Show r r V T ( 2 THE Jeweler’s Clerk Discharged Under and Cloud? Turns Detective Traps Real Thieves PRODIGAL JUDGE w By VAUGHAN KESTER By IXMelvuc Meent Comvm Iwstqwms tyt Tt fioMS TKryn'w SYNOPSIS The Irene at the openlnic of the story le t laid In the library of an old known aa the Bareouthern plantation ony The place le to be aold and Its the hlatory and that of the owneri discussion by Qulntards is the subject of a business man a Jonathan Crenshaw and Bob stranger known as Bladen Yancy a farmer when Hannibal Wayne Hasard a mysterious child of the old his appearance makes southern family Yancy tells how he adopted the boy Nathaniel Ferris buys the Barony but the Qulntards deny any knowledge of the Captain hoy Yancy to keep Hannibal Murrell a friend of the Qulntards apBarpears and asks questions about the Hanony Trouble at Scratch Hill when Capnibal Is kidnaped by Dave Blount overtakes tain Murrell's agent Yancy Blount gives hint a thrashing and secures the boy Yancy appears before Squire Balaam and Is discharged with costs for the plaintiff Betty Malroy a friend of the Ferrises has an encounter with Cap-on tain Murrell who forces his attentions tier and Is rescued by Bruce Carrington Betty sets out for her Tennessee home Yancy Carrington takes the same stageMurrell on and Hannibal disappear with their trail Hannibal arrives at the homef The Judge f Judge Slocum Price recogJudge Slocum Price The Judge old nizes In the boy the grandson of an Murrell arrives at Judges time friend home Cavendish family on raft rest ue Price dead Yancy who Is apparently breaks Jail Betty and Carrington arrive at Belle Plain Hannibal's rille discloses some startling things to the Judge HanarMurrell meet and nibal again Betty Is playing for big rives in Belle Plain stakes Yancy awakes from long dreamless sleep on board the raft Judge Prl® up makes startling discoveries In looking a young Norton land titles Charley Is mysplanter who assists the Judge Norton Informs Carteriously assaulted rington that Betty has promised to marry More him Norton Is mysteriously shot light on Murrell's plot He plans uprising of negroes Judge Price with the boy visits Betty and she keeps as a companion CHAPTER XVIII (Continued) 'Miss Betty he’s Just like my Uncle Ilob was — be ain’t afraid of nothing! He totea them pistols of bla — loaded —if you notice good you can see where they bulge out bts coat!” Hanand big nibal’s eye?vefy" round looked trp' Into here "la fe as poor aa he seems Betty inquired t J’ile never has no money Miss be’a wbat a don’t reckon Mahaffy were concerned They were doubtless bad enough but they could have been worse “No ma'am he done soaked the label off one of Mr Pegloe’s whisky bottles and pasted It on the wall Just as high as my chin go's can see It good and he’s learning me Maybe you’ve seen the kind of bottle mean — Pegloe’a Mississippi Pilot Pure Corn Whisky?" But Hannibal’s bright little face fell He wraa to see quick that the educational system devised by the Judge did not Impress Betty at all favorably She drew him Into her arms “You shall have my books— the books I learned to read out of when was a little girl Hannibal!" “I like learning from the label pretty well" said Hannibal loyally “But you'll like the books better dear when you see them know Just where they are for happened on them on a shelf In the library only the other day” After they had found and examined the books and Hannibal had grudlng-ladmitted that they might possess certain points of advantage over the label he and Bety went out for a walk It was now late afternoon and the sun was sinking behind the wall of the forest that rose along the Arkansas coast Their steps had led to the terrace— where them they It stood looking off into the west was here that Betty had aald good-bto Bruce Carrington— It might have been months ago and It was only She thought of Charley — days Charley with hls youth and hope and high courage — unwittingly enough she A sob had led him on to hls death! rose In her throat Hannibal looked up Into her face The memory of his own loss was hls never very long absent from mind and Miss Betty had been the victim of q similarly sinister tragedy with Uncle Bob wben he liked you he Just laid himself out to let you know It!” "That does make a great difference doesn’t It?" agreed Betty sadly and two piteous tearful eyes were bent upon him “Don't you reckon If Uncle Bob Is alive like the Judge says and he’s ever going to find me be had ought to be here by now?” continued Hannibal anxiously "But