The Chanute times., 1912-08-30
fcHAPTER xvII-(Continued.)

81 have never SO regarded 1t, Solo
mon" said the judge mildly. i nave
read different meaning in the beef
and flour and potatoes she's sent mere.
I expect If the truth could be known
to us she Is wondering In the midst
OF her grief why haven't called, but
she'll appreciate the considerate del
icacy of a gentleman. | wish 1t were
possible to get cut flowers in this
cussed wf1derness!"
The Judge had been occupied with
a simple but ingenious toilet. He
had trimmed the frayed skirts Of his
coat; then, by turning his cuffs in
side out and upside down a 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
of his ink-well he artfully colored his
white yarn socks where they showed
through the riffs in the leather. This
the Judge did gaily, now humming
snatch of song, now listening civilly
to Mahaffy, now replying with undis-
turbed cheerfulness. Last OF all ne
clapped his dingy beaver on his head
giving 1t an indescribably jaunty
slant, and stepped to the door.
We'll, wish me luck, Solomon, I'm
of-come, hannibal" he said.
At heart he cherished small hope OF
seeing Betty, advantageous as he felt
an interview might prove. However
cu reaching Belle Plain, he and Han
nibsl we're shown into the cool parlor
nv little Steve. 1t was more years
than the judge cared to remember
since he had put his foot inside such
house, but with true grandeur or
soul he rose to the occasion;
subltmated 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 OF
soot?" he concluded affably Little
Steve. impressed alike by the judges
Yir of condescension and his easy
fow of words, signitied 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 said
was interrupted by che entrance OF
Betty. herself.
my dear young lady" the judge
bowed, then he advanced toward her
with the solemnity or carriage and
countenance he deemed suitable to
the occasion, and her extended hand
was engulfed between his two plump
nal1ns. He rolled his eyes heaven
ward. ITS the Lords to deal with us
as his own inscrutable wisdom die
tates" he murmured with pious resig'
nation. I'VE are all poorer, ma'am,
that he has died-just as We were
richer while he livedl" The rich
cadence of the judges speech fell
generously ON the silence, and that
look of horror which had never quite
left Betty's eyes since they saw
Charley Norton fall, rose out OF their
clear depths again. The Judge, IN
stantIy stricken with a sense OF the
Inadeouacy Of his words, doubled on
his spiritual tracks. In a round
about way, ma'am, we're bound to be
Hevs In the omnipresence Of Provi'
aenee-we must think it-though q
body might be disposed to hold that
vast Tennessee had got out Of the
iine Of divine supervision recently
let me lead you to chair, ma'am!
Hannibal had slipped to Betty'E
s,de and placed his hand In hers. The
tudRe regarded the pair with great
e.~avolsnca Of expression.