Mower County transcript., 1901-10-02
CHAPTER VIII.
Copyright. 1897, by Harper & Brothers.

ON THE PLATEAU. ..
- N, on we sped, under starlight,
over stony pike, steel shod
~ hoofs striking fire on finty
stones, snake fences writh-
ing, trees dancing in sem1circle about
those beyond. We dashed over wooden
bridges; we splashed through shallow
streams; we dipped into hollows and
tilted over crests, while now and again
some startled bird stretched it's wings
and went whirring into the forest.
On my right rode Tom Jaycox, hold
ing my bride rein, his ugly face turned
always toward me. Every crime mold
ed feature-his cold, steel eye, his knit
ted, overhanging brows-spoke one
word, "Vengeancew On the other side
galloped man, long, lean, hungry,
grinding uneasily on quid. did not
know his name, but memory brought
me picture Of that same face lighted
by shotguns flashing in the night.
Our breakneck speed lasted till we
had put some miles between us and the
plantation; then we slackened our pace
had partly recovered their wind, then
struck trot. 1t was immaterial to me
at what gait we moved. thought only
Of my approaching end. Surely it could
not be far distant. Why did it not
come at once? A pistol ball, a club
anything is enough to take life. Then
I shuddered as the thought struck me
that was to be kept for more linger-
ing death.
We were passing between a range Of
hills on our left and the Cumberland
plateau on our right wien Jaycox drew
rein, and we all came to halt. There
was sound of horses hoofs behind,
coming at a brisk canter, but no sooner
had we stopped than the sounds ceased.
Both the men listened until all was 81
lent, then Jaycox started on.
"All right, Pete," he said. "Whoever
it is has either stopped or left the
road"
."Some un goin home late, reckon"
We proceeded on our way, but had
gone scarcely a quarter Of a mile when
we again heard the hoof beats in our
rear. Again we pulled up and listened.
''By gosh, Tom," said Pete, tibet
beats mep'
"Shet upv'
Both listened, waiting to hear the
sounds renewed, but as they were not
we started on. For the second time the
hoof beats recommended and this time
a little nearer
''We must git outen this" said Jay
cox. Let's take ter the hills here in
stead O. furder on"
TurniHg to the right, we passed
through timber, beginning a gradual
ascent Of the plateau. ,Jaycox rode
ahead, holding my bride rein, while
Pete followed, revolver in hand.
Who were on the road I knew no
more than my abductors, but as a
drowning man will catch at a straw l
cast about for some method of letting
them know of our depression. Bending
low in the saddle, peered through the
gloom, watching for something with
which to produce sound, for my gag
prevented my shouting, and a shout
would have brought punishment. Com
ing upon fat rock, by a pressure of
the knees / guided my horse over it,
but it was too firmly imbedded to be
moved. Soon after I encountered an
other right on the edge Of the trail.
Digging my heels into my horses
danks and forcing my body out Of
equilibrium, forced him to prance. A
vigorous pull on my bride rein by
Jaycox saved him from going over the
incline, carrying me with him. But
had accomplished my purpose. l heard
the stone go crashing down the noun
tain. %
''You Internal dog" cried the man in
the rear, 'ef yer do thet ag'in I'll run
a knife atwixt yer shoulders!'
EFF he does it ag'in, yer needn't trou-
BILE yerself ter stick him. The fall 'ud
finish him."
Higher, higher, we mounted, farther
from the dark plain below, upon which
here and there shone a lonely light;
nearer to the patches of fleece in the
heavens and the stars looking down
from above. Then came faint light
in the sky and a gray tinge over the
country below. Woods, streams, fields,
houses, barns, grew out Of the darkness.
The light broadened;, there were gilded
clouds in the east; the sun cast it's first
beams over the heights and upon the
landscape below. We had reached the
upper level; we were on the plateau. +.
Espying a log house ahead. the men
consulted and determined to try for
some breakfast. They took the gag
out Of my mouth, and as soon as was
free to speak, anxious to be at once put
beyond suffering and the terrible sus-
pense of an impending murder, / cried:
"You dogs! You towards! You're
going to kill me! Why do you delay r.
They looked at each other knowingly
and grinned--a horrible, soulless grin.
DO ye reckon yer goin ter git ter
heaven without payin fo' th' damage ye
done? snarled Jaycox, with an ugly
light in his eye. s'=. =. s.sz @ Il
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