it hasn't been such a great while Hannibal It's only that so If he much has happened to you was very badly hurt It may have been weeks before be could travel and then when he could perhaps he went back to that tavern to try to learn But we wbat had become of you may be quite certain he will never abandon hls search until he has made find you every possible effort to dear! That means he will sooner or for later come to west Tennessee there will always be the hope that you have found your way here” waitI “Sometimes get mighty tired the boy ing Miss Betty” confessed “Seems like I Just couldn't wait no longer — ” He sighed gently and then “You reckon he'll hls face cleared come most any time don’t you Miss Betty?” "Yes Hannibal any day or hour!” mu'tered Hannibal soft“Whoop!” hls breath ly under Presently he asked “Where does that branch take to?” He nodded toward the you bayou at The foot of the terraced bluff river” an"It empties into the swered Betty Hannibal saw a small skiff beached that grew among the cottonwoods along the water’s edge and hls eyeB lighted up instantly He had a Juvenile passion for boats ain’t you “Why you got a boat This was a charming Miss Betty?” and an Important discovery body would call pore It might have baffled a far more than Hannibal’s mature Intelligence to comprehend those peculiar processes by which the Judge sustained and his Intimate fellowship "with adversity— that It was his magnifi- the made which of mind cence squalor of his daily life seem merely passing phase — but the boy had managed to point a delicate distinction and Betty grasped something of the hope and faith which never quite died out In Slocum Price’s lndomita-blbreast "But you always have enough to ent dear?” she questioned anxiously Hannibal promptly reassured her on let me “You wouldn’t this point think anything that was not true Hannibal— you are quite sure you havq ntver been hungry?” honest!" “Never Miss feetty She Betty gave a sigh of relief bad been reproaching herself for her she had meant neglect of the child had done him for and much so do to Now it was too late tor her nothing! to Interest herself In bis personally behalf yet before she left for the east If she ehe would provide for him was possible to trust the It telt bad Judge she would have made him her agent but even In his best aspect he Tom seemed dubious dependence for quite different reasons ws equaShe thought lly out of the question of Mr Mahaffy “What kind of a man Is Mr Hannibal?” “He’s an awful nice man Miss Betty only he never lets on a body's gut to find It out for his own self— be ain't like the judge” Hannibal ?’’ “Does he — drink too questioned Betty when he can get the “Oh yes Itoker he does" It waB evident that ' Hannibal was cheerfully tolerant of this weakness on the part of the austere Mahaffy By this time Betty was ready to weep over the child with bis knowledge of shabby vice and his fresh young faith In those old a tatterdemalions "But no matter what they do jire very very kind to you?” she tinued tremulously ' “You Needn’t Bt Afraid He recalled those first awful days of loneliness through which be bad lived when thrge was no Uncle Bob— — ma'am Miss “Yes Betty why smiling and Infinitely companionable they’re lovely men!” “And do you ever bear the things you are crying — “Why Hannibal epoken of you learned about at Mrs what about dear?” asked Betty sudFerris' denly 1 “When the judge Is drunk he talks “No ma’am ain’t crying” said It’s beautiful to Hannibal stoutly a heap about ’em but hls wet lashes bear him then you’d love It Miss gave the lie to bis words “Are you bomeslck — do you wish to Betty’’ and Hannibal smiled up sweetgo back to the judge and Mr Maly Into her face “Does be have you go to l haffy ?" In Raleigh?” “No ma’am — It ain’t that — was The boy shook his bead Just thinking—” “1 ain't got no clothes that’s Mtten "Thinking about what dear?” o wear nor no pennies to give but “About my Uncle Bob" Tbe small the judge he 'lows that as soon as he face was very wistful so can make a raise I got to go and he's “Oh— and you still miss him learning me my letters— but we ain't much Hannibal?” Mbs Betty reckon "1 bet I do— I reckon anybody who it’d a book stump you some to guess bow he’s knew Uncle Bob would never get over t’xed It for me to learn?” missing him they Just couldn’t Miss The judge Is mighty kind “He's drawn the letters for you Is Betty! that the wry?" In spite of herself and so Is Mr Mabaffy— they’re awful and It seems like kind Miss Betty Hetty was experiencing a