The Mena weekly star., 1913-01-02
CHAPTER xxIII.
The Judge Finds Allies.

They were interrupted by the open ing of the door, and big Steve admit ted Darlington and the two men of whom the sheriff had spoken.
 "A shocking condition of affairs, MT. Carrington!" said the judge by way of greeting.
 "Yes," said Darlington shortly.
 You left these parts some time ago, I believer" continued the judge.
 "The day before Norton was shot. I had started home for Kentucky. 1 heard of his death when I reached Randolph on the second bluff," ex- plained Darlington, from whose cheeks the weather-beaten bloom had faded. He rested his hand on the edge of the desk and turned to the men who had followed him into the room. This Is the gentleman you wish to see," he said, and stepped to one of the win dows; it overlooked the terraces where he had said good-by to Betty scarcely week before.
 The two men had paused by the door. They now advanced. One was gaunt and haggard, his face distgured by great red scar; the other was a shock-headed individual who moved with shambling gait. Both carried rifles and both were dressed in coarse homespun.
 Morning, sir" said the man with the scar. "Yancys my name, and this gentleman lows he'd rather be known now as Mir. Cavendish."
 The judge started to his feet.
 Bob Yancy?" he cried.
 "Yes, sir, that's me-" The judge passed nimbly around the desk and shook the Scratch Hitler warmly by the hand. Where's my nevvy, sir?- what's all this about bim and Miss Betty?" Yancys soft drawl was sud denly eager.
 Please God we'll recover him soon!" said the judge.
 By the window Darlington moved impatiently. No harm could come to the boy, but Betty-a shudder went through him.
 They've stolen him." Yancy spoke with conviction. q reckon they've started back to Moth Carolina with him-only that don't explain what's come of Miss Betty, does it?' and he dropped rather helplessly into a chair.
 Bob are just getting off sick bed. He's been powerful porely in conse- quence of having his head laid open and then being throwed into the Elk river, where I tished him out" ex- plained Cavendish, who still contin- ued to regard the judge with unmixed astonishment, first cooking his shaggy head on one side and then on the other, his bleached eyes narrowed to a slit. Now and then he favored the austere Mahaffy with ieeting glance. He seemed intuitively to un- derstand the comradeship of their degradation.
 MT. Cavendish fetched me here on his raft. We tied up to the sho' this morning. It was there we met MT Carrington-Pd knowed him slightly back wonder in Moth Carolina" con tinued Yancy. He said I'd find Han nibal with you. I was counting heap on seeing my nevvy."
 Darlington, no longer able to con trol himself, swung about on his heel.
 What's been done?" he asked, with fierce repression. Whats going to be done? Don't you know that every second is precious?"
 T am about to conclude my inves- tigations. sir" said the judge with dignity.
 Darlington stepped to the door. After all. what was there to expect Of these men? Whatever their interest. 1t was plainly centered in the boy. lie passed out into the hall
 AS the door closed on him the judge turned again to the Scratch Hitler.
 Mir. Yarcy. kr. kshafry and hold your nephew in the tendsrest regard; he has bsea our constant companion ever since you were lost to him. In this crisis you may rely upon us; we are committed to his recovery. no matter what it involves" The judges tone was one of unalterable resolu- tion.
 q reckon you-all have been mighty good and kind to him." said Yancy huskily.
 We have endeavored to be, Mr. Yancy-indeed had formed the reso- iution legally to adopt him should you not come to claim him. I should have given him my name, and made him my heir. His education has already begun under my supervision" and the judge. remembering the high use to which he had dedicated one of Peg loes trade labels. fairly glowed with philanthropic fervor.
 Think of that!" murmured Yancy softly. He was deeply moved. So was MT Cavendish. who was gifted with wealth of ready sympathy. He thrust out a hardened hand to the judge.
 "Shake!" he said. You're a heap better than you look" A thin ripple lof laughter escaped Mahaffy, but the judge accepted Chills and Fevers proffered hand. He understood that