The Ordway new era., 1912-04-25


form disappear in the twilight.
month and more had elapsed
since Bob Yancy's trial. Just two
days later man and boy disappeared
from Scratch Hill. Murrell was soon
on their trail and pressing forward
In hot pursuit. Reaching the noun
tains. he heard Of them first as ten
days ahead OF him and bound for
west Tennessee: the ten days dwin-
died to week. the week became tive
days. the five days three: and now
as he emerged from the last range OF
hills he caught sight OF them.
Yancy glanced back at the blue wall
OF the mountains where 1t lay along
the horizon.
We'll. Nevvy." he said. we've put
heap Of distance between us and
old Scratch HILL"
For the past ten days their journey
had been conducted in a leisureiy
fashion. AS Yancy said. they were
seeing the world. and 1t was well to
take good look at It while they had
a chance.
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
tain7" inquired Yancy.
Mono. Bob. I'm on my way
west"
Murrell slipped from his saddle and
fell into step at Yancy's side as they
moved forward.
They we're nightly stirred up at
the Cross Roads when left, wonder
ing what had come of you." he OBJ
served.
That's kind OF thcm.'' responded
Yancy. a little dryly. There was no
reason for II. 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 were several
buildings. but not a tree had been
spared to shelter them and they stood
forth starkly. the completing touch to
q civilization that was still In Its
youth. unkempt. rather savage. ana
ruthlessiy utiiitarian. A sign an.
nounced the dingy structure OF logs
nearest the roadside u tavern.
From the door OF the tavern tho
figure OF q man emerged. He was
k.haired and bull.necked. and
there was about him a certain shag.
giness which recent toilet performed
ut the horse trough had not served t
mitigate.
"Howdy?" he drawied.
"Howdy?" responded MIR. Yancy.
shall you stop here?" asked Muir.
reil. sinking his voice. Yancy nodded.
Can you put US up?" inquired Muir.
reli. turning TO the tavern.keeper.
Il reckon that's what I'm here Tor"
said Slosson. Murreli glanced about
the empty yard. Slack" observed
Slosson ianguidly. Yes. sir. sIack's
the only name for It," u was under.
stood he referred to the state OF trade.
He looked from one to the other OF
the two men,, As his eyes rested on
Murreii. that gentleman raised tho
first three fingers OF bis right hand.
The gesture was ever so little, yet It
seemed to have tonic effect on MIR.
Slosson. What might have developed
into a smile had he not Immediately
suppressed II. twisted his bearded
lips rs he made an answering move
ment. "Eph. come here. you'll" slos-
son raised his voice. This call
brought n half.grown black boy from
about corner OF the tavern. to whom
MurrelI reiinQuished his horse.
Let's liquor" said the captain over
his shoulder. moving on in the direc.
tion OF the bar.
'Come on. Nevvy!" said Yancy fol-
lowing. aud they all entered the tav.
ern.
"Well, here's to the best OF good
luck!" said Murreli. as he raised his
glass to his lips.
Same here.' responded Yancy.
Murrell pulled out a roll OF bills, one
after q 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.
Lets have another drink" suS.
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 q moment he
knotted II carefully in one corner Of
bis handkerchief.
CTo BE CoNT1NuED)