The Lamar register., 1912-06-19

much, Hannibal?"
II bet l dol reckon anybody who
knew Uncle Bob would never get over
missing him; they just couldn't, Miss
Betty! The Judge is mighty kind,
and SO is Mr. Mahany-they're awful
kind, Miss Betty, and 1t seems like
they get kinder all the time-but
with Uncle Bob, when he liked you,
he just laid himself out to let you
know It'll"
THAT does make a great differ-
ence. doesn't it," agreed Betty sadly.
and two piteous fearful eyes were
bent upon him.
Don't you reckon II Uncle Bob is
alive, like the Judge says, and he's
ever going to ind me, he had ought
to be here by now?" continued Han
nibal anxiously.
| But 1t hasn't been such a great
while, Hannibal; it's only that SO
much has happened to you. II he
was very badly hurt 1t may have been
weeks before he could travel; and
then when he could. perhaps he went
lack to that tavern to try to learn
what had become OF you. But We
may be quite certain he will never
abandon his search until he has made
every possible effort to find you.
dear! That means he will sooner OF
later come to west Tennessee. for
there will always be the hope that
you have found your way here
Sometimes get mighty tired wait
ing. Miss Betty" confessed the boy.
Seems like just couldn't wait no
longer" He sighed gently. and then
his face cleared. You reckon he'll
come most any time, don't you, Miss
Betty?"
Yes. Hannibal: any day or hour!"
"Whoop!" muttered Hannibal soft
ly under his breath. Presently he
asked: Where does that branch take
you TOT" He nodded toward the
bayou at the foot of the terraced blum.
1T empties into the river" an
swered Betty.
Hannibal saw . small skin beached
among the cottonwoods that grew
along the waters edge and his eyes
lighted up instantly. He had juvenile
passion for boats.
why. you got . boat. amt you.
Miss Bettyf" This was a charming
and an important discovery.
Would you like to 60 down to it?"
inquired Betty.
Deed 1 would Does she leak
any. Miss Bettyf'
81 don't know about that. 10
boats usually leak. Hannibal?'
Why, you amt ever been out row.
ing her. Miss Betty. have you?-and
there amt NO bstter fun than rowing
a boat!" They had started down the
path.
Il used to think that, too, Hanni-
bal: how do you suppose 1t is that
when people grow up they forget all
about the really nice things they
might dot"
What use 10 she II you don't 60
rowing in herr" persisted Hannibal.
''Oh. but 1t II used. Mr.. Tom uses
1t In crossing to the other side where
they are clearing land for cotton. 1t
saves him a long walk or ride about
the head of the bayou"
Like l should take you out in her,
Miss Betty?" demanded Hannibal with
palpitating anxiety.
They had entered the scattering
timber when Betty paused suddenly
with startled exclamation. and Han
nibai felt her fingers close convui-
sively about his. The sound she had
heard might have been only the rust
ling OF the wind among the branches
overhead In that shadowy silence, but
Betty's nerves. the placid nerves OF
youth and perfect health, were shat
tered.
Didn't you hear something. Han
nibal" she whispered fearfuliy.
For answer Hannibal pointed mys-
teriOusly. and glancing In the direc-
ton he indicated. Betty saw woman
advancing along the path toward
them. The look Of alarm slowly died
out OF his eyes.
Il think it's the overseer's NIECE
she told Hannibal, and they kept on
toward the boat.
The girl came rapidly up the path
which closely followed the irregular
line OF the shore in its windings.
Once she was seen to stop and glance
back over her shoulder. her attitude
intent and listening. then she hurried
forward again. Just at the boat the
three met.
Good EVENING"" said Betty pleas
antly.
Tho GIRL mazda m roplv ~ thfo. CHI,