The new era., 1912-08-01

whore he had said good.by to Bett3
scarcely week before.
The two men had paused BY tho
door. They now advanced. One was
gaunt and haggard. his face disiigured
BY great red scar: the other was .
shock headed individual who moved
with shambling gait. Both carried
rides and both were dressed In coarse
homespun.
Morning. SIR" said the man with
the scar. "Yancy's my name. and
this gentleman lows he'd rather be
known now as Mr.. Cavendish."
The Judge started to his feet
Bob Yancy1" he cried.
"Yes. sir. that's me-" The Judge
passed nimbiy around the desk and
shook the Scratch Hitler warmly BY
the hand. where's my nevvy. sirf-
what's all this about him and Miss
Betty" Yancy's soft drawl was sud-
denly eager.
"PIease God we'll recover him
soon" said the Judge.
BY the window Darlington moved
impat!ently. No harm could come to
the boy. but Betty-a shudder went
through him.
They've stolen him." Yancy spoke
with conviction. Il reckon they've
him-only that don't explain what's
come Of Miss Betty. does IT." and he
dropped rather helplessly into chair.
Bob are Just getting on sick bed.
He's been powerful poreiy in conse-
qusnce Of having his head laid open
and then being throwed into the Elk
river. where l hshed him out" ex.
planned Cavendish. who still contin-
ued to regard the Judge with unmixed
astonishment. first cooking his shaggy
head on one side and then on the
other. his bleached eyes narrowed to
slit. Now and then he favored the
austere Mahany with neeting
glance. He seemed intuitively to un-
derstand the comradeship OF their
degradation.
"Mr. Cavendish fetched me here on
his raft. We tied up to the sho' this
morning. 1t was there We met Mr..
Carrington-rd knowed him slightly
back yonder in Moth Carolina" con-
tinued Yancy. He said I'd find Han.
nibal with you. was counting heap
on seeing my nevvy."
Darlington. no longer able to con-
troll himself. swung about on his heel.
What's been done?" he asked. with
fierce repression. What's going to be
done? Don't you know that every
second is precious?"
Il am about to conclude my inves-
legations. SIR" said the Judge with
dignity.
Darlington stepped to the door.
After all, what was there to expect OF
these men? Whatever their interest.
1t was plainly centered in the boy. He
passed out into the hall.
AS the door closed on him the Judge
turned again to the Scratch Hitler.
Mr.. Yancy, Mr.. Mahaffy and hold
your nephew in the tenderest regard:
he has been our constant companion
ever since you were lost to him. In
this crisis you may rely upon US: we
are committed to his recovery, no
matter what 1t Involves" The judges
tone was one OF unalterable resolu-
tion.
Il reckon you-all have been mighty
good and kind to him." said Yancy
huskily.
we have endeavored to be, MIR.
Yancy-indeed l had formed the reso.
luton legally to adopt him should you
not come to claim him. l should have
given him my name. and made him
my heir. His education has already
begun under my supervision" and the
Judge. remem bering the high use to
loes trade labels. fairly glowed with
philanthropic fervor.
Think Of that" murmured Yancy
softly. He was deeply moved. So was
Mr.. Cavendish, who was gifted with
a wealth OF ready sympathy. He
thrust out q hardened hand to the
Judge.
"Shake!" he said. You're heap
better than you look" A thin ripple
of laughter escaped Mahaf7y. but the
Judge accepted Chills and Fever's
proffered hand. He understood that
here was q simple genuine soul.
Price, isn't 1t important for us to
know why Mr.. Yancy thinks the boy
has been taken back to North Caro-
lina?" said MahafTy.
Just what kin is Hannibal to you.
Mr.. Yancy?" asked the Judge resum-
ing his seat
strictly speaking. he ain't none.
That he come to live with me is all
owing to Mr.. Crenshaw. who's good
man when left to himself. but he's
got wife, SO body may say he never
is left to himself" began Yancy; and
then briefly he told the story OF the