Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1906-12-07

"Oh," moaned Beverly. suddenl,
leaning against the fore wheel, he
eyes almost starting from her head
The leader laughed quietly-yes. gooC
naturedly. "Oh. you won't-you won
kill us?" She had time to observe tina
there were smiles on the faces of al
the men within the circle of light.
"Rest assured, your highness," sale
the leader, leaning upon his rife bar
rel with careless grace, I'VE intend NJ
harm to you. Every man you meet IL
Graustark Is not a brigand, trust
for your sake. We are simple hunters
and not what we may seem. 1t II
fortunate chat you have fallen int
honest hands. There is some one II
the coach?" he asked, quickly alert A
prolonged groan proved to Beverly thai
Aunt Fanny had screwed up sufficient
courage to look out Of the window.
"My old servant she half whis
pered. Then, as several of the mer
started toward the door: "But she is
old and wouldn't harm a fly. Please
please don't hurt her."
Compose yourself; she is safe.
said the leader. By this time 1t was
quite dark. At word from him two
or three men lighted lanterns. The
picture was more weird than ever In
the fltful glow. MAY ask. your high
ness. how 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-
manded Beverly. hope springing to the
surface with a joyful bound. The
stranger laughed heartily and shook
his head.
''Do we not look like honest men? 2"
he cried. with wave of his hand to-
ward his companions. Beverly looked
dubious. I'VE 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
ticed that he wore Il huge black patch
over his left eye. held in place by n
cord. He appeared more formidable
than ever under the light of critical in
spectlon.
81 am very much relieved" said Bev-
erly. who was not at all relieved. "But
why have you stopped Us in this man
nerY
stopped youP' cried the man with
the patch. II implore you to unsay
that, your hlghness. Your coach was
quite at a standstill before we knew Of
Its presence. You do us a grave in
justice"
"It's very strange" muttered Bever-
ly, somewhat taken aback.
Have you observed that 1t Is quite
dark" asked the leader. putting away
his brief show Of Indignation.
Dear me; so 1t Isl cried she, now
able to think more clearly.
And you are miles from an inn or
house of any kind" he went on. "Do
you expect to stay here all nlght?'
"Pm-rm not afraid" bravely shiv-
cred Beverly.
"lt Is most dangerous"
IL have revolver" the weak little
voice went on
"Ohol What is 1t for?"
"To use In case of emergency"
"Such as repelling brignnds who sud
denly appear upon the sceneY"
"Yes."
"May | ask why you did not use it
this nVnpiuogu
Because II is locked up In one Of my
bags-I don't know Just which one
and Aunt Fanny has 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
TO enjoy himself.
"And who is Aunt Fanny?" he asked,
covering his patch carefully with his
slouching hat
My servant. She's colorol."
"Color,lT he asked in amazement
"What do you meany
"Why, she's Il negrcss. Don't you
know what colorel person iSg'
"Nou mean she is a slave-a black
slave?"
I'VE don't own slaves any mo-
more" lie looked more puzzled than
ever-thcu at last, TO satisfy himself.
walked over ana pcered into the coach.
Aunt Fanny set up a dismal howl. An
instant later Sir Honesty was pushed
aside, and Miss Calhoun was auxlously
trying TO comfort her old friend
through the window. The man looked
ON in silent wonder for minute and
then strobe of to where group Of his
men stood talking
is yo' daid yit, Miss Bevly-is de
end came" moancd Aunt Fanny. Bev-
erly could not rcpress smile.
IL am Qui-e alive, auutie. These men
will not hurt us. They are very nice
gentlemen" She uttered the last OBJ
servatiou in loud voice and It had
its effect, for the leader came to her
side with long strides.
Convince your servant that we mean
no harm. NDur hIgluNss a" ht, sail gov