Putnam patriot., 1912-04-05

the sun was sinking behind the wafi of the forest that rose along the Ar kansas coast. Their steps had led them to the terrace--where they stood looking of Into the west. 1t was here that Betty had said good-by to Bruce Carrington-it might have been months ago, and it was only days. She thought of Charley Charley. with his youth and hope and high courage-unwittingl enough she had led him on to his deathl A sob rose in her throat.
 Hannibal looked up into her face The memory of his own loss was never very long absent from his r.ind. and Miss Betty had been the victim of & similarly sinister tragedy. He recalled those first awful days Of loneliness through which he had lived. when there was no Uncle Bob--soft- voiced, smiling and infinitely com panionable.
 Why. Hannibal, you are crying what about, dear?' asked Betty sud. denly.
 No, ma'am; I ain't crying" said Hannibal stoutly. but his wet lashes gave the lie to his words.
 Are you homesick-do you wish to go back to the judge and Mir. Ma. hany?"
 No. ma'am-it ain't that-I was just thinking"
 .A,
 About my Uncle Bob" The small face was very wtstful.
 "Oh-and you still miss him % much. Hannibal!"
 T bet dol reckon anybody who knew Uncle Bob would never got over missing him; they just couldn't. Mss Deity. Tho judge is mighty kind. and 90 Is MT. Mahafy--thsy're awful kind. Miss Betty. and 1t seems like they get kinder all the time-but with Uncle Bob. when he liked you. he just laid himself out to let you know it!"
 That does make great differ- ence, doesn't it?" agreed Betty sadly. and two piteous fearful eyes were bent upon him.
 Don't you reckon if Uncle Bob is alive, like the judge says. and he's ever going to find me. he had ought to be here by now?" continued Han nibal anxiously.
 But it hasn't been such great while, Hannibal; it's only that so much has happened to you. If he was very badly hurt 1t may have been weeks before he could travel; and then when he could. perhaps he went back to that tavern to try to learn what had become of you. But we may be quite certain he will never abandon his search until he has made every possible effort to find you. dear! That means he will sooner or later come to west Tennessee. for there will always be the hope that you have found your way here"
 Sometimes I get mighty tired wait ing. Miss Betty" confessed the boy. Seems like I just couldn't wait no longer" He sighed gently. and then his face cleared You reckon he'll come most any time. don't you. Miss Betty?"
 Yes. Hannibal; any day or hour!"
 "Whoop!" muttered Hannibal soft ly under his breath. Presently he asked: Where does that branch take you to?" He nodded toward the bayou at the foot of the terraced blun
 "It empties into the river an swered Betty.
 Hannibal saw . small skin beached among the cottonwoods that grew along the waters edge and his eyei lighted up instantly. He had . juvenile passion for boats.
 Why. you got boat. ain't you Miss Betty" This was a charming and an important discovery.
 Would you like to go down to itr- inquired Betty.
 Deed l would! Does she leah any. Miss Betty?"
 q don't know about that. Dc boats usually leak, Hannibal?"
 Why, you ain't ever been out row. ing her. Miss Betty, have you?-and there aint no better fun than rowing a boat" They had started down the path.
 q used to think that, too. Hanni. bal; how do you suppose it is that when people grow up they forget all about the really nice things they might do?"
 What use is she If you don't go rowing in her?" persisted Hannibal.
 "Oh, but it is used. Mir. Tom uses it in crossing to the other side where they are clearing land for cotton. It saves him a long walk or ride about the head of the bayou"
 Like l should take you out in her, Miss Betty?" demanded Hannibal with palpitating anxiety.
 Gro Be Continued.)