The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-06-25
CHAPTER III.
CONTINUED.

he meant by clever work was a most
atrocious method Of procedure, in.
volving the last degree of cruelty
short of murder, provided that such
cruelty should become necessary in
order to insure success in the enter
prise.
The cavaliers put on black cloth
masks as soon as they reached the
bluff overlooking the bay. 1t was
notusual for them to wear q disguise;
but this was an extraordinary exploit;
it called for every precaution. In
deed, a piece OF treachery scarcely,
eyer before heard OF, even among rob-
bers, was in this act nov to be done
BY the King of Honey Island. No
one OF the riders knew of this peculiar
phase of the matter, however, save
the king himself.
There was no hesitation, therefore,
and not q twinge of what q desperate,
s might call conscience. The plan was
carried out with p%romptness, pre-
cision aud success.
Before Vasseur was fairly awake:
he was bound hand and foot, and lay
on the floor absolutely helpless, gaz-
ing wildly at his assailants.
Fairfax, too, WAS surprised in his
bsd. He made vigorous resistance;
but it was of no use. -Four men, each,
as strong or stronger than he, cast
themselves upon him and quickly.
overpowered him, binding his arms
and legs with brutal disregard for;
sthe torture inflicted, and thrusting a,
gag between his teeth.
"I know you! I know you!"
screamed Vasseur, before his mouth
was stopped. ~ know you, Pierre
Rameau. You might just as we'll
take off that mask; it does not dis
guise you in the least. Alb, you
treacherous, soulless, perjured viii
la;n!"
4 The gag went in before he could
say more; but he lay on lis back AMI
cursed with his eyes.
Three Of the cavaliers were now
ssent out to keep watch. Some of the
! servants had been aroused, but they
were easily quoted; a word and the
sight of q gun OF a saber in the hand
of a tall masked man sent them shiv-
Sering and speechless into their cabins.
The work which the riders had
come to do was accomplished In a
very short space of time. Vasseur's
money and lis treasure OF precious
stones were soon found and taken;
but when the chief had examined the
latter he turned to Vasseur and said:
1.-The cross is not here. Where is
it?"
The man, being gagged, Of course
there was no answer; but the curses
were still flashing out of his eyes,
while his small. compact frame shook
with a passion that no cords could
bind.
After gazing through his mask for
q moment at tho grimacing counte,
anc of his victim, the chief of the
riders stopped and began to search
the fellows clothes. Vasseur strained
desperately trying to break the cords
that bound him, his fury fairly blaz-
ing from his dark face. Very de.
iiberately the robber continued his
quest till with a little start of salts
faction he laid hands on the worn
leather case containing the amethyst
cross.
At this moment Vasseur spit out
the gag with q great breath which sent
it across the room.
1Pierrs Rameau, You BASTARD" he
screamed in French. ''You faithless
and honorless hound! I'll kill you
for this--Ill track you-dog you
follow you forever, or kill you!"
The robber deliberately set his foot
upon the helpless mans mouth and
thus stopped his speech.
"Fetch here that gag he said to
one of his followers; but when he re-
moved. his foot and before the gag
could be used. Vasseur managed to
shriek:
'I will inform en- you-I will lead
government troops against you-Ill
have vengeance-Ill-"
Go out and mount; I'll come i'm
mediGteiy," SAID the chief to his men.
"Be ready to ride instantly"
He drew 4 pistol and leveled it Ct
yasseur, but checked himself almost
ID the act Of firing.
The four cay .iiers were mounted,
one of them holding the chiefs horse,
they waited impatiently in the rather
chill morning breeze, aud saw that o
faint touch Of dawn was whitening the
skyline Of the day.
Wheel at last the chief came forth.
he walked rapidly, and, mounting as
If in q mighty hurry, spoke the enc
word: "Come!" and galloped away.
None OF the cavaliers looked be-
hind; but if one had. he might have
seen a flicker of fire through the small
Eindow-holes Of Vasseur's house, aud
3 little later. fireplace was all aaame.
Doubtless, the chief, who was aware
that both Vasseur and Fairfax had,
H., 1h. occidental ol;nnino eoiIa oF b,o