Putnam patriot., 1912-04-12
JUDGE
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Did they stop with trying to right en Charley Norton?" demanded Bess. with harsh insistence.
 Whatever the promptings that in- spired this warning, they plainly had nothing to do with either liking or sympathy. Her dominating emotion seemed to be a sullen sort of resent ment which lit up her glance with dull fire; yet her feelings were SO clearly and so keenly personal that Betty understood the motive that had brought her 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 sSme time to see me?" she asked.
 Ever since along about noon.'
 You were afraid to come to the house?"
 'I didn't want to be seen there.
 And yet you knew 1 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 impatience.
 You're just wastin' time-just fool in it away-and you ain't got none to spare!"
 You must tell me what I have to fear-I must know more or l shall stay just where 1 am!"
 thop Tho pirI turDod away, and then as quickly turned back and faced Betty once more. T reckon he'd kill me If he knew-I reckon I've earned that already"
 "Of whom are you speaking?"
 Hell have you away from here to- night!"
 He? who .. and what if I refuse to go?'
 Did they ask Charley Norton whether he wanted to live or die?" came the sinister question.
 A shivsr passed through Betty. She was seeing 1t all again-Charley as he groped among the graves with the hand of death heavy upon him.
 A moment later she was alone. Tho 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 ty's 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 it, Miss Betty? Whats the matter?" asked Hannibal as they fled panting up the terraces.
 .I don't know-only we must get away from here just as soon as We canl" Then. seeing the look of alarm on the child's 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 go, she had not considered.
 Reaching the house, they stole to Betty's room. Her well-tilled purse was the important thing; that, togeth- CT with some necessary clothing, went into a small handbag
 You must carry this, Hannibal; if any one sees us leave the house they'll think it something you are talk ing away" she explained. Hannibal nodded understandingly.
 Don't you trust your niggers, Miss Betty" he whispered as they went from the room.
 'I only trust you, dear!"
 What makes you go? Was it some thing that woman told you? Are they coming after us, Miss Betty? Is 1t Captain Murrell?"
 Captain Murrell?" There was less of mystery now, but more of terror, and her hand stole up to her heart, and, white and slim, rested against the black fabric of her dress.
 Don't you be scared. Miss Betty!"j said Hannibal.
 They went silently from the house and again crossed the lawn to the ter race. Under the leafy arch which can opied them there was already the deep purple of twilight. Do you reckon 1t were Captain MurreH shot Mir. Norton. Miss Bet tyr" asked Hannibal in . shuddering whisper.
 "Hush-Oh, hush, Hannibal! It ts too awful to even speak of" and. sobbing and half hysterical. she cov- cred her face with her hands.
 But where are we going, Miss Betty?" asked the boy.
 aT daorfp Gha had agonizing sense of the nights ap- proach and of her own utter helpless ness.
 I'll tell you what. Miss Betty, let's go to the judge and MT. Mahany!" said Hannibal.
 Judge Priee?" She had not thought of him as a possible protector.
 Why. Miss Betty, ain't l told you he ain't afraid of nothing? We could walk to Raleigh easy if you don't want your niggers to hook up team for you"
 Betty suddenly remembered the car riage which had taken the judge into town; she was sure it had not yet re- turned.
 We will go to the judge, Hannibal! George, who drove him into Raleigh, has not come back; if we hurry We may meet him on the road"
 Screened by the thick shadows, they passed up the path that edged the bayou; at the head of the inlet they entered clearing, and crossing
  this they came to the eors-iien which lay between the house and the high road. Following one of the shock rows they hurried to the mouth Of the lane.
 Hannibal, I don't want to tell the judge why am leaving Belle fisin
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