Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-04-06
4 ByNAUcHAnkEs1ER


clue to tho Judges Whereabouts. Ma
haffy took it up and read Il. Having
mastered IT'S contents he instantly
glanced in the direction of the City
Tavern, but 1t was wrapped in dark
ness.
Price is drunk somewhere" was
his definite conclusion. But he'll be
ut Boggs' the first thing in the morn
ing-most likely SO far gone he can
hardly stand!"
!. The letter. with Its striking news,
made little or no impression on him
Just then; it merely furnished the
clue he had sought. The judge was
of somewhere marketing his pros
poets.
After a time Mahatfy went up
stairs. and, without removing his
clothes, threw himself on the bed. He
was worn down to the point of ex-
haustion. yet he could not sleep.
though the deep silence warned him
that day was not far OF. What If
but he would not let the thought
shape Itself in hiS mind He had wit
messed the judges skill with the pis-
toll, and he had even certain IRA
tional faith In that gentleman's des-
tiny. He prayed God that Fentress
might die quickly and decently with
the judges bullet through his brain.
Over and over In savage supplication
he muttered his prayer that Fentress
might die.
Mahaffy watched for the coming OF
he rly
lifted he had risen from the bed and
gone downstairs, where he made him
self cup of wretched coffee. Then
he blew out his candle and watched
the gray light spread. He was i'm
patient now to be of, and fully an
hour before the sun, set out for
Boggs', tall, gaunt figure in. the
shadowy uncertainty of that October
morning. He was the first to reach
the place of meeting, but he had
scarcely entered the meadow when
Fentress rode up, attended by Tom
Ware. They dismounted, and tho
colonel lifted mis- nat. Mahany bare
ly acknowledged the salute; he was
in no mood for courtesies that meant
nothing. Ware was clearly OF the
same mind.
There was an awkward pause, then
Fentress and Ware spoke together in
low tone. The planters speech was
broken and hoarse, and his heavy,
blood.shot eyes were the eyes of a
haunted man; this was all q part OF
Fentress' scheme to face the world,
and Ware still believed that tho fires
Hicks had kindled had served his des-
perate need.
When the first long shadows stole
tress turned to Mahaffy, whose glance
was directed toward the distant cor
ner of the field. where he knew his
friend must first appear.
"Why are we waiting, sir?" he de-
manded, his tone cold and formal.
Something has occurred to detatn
Price," answered Mahaffy.
The colonel and Ware exchanged
looks. Again they spoke together.
while Mahaffy watched the road. Ten
minutes slipped by In this manner.
and once more Fentress addressed
Mahaffy.
do you know what could have de-
tanned him." he inquired, the ghost
of q smile curling his thin lips.
II DON'T" said Maharfy, and relapsed
into a moody and anxious silence. He
held dueling In very proper abhor-
renee, and only his feeling of intense
but never-declared loyalty to his
friend had brought him there.
Another interval of waiting sue
ceeded.
II have about reached the end OF
my patience; I shall wait just ten
minutes longer" said Fentress, and
drew out his watch.
Something has happened@' began
Mahaffy.
II have kept my engagement; he
should have kept his" Fentress con-
tinued, addressing Ware. Il am sor-