The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1912-03-13

1
an ingenious people; l wonder none
of 'em ever though or a jug with
glass bottom, so that when a body
holds it up to the light he can see at
a glance whether it is empty or not
Do you reckon Peg1oe has sufficient
confidence to fill the jug again for
usg"
But Mahaffy's expression indicated
no great confidence in Mr.. Pegloe's
confidence.
Credit" began the Judge, lis pro-
verbally shy; still it may sometimes
be increased, like the muscles Of the
body and the mental faculties, by ju-
dicious use. I've always regarded
Pegloe's as a cheap mind. l hope 1
have done him an injustice" He put
on his hat, and tucking the jug under
his arm went from the house.
Ten or fifteen minutes elapsed. Ma
hairy considered this a good sign; it
didn't take long to say no, he reflect
ed. Another ten or fifteen elapsed.
Mahaffy lost heart. Then there came
a hasty step beyond the door, it was
thrown violently open, and the judge
precipitated himself into the room. A
glance showed Mahaffy that he was
laboring under intense excitement.
Solomon, 1 bring shocking news.
God knows what the next few hours
may reveal" cried the judge, mop
ping his brow. Miss Malroy his dis
appeared from Belle Plain, and Han
nibal has gone with her!"
Where have they gomez" asked Ma
haffy, and his long jaw dropped.
Would to God 1 had an answer
ready for that question, Solomon"
answered the judge, with a melan-
choly shake of the mead. He gazed
down on his friend With an air of
large tolerance. Il am going to Belle
Plain, but you are too drunk. Sleep
it of, Solomon, and join me when
your brain is clear and your legs
steady"
Mahaffy jerked out an oath, and
lifting himself off his chair, stood
erect. He snatched up his hat.
STUFF your pistols into your pock-
cts, and come on, Price!" he said,
and stalked toward the door.
He fitted up the street, and the
Judge pulled and painted in his wake.
They gained the edge of the village
without speech.
There is mystery and rascality
here!" said the judge.
What do you know, Price, and
where did you hear this?" Mahahy
shot the question back over his Shout
der.
AT Pegloe's; the Belle Plain over
seer had just fetched the news into
| town"
Again they were silent, all their
energies being absorbed by the physi-
cal exertion they were making. The
road danced before their burning
eyes, it seemed to be uncoiling Itself
serpent-wise with hideous fluctuations
Mr.. Mahaffy was conscious that the
Judge, of whom he caught a blurred
vision now at his right side, now al
his left, was laboring painfully in the
heat and dust. the breath whistling
from between his parched lips.
You're just ripe for apoplexy
Price," he snarled. moderating his
pace.
GO on" said the judge, with stoliC
resolution.
Two miles out of the village they
came to a roadside spring; here the
paused for an instant. Mahaifl
scooped up handfuls of the clear wa
ter and sucked it greedily The judg'
dropped on his stomach and burie'
his face in the tiny pool, gulpini
I'D great thirsty swallows. After
long breathIess instant he stood erect
with drops of moisture clinging to HI
nose and eyebrows. Mahaffy was
dozen PAGES down the road, hurryini
forward again with relentless vigoI
The Judge shuffled after him. Tn
tracks they left in the dust crosses
and re-crossed the road, but present
ly the slanting lines of their advanc
straightened, the Judge gained an
held a fixed place at Mahaffy's righi
a step or so in the rear. His opulen
fancy began to deal with the situa
ton.
IF anything happens to the child
the man responsible for it would be
ter never been born-Tl pursue MI
with undiminished energy from thi
moment forthl' he painted.
, What could happen to him, Price?
asked Mahaffy.
GOD knows, poor little lad"
'eWill you shut up" cried Mahah
} savagely.
Solomon"
"Why do you go building on thi
idea? Why should any one harm MI
what earthly purpose"
81 tell you, Solomon, we are IL
nivotal point in a vast circle OF Grim
! This is a blow at me-this is reveng
! sir. neither more nor less! They hay
struck at me through the boy, it Is
' plain as day"
\ what did the overseer say!
"Just that they found Miss Marc
I, gone from Belle Plain this mornin
v and the boy with her.
This is like you, Price! How
= Won know they haven't spent the mig
: at some neighbor's?"
: 1.-The nearest neighbor is five or
= miles distant. Miss MaIroy and Ha
= nibal we're seen along about dusk
= the grounds at Belle Plain; do y
mean to tell me you consider It Ike
= that they set out on foot at that ho1
I and without a word to any one'
make a visit?" inquired the judge; b
Mahaffy did not contend Tor u
IL point.
'e what are you going to do mr.
Price?"
2 Have a look over the grounds a
. talk with the slaves"
where's the br0ther-wasnt ne
Belle Plain last night2"
= 1T seems he went to Memphis y
4 terday."
= They plodded forward In silene
= now and again they were passed
n some man on horseback whose q
tination was the same as their oV
- and then at last they caught signt
= Belle Plain in its grove OF trees
d CHAPTER XXI.