The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1912-05-18

OLD scratch HILL.
For the past ten days their journey
had been conducted in a leisurely
fashion. AS Yancy said, they were
seeing the world, and it was well to
take good look at it while they had
a chance.
Suddenly out of the silence came
the regular beat OF hoofs. These
grew nearer and nearer. and at last
when they were quite close, Yancy
faced about. Smilingly Murrell refined
in his horse.
"Why-Bob Yancy!" he cried in
apparent establishment.
Yes. sir-Bob Yancy. Does 1t hap
pen you are looking TO- him. Cap
tain?" inquired Yancy.
Mono, Bob. I'm on my way
west"
Murrell slipped from his saddle and
fell into step at Yahcy's side as they
moved forward.
They were nightly stirred up at
the Cross Roads when left. wonder
ing what had come OF you." he OBJ
served.
That's kind of them." responded
Yancy. little dryiy. There was no
reason for IT. but he was becoming
distrustful of Murrell, and uneasy.
They went forward In silence. A
sudden turn in the road brought them
to the edge of an extensive clearing.
Close to the road there we're several
buildings, but not q tree had been
spared to shelter them and they stood
forth starkly. the completing touch to
civilization that was still In its
youth. unkempt. rather savage. and
ruthlessly utilitarian. A sign an
nounced the dingy structure OF logs |
nearest the roadside . tavern.
From the door of the tavern the
figure Of q man emerged. He was
black-haired and bulLnecked, and |
there was about him q certain shag-
yiness which q recent toilet performed |
at the horse trough had not served to |
mitigate.
"Howdy" he drawled.
''Howdy?" responded Mr.. Yancy.
shall you stop herer' asked Muir.
rsll. sinking his voice. Yancy nodded.
Can you put VI up!~ inquired Muir.
rsll, turning to tho tavern-keeper.
Il reckon that's what I'm here for"
said Slosson. Murrell glanced about
the empty yard. SLACK" observed
Slosson languidly. Yes. sir. Stacks
the only name for IT," II was under
stood he referred to the state Of trade.
He looked from ono to the other OF
the two men. As his eyes rested on
Murrsll. that gentleman raised the
first three fingers Of. his right hand.
The gesture was ever 20 little. yet 1t
seemed to have q tonic eject on Mr..
Slosson. What might have developed
into q smile had he not Immediately
suppressed 1t, twisted his bearded
lips as he made an answering move
ment. "Eph, come here. you'll" SIos-
son raised his voice. This call
brought q half-grown black boy from
about a corner OF the tavern, to whom
Nurrell relinquished his horse.
Let's liquor" said tho captain over
his shoulder. moving OF In the direc
ton OF the bar.
Come on, Nsvvy!" said Yancy fol-
lowing, and they all entered the tav-
srn.
We'll, here's to the best of good
luck!" said Murrell, as he raised his
glass to his lips.
Same here" responded Yancy.
Murrell pulled out a roll OF bills, one
OF which he tossed on the bar. Then
after a moments hesitation he de-
tached a second bill from the roll and
turned to Hannibal.
Here, youngster-a present for
you," he said good-naturedly. Hanni-
bal. embarrassed by the unexpected
gift, edged to his Uncle Bob's side.
Thank you. sir" said the boy.
Let's have another drink" sug-
gested Murrell.
Presently Hannibal stole out into
the yard He still held the bill In his
hand. for he did not quite know how
to dispose of his great wealth. After
debating this matter for a moment he
knotted 1t carefully in one corner OF
his handkerchief
tro BE coNTINUED.)
Let Them Go On Training.
The woman who thinks she has the