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

NDh," moaned Beverly, suddenly
seaning against the fore wheel, her
eyes almost starting from her head.
The leader laughed Qaietly-yes, good
naturedly. ooh, you won'-you won't
Kill us?'' She had time to observe that
there were smiles on the faces Of all
the men within the circle Of light.
.sRest assured, your highness," said
Che leader, leaning upon his rife bar
eel with careless grace, I'VE 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
She 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.
.sMy old servant" she half whis-
nered. Then, as several Of the men
started toward the door: 1'But she is
old and wouldn't harm fly. Please,
please don't hurt her"
ACompose yourself; 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. bew 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-
gnanded 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"
ne 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 not
live In the city," he went on. with grim
humor. For the first time Beverly no
ficed that he wore huge black patch
over his left eye, held in place by a
cord. He appeared more formidable
than ever under the light of critical in
speetion.
.I am very much relieved" said Bev-
eriv. who was net at al relieved. But
why have you stopped US in this man
aeTg
Stopped you?" cried the man with
ae patch q ;mplore you TO unssy
that, your nighness. Your coach was
quite at a standstill before we knew Of
SITS presence. You do us a grave In
Justice"
ats very strange" muttered Bever-
", somewhat taken aback.
esHave you observed that it is quite
dark" 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 mfles from an inn or
house Of any KIND" he went on. 'Do
sou expect TO stay here ali night:"
'f'm--I'm not AFRAID. bravely shiy-
cred Beverly.
1T is most dangerous,
<7 have d revolver, aae weak 4t-!o
Foice went on.
-.Oho, What is it for?''
@'To use in case Of emergency"
~Such as repelling brigands who sud
denly appear upon the scene?"
.Yes.'
MAY ask why you did not use it
this evening""
Because it is locked up in one Of nay
bags-I cont know just which one
and Aunt Fanny mas the key" confess
ed Beverly.
The chief Of the ''honest men" laugh
ed again. clear, ringing laugh that be-
spoke supreme confidence in his right
20 enjoy himself.
..And who is Aunt Fanny" he asked,
covering his patch carefully with his
slouching hat.
@'My servant. She's colored.''
s'Colored?'' he asked in amazement.
What do you mean?'
why, she's a negress. Don't you
Enow what a colored person is?'
eEYou mean she is a slave-a black
slave?'
@We7 don't own slaves any mo-
more lie looked more puzzled than
evg-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 In silent wonder for minute and
then strobe off to where group Of his
men stood talking.
rs yo' daid yit, Miss Bev'ly-is de
end came?" moaned Aunt Fanny. Bey-
erly could not repress smile.
II am cGite alive, auntie. These men
will not burt US. They are very nice
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