Putnam patriot., 1912-06-21

THE held Ills fame widened with .h- s,,::5s- ceeoing suns: he had offers of help which impressed him as so entirely creditable to human nature that he quite lacked the heart to refuse them, especially as he felt that in the im- prOvement of his own condition the world had bettered itself and was moving nearer those sound and right eous ideals of morality and patriotism which had never lacked his indorse- ment, no matter how inexpedient 1t practice. But he was not diverted from his ultimate purpose by the glamour of present popularity: he was able to keep his bleared eyes resolutely fixed on the main chance. namely the Fentress estate and the Quintard lands. It was highly i'm portant that he should so east to South Carolina to secure documentary evidence that would establish his own and Fentress' identity: to Kentucky. where Fentress had lived prior to his coming to Tennessee.
 Early in November the judge set out by stage on his journey east: he was accompanied by Yaney and Han nibal, from neither of whom could he bring himself to be separated: and as the woods. flaming now with the torch of frost. enguhed the little town, he turned in his seat and looked back. He had entered 1t by that very was leaving 1t in broadcloth and fine linen. visible tokens of his altered fortunes. More than this, he could trust his hands deep down into his once empty pockets and hear the clink of gold and silver. The judge slowly withdrew his eyes from the last gray roof that showed among the trees, and faced the east and the fu- ture with 8 serenely confident ex- pression.
 Betty Malroy and Darlington had ridden into Raleigh to take leave of their friends. They had watched the stage from sight. had answered the last majestic salute the judge had giv- en them across the swaying top of the coach before the first turn of the road hid 1t from sight, and then they had turned their horses heads in the direction of Belle Plain.
 Bruce, do you think Judge Price will ever be able to accomplish all he hopes to?" Betty asked when they had left the town behind. She drew in her horse as she spoke, and they went forward at a walk under the splendid arch of the forest and over a carpet of vivid leaves.
 T reckon he will, Betty" respond ed Darlington. Unfayorable as had been his original estimate ot the judges character. events had greatly modified 1t.
 lie really seems quite sure. doesn't hei" said Betty.
 There's not a doubt in his mind agreed Darlington.
 He was still at Belle Plain. living in what had been Wares office. while the Cavendishes were domiciled at the big house. He had arranged with the judge to crop c part of that hope ful gentleman's land the very next season; the fact that a lawsuit inter- vened between the judge and posses sion seemed trifiing matter. for Car rington had become infected with the Judges point of view, which did not admit of the possibility of failure: but he had not yet told Betty of his plans. Time enough for that when he left Belle Plain.
 His silence concerning the future had caused Betty much thought. She wondered If he still intended going south into the Purchase; she was not sure but It was the dignified thing for him to do. She was thinking of this now as they went forward over the rustling leaves, and at length she turned In the saddle and faced him.
 T am going to miss Hannibal dreadfully-yes, and the judge. and Mir. Yancy!" she began.
 T am to be missed, too. am I. Bet ty?" he inquired, leaning toward her.
 You, Bruce?-Oh, I shall miss you, too, dreadfully-but then, per haps in five years. when you come back--'
 Five yearsl" cried Darlington, but he understood something of what was passing in her mind, and laughed shortly. Five years, Betty?" he re- peated, dwelling on the numeral
 Betty hesitated and looked thought ful. Presently she stole surrepti- her long lashes, and went on slowly, as though she were making careful choice of her words.
 When you come back in three years, Bruce"
 Darlington still regarded her fixed ly There was light in his black eyes that seemed to penetrate to the most secret recesses of her heart and soul.
 Three years, Betty?" he repeated again.
 Betty. her eyes cast down. twisted her rein nervously between her slim, white fingers. but Carrington's steady glance never left her sweet face, framed by it's halo of bright hair. She stole another look at him from be- meath her dark lashes.
 Three years, Betty" he prompted.
 Bruce, don't stare at me that way, 1t makes me forget what I was going to say! When you come back-next year" and then she lifted her eyes to his and he saw that they were full of sudden tears. Bruce. don't go away-dont go away at ali-"
 Darlington slipped from the saddle apA otnnd at hcr aiHo