Putnam patriot., 1912-05-10

"The jail aiut built tnarn noia himi" muttered Hicks.
 "Of course. he cant be held" agreed Ware And he'll never be brought to trial; no lawyer will dare appear against him. no jury will dare to find him guilty; but there's Hues. what about him?' He paused. The two men looked at each other for long moment.
 where did they carry the cap tain?"
 T don't know"
 "It looks like the Clan was in a heu-hred hole-hut shueksi What will be easier than to fix Hues ?-and while they're fixing folks they'd bet ter not overlook that old fellow Price. He's got some notion about Fentress and the boy" Mir. Hicks did not con sider it necessary to explain that he was himself largely responsible for this.
 How do you know that?' demand ed Ware.
 He as good as said so" Hicks looked uneasily at the planter. He knew himself to be compromised. The stranger named Cavendish had forced an admission from him that Murreli would not condone If it came to his knowledge. He had also acquired very proper and wholesome fear of Judge Slocum Price. He stepped close to Wares side. '.Whatll come of the girl. Tom? Can you figure that out?" ne questioned, sinking his voice al most to a whisper. But Ware was in- capable of speech, again his terrors completely overwhelmed him. Il reckon you'll have to find another oyerseer. I'm going to strike out for Texas" said Hicks.
 Wares eyes met his for an instant. He had thought of flight. too; was still thinking of 1t. but greed was as much a part of his nature as fear; Belle Plain was a prize not to be light ly cast aside, and 1t was almost his. He lurched across the room to the window. If he were going to act, the sooner he did so the better, and gain A respite from his fears. The road down the coast slid away before his heavy eyes; he marked each turn, then a palsy of fear shook him, his heart beat against his ribs. and he stood gnawing his lips while he gazed hp at the sun.
 Do you get what I say. Tom? 1 am going to quit these parts" said GfnuIN from fhA window.
 "All right, Hicks. You mean you want me to settle with you, is that it?' he asked.
 "Yes. I'm going to leave while can; maybe I can't later on,9 said Hicks stolidly. He added: T am go- ing to start down the coast as soon as 1t turns dark, and before it's day again I'll have put the good miles be- tween me and these parts.
 You're going down the coast?" and Ware was again conscious of the quickened beating of his heart. Hicks nodded. See you don't meet up with John Murrell," said Ware.
 "Ill take that chance. It seems 8 heap better to me than staying here.
 Ware looked from the window. The shadows were lengthening across the lawn.
 Better start now. Hicks" he ad- vised.
 "I'll wait until 1t turns dark.
 You'll need horse"
 T was going to help myself to one. This ain't no time to stand on cere- mony," said Hicks shortly.
 "Slosson shouldn't be left in the lurch like this-or your brothers folks"
 They'll have to figure it out for themselves, same as me-" reJoined Hicks.
 You can stop there as you go by"
 No" said Hicks. 'I never did be- lieve in this damn foolishness about the girl, and won't go near Georges -"
 "I don't ask you to go there; you can give them the signal from the head of the bayou. All l want Is for you to stop and light fire on the shore. They'll know what that means. I'll give you a horse and fifty dol lars for the job
 Hicks eyes sparhed, but he only said:
 Make it twice that and maybe we can deal"
 Hacked and tortured. Ware hesi- tated; but the sun was slipping into the west; his windows blazed with the hot light.
 You swear you'll do your part7" he said thiekly He took his purse from his pocket and counted out the amount due Hicks. He named the total, and paused irresoluteiy.
 Don't you want the fire lighted?" asked Hicks. He was familiar with his employers vacillating moods.
 Gro Be Continued)