Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-03-02

way. Afsybe you've seen The Kind or
bottle I mean-Pegloe's Mississippi
Pilot. Pure Corn Whisky" But Han
nibars bright little face fell. He was
! n,Ick 10 SEQ that the educational sys-
tenn devised by the Judge did not in
1ress Betty at sill 1avorabIy. She drew
hiln into her arms.
You shall have my books-the
books learned to read out OF when l
was little girl, Hannibal!
Il like learning from the label pref
ty WELL" said Hannibal Loyalty.
But you'll like the books better,
dear, when you see them. know just
where they are, for ! happened on
them on & shelf III the library only
the ether day.
After they had found snd examined
the books and Hannibal had gruding-
~ adniLted that they might possess
ccrtaia points Of advantage over the
label, lie and Betty Went out for 4
walk. 1t was now late afternoon and
the sun was sinking behind the wall
Of the forest that rose along The Ar.
}:ansas coast. Their steps had led
Them 10 lhe terrace-where they
stood looking on into the west. 1t
Was here that Betty had said sood.hy
TO Bruce Carrington--iL might have
been months ago, and 1t was only
days. She thought or Charley
Charley. with his youth and hope and
Lish courage--uuwittingl enough she
had led him OH 10 his death. 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
mind, and Miss Betty had been the
victim OF similarly sinister tragedy.
lie recalled those first awful days OF
loneliness through which he had lived,
when there was no Uncle Bob-soft-
voiced, smiling and Infinitely CON-
paniouable.
Why, Hannibal, you are crying
what about, DEAR" asked Betty sud.
denly.
No, ma'aIn; amt crying" said
Hannibal stoutly, but his wet lashes
gave tho lie 10 his words.
Are you homesick-do you wish to
go back 10 the judge and Mr.. Ma.
hafy?"
No. ma'am-lt amt that WAS
Just thinking"
Thinking about what. dear?"
About my Uncle Bob" The small
face was very wistful.
"Oh-and you still miss him so
much. Haunibal?"
Il bet | do reckon anybody who
knew Uncle Bob would never get over
missing him: they just couldn't, Miss
Betty. The judge is mighty kind,
and so Is Mr.. Mahafry-they're awful
kind, Miss Betty, and it 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 a great differ
ence. doesn't IT," agreed Betty sadly,
and two piteous fearful eyes were
bent upon him.
Don't you reckon II Uncle Bob 10
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. II he
was very badly hurt it 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 VIC
may be quite certain he will never
abandon his search until ne 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 ! get mighty tired wait
ing. Miss Betty" confessed the boy.
Seems like just couldn't walt 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
" under his breath. Presently he
asked: Where does that branch take
you to-" o. He nodded toward The
BAYOU at the foot Of the terraced blum.
1t empties into the river all
swared Betty.
Hannibal saw a small skiH oeached
among the cOttonwoods that grew
along The waters edge and his eyes
lighted up instantly. He had a Juvenile
passion for. boats.
Why, you got a boat, Amt you,
Miss Betty" This was a charming
and an important discovery.
Would YOU like to go down to III"
inquired Betty.
Deed would! Does She leak
any. Miss Betty"
81 don't know about that. DO