The Monroe journal., 1912-07-09

more. he amt coming back here to
night" There was a moment Of 81.
lenee. The girl looked about appre
hensiyely. She continued. fixing her
black eyes on Betty: You're here
alone at Belle Piain-you know what
happened when Mr.. Tom started for
Memphis last time-I reckon you-all
Amt forgot that"
Betty felt a pallor steal over her
face. She rested a hand that shook
on the trunk of tree TO steady her.
self. The girl laughed shortly.
Don't be so scared; | reckon Belle
Plains as good as his II anything
happened to your"
BY a great EFFORT Betty gained a
measure OF control over herself. She
took step nearer and looked the girl
steadily in the face.
Perhaps you will stop this sort OF
talk. and tell ME what is going to
happen 10 me-if you know" she said
quietly.
Why do you reckon Mr.. Norton
was shot? can tell you why-it
was all along OF you-that was Why"
The girls furtive glance. which
searched and watched the gathering
shadows. came back as it always did
to Be.ty's pale face. You amt no
safer than he was, tell you." and
she sucked in her breath sharply be-
tween her full red lips.
What do you mean?" faltered
Betty.
do you reckon you're safe here in
the big house alone? Why do you
reckon Mr.. Tom cleared out for Men,
phis? Ii was because he couldn't be
around and have anything happen to
you-that was Why" and the girl
sank her voice to whisper. You
quit Belle Plain now-tonight-just as
soon as you cam"
This is absurd-you are trying to
brighten me-"
did they stop with trying to fright
en- Charley Norton?" demanded Bess,
with harsh insistence.
Whatever the promptings that in
splred this warning, they plainly had
nothing TO do with either liking or
sympathy. Her dominating emotion
seemed to be sullen sort OF resent
ment which lit up her glance with a
duh fire; yet her feelings were SO
clearly and so keenly personal that
Betty understood the motive that had
brought heS there. The explanation,
she found, left her wondering just
where and how her own fate was
linked with that OF this poor white.
You have been waiting some time
to see me-" she asked
Ever since along about noon"
"You were afraid TO come to the
house,"
Il didn't want to be seen there
And yet you knew | was alone
"Alone-but how do you know who's
watching the placer
do you think there was reason to
be afraid OF that" asked Betty.
Again the girl stamped her foot
with angry impotence.
You're just wastin' time-just fool
in II away-and you amt got none to
spare!"
You must tell me what have to
fear-I must know more or | shall
stay just where am"
We'll, then, stay!" The girl turned
away, and then as quickly turned back
and faced Betty once more. Il reckon
he'd kill me II he knew reckon
I've earned that already"
"Of whom are you speaking"
He'll have you away from here to-
night"
He? who ;. and
what if | refuse to go?'
Did they ask Charley Norton
whether he wanted TO live or de-"
came the sinister question.
A SILVER passed through Betty. She
was seeing it all again-Charley as he
CROPPED among the graves with the
hand of death heavy upon him.
A moment later she was alone. The
girl had disappeared. There were only
the shifting shadows as the wind
tossed the branches of the trees, and
the bands of golden light that slanted
along the empty path. The fear OF
the unknown leaped up afresh in Bet.
TVS soul; in an instant flying feet had
borne her to the boys side,
"Come--come quick, Hannibal!"
she gasped out. and seized his hand.
What is 1t, Miss Betty? What's
the natter" asked Hannibal as they
fled painting up the terraces.
Il don't know-only we must get
away from here just as soon as We
can!" Then. seeing the look OF alarm
on the childs face, she added more
quietly, Don't be frightened, dear,
only we must go away from Belle
Plain at once" But where they were
to 60, she had not considered.
Reaching the house. they stole to
Betty's room. Her well-hlled purse
was the important thing; that, togeth-
er with some necessary clothing,
went into a small handbag.
You must carry this, Hannibal; II
any one sees us leave the house
they'll think it something you are TAX.
ing away" she explained. Hannibal