Putnam patriot., 1912-04-19

risk as much for love of your" He seemed to expand with savage pride that this was so. and took a step to- ward her.
 Don't come near mel" cried Betty. Her eyes blazed. and she looked at him with loathing
 You'll learn to be kinder" he ex- ulted. You wouldn't see me at Belle Plain; what was left for me but to have you brought here?" While Murrell was speaking the sig nal that had told of his own presence on the opposite shore of the bayou was heard again. This served to ar rest his attention. A look of uncer- tainty passed over his face, then he made an impatient gesture as if he dismissed some thought that had forced itself upon him, and turned to Betty.
 You don't ask what my purpose is where you are concerned; you have no curiosity on that scorer" She en- deavored to meet his glance with a glance as resolute, then her eyes sought the boys upturned face. Il am going to send you down river, Bet ty. Later l shall join you in New Or leans, and when l leave the country you shall go with me"
 "Never!" gasped Betty. "As my wife, or however you choose to call it. I'll teach you what mans love is like." he boasted, and extend ed his hand. Betty shrank from him, and his hand fell at his side. lie looked at her steadily out of his deep sunk eyes, in which blazed the fires of his passion, and as he looked, her face paled and flushed by turns. You may learn to be kind to me, Betty" he said. You may find 1t will be worth your while" Betty made no answer; she only gathered Hannibal closer to her side. Why not accept what I have to offer. Betty?" Again he went nearer her. and again she shrank from him, but the madness of his mood was in the ascendant. He seized her and drew her to him. She struggled to free herself, but his tin- gers frightened about her.
 Let me go!" she panted. He 
 Let you go-ask me anything but that, Betty! Have you no reward for patience such as mine? A whole sum- mer has passed since 1 saw you, first"
 There was the noisy shuffiing Of feet on the stairs, and releasing Bet-I ty, Murrell swung about on his heei and faced the door. It was pushed open an inch at a time by a not tool confident hand and MT. Slosson thusl guardedly presented himself to thel eye of his chief, whom he beckonedl from the room.
 "Well?" said Murrell. when they stood together on the landing.
 Just come across to the keell boati" and Slosson led the way down stairs and from the house.
 Damn you, Joe. you might have waitedi" observed the outlaw. Slos- son gave him a hardened grin. They crossed the clearing and boarded thel keel boat which rested against theI bank. As they did so the cabin in the stern gave up a shattered pres ence in the shape of Tom Ware. Mur- rell started violently. "I thought you were hanging out in Memphis, Tom?' he said, and his brow darkened, as, sinister and forbidding, he stepped closer to the planter Ware did not answer at once. but looked at Mur- rell out of heavy bioodshot eyes, his face pinched and ghastly. At last he said. speaking with visible effort.
 T stayed in Memphis until rvs o'clock this morning"
 Damn your early hours!" roared Murrell. What are you doing here? 1 suppose you've been showing that dead face of yours about the neigh borhood-why didn't you stay at Belle Plain. since you couldn't keep away?"
 T haven't been near Belle Plain; l came here instead. How am I going to meet people and answer Ques- tions?" His teeth were chattering. "Is it known she's missing7" he added.
 Hicks raised the alarm the first thing this morning, according to the instructions I'd given him."
 "Yes?" gasped Ware. He was drip ping from every pore and the sickly color came and went on his unshaven cheeks. Murrell dropped a heavy hand on his shoulder.
 You haven't been at Belle Plain. you say, but has any one seen you on the road this morning."
 No one, John," cried Ware, pant ing between each word. There was moments pause and Ware spoke again. What are they doing at Belle Plain?" he demanded in a whisper. Murrell's lips curled.
 T understand there is talk Of sui- eide" he said.
 "Goodi" cried Ware
 "They are dragging the bayou down below the house. It looks as though you were going to reap the rewards of the excellent management you have given her estate. They have been trying to find you in Memphis. so the sooner you show yourself the better" he concluded significantly.
 You are sure you have her safe, John; no chance of discovery? For Gods sake get her away from here as soon as you can; it's an awful risk you run!"
 Shell b. sent down river tonight" sa1d NuYrell