The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-09-26
BY LEON LEWIS.
CHAPTER xII-(Continued.D

CHAPTER XII-(Continued.e
The driver mounted his box again
and pulled away into darkness ant
solitude that was almost phenomenal
soon leaving the river far behind him.
A quarter OF an hour later, In a deep
narrow ravine, the travellers suddenl,
encountered q tree which had beel
felled across the road in such way a.
to prevent their passage.
GWhat does this mean?" asked Perry
noting the nature of the obstructive.
at means that the stage was held VI
here q day or two ago." replied tn
driver, Sand that no one has cared t,
take the trouble Of cutting away tha
tree. We shall have to 60 around it."
~Push on, then"
It was easier said than done, the car
Iiage having to back score Of yards be
fore 1t could get out Of the ravine, bu
St length, after great deal Of swearing
and fourishing Of his lantern, the drivel
got clear Of the difficulty, and drew ou
into curve almost at right angles will
his previous one
At the end of another quarter Of al
she midst Of group Of armed men whit
the center Of Q dense forest, and ha(
tindled 8 huge fire, around which they
we're gathered.
why do you stop here, driver?" asked
Perry, as the carriage came to Q halt
Because we are not going any farther
IN this direction" was the answer
~Your name is Perry Wynans, is it not?'
~What has that to do with our jour
pey?" asked Perry, after moments
hesitation. 'arr .s'.,>-, .-'
"a great deal, sir. Are You not Mr..
Wynsns?" ...... ...
II am, II the matter concerns you,
answered Perry in tone Of annoyance.
u was sure I could not be mistaken,
declared the driver. 1You came West
on the same train with Jerry SkiddeI
and his brother"
This remark, under the circumstances,
was In the highest degree suggestive.
~What has all this to do with our jour.
ney to Musselshell?" asked Perry, look.
ing out anxiously upon the evil-looking
faces by which the carriage was now
surrounded. - .......
"a great deal, Mr.. Wynans, (" answered
the. driver. sLet me come to the point.
You are Perry WyEans, and this young
lady is Ellie Tower, the cousin of Daisy
Skidder. You think you are on your
way to the mines you bought some
years ago of Hiram Skidder AID Charles
Tower" ....s 49, -
4 aWeil9" queried Perry, impatiently.
SWell," avowed the driver, pushing
back his hat from his forehead and I'M.
buttoning his coat "you arc not on your
way to Musselshell but you have fallen
into the hands Of man who has the
best OF reasons for holding fast to you.
Permit me to introduce myself, as you
have doubtless heard Of me. My name
Is Sam Gaddler, at your service"
The villain inclined himself with mock
politeness appearing to enjoy the sup
pressed scream of terror which came
3rom Mrs Rankle, the sbreathless stare
OF Ellie, and the violent start Of Perry.
an word, Mr.. Wynans," added the
jubilant plotter, u have been Informed
by telegraph OF your proposed advent
into our midst, and have taken my meas
ures accordingly. You and Miss Tower,
with the old woman, are now my pris-
pners"
sWhat are your intentions?" de-
manded Perry after brief but painful
silence. '.
aMy intentions are to take you to se-
cure place have in readiness, answered
Gaddler, @and these men will bear Us
company, taking care that you do not
make your escape This is all need to
Say at present. We shall 60 into camp
for rest and sleep in the morning, and /
may then give you further information. 1"
Turning to his men he added:
~Fsll in, boys. Well get under way. I"
No time was lost in complying with
this order, and in another minute the
carriage had resumed progress, with q
new driven on the box and half dozen
armed ruffians on horseback around 1t.
We need not say what were the feel
tngs Of the travellers. They realized that
they were in terrible situation.