The Red Cloud chief., 1912-06-20
CHAPTER XVII.
The ludue Extends hla Credit.

That afternoon Judge Price walked
had known that this was a civil,ty
Betty Malroy could by no means es.
cape. lie had been conscious ot the
judges purpose from the moment II
existed in the germ state. and he had
striven to divert him. but his striving
had been in vain, for though the
Judge valued Mr.. Mahaffy because OF
certain sterling qualities which he
professed TO discern beneath the hard
crust that made up the external man.
he was not disposed to accept him as
his mentor In nice matters OF taste
and gentlemanly feeling. lie owed II
to himself personally to tender his
sympathy. Miss Malroy must have
heard something OF the honorable
part he had played; surely she could
not be In ignorance Of the fact that
the lawless element, dreading his iur-
ther activities, had threatened him.
She must know. too. about that re-
ward Of five thousand dollars. Ger
tainly her grief could not blind her
to the fact that he had met the situ-
alton with largeness OF public spirit
that was an impressive lesson to tho
entire community.
These we're all points over which
he and Mahaffy had wrangled. and
he felt that his friend. In seeking to
keep him away from Belle Plain. was
standing sQuarely in his light. lie
really could not understand Solomon
or his objections. He pointed out
that Norton had probably lett will
no one knew yet-probably his es.
tate would go to his intended wife
what more likely? He understood
Norton had cousins somewhere In
middle Tennessee-there was the at
tractive possibility OF extended iitiga
ton. Miss Malroy needed strong
clear brain to guide her past those
diniculties his agile fancy assembled
in her path. He beamed on his friend
with a wide sunny smile.
You mean she needs q lawyer
Price?" insinuated Mahaffy.
THAT slap at me. Solomon. Is un
worthy OF you. Just name some one
will you. who has shown an interes,
comparable to mine? ! may say
have devoted my entire energy to heI
affairs. and with disinterestedncss.
have made myself felt. Will you men
tion who else these cutthroats have
tried to browbeat and frighten? They
know that my theories and conclu
sions are a menace to them! gO'
'em In a panic. sir-presentiy some
fellow will lose his nerve and iigh'
out for the tall timber-and It viii
be Just Judge Slocum Price who's
done the trick-nO one else!"
Are you looking for some one tt
take pot shot at you?" inquired Ma
haify. sourly.
Your remark uncOvers my fondes
hope. Solomon--l'd give tive years o.
my life Just to be shot at-that woult
round out the episode OF the iettel
nicely: again the Judge beamed OF
Mahaffy with that wide and sum!
smile OF his.
why don't you let the boy x
alone. Price?" suggested MahaiYy III
| i0NnCo tuul bChcO VI ouoAAC souAs
dence in the judges tact and discre
tion OF which the Judge. himself. en-
tertained never a doubt.
Il shall not obtrude myself. Solo
mon; ] shall merely walk out to Bell
Plain and leave a civil message.
know what's due Miss Mairoy In he
bereaved state-she has sustained NJ
ordinary loss. and In no "rdinar!
fashion. She has been the center o
striking and profoundly movini
J tragedy! I would give a good deal 4
know II my late client left will
You might ask her." said Mahan.
cynically. Nothing like going 4
Headquarters for the news!"
Solomon. Solomon. give me credi
for common sense-gO further. an,
give me credit for common decency
Don't let us forget that ever since w
came here she has manifested
charmingly hospitable spirit where w
are concerned"
Wouldn't charity hit nearer tin
mark. PriceY
tTO BE CONTINUED)