Putnam patriot., 1912-03-29

fellow will lose his nerve and light out for the tall timber-and 1t will be just Judge Slocum Price who's done the trick-no one elsel"
 Are you looking for some one to take a pot shot at youg" inquired Ma haffy, sourly.
 Your remark uncovers my fendest hope, Solomon-rd 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 Mahafy with that wide and sunny smile of his.
 Why don't you let the boy 90 alone. Price?" suggested MahaiTy. He lacked that sense of sublime coni- dence in the judges tact and discre- ton of which the judge, himself, en- tertained never a doubt
 q shall not obtrude myself, Solo mon: I shall merely walk out to Belle Plain and leave 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. I would give a good deal to know if my late client left will"
 You might ask her." said Mahary cynically. Nothing like going to headquarters for the newsl"
 Solomon. Solomon. give me credit for common sense-go further, and give me credit for common decency! Don't let us forget that ever since we came here she has unaffected . charmingly hospitable spirit where we are concerned!"
 i "wouldn't charity hit nearer the mark, Price?'
 1 q have never so regarded it. Solo mon," said the judge mildly. Il have read a different meaning in the beef and flour and potatoes she's sent here. I expect If the truth could be known to us she Is wondering in the midst of her grief why l haven't called, but she'll appreciate the considerate del icacy of a gentleman. l wish it were possible to get cut flowers in this cussed wilderness."
 The judge had been occupied with simple but ingenious toilet. He had trimmed the frayed skirts of his coat; then, by turning his cuffs in- side out and upside down fresh sur face made it's first public appearance. Next his shoes had engaged his at tention They might have well dis couraged less resolute and resource | full character, but with the contents i of his ink-well he artfully colored his white yarn socks where they showed through the rifts in the leather. This the judge did gaily, now humming a snatch of song, now listening civilly to Mahaffy. now replying with undis- 1 turbed cheerfulness. Last of all he clapped his dingy beaver on his head, giving it an indescribably jaunty slant. and stepped to the door.
 Well, wish me luck, Solomon. Pm on-come. Hannibal!" he said. At heart he cherished small hope of seeing Betty. advantageous as he felt an interview might prove. However. on reaching Belle Plain. he and Han nibal were shown into the cool parlor by little Steve. It was more years 1 man the Judge cared 10 remember since he had put his foot inside such a house, but with true grandeur oi soul he rose to the occasion; 6 Bublimated dignity shone from every battered feature, while he fixed little Steve with so fierce a glance that the grin froze on his lips.
 You are to say that Judge Slocum Price presents his compliments and condolences to Miss Malroy-have you got that straight, you pinch oi soot?" he concluded affably Little Steve, impressed alike by the judges air of condescension and his easy flow of words, signified that he had You may also say that Judge Prices ward. young Master Hazard, presents his compliments and condolences What more the judge might have saiC was interrupted by che entrance oi Betty, herself.
 Gro Be Continued)