The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-05-29

TWO hours after Sun-up, and what's
more, he amt coming back here to-
night There was moment of ST.
lence. The girl looked about appre-
hensively. She continued, fixing her
black eyes on Betty: You're here
alone at Belle Plain-you know what
happened when Mr.. Tom started for
Memphis last time-I reckon you.au
amt forgot that"
Betty felt pallor steal over her
face. She rested hand that shook
on the trunk of tree to steady her.
self. The girl laughed shortly.
Don't be so scared: reckon Belle
Plains as good as his II anything
happened to you?"
BY great effort Betty gained q
measure of control over herself. She
took step nearer and looked the girl
steadily In the face.
Perhaps you will stop this sort OF
talk. and tell me what is going to
happen to me-if you know" she said
quietly.
why do you reckon Mr.. Norton
was shot? can tell you why-it
was all along Of you--that was Why!"
The girls furtive glance, which
searched and watched the gathering
shadows, came back as 1t always did
to Betty's pale face. "You amt no
safer than he was, tell you!" and
she sucked In her breath sharply be-
tween her full red lips.
What do you mean?" faltered
Betty.
do you reckon you're safe here in
the big house alone? Why do you
reckon Mr.. Tom cleared out for Mem
phis? 1t was because he couldn't be
around and have anything happen to
you-that was why!" and the girl
sank her voice to a whisper. "You
quit Belle Plain now-tonight--just as
soon all you can!"
This Is absurd-you are trying to
frighten mel"
did they stop with trying to fright.
en- Charley Norton?" demanded Bess,
with harsh insistence.
Whatever the promptings that in.
spired this warning. they plainly had
nothing to do with either liking or
sympathy. Her dominating emotion
seemed to be a sullen sort OF resent.
ment which lit up her glance with q
dull fire; yet her feelings were so
clearly and 80 keenly personal that
Betty understood the motive that had
brought her there. The explanation,
she found, left her wondering just
where and how her own fate was
linked with that of this poor white.
"You have been waiting some time
to see Ine?" she asked.
Ever since along about noon"
"You were afraid to come to the
house?"
II didn't want to be seen there"
"And yet you knew I was alone.'
"Alons-but how do you know who's
watching the placer"
do you think there was reason to
be afraid of that?" askeu Betty.
Again the girl stamped her foot
with angry impatience.
You're just wastin' time-just fool
in 1t away-and you ain't got none to
spare!"
You must tell me what have to
fear-I must know more or l shall
stay just where 1 ami"
well. then, stay" The girl turned
away, and then as quickly turned back
and faced Betty once more. II reckon
he'd kill me II he knew reckon
I've earned that already"
"Of whom are you speaking?"
He'll have you away from here to-
night"
He? who and
what II refuse to go?"
did they ask Charley Norton
whether he wanted to live or die?"
came the sinister question.
A shiver passed through Betty. She
was seeing 1t all again-Charley as he
groped among the graves with the
hand OF death heavy upon him.
A moment later she was alone. The
girl had disappeared. There were only
the shifting shadows as the wind
the bands OF golden light that slanted
along the empty path. The fear OF
the unknown leaped up afresh in Bet
tvs soul; In an instant flying feet had
borne her to the boys side.
"Come--come quick, Hannibal!"
she gasped out, and seized his hand.
What Is 1t, Miss Betty? What's
the matter?" asked Hannibal as they
fled painting up the terraces.
II don't know-only we must get
away from here just as soon as We
CAM" Then, seeing the look of alarm
on the child's face, she added more
quietly, Don't be frightened. dear,
only we must go away from Belle
Plain at once" But where they were
to go, she had not considered.