Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1912-02-09
CHAPTER XIV.
The Judoe Extends His Credit.
ESTABLISHED 1865.

out to Belle Plain. Solomon Mahany
had known that this was a civilitJ
Betty Malroy could by no means es'
cape. He had been conscious OF the
Judges purpose from the moment Il
existed In the germ state, and he hae
striyen to divert him, but his striving
had been in vain, for though the judge
valued Mr.. Mahaffy because OF certain
sterling qualities which he professec
TO discern beneath the hard crust tha'
made up the external man, he was moi
disposed 10 accept him as his mentor
in nice matters Of taste and gentle
manly feeling. He owed 1t to himsei'
personally to tender his sympathy
Miss Malroy must have heard some
thing of the honorable part ne nae
PLAYED; surely she could not Do III
ignorance Of the fact that the lawless
element. dreading his further activi'
ties, had threatened him. She mus'
know, too, about that reward OF five
thousand dollars. Certainly her grle'
could not blind her to the fact thai
he had met the situation with large
ness of public spirit that was an i'm
pressive lesson to the entire COM
munity.
These were all points over which ne
and Mahaffy had wrangled, and he fei'
that his friend, in seeking to keep
him away from Belle Plain, was stand
ing squarely in his light. He really
could not understand Solomon or his
objections. He pointed out that Norton
had probably left will-no one knew
yet-probably his estate would go 70
his intended wife-what more likely!
He understood Norton had cousins
somewhere in middle Tennessee
there was the attractive possibility OF
extended litigation. Miss Malroy need
ed a strong, clear brain to guide her
past those difficulties his agile fancy
assembled in her path. He beamed on
his friend with a wide sunny smile
You mean she needs lawyer
Price?" insinuated Mr.. Mahaffy.
That slap at me, Solomon, is un-
worthy Of you. Just name some one
will you, who has shown an interest
comparable to mine? I may say
have devoted my entire energy to her
affairs, and with disinterestedness.
have made myself felt. Will you men,
ton who else these cutthroats have
tried to browbeat and frighten? They
know that my theories and conclusions
are a menace to them! I got 'em In
panic, sir-presently some fellow will
lose his nerve and light out for the
tall timber-and it will be just Judge
Slocum Price who's done the trick
no one elsei"
Are you looking for some one to
take a pot shot at you?" inquired Ma
haffy sourly.
Your remark uncovers my fondest
hope Solomon-rd give five years OF
my life just to be shot at-that would
round out the episode of the letter
nicely" again the judge beamed on
Mahaffy with that wide and sunny
smile of his.
why don't you let the boy &c
alone, Price?" suggested Mahaffy. He
lacked that sense Of sublime confidence
in the judges tact and discretion OF
which the Judge, himself, entertained
never a doubt.
'I shall not obtrude myself, Solo.
mon; I 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 M
ordinary loss, and in no ordinary fash
ion. She has been the center Of q
striking and profoundly moving trag-
edy! I would give a good deal to
know If my late client left will"
You might ask her." said Mahaffy
cynically. Nothing like going to head
quarters 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 a charm
ingly hospitable spirit where we are
concerned"
Wouldn't charity hit nearer the
mark, Price?"
II have never so regarded 1t. Solo,
mon," said the judge mildly. Il have
read a different meaning in the beet
and flour and potatoes she's sent here
I expect II the truth could be known
to us she is wondering in the midst OF
her grief why I haven't called, but
she'll appreciate the considerate deli
possible to get cut flowers in this
cussed wildernessI"
The judge had been occupied with q
simple but ingenious toilet. He had
trimmed the frayed skirts of his coat
then by turning his cuffs inside out
and upside down a fresh surface made
it's first public appearance. Next his
shoes had engaged his attention. They
might have we'll discouraged a less
resolute and resourceful character, but
with the contents of his ink-well he
artfully colored his white yarn socks
where they showed through the riffs
In the leather. This the judge die
gaily, humming a snatch of song, now
listening civily to Mahaffy. now reply
ing with undisturbed cheerfulness
Last of all he clapped his dingy beaver
on his head, giving it an indescribably
jaunty slant, and stepped to the door
well, wish me luck, Solomon, Tn
off-come, Hannibal" he said.
At heart he cherished small hope o
seeing Betty, advantageous as he fell
an Interview might prove. However
on reaching Belle Plain he and Hanni'
bal were shown into the cool parlor by
little Steve. 1t was more years thar
the Judge cared to remember since
he had put his foot inside such house
hut with true grandeur of soul he rose
to the occasion; a sublimated dignity
shone from every battered feature
while he fixed little Steve with Sc
fierce a glance that the grin froze or
his lips.
You are to say that Judge Slocun
Price presents his compliments ant