewhat dangerous eminence he
had achieved as the champion of law
and order. However, he reflected
with satisfaction that Hannibal, in re-
naming, would admirably serve his
ends.
| Betty insisted that he should bo
driven home, and after family protest.
| AA6, SAO JON6O 81 oNCAuAAJ yACluOu IAo
point, and a few moments later rolled
away from Belle Plain behind a pair
of sleek-coated bays, with negro In
livery on the box. He was conscious
of great sense of exaltation. He
felt that he should paralyze Mahany.
He even temporarily forgot the blow
his hopes had sustained when Betty
spoke of returning to North Carolina.
! This was life-broad acres and mig
gers-principally to tyot after you
toting liquor-and such liquor!-he
lolled back luxuriantly with half
closed eyes.
Twenty years in the wood If an
hour" he muttered. I'D like to have
just such taste in my mouth when
| l come to die and probably she has
barrels of it," he sighed deeply, and