The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-04-16

other vehicle was in as much ndste as
they were Their driver piled the whip TO
his horses and they plunged along the
road at a furious pace. kirby's fellow pas
senger put her head out of the side, and
looked back, though she could have seen
nothing 10 feet away in that pitchy dark
ness. If she did not see she must, how
ever, have heard that which gave her
alarm, for she uttered frightened cry,
turned to Kirby, and threw herself on him
putting her arms around his neck and
busting OUT crying and sobbing win hei
mead on his shoulder.
Now. my friend Kirby Smith Huston,
being a Kentuckian. man Of the world,
and having figured in many adventures IN
which the other sex was party, was not
of that kind that is easily ratified by sud
den and surprising developments, but this
hysterical explosion Of his fellow traveller,
coming 30 Unexpectedly, dumfounded him
for a minute. No man is going 10 hold his
nerve when strange, and, of course,
beautiful lady throws herself az him in the
dark, II being an infrequent occurrence
with most Of us But Kirby's early training
stood him in hand at this moment, and
after the shock was over, he gracefully
and chivalrously began TO soothe and quiet
her and help her to bear up in her be
reaVement, whatever the cause might be.
There. there" he said, between jOlts
all right. What's the matter? Tell me
that's a good glri."
She crept closer to him as though
wanting protection, and he put his arm
around her TO support her.
90. I'm afraid" she said. from where
her head was resting on his shoulder.
Afraid of what? Fear nothing; / am
with you" said Kirby, in facetiously
grandnoQuent way.
20. | know. But If he should catch
us?" she said.
Catch us?" said Kirby "He never
viii Hurry up thee" he yelled to the
driver, LAY it to en-
''You don't know him as 1 do she
said, between sobs,
That's no doubt true" Kirby acquiesc-
ed.
Hes terrible when he's mad"
as he? Then we may have some fun,
for" said he, under his breath, from
what | can see, and what l can guess, he
must be pretty mad now
The other wagon could not be heard
above the noise of their own progress,
but their driver feared not but what 1t
was continuing in pursuit, for he kept
on lashing his animals.
DO you think wen succeed?" she said,
after a pause.
Sure, easy" said Kirby though not in
the least surmising what it was they were
TO be successful in, only intent on quieting
his strange companion. Another pause;
then she said suddenly:
You won't desert me?"
Certainly not" said Kirby.
"Never?'
Never"
Promise" she said.
II promise said Kirby.
kiss me-" she whispered, turning her
face up to his. Although taken aback
it was not in him to refuse. He COM
piled very promptly, then fumbled in his
pocket for match. struck it, and what
he saw of her features, half hid In the
folds of his overcoat, must have been
very pleasing, for he kissed her again.
will say this, that she was pretty when
this occurred-four years ago.
I'm happy now" she said.
Are your
Eyes. I've got you. Oh but If he
catches us-hell shoot! You won't let him
shoot you will your"
Elmo. not If l can help it," said Kir-
by.
Hes awfully hot-tempered."
He must be"
Its cruel to leave him this way.
though"
"Who?"
why. papa" she said.
oh yes, yes. He don't want to be left,
does hep
continued Il wonder If you'n be good
TO me. VIII your"
See if l don't" said Kirby.
"Always?"
Kirby. my boy" he said to himself.
what have you got mixed up In this
time? Thisll be something for Chaplin"
Always" she repeated.
Sure Always. You can bet on me"
Il believe you" she said. do you
know, I've been a little afraid of you I'M
ill now. But now you seem so different.
feel as If l can trust YOU"
That's good" he said.
Eyes. You've changed, but it's the dan
ger has made you strong and fearless,
isn't it?"
Danger? Is there much danger?" said
Kirby.
IF he should overtake us" she said.
Is he a big MANI" asked Kirby, en-
deavoring to measure the probability of
an encounter and judge of his own chance
big MANI" she quered.
Yes. Is he handy?"
why who?"
Papa" he said
why you know. You saw him once.
Don't you remember? He's not so very
strong, you know but he'll shoot"
Op, SdlQ hHDy. lie WOulu TatneE pro-
long the situation as it was and was sat
isfied with guessing at many things. rath-
er than risk the danger of a change, with
its probable revelations, by too close ques-
tioling.
And all the while they were pounding
along steadily, and without pause, into
the black unknown ahead of them, the
rain and wind beating in their faces, so
that conversation was difficult unless the
speakers were close together. as were the
two passengers, with mouth TO ear. The
driver sat bent forward, peering ahead,
with cap drawn down, and coat collar
around his ears, continually urging on his
horses. When, as in mounting a hill or
where the sandy road made quick prog
ress impossible they slackened their pace
and the noise of their vehicle was dead
ened, they could hear, above the soft purr
of the wind and rain the rattle of wheels
and the pounding of hoofs in their rear
The pursuer did not seem to gain on them
but neither did he lag far behind. On
these occasions renewed terror would seize
the girl, she would cling closer to her
protector, end Kirby, as in duty bound,