The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1912-09-13

luI ueu away, anu Delly saw HIS ldl
form disappear in the twilight.
A month and more had elapsed
since Bob Yancys trial. Just two
days later man and boy disappeared
from Scratch Hill. Murrell was soon
on their trail and pressing forward
in hot pursuit. Reaching the noun
tains. he heard OF them first as ten
days ahead Of him and bound for
west Tennessee; the ten days dwin-
died TO a week the week became five
days, the five days three; and now
as he emerged from the last range or
hills he caught sight OF them.
Yancy glanced back at the blue wall
Of the mountains where it lay along
the horizon.
We'll, Nevvy," he said, we've put
heap of distance between us and
old Scratch HILL"
For the past ten days their journey
! had been conducted in a leisurely
! fashion. AS Yancy said. they were
seeing the world, and 1t was well to
! take a good look at it while they had
| a chance
Suddenly out of the silence came
the regular beat OF hoofs. These
| grew nearer and nearer, and at last
when they We're quite close, Yancy
faced about. Smilingly Murrell reined
in his horse.
"Why-Bob Yancy!" he cried in
apparent astonishment.
Yes, sir-Bob Yancy Does 1t hap
pen you are looking TO him, Cap
tain?" inquired Yancy.
Mono, Bob. I'm on my way
west"
Murrell slipped from his saddle and
fell into step at Yancy's side as they
moved forward.
They were nightly stirred up at
the Cross Roads when | left, wonder
ing what had come of you," he OBJ
served.
That's kind of them," responded
reason for it, but he was becoming
distrustful of Murrell, and uneasy.
They went forward in silence. A
sudden turn in the road brought them
to the edge OF an extensive clearing.
Close to the road there were several
buildings, but not a tree had been
spared to shelter them and they stood
forth starkly, the completing touch to
a civilization that was still in its
youth, unkempt, rather savage, and
ruthlessly unitarian. A sign an
nounced the dingy structure of logs
nearest the roadside a tavern.
From the door OF the tavern the
figure OF a man emerged. He was
black-haired and bull-necked, and
there was about him a certain shag-
glness which a recent toilet performed
at the horse trough had not served to
mitigate.
"Howdy?" he drawled.
"Howdy?" responded Mr.. Yancy.
shall you stop here?" asked Muir
rell, sinking his voice. Yancy nodded.
Can you put us up?" inquired Muir
rell, turning to the tavern-keeper.
II reckon that's what I'm here for"
said Slosson. Murrell glanced about
the empty yard. Slack" observed
Slosson languidly. Yes. sir, slack's
the only name for It." 1t was under
stood he referred TO the state of trade.
He looked from one to the other of
the two men. AS his eyes rested on
Murrell, that gentleman raised the
first three fingers of his right handA
The gesture was ever so little, yet IL
seemed TO have tonic effect on Mr..
Slosson. What might have developed
into n smile had he not Immediately
suppressed IT, twisted his bearded
lips as he made an answering move
ment. "Eph. come here, you!" Slos-
son raised his voice This call
brought a half-grown black boy from
about corner of the tavern, TO whom
Murrell relinquished his horse.
Lets liquor" said the captain over
his shoulder, moving of in the direc-
tion OF the bar.
Come on, Nevvy!" said Yancy fol-
lowing, and they all entered the tav-
ern.
We'll, here's 10 the best OF good
luck!" said Murrell. as he raised his
glass TO his lips.
Same here" responded Yancy.
Murrell pulled out roll OF bills. one
OF which he tossed on the bar. Then
after moments hesitation he de
tached a second bill from the roll and
turned TO Hannibal
Here, youngster-a present for
you." he said good-naturedly. Hanni-
bal, embarrassed by the unexpected
gift. edged TO his Uncle Bob's side.
Thank you. sir" said the boy.
Let's have another drink" sug-
gested Murrell
Presently Hannibal stole out into
the yard. lie still held the bill in his |
hand for he did not quite know how |
10 dispose OF his great wealth. After |
debating this matter for a moment he |
knotted Il carefully In one corner OF
hts handkerchief.