Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1912-08-15
CHAPTER xxx-contlnued

L
him no response, and he cursed sort.
~ under his breath.
He hastily descended TO the hitch
en-, lighted a candle, and stepped into
the adjoining room. On the table was
a neat pile Of papers, and topping the
pile was the presidents letter. Be-
ing burdened by no false scruples,
and thinking st might AFFORD some
clue 10 the judges whereabouts, Ma
hafy took Il up and read It. Having
mastered It's contents he instantly
glanced In the direction of the City
Tavern, but It was wrapped in dark
ness.
Price IS drunk somewhere" was
his definite conclusion. But he'll ba
at Boggs the first thing in the morn
lng--moHt likely so far gone he can
hardly atand!"
Tho letter, with its striking news,
made lltile or no Impression on him
lust thea II merely furnished the
clue he had sought The Judge was
of somewhere marketing his pros
poets
After a time Mahany went up
stairs, and, without removing bis
clothes, threw himself on the bed. He
was worn down to the point Of ex-
hauston. yet he could not sleep,
though tho deep silence warned him
that day was not far on. What if
but no would not let the thought
shape itgeH IN hts mind. Ho had wit.
messed tho judges skill with the pis-
tol. and be had even q certain IRA
tional faith In that gentleman's des-
tiny. He prayed God that Fentress
might die quickly and decentiy with
the Judges bullet through hia brain.
cFlf AID hvcz 30 .agag8 application
DO mutterCd his prayer that Fentress
might die.
Mahafy watched for the coming OF
tho dawn, but before tho darkness
lifted he had risen from the bed and
gouo downstairs, where he made him
self a cup OF wrctched coffee. Then
no blew out his candle and watched
the gray light spread. Ho was Inn
patient now to DO of, and fully an
hour before tho sun, set out for
Boggs. a tail. gannt figure in tho
Fhadowy uncertainty OF that October
morning. He was the first TO reach
the place OF meeting, but he had
nearcely entered the meadow when
Fcuiress rode up. attended By Tom
Ware They dismounted. and the
colonel lifted his hat. Mahaffy bare
ly acknowledged the salute; no was
10 no mood for courtesies that meant
nothing Ware was clearly OF tho
Same mind
There was m awkward pause, then
Fortress and Ware spoke together in
low tone The planters speech was
broken and hoarse. and his heavy.
hlood-Bhot eyes were the eyes OF q
haunted man; this was all part OF
Fentrcss' scheme 70 face tho world,
and Ware sull believed that the fres
Hicks had kindled had served his des.
perate need.
when tho first long shadows stole
ont from tho edge OF the woods Fem
tress turned to Mahany, whose glance
was directed toward tho distant cor
ner Of the field, where he knew his
friend must first appear.
why are we waiting, sir7" he do
mauded. his tone cold and formal.
Something has occurred to detain
Price" answered Mahaffy.
The colonel and Ware exchanged
looks. Again they spoke together.
while Mahafy watched the road. Ten
minutes slipped by in this manner,
and once more Fentress addressed
Mahnffy.
do you know what could have do
tanned hlm7" he inquired, the ghost
OF q smile curling his thin lips.
Il don't" said Mahaffy, and relapsed
into a moody and anxious silence. Ho
held dueling in very proper abhor.
renee, and only his feeling Of intense
but neverdeclared loyalty to hia
friend had brought him there.
Another interval OF waiting suc-
oeeded.
Il have about reached the end on
my patience; l shall wait just ten
minutes longer" said Fentress, and
drew out his watch
Something has happened" began
Mahaffy.
Il have kept my engagement; ha
should have kept his" Fentress con-
tinued, addressing Ware. Il am sor-
ny to have brought you here FOR noth-
ing, Tom"
"WaitI" said MahafTy planting him-
self squarely before Fentress.
II consider this comic episode at
an end" and Fentress pocketed hia
watch.
Scarcely" rejoined Mahatfy. His
long arm shot out and the open palm
Of his hand descended on tho coll
cnel's face. Il am here for my
friend he said grizzly.
The colonels face paled and coli
ored by turns.
''IIave you a weapon?" he asked.
whAn ha onnld command hia voice.