Putnam patriot., 1912-03-15
VAUGHAN HESTER
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 haffy's Side.
 MT. Ware, careless as to dress, scowled down on the child. He had favored Boggs' with his presence, not because he felt the least interest in horse-racing, but because he had no faith in girls, and especially had he profound mistrust of Betty. She was so much easily portable wealth. pink-faced chit ready to fall into the arms of the first man who proposed to her. But Charley Norton had not seemed disturbed by the planters forbidding air.
 What ragamuffins this, Betty?" growled Ware disgustedly.
 But Betty did not seem to hear.
 Did you come alone, Hannibal?" she asked.
 No. ma'am; the judge and MT. Ma haffy, they fetched me"
 The judge had drawn nearer as Betty and Hannibal spoke together, but Mahaffy hung back. There were eulfs not to be crossed by him. It was different with the judge; the native magnificence of his mind fitted him for any occasion.
 Allow me the honor to present my self, ma'am-Price Is my name Judge Slocum Price. May I be per mitted to assume that this Is the Miss Betty of whom my young protege so often speaksF
 Tom Ware gave him glance of undisguised astonishment, while Nor ton regarded him with an expression of stunned and resolute gravity.
 Betty looked at the judge rather in- quiringly
 q am glad he has found friends" she said slowly. She wanted to be- somehow better than he looked, which should have been easy, since 1t was incredible that he could have been worse.
 He has indeed found friends" said the judge with mellow unction, and swelling visibly.
 Now Betty caught sight of Caring ton and bowed. Occupied with Han nibal and the judge, she had been un- aware of his presence. Darlington stepped forward.
 Have you met MT. Norton, and my brother, Mr Carrington?" she asked.
 The two young men shook hands, and Ware improved the opportunity to inspect the newcomer. But as his glance wandered over him, 1t took in more than Darlington, for 1t in- cluded the fine figure and swarthy face of Captain Murrell, who, with his eyes flxed on Betty, was thrusting his eager way through the crowd.
 MurreII had presented himself at Belle Plain the day before. For up- ward of a year. Ware had enjoyed great peace of mind as direct re- suit Of his absence from west Ten pessee, and when he thought Of nlm at all he had invariably put period to his meditations with, T hope to hell he catches it wherever he isl"
 More than this, Betty had spoken of the captain in no uncertain tones. He was not to repeat that visit.
 As Murrell approached, the hot col or surged into Betty's face. As for Hannibal. he had gone white to tho Iips. and his small hand clutched hers desperately.
 Murrell. with all his hardihood. realized that a too great confidence had placed him in an awkward posi- tion. for Betty turned her back on him and began an animated conver- satton with Darlington and Charley Norton.
 Hicks. the Belle Plain overseer, nushed his way to Murrelrs side.
 Here. John MurreIl, ain't you go- ing to show us a trick or two! ne inquired.
 Murrell turned quickly with a sense of relief.
 If you can spare me your rife" he said. but his face wore bleak LOOK.
 aDon't you think you've seen about enough. Bet?p demanded Tom. You don't care for the shooting do you!
 .Tbat's the very thing l io care for: I think I'd rather see that lhah the horse-racing," said Betty peryerse- ly.
 Betty now seated herself in the car riage, with Hannibal beside her. quietly determined to miss nothing. The judge. feeling that he had come into his own, leaned elegantly against the wheel, and explained the merits of each shot as it was made.
 T hope you gentlemen are not go- ing to let me walk of with the prize? said MurreIl. approaching the group ahout the carriage. MT. Norton, am told you are clever with the rife.
 T am not shooting today" respond ed Norton haughtiiy.
 MurrelI stalked back to the line.
 At forty paces I'd risk 1t myself ma.sm." said the judge. But ~ ?