The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1912-07-13
CHAPTER XVII.
The Judge Extend. His Credit.


The Judge Extends His Credit.
That afternoon Judge Price walked
out to Belle Plain. Solomon Mahaffy
had known that this was civility
Betty Malroy could by no means es-
cape. He had been conscious OF the
judges purpose from the moment 1t
existed in the germ state, and he had
striven to divert him. but his striving
had been in vain, for though the
judge valued Mr.. Mahaffy because OF
certain sterling qualities which he
protested to discern beneath the hard
crust that made up the external man.
he was not disposed to accept him as
his mentor in nice matters OF taste
and gentlemanly feeling. He owed 1t
to himself personally to tender his
sympathy. Miss Malroy must have
heard something OF the honorable
part he had played; surely she could
not be in ignorance OF the fact that
the lawless element. dreading his fur
Their activities, had threatened him.
She must know. too, about that re-
ward of five thousand dollars. Ger
tainly her grief could not blind her
to the fact that he had met the stu
alton with largeness OF public spirit
that was an impressive lesson to the
entire community.
These were all points over which
he and Mahaffy had wrangled, and
he felt that his friend. in seeking to
keep him away from Belle Plain, was
standing .squarely in his light. He
really could not understand Solomon
or his objections. He pointed out
that Norton had probably left . win
mo one knew yet-probably his es-
tate would go to his intended wife
what more likely? He understood
Norton had cousins somewhere In
middle Tennessee-there was the At
tractive possibility Of extended litiga-
ton. Miss Malroy needed a strong.
clear brain to guide her past those
di6hcuities his agile fancy assembled
in her path. He beamed on his friend
with wide sunny smile.
You mean she needs q lawyer.
Price?" insinuated Mahaffy.
That slap at me. Solomon. IL un-
worthy OF you. Just name some one.
will you. who has shown an interest
comparable to mine? l may say I
have devoted my entire energy to her
affairs. and with disinterestedness. /
have made myself felt. VIII you mem
ton who else these cutthroats have
tried to browbeat and brighten? They
know that my theories and conclu-
sions are . menace to them! ! got
'em In panic. sir-presently some
fellow will lose his nerve ana light
out for the tall timber-and It viii
be just Judge slocum Price who's
done the trick-no one else!"
Are you looking for some one to
take pot shot at your" inquired Ma
hairy, sourly.
"Your remark uncovers my foudest
hope, Solomon-Pd give nve years Of
my life just to be shot at--that would
round out the episode a the letter
nicely: again the Judge beamed on
Mahaffy with that wide and sunny
smile Of his.
why don't you let the boy 90
alone, PriceT suggested Mahaffy. He
lacked that sense Of sublime comb
dence In the judges tact and discre-
ton of which the Judge. himself. en-
tertained never q doubt.
Il shall not obtrude myself, Solo
mon; l shall merely walk out to Belle
Plain and leave a civil message. /
know what's due Miss Malroy In her
bereaved state-she has sustained no
ordinary loss. and in no ordinary
fashion. She has been the center of
a striking and profoundly moving
tragedy! would give good deal to
know II my late client left will"
You might ask her." said Mshany
cynicaIly. Nothing like going to
headquarters for the news!"
Solomon. Solomon, give me credit
for common sense-go further, and
give me credit for common decency!
Don't let US forget that ever since we
came here she has manifested q
charmingly hospitable spirit where we
are concerned"
Wouldn't charity hit nearer the
mark. Price,"
CTO BE CONTINUED)