The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-11-21

esDh,'' moaned Beverly, suddenly
: seaning against the fore wheel, her
eyes almost starting from her head.
The leader laughed quietly-yes, good
naturedly. .'oh, you won't-you won't
xiii us?'' She had time to observe that
there were smiles on the faces Of all
ahe men within the circle OF light.
.eRest assured, your highness,' said
the leader, leaning upon his rife bar
ne; with careless grace, 1--WE intend no
harm to you. Every man you meet in
Graustark is not brigand, l trust,
for your sake We are simple hunters,
and not what we may seem. It is
fortunate that you have fallen into
honest hands. There is some one in
ahe coach?' he asked, quickly alert. A
prolonged groan proved to Beverly that
Aunt Fanny had screwed up sufficient
courage to look out Of the window.
my o1a servant" she half whis-
nered. Then, as several Of the men
started toward the door: "But she is
old and wouldn't harm fly. Please,
please don't hurt her,.
Compose yours Elf; she is safe"
said the leader. By this time it was
quite dark. At word from him two
or three men lighted lanterns. The
picture was more weird than ever in
the ftful glow. May ask, your high
ness. Row do you intend to reach Edel-
weiss in your present condition? You
cannot manage those horses and, be-
sides, you do not know the way
Aren't you going to rob us?' de-
Enanded Beverly, hope springing to the
surface with a joyful bound. The
stranger laughed heartily and shook
his head.
ssDo we not look like honest men"
he cried, with a wave Of his hand to-
ward his companions. Beverly looked
dubious. 1--WE live the good, clean life
of the wilderness. Outdoor life is nee
essary for our health. We could no:
i've In the city," he went on, with grim
humor. For the first time Beverly no
ficed that he wore a huge black patch
over his left eye, held in place by
cord. He appeared more formidable
than ever under the light Of critical in
spection-
aI am very much relieved" said Bev-
erly. who was not at al rei;ered. But
why have you stopped us in lis mar
.aer:''
Stopped you~ criee TIE man with
ghe patch. 81 iciplore yor TO unsay
that, your highness. Your coacn was
quite at standstill before we knew Of
sts presence You do US grave In
justice"
.tIt's very strange" muttered Bever-
~, somewhat taken aback.
@Haye you observed that it is quite
Ozark" asked the leader, putting away
his brief show Of indignation
Dear me; so it isr cried she, now
able to think more clearly.
'.And you are miles from an Inn or
house Of any kind" he went on. ''Do
Eou expect 10 stay here al night"
e'm-Tm not afraid brave2y sl.iy-
cred Beverly.
1T is most dangerous.
<I have a revolver, .ae weak saitt1-::a
Foice went on.
"Oho! What is it for?'
1'To use in case of emergency
-Sncn as repelling b,igands who sud
denly appear upon the scene?''
3yes.''
MAY 1 ask why you did not use IT
his evening""
Because It is locked up in one Of ncy
bagsI Cont know just which one
and Aunt Fanny has the key confess
ed Beverly.
The chief Of tne .shonest men, laugh
ed again. clear, ringing laugh that be-
spoke supreme confidence in his right
TO enjoy himself.
4sAnd who is Aunt Fanny?" he asked,
covering his patch carefully with his
slouching hat.
My servant. She's colored.'
stColored?" he asked in amazement.
What do you mean?"
Why, she's negress. Don't you
know what colored person is?'
@.You mean she is a slave-a black
slayew
AWeS don't own slaves any mo-
more He looked more puzzled than
ever-then at last, to satisfy himself,
walked over and peered into the coach.
Aunt Fanny set up dismal howl. An
Instant later Sir Honesty was pushed
aside, and Miss Calhoun was anxiously
trying to comfort her old friend
through the window. The man looked
on liz silent wonder for minute and
then strobe of to where group Of his
men stood talking.