The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-06-15

especially as he felt that in the i'm
provement Of his own condition the
world had bettered itself and was
moving nearer those sound and right
eous ideals Of morality and patriotism
which had never lacked his indorse-
ment. no matter how inexpedient 1t
had seemed for him to put them into
practice. But he was not diverted
from his ultimate purpose by the
glamour of a present popularity; he
was able to keep his bleared eyes
resolutely fixed on the main chance.
namely the Fentress estate and the
Quintard lands. 1t was highly i'm
portant that he should 60 east to
South Carolina to secure documentary
evidence that would establish his own
and Fentress' identity; to Kentucky.
where Fentress had lived prior to his
coming to Tennessee.
Early in November the Judge set
out by stage on his journey east; he
was accompanied by Yancy and Han.
h1bal, from neither of whom could he
bring himself to be separated; and as
the woods, flaming now with the
torch OF frost, engulfed the little
town, he turned in his seat and looked
back. He had entered 1t by that very
road, beggar on foot and in rags: he
was leaving 1t in broadcloth and fine
linen, visible tokens of his altered
fortunes. More than this, he could
trust his hands deep down into his
once empty pockets and hear the
clink OF gold and silver. The Judge
slowly withdrew his eyes from the
last gray roof that showed among the
trees, and faced the east and the ru.
ture with serenely confident ex.
preston.
Betty Malroy and Darlington had
ridden into Raleigh to take leave of
their friends. They had watched the
stage from sight, had answered the
last majestic salute the Judge had Civ.
en- them across the swaying top of
the coach before the first turn of the
road hid 1t from sight, and then they
mad turned their horses heads In the
direction OF Belle Plain.
Bruce, do you think Judge Price
Will ever be able to accomplish all he
hopes to-" Betty asked when they
had left the town behind. She drew
In her horse as she spoke, and they
went forward at a walk under the
splendid arch of the forest and over a
carpet of vivid leaves.
i reckon he will, Betty" respond.
ed Darlington. Unfavorable as had
been his original estimate of the
judges character, events had greatly
modified 1t.
He really seems quite sure, doesn't
he?" said Betty.
There's not doubt In his mind"
agreed Darlington.
He was still at Belle Plain, living
In what had been Wares office, while
the Cavendishes were domiciled at
the big house. He had arranged with
the Judge to crop part of that hope
ful gentleman's land the very next
season; the fact that a lawsuit inter-
Vened between the judge and posses.
sion seemed trifling matter, for Car
rington had become infected with the
judges point of view, which did not
admit of the possibility of failure; but
he had not yet told Betty of his plans.
Time enough for that when he left
Belle Plain.
His silence concerning the future
had caused Betty much thought. She
wondered If he still intended going
south into the Purchase; she was not
sure but 1t was the dignified thing for
him to do. She was thinking OF this
now as they went forward over the
rustling leaves, and at length she
turned in the saddle and faced him.
Il am going to miss Hannibal
dreadfully-yes, and the Judge, and
Mr.. Yancy!" she began. =
Il am to be missed, too, am l, Bet.
ty?" he inquired, leaning toward her.
You, Bruce e?-Oh, l shall miss
you, too, dreadfully-but then, per.
haps in five years, when you come
back"
Five years!" cried Darlington, but
he understood something of what was
passing in her mind, and laughed
shortly. Five years. Betty?" he re-
peated, dwelling on the numeral.
Betty hesitated and looked thought.
full. Presently she stole surrepti.
tious glance at Darlington from under
her long lashes, and went on slowly,
as though she were making careful
choice OF her words.
when you come back in three
years, Bruce"
Darlington still regarded her fixed.
ly. There was light in his black
eyes that seemed to penetrate to the
most secret recesses of her heart and
soul.
Three years, Betty?" he repeated
again.
Betty, her eyes cast down, twisted
her rein nervOusly between her slim