Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-03-06

His ponderous arm stiffened where 1T
rested on tue desk, he Strengthened up
in his chair and his face assumed Its
customary expression OF battered dig
nifty, while smile at once wistful and
tender lowered about his lips.
One other question" he said. I'm
til this man Murrell appeared you
had no trouble with Baden? lie was
content that you should keep the
child-your right to Hannibal was
never challenged"
Never, sir. All my troubles began
about that time
"Murrell belongs in these parts,
said the judge.
I'D admire TO to meet him. said
Yancy quietly.
The judge grinned.
Il place my professional services at
your disposal" he said yours is a
clear case OF felonlOus assault"
no. it amt, sir look at 1t this-a-
ways; It's Il clear case OF my giving
him the damndest sort Of body beat
ing!"
Sir" said the judge, "I'll hold your
hat while you are about it,"
Hicks had taken his time in re-
spending TO the judges summons, but
now his step sounded in the hall and
throwing open the door he entered
the room. Whether consciously or
not he had acquired something OF that
surly. forbtdding manner which was
characteristic or his employer a curt
nod of the head was his only greet
Ing
WI! you sit down." asked the
Judge. Hicks signitted by another
movement Of the head that he would
not. This is a very dreadfu! bust
ucss!" began the judge softly.
Amt it?" agreed Hicks. What
you got to say to me-" he added
petulantly. ~
Have you started to drag the
bayou" asked the judge. Hicks
nodded. That was your idea%' sug-
gested the judge.
NO, it want" objected Hicks
quickly. But | said she had been
actin like she was plumb distracted
ever since Charley Norton got shot
How" inquired the judge. arching
his eyebrows. Hicks was plainly dis.
turbed by the question.
Sort OF out of her head. Mr. Ware
seen it, too
HE spoke of it?"
Yes, sir; him and me discussed 1t
together"
The Judge regarded Hicks long and
intently and in silence. His magnifi-
cent mind was at work. If Betty had
been distraught he had not observed
any sign OF 1t the previous day. II
Ware were better informed as TO her
true mental state why had he chosen
this time TO go to Memphis?
Il suppose Mr.. Ware asked you TO
keep an eye on Miss Malroy while he
was away from homer" said the Judge.
Hicks, suspicious Of the drift OF his
questioning, made no answer. Il sup
pose you told the house servants TO
keep her under observation contin-
ucd the judge.
II don't talk to no niggers," replied
Hicks, except to give 'em my Or
derS."
We'll, did you give them that or
der?"
NO. l didn't"
The sudden and hurried entrance OF
big Steve brought the judges exam
nation OF Mr.. Hicks to standstill.
"Mas'r. you know dat ar coachman
George-the big black fellow dat took
you into town las evenin'? jes' beeL
down at Shanty Hill whar Miliy, his
wife, is carryin' on something scan
dalous cause George amt never come
home" Steve was laboring under In
tense excitement, but he Ignored the
presence Of the overseer ana aa'
dressed himself to Slocum Price.
We'll, what of that?' cried HICKS
quickly.
Thar warn't no 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.
Yes" interrupted Hicks uneasily;
put a pair OF lines in a nlggers
hands and he'll run any team on LIB
legs!"
An the heritage all scratched up
from bein' thrashed through the
bushes" added Steve.
There's a niger for you" said
| Hicks. She took the rascal OUT Oh
the field, dressed him like nc was q
gentleman and pampered him W ano
now first chnpSa he HetS he ruM gu.