The Mena weekly star., 1913-02-20

en, lighted a 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 scruples, and thinking 1t might afford some clue to the judges whereabouts. Ma haffy took it 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 be at Boggs the first thing in the morn iug-most likely so far gone he can hardly stand!'
 The letter, with its striking news, made little or no impression on him just then; it merely furnished the clue he had sought. The judge was off somewhere marketing his pres poets
 After a time Mahaffy went up- stairs, and, without removing his clothes, threw himself Cn 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 if- but 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 a certain ira tinn oI foi i,, hot tiny. He prayed God that Fentress might die quickly and decently with the judges bullet through his brain Over and over in savage application he muttered his prayer that Fentress might die.
 Mahaffy watched for the coming Of 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 shadowy 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 dismounted, and the colonel lifted his hat. Mahaffy bare ly acknowledged the salute; he was in no mood for courtesies that meant nothing. Ware was clearly of the same mind
 There was an awkward pause, then Fentress and Ware spoke together in low tone. The planters speech was broken and hoarse, and his heavy, blood-shot eyes were the eyes of a haunted man; this was all a part of Fentress' scheme to face the world, and Ware still believed that the fires Hicks had kindled had served his des- perate need.
 When the first long shadows stole out from the edge of the woods Fen tress turned to Mahaffy, whose glance was directed toward the distant cor ner of tue 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 MahaTy.
 Do you know what could have de- tained him?' he inquired, the ghost of a smile curling his thin lips.
 T don't" said Mahaffy, and relapsed into a moody and anxious silence. lie held dueling in 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.
 q have about reached the end of my patience; 1 shall wait just ten minutes longer" said Fentress, and drew out his watch.
 Something has happened" began Mahaffy.
 "I have kept my engagement; he should have kept his,' Fentress con tipued. addressing Ware. "I am sor- " to have brought you here for noth- ing, Tom"
 Wait" said Mahaffy, planting him. self squarely before Fentress.
 "I consider this comic episode at an end" and Fentress pocketed his watch
 "Scarcely!" rejoined Mahany. His long arm shot out and the open palm of his hand descended on the col onels face. "I am here for my friend" he said grimly. The colonel's face paled and col ored by turns.
 Have you a weapon?" he asked. when he could command his voice. Mahaffy exhibited the pistol he had carried to Belle Plain the day be- | fore.
 Step off the ground, Tom" Feh- tress spoke quietly. When Ware had | done as requested, the colonel spoke again. You are my witness that 1 was the victim of an unprovoked at tack"
 Mir. Ware accepted this statement with equanimity. not to say indlffei~ ence. s,, ho ,,,od. ho | glanced at Mahaffy, who by slight inclination of the head signitied that he was. T reckon you're a green hand at this sort of thing?" comment