Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-04-10

IF can be OF any servio@ IS yon--
he began. with just touch OF swk-
wardness in his manner
NO, thank you. Mr. Darlington
said Betty quickly
Good night good-by. He
turned away, and Betty saw MS tall
form disappear ~ the twilight
A month and more had elapsed
since Bob Yancy's trial Just Two
Gays later man and boy disappeared
from Scratch Hill Hurrell 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 dwfn-
died 70 a week. the week became i've
I days. the five days three; and now
as he emerged from the last range OF
hills he caught sight OF them.
Yancy glanced back at the blue wall
/ of the mountains where 1t lay along
the horizon.
Wen. Nevyy." be said. we've nut
heap of distance between US and
old Scratch Hill"
For the past ten days their journey
had been conducted in a Ieisurely
fashion. AS Yancy said. they were
seeing the world. and it was well to
take good look at it while they had
chance
Suddenly out of the silence came
DF
grew nearer and nearer. and at last
when they were quite close. Yancy
faced about Smilingly Murreil refined
in his horse
"Why-Bob Yancy!" he cried in
apparent establishment.
Yes. sir-Bob Yancy. Does it 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 1 left, wonder
ing what mad come OF you.Y ne OBJ
served
That's kind of them" responded
Yancy. a little dryly. There was no
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 bullnecked, and
there was about him certain shay
giness 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
rall. turning to the tayern-keeper.
u reckon that's what I'm here for, .
said Slosson. Murrell glanced about
the empty yard. Slack observed
Slosson languidly. Yes, sir, Stacks
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 hand.
The gesture was ever so little, yet 1t
seemed 10 have a tonic effect on MIR.
Slosson. What might have developed
into a smile had he not Immediately
suppressed il, twisted his bearded
Hps as he made an answering move
mept. "Eph. come here. you'll" Sios-
son raised his voice. This call
brought half-growu black boy from
about a corner of the tavern. to whom
Murren relinquished his horse,
Lets liquor said the captain over
his shoulder. moving of in the direc-
ton OF the bar.
Come on. Nevvy!" said Yancy fol-
lowing, and they all entered the tav.
ern.
well, here's to the best OF good
luckr" said Murrell. as he raised his
glass to his lips.
Same here responded Yancy.
MurrelI 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. He still held the bill in his
hand, for he did not quite know how
to dispose of his great wealth. After
debating this matter for a moment he
knotted it carefully n one corner o.
his handkerchief
tTo BE CoHTlNUEDo