Putnam patriot., 1912-03-22

lar of his coat. while his tall, spare figure was habited in sleek broadcloth and spotiess linen. For a moment the judge seemed to struggle with doubt, then his face went white and the book slipped from his fingers to the win dow ledge.
 The stranger. his business conclud- ed, swung about on his heel and quilted the office. Mir Saul, bending above his desk. was making an entry in one of his ledgers. The judge shnf- fed to his side.
 Who was that man?" he asked thickly, resting a shaking hand on the clerks arm.
 "That?-Oh, that was Colonel Fen tress was just telling you about" Has he always lived here?'
 "No; he came into the county about ten years ago, and bought a place called The Oaks"
 Has he--a family?" The judge ap- peared to be having difficulty with his speech.
 Not that anybody knows of. Some say he's a widower, others again say he's an old bachelor; but he don't
 say nothing The coloners got his friends, to be sure, but he don't mix much with the real quality. One of
 his particular intimates is a gentle
 man by the name of Murrell."
 The judge nodded. I've met him." he said briefly. Acting on a sudden impulse. the judge mu,tered something about re-
 turning later. and hastily quilted the office.
 In the hall the judges steps dragged
 and his head was bowed. He was busy with his memories. Then pas sion shook him. Damn him--may God-for ever damn himl" he cried under his
 breath, in fierce whisper.
 They finished supper, the dishes
 were cleared away and the candles lighted, when the judge produced
 mysterious leather-covered case. This
 he opened. and Mahafry and Hannibal saw that it held handsome pair of
 dueling pistols. Where did you get 'em, judge?- Oh, ain't they beautiful" cried Han-
 nibal, circling about the table in his excitement
 My dear lad, they were purchased only few hours ago." said the judge quietly, as he began to load them.
  Norton had ridden down to Belle Plain ostensibly to view certain of those improvements that went so far toward embittering Tom Wares ex- istence.
 Do you think Belle Plain is ever going to look as it did, Charley?-as we remember it when we weEe chii- dren?" asked Betty. Why of course, 1t is, dear, you are doing wonders!" Ware stalked toward them. Hav- ing dined with Betty as recently as the day before, he contented himself
 with a nod in her direction. His greeting to Norton was more am- bilious undertaking. T understand you've new over seer?"
 Then you understand wrong-Car-
 rington's my guest" said Norton. He's talking of putting in crop for himself next season, so he's willing to help me make mine." Going to turn farmer, is he?"
 asked Ware.
 "So he says" Norton was extreme ly disappointed when the planter manifested a disposition to play the
 host and returned to the house with
 them, where his presence was such a hardship that Norton shortly took his leave.
 Issuing from the lane he turned his face in the direction of home. He was within two miles of Thicket Point
 when, passing a turn in the road, he
 found himself confronted by three men. One of them seized his horse
 by the bit. Norton had not even a
 riding-whip.
 Now, what do you wish to say to mel" he asked.
 ''We want your word that you'll keep away from Belle Plain."
 Well you won't get it," respond ed Norton.
 In the same instant one of the men
 raised his fist and struck the young
 planter in the back of the neck.
 "You curl" cried Norton. as he
 wheeled on him.
 Damn him-let him have it!"
 ' It was mid-afternoon of the day fol-
 lowing before Betty heard of the at tack on Norton. She ordered her horse saddled and was soon out on the river road with groom in her
 wake. Betty never drew rein until
 she reached Thicket Point. AS she galloped into the yard Bruce Caring ton came from the house. How Is MT. Norton?" she asked, extending her hand. "The doctor says he'll be up and about inside of a week. If you'll wait I'll tell him you are here" Darlington passed on into the house. He entered the room where Norton lay.
 Miss MaIroy is here," he said. Betty ?-bless her dear heart!" cried Charley weakly. Just toss my clothes into the closet and draw up a chair. There-thank you, Bruce-let her come along in now" And as Darlington quilted the room, Norton drew himself up on the pill LOWS and faced the door. This is worth several beatings, Betty!" be exclaimed as she appeared. He bent to kiss the hand she gave him. but groaned with the exertion. Then he looked up into her face and