The Chanute times., 1912-08-23
CHAPTER XVII.
The Judge Extends His Credit.


That afternoon Judge Price walked
out to Belle Plain. Solomon Mahafry
had known that this was civility
Betty Malroy could by no means es-
cape. He had been conscious OF 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. He owed It
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 FUR
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 stu
alton with a largeness of public spirit
that was an impressive lesson to the
entire community.
These were all points over which
he and Mahaffy had wrangied, 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 left a 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 litiga-
ton. Miss Malroy needed a strong,
clear brain to guide her past those
difficulties his agile fancy assembled
In her path. He beamed on his friend
with wide sunny smile.
You mean she needs a lawyer,
Price?" insinuated Mahatfy.
That slap at me, Solomon. is un'
worthy of you. Just name some one
will you, who has shown an interest
comparable to mine? | may say ]
have devoted my entire energy to her
affairs, and with disinterestedness.
have made myself felt. VIII you men,
ton who else these cutthroats have
tried to browbeat and frighten? They
know that my theories and conclr
sions are menace to theml got
'em in a panic, sir-presentl& some
fellow will lose hts nerve and light
out for the tall timber-and It will
be just Judge Slocum Price who's
done the trick-no one else!"
Are you looking for some one to
take pot shot at you?" inquired Ma
haffy, sourly.
Your remark uncovers my fondest
hope, Solomon-Pd give five years OF
my life just to be shot at-that would
round out the episode Of the letter
nicely; again the judge beamed on
Mahaffy with that wide and sunny
smile Of his.
why don't you let the boy 60
alone, Price7" suggested Mahany. He
lacked that sense Of sublime conf
dence In the judges tact and discre
ton Of which the judge, himself, on
tertained never a doubt.
II shall not obtrude myself, Solo
mon; l shall merely walk out to Belle
Plain and leave a civil message. ]
know what's due Miss Malroy in her
bereaved state-she has sustained no
ordinary loss, and in no ordinary
fashion. She has been the center OF
a striking and profoundly moving
tragedy! | would give good deal to
know II my late client left a will"
you might ask her." said Maha1y
cynIcally. Nothing like going Ia
headquarters for the newsl"
Solomon. Solomon, give me credit
for common sense-go further, and
give me credit for common decencyi
Don't let us forget that ever since we
came here she has manifested q
charmingly hospitable spirit where we
are concerned"
Wouldn't charity hit nearer the
mark. Price?"
CTO BIZ CONTINUED)