The Mena weekly star., 1913-01-16

 and then, by hell-we ought to knock him in the head; he isn't fit to livei"
 The jail aint built thatll hold himl" muttered Hicks.
 "Of course, he cant be held," agreed Ware. And he'll never be brought to trial; no lawyer will dare aprear 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 a long moment
 Where did they carry the cap taino"
 q don't know"
 'It looks like the Clan was in a hell-fred hole-but shucks! What will be eassr 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 necess ry 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 Murrell 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?' he questioned, sinking his voice al most to whisper. But Ware was in- capable of speech, again his terrors completely overwhelmed him. T reckon you'll nave to find another overseer. 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 it, 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 it 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 palsy of fear shook him, his heart beat against his ribs, and he stood gnawing his lips while he gazed up at the sun.
 "Do you get what I say, Tom? am going to quit these parts," said Hicks. Ware turned slowly from the 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 1 can't later on," said Hicks stolidly. He added: "I 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.
 'I'H take that chance. It seems Q 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 it turns dark"
 You'll need horse"
 'I was going to help myself to one. This aint 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 1t out for themselves, same as me-" rejoined Hicks.
 You can stop there as you go by"
 'No," said Hicks. T never did be- lieve in this damn foolishness about the girl, and I 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 sparkled, 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 part?' he said thickly. He took his purse l from his pocket and counted out the amount due Hicks. He named the total, and paused irresolutely.
 Don't you want the fire lighted?" asked Hicks. He was familiar with his employers yacillating moods.
 "Yes," answered Ware, his lips | quivering; and slowly, with shaking fingers. he added to the pile of bills | in Hicks hand.
 "Well, take care of yourself" said | Hicks. when the count was complete. He thrust the roll of bills into his l pocket and moved to the door. Alone again, the planter collapsed into his chair, breathing heavily. but his terrors swept over him and left him with savage sense of triumph. This passed; he sprang up, intending to recall Hicks and unmake his bar | gain. What had he been thinking of