Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1912-04-25

Quilted the Office. Mr.. Saul bending
above his desk, was making an entry
in one Of his ledgers. The Judge shurs
fed to his side.
Who was that manr he asked
thickly, resting shaking hand ON
the clerks arm.
"That2-Oh, that was Colonel zen
tress was just telling you about"
HAS he always lived hereT
mo; he came into the county about
ten years ago, and bought a place
called The Oaks"
HAS he-a familyP" The Judge ap-
peared to be having difficulty with
his speech.
mot that anybody knows OF. Some
say he's a widower, others again say
he's an old bachelor: but he don't
say nothing. The colonefs got his
friends, to be sure, but he don't mix
much with the real quality. One OF
his particular intimates Is q gent1e-
man by the name Of Murrell."
The Judge nodded.
Tive met him." he said briefly.
Acting on a sudden impulse, the
Judge muttered something about re-
turning later, and hastily quilted the
office.
In the hall the judges steps dragged
and his head was bowed. He was
busy with his memories. Then pas
gion shook him.
Damn him--may God--for ever
damn himi" he cried under his
breath, In a fierce whisper.
They finished supper. the dishes
were cleared away and the candies
lighted. when the Judge produced
mysterious leather-covered case. This
he opened, and Mahany and Hannibal
saw that It held a handsome pair OF
dueling pistols.
Where did you get 'em, Judgef--
Oh. amt they beautifully" cried Han
nibal, circling about the table In his
excitement.
MY dear lad, they we're purchased
only few hours ago." said the Judge
quietly. ms he began to load them.
Norton had ridden down to Belle
Plain ostensibly TO view certain OF
those improvements that went so far
toward embittering Tom Wares ex-
istence.
do you think Belle Plain is ever
going TO look as It did, Charley T--as
We remember It when we were chill
dren7" asked Betty.
why OF course, II is, dear, you are
doing wondersl"
Ware stalked toward them. Hav-
ing dined with Betty as recently as
the day before. he contented himself
with nod In her direction. His
greeting 10 Norton was more am
bilious undertaking
Il understand you've new over
seerp
Then you understand wrong-Car-
rington's my guest" said Norton, q
Hes talking OF putting in crop for
himself next season, 80 he's willing
to help me make NINE"
"Going to turn farmer, is her"
asked Ware.
80 he says" Norton was extreme
ly disappointed when the planter
manifested a disposition to play the
host and returned to the house with
them, where his presence was such
hardship that Norton shortly took
his leave.
Issuing from the lane he turned his
face In the direction of home. he
was within two miles OF Thicket Point
when, passing turn in the road, he
found himself confronted by three
men. One of them seized his horse
by the BIT. Norton had not even a
riding-whip.
Now, what do you wish to say 70
met" no asked.
1--WE want your word that you'll
keep away from Belle Plain"
We'll, you won't get IT," respond
ed Norton.
In the same instant one Of the men
raised his fist and struck the young
planter in the back OF the neck.
"You curl" cried Norton, as he
wheeled on him.
damn him--let him have It'll"
It was mid-aEternoon of the day fol-
lowing before Betty heard OF the at
tack on Norton. She ordered her
horse saddled and was soon out on
the river road with groom In her
wake. Betty never drew rein until
she reached Thicket Point. AS she
galloped into the yard Bruce CARING
ton came from the house.
"How is Mr.. Norton?" she asked,
extending her hand.
The doctor says he'll be up and
about inside of week. II you'll wait
I'll tell him you are here"
Darlington passed on into the
house. He entered the room where
Norton lay.
Miss Malroy is here" he said.
Betty her dear hearth"
cried Charley weakly. "Just toss my
clothes into the closet and draw up
q chair There-thank you,
n al