Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-02-29

horse.
AS Ware rode away from Belle
Plain he cursed Murrell under his
breath. His own inclination toward
evil was never robust, he could have
conniyed over long period OF years
to despoil Betty OF her property. but
murder and abduction was quite an
other thing.
Three miles from Belle Plain he en-
tered a bride path that led toward
the river. A growth OF small timber
was standing along the waters edge.
but as he drew nearer, those better
nentg which the resident OF that
! lonely spot had seen lit 10 make FOR
| his owp convenience, came under his
scrutiny; these consisted OF q log
cabin and several lesser sheds.
Landing. he advanced toward the
cabin. AS he did so he saw two wofn-
en- at work heck!ing fax under All
open shed. They were the wife and
daughter or George Hicks. his over
seer's brother.
Morning, Mrs. Hicks" he said. al
dressing himself to the mother. i
hulking rutfian OF q woman. any
| body with the captain?'
Colonel Fentress is"
"Humph!" muttered Ware. He
| moved 10 the door of the cabin and
| entered the room where Murrell and
Fentress Were seated facing each
| Other across the breakfast table.
We'll. what the devil do yon want
of me. anyhow" demanded the
planter.
"Hows your sister, Tom?" inquired
Murrell.
Il reckon she's the way you'd ex-
pect her to be-" Ware dropped his
voice to whisper.
John. you'll ruin yourself with
your damned crazy infatuation." II
was Fentress who spoke.
NO, I won't, colonel, but In not
going to discuss that. All | want is
for Tom to go to Memphis and stay
there for couple OF days. When he
comes back Belle Plain and It's mig
gers will be as good as his. am go
ing to take the girl away from there
tonight. How soon can you get away
from here, Tom?" he asked abruptly.
by God. can't go too SOON" cried
the planter, staggering to his feet. he
gave Fentress hopeless beaten LOOK.
You're my witness that first and last
I've no part in this!"
The colonel shrugged his shoulders.
Murrell reached out hand and rest.
ed 1t on Wares arm.
Keep your wits, Tom, and within
week people will have forgotten all
about Norton and your sister. aIn
going TO give them something else to
worry over"
Ware went from the cabin.
| Look here. how about the boy
are you ready for him II can get my
hands on him, I'll send him either
up or down the river and place him
in sale keeping where you can get
! him at any time you want
This must be done without vio-
lence, John" stipulated Fentress.
Certainly, | understand. Which
shall it be---up or down rirer?'
Gould you take care or him for
me below, at Natche2?" inquired
Fentress
AS we'll there as anywhere.
Good" said Fentress, and took his
leave.
Three-quarters OF an hour slipped
by. then, piercing the silence, Murrell
| heard a shrill whistle: IL was twice
repeated; he saw Bess 20 down 10
! the landing again. A hali.hour
| elapsed and 4 man issued from the
| scattering growth OF bushes that
! screened the shore. The newcomer
! crossed the clearing and entered the
! cabin. He was young fellow OF
twenty-four or five. whose bronzed
face wore q reckless expression.
We'll, captain, what's doing" he
asked.
If anythings to be done, now is
the time, Hues. What have you 10
report?"
Well, I've seen the council Of each
| Clan division. They are ripe TO start
this thing of"
| Murrell gave him moment or
moody regard
Twice already I've named the day
and hour, but now I'm going TO put
! il through" He set his teeth and
thrust out his jaw.
Captain, you're the greatest fellow
| in America! Inside OF week men
who have never been within i've hun
dred miles OF you will be asking OF
each other who John Murrell is"
| Murrell had expected to part with
Hues then and there and for all time.
but Hues possessed qualities which
might still be OF use.
"Hues, you must start back across
| Tennessee. Make it Sunday at mid
night-that's three days Off Uncon-