The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-11-22
cepxriaht, aslo. by Emsrsen Houah
| By
 EMERSON HOUGH

arm of the national government is long. You know, too. that I'm a state senator and also a United States marshal in Missouri
 But where do you come into this case. senator ?' e .s
 T came into it last night at little after o'clock rejoined Dunwody. Her former guardian has turned her over to me. She does not leave the. boat till do, at Cairo, where I change for up river. and when I go she goes- cry she may make. She's uy-prop- erty
 Captain Rogers pondered for time. but at length his face broke out into a sort Of smile There may be hou- ble ahead for you,'' he said Some sorts of women won't lead"
 Dunwody, left to himself. began moodiIy to walk up and down the nar- row deck. his hands behind his back. On his face " as the red fighting flush. but it was backed by no expression of definite purpose, and his walk show ed his mental uncertainty. All at once he turned and with decision passed down the stairs to the lower deck He had heard voices which he recognized.
 Judge Clayton had joined the party in charge of the fugitives. and was now in Conversation with the overseer, a short man clad in coarse blue jack ct. with high boots and greasy leather trousers.
 a-Why, jedge," said he, ''fust of it dYn,t look like we'd ever git track of 'emi at all. cotched the trail at Portsmouth at last and foIlered 'em back into Ohio. They was shore on the underground and bound for Can. ada. or leastways Chicago found 'em in a house way out fin the coun- try-midnight it was when we got thar. I'd summonsed the sher'f and two constables to go long. Farm house was underground railway sta-s ton, all right. and the farmer showed fight. We was too much fer him. and we took 'em out at last. but one of the constables got shot Some one fred right through the winder at us.
 Now. jedge he continued. ''of co'se I think I can do something for these two bucks. Bill and Jim. This gal only persuaded 'em to run away with her. But if was you I shore would sell that Lily gal south right away"
 The speaker, coarse and ignorant. presented a contrast to the tall, digni- fled and quiet gentleman whom he ac- costed.
 Lily said Clayton at length. what makes you act this way? Haven't you always been treated well down there at home 2''
 -Yas. sir; I reckon .so,'' replied the girl sulfenly; well as anybody's nig- gahs is!
 .sThen why do you want to run off This is the third time in the last year. I've been kind to you-I say, Dun yody," he went on, turning suddenly as he saw the latter approach. Haven't I always treated my people right? Haven't always given them everything in the world they ought to. haveT,
 'sYes, judge; that's the truth, and any neighbor of yours will say it, as sented Dunwody as he joined the group. What's wrong then? This Lily girl run off again? Seems to me you told me about her.
 "Yes.' said Judge Clayton. rubbing finger across his chin in perturbation; .'fhe poor thing doesn't know when she's we'll off. But what am to do with her-that's the question? I don't believe in whipping, but in this case. Wilson, Pm going to turn over those two boys to you. won't have the girl whipped even yet. I'll see you when we get down to Cairo" he added, turn ing away .'We'll have to change there to the Sally Lee, for the Yer non doesn't stop at our landing. She's going straight through to Memphis
 As Judge Clayton walked away Dun wody turned to the overseer, whom he had seen before on the Clayton planta- tions- He put gold double eagle in his hand
 Listen here, wilson, said he, you seem to be able to handle such people discreetly. Now I've got a prisoner along, upstairs, myself-never mind who she is or how she comes here. I'm going on up home. beyond St Gene yieve, and I've got to change down there at Cairo myself to take the up river boat. This prisoner is about as tall as that girl wonder. and she's a whole lot lighter. do you understandt [ Of a dark night-Say about the time we'd get down to Cairo. midnight well wrapped up and the face Of nel- ther showing, it might be hard to tell one of them from the other. There's French girl along with this prisonersof mine. Just take them both along to- gether. I reckon the French girl won't make any disturbance-it's the other, the lady. her mistress. She's apt to- to make trouble. Handle her gently as you can. You'll have to have help The captain will not interfere. You just substitute my prisoner for yours wonder at Cairo. I'll show you where she is when the time comes. Once you have her aboard my boat for St Gene vieve you can come back and. take care of your own prisoners here. There may be another eagle or so in it.''
 ssYou don't need to be a-Skeered but what I'll do the work. coloneI.'' smiled wilson grim1y stPve had 8 heap O trouble fIae last week, and Pm about fred EsH not stand no foolishness.'' .''