Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-02-19

He looked from one to the other OF
rho 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 II
seemed to have q tonic effect on Mr.
slosson. What might have developed
into o smile had he not Immediately
suppressed it, twisted his bearded
Inns as he made an answering move
uent. "Eph, come here, you!" slos-
aon raised his voice. This call
brought q half-grown black boy from
about corner Of the tavern, to whom
Murrell 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 tsV-
srn.
"Well, here's to the Best OF goot-
luck!" said Murrell, as he raised his
glass to his lips.
Same here" responded Yancy
Murrell pulled out a roll OF bills, one
of which he tossed on the bar. Then
after q moments hesitation he de-
tached q 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.
Lets 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 moment he
knotted it carefully in one corner OF
his handkerchief.
In the tavern the three men were
drinking-Murrel with the idea that
the more Yancy came under the in
! tiuence Of Slosson's corn whisky the
easier his speculation would be man
aged. Mr.. Yancy on his part believed
that IL Murrell went to bed reason
ably drunk he would sleep late and
| give him the opportunity he coveted,
to quit the tavern unobserved at
break OF day.
When yo' get to feelin' like sleep,
young boss, Masr SIosson he says
show yo' to yo' chamber" 1t was
Sosson's boy Eph.
Eyes, you can show me my cham
ber," Hannibal said.
Eph secured tin candle.stick with
q half-burnt candle in it and led the
way into the passage back Of the bar.
They mounted fight Of stairs and
passed down a narrow hall. This
brought them to the back OF the
building, and Eph pushed open the
door on his right.
This heah's 20 chamber" he
said. and preceding his companion in
TO the room. placed the candle on 3
chair.
The moon was rising and Hannibal
went TO the open window and glanced
out. For moment he considered the
night, not unaffected by its beauty,
then, turning from the window, he
moved his bundle and rifle 10 the
foot OF the bed, where they would be
out Of his way, kicked of his trousers,
blew out the candle and lay down.
Yancy had become more and more
convinced as the evening passed that
MurrelI WAS bent on getting him
drunk, and suspicion mounted darkly
to his brain.
Have drink with mel" cried Slos-
son, giving way to drunken laughter.
The captains dropped out, and
low It's about time TO these here
festivities to come to an end. I'm
thinking some OF going to bed my
SELF" said Yancy. He kept his eyes
fixed on. Murrell. He realized that II
the latter could prevent it he was
not to leave the bar. He never shift
ed his glance from Murrelrs face.
Scowling now, the captains eyes
blazed back their challenge as he
thrust his right hand under his coat.
Fair play don't know who you
are, but | know what you want" said
Yancy, the light in his frank gray
eyes deepening. Murrell laughed and
took forward step. At the same mo-
ment Slosson snatched up a heavy
club from the back Of the bar and
dealt Yancy murderohs blow. A
single startled; cry escaped the
Scratch Hitler; he struck out wildly
as he lurched toward Murrell, who
drew his knife and drove it into his
shoulder. Yancy dropped heavily to
the floor.
r. How long the boy slept he never
knew, but be awoke with a start aud
a confused sense OF things. 1t was
evidently very late, probably long
after midnight-but where was his
Uncle Bob?
He sank back on his pillow intent
and listening. a chilling terror that
gr!pped him fast and would not let
him go. mounted TO his brain.