certain oi cling where the judge and they get kinder all the time— but 1 1T they con- Important to Say” "Would you like to go down to It?” Inquired Betty "’Deed I would! Does she leak any Miss Betty?” T don’t know about that Do boats aiially leak Hannibal?” "Why you ain’t ever been out row- Got Something ing her MIbs Betty have you? — and there ain’t no better fun than rowing a boat!" They bad started down tbe path “I used to think that too Hannibal bow do you suppose It Is that when people grow up they forget all about tbe really nice things they might do?” "What use Is she If you don’t go rowing In her?” persisted Hannibal Mr Tom uses "Oh but It is used It In crossing to tbe other side where they are clearing land for cotton It saves him a long walk or ride about the head of the bayou” "Like I should take you out In her Miss Betty?” demanded Hannibal with palpitating anxiety They had entered tbe scattering timber when Betty paused suddenly a startled felt her exclamation and Hanfingers close convulhls The sound she hqd have been only the rustheard ling of the wind among the branches overhead In that shadowy silence but the placid nerves of Betty’s nerves youth and perfect health were shatwith nibal sively about might tered “Didn’t you hear something Hannibal?” she whispered fearfully For answer Hannibal pointed mysteriously and glancing In the direction he Indicated Betty saw a woman advancing along the path toward them Tbe look of alarm slowly died out of hls eyes “I think It’s tbe overseer’s niece” she told Hannibal and they kept on toward the boat The girl came rapidly up the path which closely followed the Irregular line of the shore In Its windings Once she was seen to stop and glance back over her shoulder her attitude Intent and listening then she hurried forward again Just at the boat the three met "Good evening!” said Betty pleas- antly The girl merely stare made no reply to this she Betty with a fixed regarded At length she broke the si- lence abruptly “I got something I want to say to you — you know who I am 1 reckon?” She was a girl of abovft Betty’s own age with a certain dark sullen beauty and that physical attraction which Tom In spite of hls vexed mood jiad taken note of earlier in the day “You are Bess Hicks” said Betty “Make the boy go back toward the bouse a spell — I got something want She to say to you" Betty hesitated was offended by the girl’s manner “1 which was as rude as her speech — ain’t going to hurt you you needn’t imbe afraid of me I got something tell portant to say —send him off you there ain’t no time to lose!” The girl stamped her foot Impatiently Betty made a sign to Hannibal and he passed slowly back along tbe path and he kept his He went unwillingly T£ad turned that be might see what was done even If be were not to hear what was said “That will do Hannibal — wait there —don’t go any farther!” Betty called after him when he had reached a point sufficiently distant to be out of bearing of a conversation carried on “Now what 19 In an ordinary tone It? Speak quickly if you have anything to tell me!” “I got a heap to say” answered the Her manner was girl with a ‘scowl and she gave still fierce and repellant Betty a certain Jealous regard out of which the latter was her black eyes Mr “Where’s at a loss to explain Tom?” she demanded "Tom? Why about the place — office hls In perhaps" So suppose Betty It had to do with Tom felt sudden disgust with the situation “No he ain’t about the place eithstruck out for done Memphis He er) and what’s two hours after more he ain’t coming back here toalnight — ” There was a moment of ienee The girl looked about appreShe continued fixing her hensively “You’re here black eyes on Betty: alone at Belle Plain— you know what when Mr Tom started for happened list time— I reckon Memphis ain’t forgot that!” Betty felt a pallor steal over her face She rested a hand that shook on the trunk of a tree to steady herself The girl laughed Bhortly “Don’t be so scared: I reckon Belle Plain’s as good as nls If anything to you?” happened By a great effort Betty gained a measure of control over herself She took a step nearer and looked the girl steadily In tbe face “Perhaps you will stop this sort of talk and tell me what Is going to happen to me— if you know?” she said quietly “Why do you reckon Mr Norton I can tell you why— it was shot? was all along of you— that was why!" which glance The girl’s furtive and watched the gathering searched came back as it always did shadows no “You ain't face to Betty's paid safer