Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-02-24

Now Betty Caught siSul VI itnS
ton and bowed. Occupied with Han
nibal and the judge, she had been uIl7
aware OF his presence. Darlington
stepped forward.
Have you met Mr.. Norton, and my
brother, Mr.. Carrington?" she asked
The two young men shook hands,
and Ware improved the opportunity
to inspect the newcomer. But as
his glance wandered over him, 1t TOOK
in more than Darlington, for 1t In
cIuded the fine figure and swarthy
face OF Captain Murrel!. who. with
his eyes fixed on Betty, was thrustlng
his eager way through the crowd.
Murrell had presented himself at
Belle Plain the day before. For up
ward or year. Ware had enjoyed
great peace OF mind as a direct re-
suit OF his absence from west Ten
nessee, and when he thought OF him
at all he had invariably put period
to his meditalions with, Il hope to
hell he catches 1t wherever he is"
or the captain in no uncertain tones.
He was not TO repeat that visit.
AS Murrell approached. the hot col
or surged into Bettys face. AS for
Hannibal, he had gone white 10 the
lips, and his smaE hand clutched hers
desperately.
Murrell, with all his hardihood.
realized that. too great confidence
had placed him In an awkward posi-
ton, for Betty turned her back on
him and began an animated CONVEX
sation with Darlington and Charley
Norton.
Hicks, the Belle Plain overseer.
pushed his way 10 MurrelIs side.
Here, John MurrelI, amt you 60
ing to show us trick or two?" he
inquired.
Murrell turned quickly with sense
OF relief.
If you can spare me your rifle he
said, but his face wore a bleak look.
Don't you think you've seen about
enough, bet. NeluoluCN iOhi' iSu
don't care for the shooting. do YOU"
That's the very thing / do care
for; | think Id rather see that than
the horse-racing," said Betty perverse-
ly.
Betty now seated herself in the car
rage. with Hannibal beside her,
quietly determined to miss nothing
The judge, feeling that he had come
into his own, leaned elegantly against
the wheel, and explained the merits
OF each shot as it was made.
Il hope you gentlemen are not 60
ing TO let me walk off with the price,
said Murrell, approaching the group
about the carriage. Mr.. Norton, J
am told you are clever with the rifle"
II am not shooting today" respond
ed Norton haTghtily.
Murrell stalked back TO the line.
AT forty PAGES Id risk it myself,
! maam," said the judge. But at u
hundred, offhand like this. should
most certainly fall"
II WOulu DC udI w bNhL 'i"I
they heard Murrell say.
AT least it would be quite possible
to equal it," said Darlington. ad-
yancing with Hannha's rifle in his
| hands.
1t was tossed to his shoulder, and
poured out its contents in a bright
stream OF flame. There was a mo-
ment OF silence.
Center shot, ma'am!" cried the
| judge.
I'll add twenty dollars to the
PURSE" Norton addressed himself 10
Darlington. And shall hope, sir,
to see it &C into your pocket"
Our sentiments exactly, ma'am,
are they not?" said the Judge.
Perhaps you'd like to bet a little
of your money!" remarked Murrell.
Pm ready to do that too, SIR re-
sponded Norton quietly.
Five hundred dollars, then, that
| this gentleman in whose success you
take so great an interest, can neither
equal nor better my next shot" Muir
rell had produced roll OF bills as he
! spoke.
Norton colored with embarrass-
ment. Darlington took in the situa-
| ton.
Wait a minute" he said, and
passed his purse TO Norton. Cover
his money, sir" he added briefly.
Thank you. my horses have run
away with most OF my cash. ex-
planned Norton.
Your shot" said Darlington short
| ~. to the outlaw.
Murrell taking careful aim, fired,
clipping the center.
AS soon as the result was known,
Darlington raised his rife; his bullet,
lruer than his opponents. drove out
the center. Murrell turned on him
with an oath.
You shoot well, but a board stuck
against tree is no test for man
nerve" he said insolently.
Carrinoton was CHARGING his piece.