n with a largeness of public spirit that was an impressive
lesson to the entire community.'

These were all points over which he and Mahaffy had wrangled, and he
felt that his friend, in seeking to keep him away from Belle Plain, was
standing squarely in his light. He really could not understand Solomon
or his objections. He pointed out that Norton had probably left a
will--no one knew yet--probably his estate would go to his intended
wife--what more likely? He understood Norton had cousins somewhere
in middle Tennessee--there was the attractive possibility of extended
litigation. Miss Malroy needed a strong, clear brain to guide her past
those difficulties his agile fancy assembled in her path. He beamed on
his friend with a wide sunny smile.

"You mean she needs a lawyer, Price?" insinuated Mahaffy.

"That slap at me, Solomon, is unworthy of you. Just name some one, will
you, who has shown an interest comparable to mine? I may say I have
devoted my entire energy to her affairs, and with disinterestedness. I
have made myself felt. Will you mention who else these cutthroats
have tried to browbeat and frighten? They know that my theories and
conclusions are a menace to them! I got 'em in a panic, sir--presently
some fellow will lose his nerve and light out for the tall timber--and
it will be just Judge Slocum Price who's done the trick--no one else!"

"Are you looking for some one to take a pot shot at you?" inquired
Mahaffy sourly.

"Your remark uncovers my fondest hope, Solomon--I'd give five years
of my life just to be shot at--that would round out the episode of the
letter nicely;" again the judge beamed on Mahaffy with that wide and
sunny smile of his.

"Why don't you let the boy go alone, Price?" suggested Mahaffy.
He lacked that sense of sublime confidence in the judge's tact and
discretion of which the judge, himself, entertained never a doubt.

"I shall not obtrude myself, Solomon; I shall merely walk out to Belle
Plain and leave a civil message. I know what's due Miss Malroy in her
bereaved state--she has sustained no ordinary loss, and in no ordinary
fashion. She has been the center of a striking and profoundly moving
tragedy! I would give a good deal to know if my late client left a
will--"

"You might ask her," said Mahaffy cynically. "Nothing like going to
headquarters for the news!"

"Solomon, Solomon, give me credit for common sense--go further, and give
me credit for common decency! Don't let