The state herald., 1912-07-26
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She'll be sent down river tonight"
said Murrell.
Captain" logan Slosson. who up
to this had taken no part in the con-
versation. when are you going to
cross to t'other side OF the bayouy"
"Soon." replied Murrell. Slosson
laughed.
Il didn't know but you'd clean for
got the Clans business. / want to
ask another question-but first | want
to say that no one thinks higher or
more frequent of the ladies' than Just
me; I'm genuinely fond OF 'em. and
I've never lifted my hand ag'in 'em
except in kindness" Mr.. Slosson
looked at Ware with an exceedingly
virtuous expression OF countenance
He continued: "Yo' orders are that
we're to slip out Of this little afore
midnight. but suppose there's hitch
heres the lady knowing what she
knows and here's the boy knowing
what he knows"
There can be no hitch" rasped out
Murrell arrogantly.
Il never knew a speculation that
couldn't go wrong; and by rights We
| should have got away last night"
We'll, whose fault is 1t you didnt?"
demanded Murrell.
In manner 1t were mine. but the
ark got on a sandbank as we were
fetching 1t in and 1t took us the whole
damn night to get clear"
"Well?" prompted Murrell, with a
sullen frown.
Suppose they get shut of that no
ton OF theirs that the lady's done
drowned herself; suppose they take to
watching the river? Or suppose the
whole damn bottom drops out OF this
deal? What then? The lady. good
looking as she is, knows enough to
make west Tennessee mighty on
healthy for some OF us. | say, sup
pose it's a flash in the pan and you
have to crowd the distance In be-
tween you and this part OF the world.
you can't tell me you'll have any use
for her then" Slosson paused i'm
pressively. And here's Mr.. Ware
feeling bad. feeling like hell" he re-
sumed. Hin and me don't want to
be left In no trap with you gone God
only knows where"
''Ill send man TO take charge OF
the keel boat. ! can't risk any more
OF your bungling. Joe"
That's all right. but you don't an
swer my question" persisted slosson,
with admirable tenacity of purpose.
What is your question, Joe?"
"a lot can happen between this and
midnight"
IF things 20 wrong with us there1l
be a blaze at the head OF the bayou:
Does that satisfy your"
And what theng"
Murrell hesitated.
What about the girl?" insisted
Slosson. dragging him back TO the
point at issue between them. AS a
man | wouldn't lift my hand ng'in no
good looking woman except, like /
said. In kindness; but she can't be
turned loose: she knows too much.
What's the word. Captain-you say
IL" he urged. He made a gesture OF
appeal TO Ware.
Look for the light. better still.
look for the man IN send" And with
this Murrell would have turned away.
but Slosson detained him.
Who'll he beg'
Some fellow who knows the river"
And II it's the light7" asked the
tavcrn.kecper In hoarSc undertone.
Again he looked toward Ware. who.
dry-lipped and ashen. was regarding
him steadfastly, Glance met glance,
for a brief instant they looked into
each others eyes and then tho hand
slosson had rested ON Murroll's
shoulder dropped at his side.