than he was ! tell you!” and she sucked In her breath sharply between her full red lips faltered “What do you mean?” Betty “Do you reckon you're safe here In Why do you the big hopse alone? Memreckon Mr Tom cleared out for It was because he couldn’t be phis? happen to around and have anything and the girl you— that was why! “You sank her voice to a whisper now— tonight— Just as quit Belle Plain can!” soon as you “This Is absurd— you are trying to me!" frighten “Did they stop with trying to frightBess en Charley Norton?” demanded with harsh Insistence (TO BE CONTINUED) LANGDQN By CECILLE An antique ring had been stolen from a Jewelry tray in the case under Goldstein & Co had acted my charge promptly I was notified that my servThe ices were no longer required senior partner of the firm took great pains to Inform me that my dismissal carried with it no Implication of perThere had been so sonal dishonesty howmany of such thefts recently ever that an example of presumable Unformust be made carelessness me with had tunately they begun If It had not been for the stenographer Miss Lura Vesey I thinkre- I should have packed up instanter to turn to my native town disgusted with Jewelers In general and Justly indignant at Goldstein ft Co After 1 had parted with several good friends reamong the clerks who honestly gretted my departure I was surprised to find MIbs Vesey at my side Just aa Shu was In I was leaving the place tears She placed a sisterly affectionate hand on my arm in a pleading me softened that way sympathetic “You will not get discouraged ?” she said “Does it matter much?’ I Jerked out still wroth at my summary dismissal “It does to me” she replied earnestly “more than you think It matters to my brother too Mr Wlnthrop You found him a good position and he If I can help will be always grateful you —” But I shook my head dejectedly “At least let me hear how you get along” she added and there was a tremor In her voice that Inspired me with the idea that I had one sterling friend In the world So I promised her and went on my to Then my thoughts began way I set to some coherency crystallize I clenched my fists my teeth hard with determination "I’ll see this thing through!” I said to myself — “if It is only to set at rest ” 1 Then slightly disguise my face made it my business to visit a regular circle of the big down town Jewelry stores t I struck my quarry the third a street corner occupied by one ol the leading diamond houses my tention was attracted to a man and a The man’s eyeq woman conversing first gave me a hint of something fan The woman had opened heij miliar handbag and given him an apple As he took It I noticed the same foreof the arm thatj movement shortened He slipped thq I so well remembered Then both enapple Into hls pocket tered the diamond shop The woman was chewing gum I followed them as far as the window and noted their every dressed womThe fashionably an was shown a tray of unset stones to at the apple The man proceeded She asked to be shown some other Her companion drew nearer to gems the tray There was a rapid moveI saw the ment I could not follow woman take her gum from her mouth Then the man strolled carelessly to core the apple of the door tossed the Into the street and came back to tbs side of hls companion I was after that apple core Then as I returned to the win dow I witnessed an exciting tableau Inside and stole thither myself the couple had found Apparently to nothing to suit them and started Suddenly the salesleave the store and rqn man called to the floorwalker out from behind the counter are missing from “Two diamonds the tray he declared “Do you dare to Insinuate that we blustered them?” my man took “The Idea!” Bniffed the woman royally magnificent In her queenly scorn "You must Bubmit to a search” said the clerk firmly “You shall suffer for this Indignity!” cried the man the salesman They accompanied who was Joined by a lady clerk to retiring rooms I glided up to the spot stood at the counter where they had I slipped my fingers along the under edge of the show case The two suspects amo out of tha retiring rooms threatening but triumphant The missing gems had not been found “I shall start a Buit through my lawyer at once" said my man and moved towards the counter against which hls umbrella rested "Walt” I said and blocked hfs way "Examine that” I added extending the apple core to the astonished clerk “And that” and I handed a wad of floorwalker to the gum “What does this mean?” Inquired the salesman vaguely and then his eye rested