The Springdale news., 1912-08-02


 he and the judge shared
 ''Price!" he called, but this gained him no response, and be cursed soft ly under his breath
 He hastily descended to the kitch- en, lighted candle, and stepped into the adjoining room. On the table was neat pile of papers, and topping the pile was the presidents letter. Be- ing burdened by no false seruples. and thinking it might afford some clue to the judges whereabouts. Ma haffy took it up and read it. Having mastered its contents he irerertlv 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 be ar Boggs' the first thing in the morn ing-most likely so far gone he can hardly stand.
 The letter. with it's striking news. made little or no impression on him just then. il merely furnished the clue he had sought The judge was of somewhere marketing his pros poets
 After a time Mahaffy went up stairs, and. without removing his clothes, threw himself on the bed lie was worn down to the point of ex- haustion, yet he could not sleep, though the deep silence warned him that day was not far off. What IT. bat he would not let the thought shape Itself in his mind He had wit messed the judges skill with the pis- tol, and he had even certain ira tional faith il that gentleman's des- tiny. He prayed God that Fentress might die quickly and decent1y with the judges bullet through his brain Over and oyef in savage supplicatfon he mQttered his prayer that Fentress might die
 Mahaffy watched for the coming ot the dawn. but before the darkness lifted he had risen from the bed and gone downstairs. where he made him. self cup Of wretched coffee Then he blew out his candle and watched the gray light spread He was i'm patient now to be off, and fully an hour before the sun, set out for Boggs tall. gaunt figure in the shadEyy uncertainty Of that October morning He was the first to reach the place of meeting. but he had scarcely entered the meadow when Fentress rode up, attended by Tom Ware. They dismountea, and the colonel lifted his hat Mahary bare ly acknowledged the salute. he was in no mood Tor eourtesies that meant nothing Ware was clearly O. the sane mind
 There was an awkward pause. then Fentress and Ware spoke together i'll ioW tone The planters speech was hroken and hoarse. and his heavy, hloea=shot eyes were the eyes of a haunted man this Was all a part of Fentfes5' scheme to face the world, and Ware still believed that the fires Hicks had kihdied had served his des- perate need
 When the first long shadows stole out ffom the edge Of the Woods Fen tress turned to Mahaffy. whose glance was directed toward the distant cor her of the field. where he knew his friend must first appear.
 Why are We waiting. sir?" he de- manded, his tone cold and formal
 Something has occurred to detain Price" answered Mahaffy
 The colonel and Ware exchanged looks. Again they spoke together. while Mahaffy watched the road. Ten minutes slipped by in this manner. and once more Fentress addressed Mahaffy.
 Do you know what could have de- tained him2" he inquired. the ghost of smile curling his thin lips.
 T don't" said Mahaffy. and relapsed into a moody and anxious silence. He held dueling III very proper abhor- renee, and only his feeling Of intense but never-declared loyalty to his friend had brought him there.
 Another interval Of waiting sue ceeded
 T have about reached the end Of my patience; shall wait just ten minutes longer" said Fentress, and drew out his watch
 Something has happened-" began Mahaffy.
 T have kept my engagement; he should have kept his Fentress con- tinued addressing Ware T am SOr-