Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-07-10
( BY XAUCHAnKESTER
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cidt." he said.
Good" cried Ware
They are dragging the bayou down
below the house. 1t looks as though
you were going to reap the rewards
OF the excellent management you
nave given her estate. They have
been trying to find you In Memphis.
so the sooner you show yourself the
better" he concluded significantly.
You are sure you have her safe.
John; no chance OF discovery For
Gods sake get her away from here
as soon as you can; it's an awful risk
you rum"
She'll be sent down river tonight"
said Mdrrell.
Captain" tSgan Slosson, who up
to this had taken no part In the con-
versation, when are you going to
cross to t'other side Of the bayou?'
Soon" replied Murrell. Slosson
laughed.
Il didn't know but you'd clean for
got the Clans business. / want to
ask another question-but first want
to say that no one thinks higher or
more frequent OF the ladies' than Just
me; I'm genuinely fond OF EN-, and
I've never lifted my hand ag'in 'em
except in kindness" Mr.. Slosson
looked at Ware with an exceedingly
yirtnous expression of countenance.
He continued: "Yo' orders are that
we're to slip out OF this a little afore
Midnight, but suppose there's a hitch
Heres the lady knowing what she
knows and here's the boy knowing
what he knows"
There can mo hitch" rasped out
MLrreil arrogantiy.
y never knew a speculation that
couldn't go wrong; and by rights we
should have got away last night"
Well, whose fault Is II you didnt?"
demanded MurrelI
I'm a manner II were mine, but the
ark got on sandbank as we were
fetching IL in and it took us the whole
damn night to get clear"
"Well?" prompted Murrell. with
sullen frown.
Suppose they get shut OF that no
ton OF theirs that the ladys dono
drowned herself: suppose they take to
watching the river? Or suppose the
whole damn bottom drops out OF this
deal? What then2 The lady, good
looking AS she is. knows enough to
healthy for some OF Us. say. sup
pose It's flash in the pan aud you
have TO crowd the distance In be
tween you and this part OF the world.
you can't tell Ine you'il Q any use
for her then" Slosson paused i'm
pressively. "And here's MIR. Ware
feeling bad, feeling like he'll" he re-
sumed. Him and me don't want to
be left in no trap with you gone God
only knows where"
IN send man to take charge OF
the keel boat. can't risk any more
OF your bungling. joe"
That's all right. but you don't an
swer my question" persisted Slosson,
with admirable tenacity OF purpose.
What is your question, Joe?"
"A lot IAN happen bet ween this and
midnight ="
IF thir ys so wrong with us thereII
be blai at the head OF the bayou:
Does tina satisfy your"
And lat then?"
Murreh hesitated
What about the girl?" insisted
Slosson. dragging him back to the
point at issue between them. las a
man wouldn't lift my hand ag'in no
good looking woman except. like /
said. in kindness; but she can't be
turned loose: she knows too much.
What's the word. Captain--you say
it," he urged. He made a gesture OF
appeal to Ware.
Look for the light: better still.
look for the man III send" And with
this Murrell would have turned away.
but Slosson detained him.
Who'll he be-"
Some fellow who knows the river"
And IL it's the light?" asked the
tavern.keeper In a hoarse undertone
Again he looked toward Ware, who,
dry-lipped and ashen, was regarding
him steadfastly. Glance met glance.
for brief instant they looked into
each others eyes and then the hand
Siosson had rested on Murrelrs
shoulder dropped at his side.