on a sparkling eye of light Imbedded In the fruit At the same discovered moment the floorwalker the second gem In the gum which tha deft woman swindler had stuck on tha I had under rim of the counter where ' — found It The man turned red then white 1 woman fainted telephoned the The Its secreJewelers’ Board of Trade tary appeared In person then the poman willingly lice The to the trifle of the antique ring handsome Goldstein & Co offered salary apologies and an Increased with the one thousand dolHowever lars I followed my natural bent beI have man as secret service came a already told and married that pretty stenographer of course sympathizing (Copyright 1913 by W 3 Chapman) "I Am Certain of It” of wrong dopossible Imputation ing that may follow me” You see I remembered all about that missing antique ring In fact I knew the man who had stolen It At least I thought I did Aye I knew him twice! That is a strange thing to I mean: dissay — but even thrice! I was sure as I reflected that guised the sleek thief had twice before visoccasions after on store ited the which articles of value had been found any missing I am not much of a story teller but to look ahead a little my hard thinking assured me that I might make a That reflection led to good detective action I discovered my natural forte and that is why I have become a secret service man where I have an easy case about once a year plenty of time to work on it and good pay My first step was to go to the That was Jewelers’ Board of Trade where they kept the records of the trade and I knew mine would follow me The secretary was a bland I also I told my story old man I could see recited my suspicions that he was becoming interested In me “You think the man who palmed the missing antique ring today Is a eh?" he Inquired professional “I am certain of It” “And that yon would know him again?" “I Burely would See here” 1 cried ”1 noticed something peculiar He did not seem able to raise one hand higher than hls chest He tried to fleck away a grain of dust on hls cheek and I noticed him wince as thought It hurt him It was a peculiar motion Besides— hls eyes I am going to find that man” I continued desperately “I want to clear myself of any possible suspicion” “See here” said the secretary "I like your talk Nobody thinks of suspecting you for these robberies have event I want become an If you succeed :o say this however down the gang who are !n running of these guilty systematic peculations the Jewelers’ Board of Trade will pay vou a reward of one thousand do- llars" "I’m going to try forthwith What I said and the effort and earn It” I started to make first did was to CROWNING AN AFRICAN KING Would Not Enjoy Ruler Civilized In Way of Thle Ceremony Coronation customs of savage people make In curious plcturesqueness whal Contrast for lack In dignity with tha their ceremonial Instance coronation of a British king or the Induction of ductlon of President Wilson Into office The king was chosen from among the people by the elders and he was Tfeo selected for his wisdom of hls enthronement were Such that he required not only wisdom but also courage physical strength and a superb digestion The man’s first Intimation that he had been chosen by tbe elders was an onrush of the entlrq tribe —not to do him honor but to abuse and Insult him in every possible way would hurl opproblous They epithets at him curse him spit upon him pelt him with mud and beat him For they said from thle time on he could do all these things to them and they would be powerless to retaliate It was their last chance! They also reminded him of all hla fallings In graphic and minute particulars If the king survived this treatment he was then taken to the former king’s house where he was with the Insignia Invested solemnly of the kingly office In the shape of a silk hat No one except the king was to wear a silk hat permitted the Inauguration cereFollowing the people came and bowed mony before the new king In humble subwhile they praised him as mission enthusiastically as they bad reviled him Then he was fed and feted for a week during which time he was not permited to leave hls house but had to receive guests from all parts of hls dominion and eat with them ended he turned to ceremonies the comparatively easy and commonplace duties of hls kingly office This custom like many others has passed' Influence of civilizaunder the away tion — Robert H Milligan's “The Fetish Folk of West Africa” The up they we Betting Is a fool’s don't realize until argumentwe losei buf t |