Putnam patriot., 1912-04-05
THE pRODIGAL1. JUDGE D K-1-
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 me before start for the east"
 It had occurred to Betty that she had done little or nothing for the child; probably this would be her last opportunity.
 The state of the judges feelings was such that with elaborate ab- sance of mind he poured himself a second drink of whisky; and that there should be no doubt the act was one of inadvertence, said again. My best respects. ma'am," and bowed as before. Putting down the glass. he backed toward the door.
 ''I trust you will not hesitate to call upon me if I can be of any use to you. ma'am--a message will bring me here without . moments delay. He was rather disappointed that no allusion had been made to his recent activities. He reasoned correctly that Betty was as yet in ignorance of the somewhat dangerous eminence he had achieved as the champion of law and order. However, he reflected with satisfaction that Hannibal. in re- maining. would admirably serve his ends.
 Betty insisted that he should be driven home, and after faintly protest ing, the judge gracefully yielded the point, and a few moments later rolled away from Belle Plain behind a pair of sleek-coated bays, with negro in Huaru nr no VI nnncCinnl of great sense of exaltation. He felt that he should paralyze Mahaffy. He even temporarily forgot the blow his hopes had sustained when Betty spoke of returning to North Carolina. This was life-broad acres and nig- geographically to trot after you toting liquor-and such liquor!-he lolled back luxuriantly with half closed eyes.
 Twenty years in the wood If an hour!" he muttered. I'd like to have just such taste in my mouth when I come to die and probably she has barrels of it!" he sighed deeply. and searched his soul for words with which adequately to describe that whisky to Mahany.
 But why not do moro than paralyxe Solomon-that would be pleasant but not especially profitable. The judge came back quickly to the vexed prob lem of his future. Hs desired to mako some striking display of Miss Malroy's courtesy. He knew that his credit was experiencing the bangs CT an early mortality; he was not sensi- tive, yet for some days he had been sensible of the fact that what he called the commercial class was view ing him with open disfavor; but he must hang on in Raleigh a little long, er-for him it had become the abode of hope. The judge considered the matter. At least he could let people see something of that decent respect with which Miss Malroy treated him.
 They were entering Raleigh now. and he ordered the coachman to pull his horses down to 6 walk. lie had decided to make use of the Belle Plain turnout in creating an atmos- phere of confidence and trust-espe- cially trust To this end he spent the best part of an hour Interviewing his creditors. It amounted almost to a mass-meeting of the adult male pop ulation, for he had no favorites. When he invaded virgin territory he believed in starting the largest pos sible number of accounts without de- lay. The advantage of his system, as he explained it's workings to Mahaffy. was that it bred a noble spirit of emu lation.
 He let it be known in a general way that things were looking up with him; just in what quarter he did not specify, but there he was, seated in the Belle Plain carriage, and the in- ference was unavoidable that Miss Malroy was to recognize his activities in a substantial manner.
 Mahaffy, loating away the after noon in the county clerks office, heard of the judges return. He heard that Charley Norton had left a will; that Thicket Point went to Miss Nal roy; that the Norton cousins in mid de Tennessee were going to put up a fight; that Judge Price had been retained as counsel by Miss Mairoy; that he was authorized to begin an independent search for Charley Nor tons murderer, and was to spare no expense: that Judge Price was going to pay his debts. Mahaffy grinned at this and hurried home. He could be- iieve> all but the last; that was tho crowning touch of unreality.
 The judge explained the situation
 q wouldn't withhold hope from any man, Solomon; it's the cheapest thing in the world and the one thing We ara mosf miserly about extending to