The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1912-03-14
easy. Bob; they amt going to want


him."
Well, sir, that surely is a passed. OF
comfort to me- I find I got all the
instincts of father without having
had none of the instincts OF hus-
band"
A richer, deeper realization of his
joy came to Yancy when he had
turned his back on Balaams Cross
Roads and set out for home through
the fragrant silence OF the pine woods.
Just beyond the Barony, which was
midway between Balaam's and the
Hill, down the long stretch OF sandy
road he saw two mounted figures,
then as they drew nearer he caught
the tlutter of skirts and recognized
one Of the horsewomen. It was Mrs.
Ferris, wife of the Baronys new own
err. She refined in her horse abreast
Of his cart.
Aren't you Mr. Yancy?" she asked.
Il am Mrs. Ferris, and 1 am very
pleased to make your acquaintance"
The same here" murmured Yancy
with winning civility.
! Mrs. Ferris companion leaned for
ward, her face ayerted, and stroked
her horses neck with gloved hand.
t This is my friend, Miss Betty Nal
roy"
| Glad to know you, maam," said
Yancy.
| Miss Mal1oy faced him, smiling.
She was quite radiant with youth and
beauty
/ I'VE are just returning from Scratch
HILL" said Mrs. Ferris.
! And the dear little boy we met is
your nephew, Is he not, Mr.. Yancy?"
1t was Betty Malroy who spoke.
In manner he is and in a man.
ner he amt" explained Yancy, some
what systematically.
DO you know the old deserted cab
in by the big pine?-the Blount
placer asked Mrs. Ferris.
Eyes, ma'am, l know it."
Il am going to have Sunday school
there for the children; they shan't
be neglected any longer If 1 can help
it. Now won't you let your little
ucpucW COuS
Il reckon you-all can count on my
nevvy," Bob said.
Hannibal and Yancy were the first
to arrive at the deserted cabin in the
old field Sunday afternoon. Shy chill
dren from the pine woods, big broth
ers with little sisters and big sisters
with little brothers, drifted out OF the
encircling forest.
Mrs. Ferris missionary spirit mani
tested itself agreeably enough on the
whole. She read certain chapters
from the Bible, finishing with the
story of David, narrative that made
deep impression upon Yancy, CON-
fortably seated in the doorway.
"You will all be here next Sunday,
won't you?-and at the same hour?"
she said, rising.
There was sudden clatter OF
hoofs beyond the door. A man, we'll
dressed and we'll mounted had rid
den into the yard. AS Mrs. Ferris
came from the cabin he flung him
self out of the saddle and, hat In
hand, approached her
II am hunting a place called the
Barony; can you tell ne if 1 am on
the right road?" he asked. He was a
man in the early thirties. graceful
and powerful Of build, with a hand
some face. !
1T is my husband you wish to see?
I am Mrs. Ferris
Then General Quintard is dead?"
His tone was one of surprise
His death occurred over a year
ago, and my husband now owns the i,
Barony; were you friend Of the gen.
erars?"
mo, madam; he was my fathers
friend, but had hoped to meet him."
His manner was adroit and plausible.
will you ride on with US to the
Barony and meet my husband, Mr..
-" she paused
"Murrell-Captain Murrell. Thank
you; I should like to see the old
place. I should highly value the priv
ilege," then his eyes rested on Miss
Malroy.
Betty, let me present Captain Muir !
rell." 4
The captain bowed, giving her a
glance of bold admiration.
BY this time the children had stray
gled of into the pine woods as 81
|ently as they had assembled; only
Yancy and Hannibal remained. Mrs.
Ferris turned to the former.
If you will close the cabin door,
Mr.. Yancy, everything will be ready
or next Sunday" she said, and moved
oward the horses, followed by Muir
ell. Betty Malroy fingered for mo-
nent at Hannibal's side. :,
"Good-by. little boy; you must ask
'our Uncle Bob to bring you up to:
he big house to see me-" and stoop-
ng she kissed him. "Gcod-by, Mr.,
fancy"
CHAPTER III.
Trouble at Scratch Hill. =.