The Elk Mountain pilot., 1924-02-07
CHAPTER v
The End Of the Lona Road,

The End Of the Long Road.
We've hnen expecting you, Mr..
Gwynne," he caid in his most genial
manner. step right in. Dinner'n soon
be ready, and 1 reckon you must be
hungry. Take the hosses around to
the stable, niger, and put 'em up. Mrs.
-erDahem I mean your stepmother
sent word that you were on the way
and to have accommodations ready for
you Say, I'd like to make you ac-
quainted with"
my stepmother sent word to your"
demanded Kenneth, incredulously.
"She did. What would you expect
her to do, long as she knew you were
headed this way? 1 admit she isn't
specially given to wOrryin' about other
peoples comforts, but, when you get
right down to 1t, guess she considers
you 4 sort Of connection Of hers, spite
Of everything, and SO she lays herself
out little. But, as was sayin', I'd
IKE to make you acquainted with some
Of our leadin' citizens. This IL Daniel
Bugher, the recorder. and Doctor Da-
Wis. Matt scudder. Tom Benbridge and
John Mccormick. Before we 20 in
wish you'd take a look at the new
courthouse. We're mighty proud of
that building. There isn't finer court
house in the state of Indiana-or may
be I'd better say there won't be If it's
ever finished"
II noticed 1t as came by" said the
newcomer, dismissing the structure
with glance. "If you will conduct me
to my room, Mr.. Johnson. +"
Just second" broke in the land
lord, his gaze dxed on a horseman who
had turned into the street some dis
tance below. Here comes Barry La
pelle, down there by that clump of
trees. He's the most elegant fellow
we've got In town, and you'll want to
know him."
Il have met Mr.. Lapelle," interrupt
ed Kenneth. This morning, out in
the country"
You don't say sol" exclaimed John
son. The citizens exchanged general
look Of surprise.
Thought you said he went down
the river on yesterdays boat" said
Scudder.
That's just what he did," said John
son, puzzled. Packed some Of his
things and said he'd be gone a week or
so. He must have got Off at Atttca-
Dut, no. he couldn't have got here this
soon by road. By glory, hope the
poat didn't strike snag, or a rock, or
run ashore somewhere. Looks kind Of
serious, boys"
Couldn't he have landed almost
In, lit
his eyes on the approaching horseman.
Certainly he could; but why7 He
had business down at Covington, he
said"
He told be this morning he had very
important business here. That is why
ne could not ride In with me-" said
Kenneth, affecting Indifference. by
the way, is he riding his own horse?"
Yes" said Benbridge. That's his
mare Fancy. He must have landed at
La Grange. rowed across the river and
hoofed 1t up to Felrs farm. But what
40 you suppose made him change his
mind so suddenly?"
Hes working tooth and nail against
the Wabash and Erie canal that's
projected to run from Lake Erie to the
mouth Of the Tippecanoe, Mr.. Gwynne,"
said one OF the citizens. But it's conf
ing through in spite of him and all the
rest Of the river hogs"
i see.' said the young man, grim
smile playing about his lips
lie knew that the mare Fancy had
oeen in waiting for her master when
he clambered ashore on the river bank
opposite La Grange. and he also sus-
pected that the little steamboat had
remained tied up at the landing all
a.--hl long and wei. into the morning,