Ottumwa tri-weekly courier., 1911-12-07
CHAPTER XVII.

In the fact of Betty's indignant pro-
test Slosson and the man named Bun
ker climbed into the carriage. 4,
Don't you be scared. ma am said
the tavern-keeper. who smelt strongly
of whisky. II wouldn't lift my hand
agin no good looking female except
in Kindness" .. w. ~. ~
How dare you stop my carriage?'
cried Betty, with very genuine anger
which for the moment dominated all
her feet, but Slosson put out heavy
hand and thrust her back s.k
There now" he urged soothinglN
ls..Why make fuss? We amt going TO
harm YOU; we wouldn't for nos sum of
money Drive on, Jim-driVe like
hell" This last was addressed to the
man who had taken Georges place on
the box, where fourth member of
Slosson's band had forced the coach
man down into the narrow space be-
tween the seat and dashboard, and
was holding pistol to his head while
Ehe sternly enjoined silence. f$
r With word to the horses Jim
swung about and the carriage rolled
o. through the night at breakneck
pace. Bettys shaking, hands drew
Hannibal closer to her side as she felt
1.-THE surge of her terrors rise within
her Who were these men--where
could they be taking her-and Cor what
purpose? The events of the past
weeks linked themselves in tragic Sc
quence in her mind. What was it she
had to fear? Was it Tom who had in
spired Norton's murder? Was it Tom
for whom these men were acting? Tom
who would profit greatly by her disap.
pearance or death!
They swept past the entrance at
Belle Plain, past break i'll the wall
OF the forest where the pale light of
stars showed Betty the corn-feld she
and Hannibal had but lately crossed,
and then on into pitchy darkness
again. She clung to the desperate
hope that they might meet the alarm.
She held herself in readiness for this.
but there was only the steady pounding
of the big bays as Jim with voice and
whip urged them forward. At last he
abruptly checked them, and Bunker
and Slosson sprang from their seats.
Get down. a'am!" said the latter.
where are you taking me?" asked
Betty, in voice that shook in spite
of her efforts to control it,.
You must hurry ma'am,' urged
Slosson impatiently
81 won't move until know where
YOU intend taking mep said Betty. IF
/ am to die"
Mr.. slosson laughed loudly and
iindnlgently. :. NJ " u III
You amt. If you don't want to
walk, I'm man enough 70 to tote you.
We amt far to go, and I've tackled
jobs I'd heap less heart fo' In my
time" he concluded gallantly From
the opposite side of the carriage Bun.
Fer swore nervously He desired to
know If they were to stand there talk
/ ing All night. Shut your filthy mouth
Bunker, ard see you keep tight hold OF
that young rip-staver,' said Slosson
He's a perfect ell--I've had dealings
with him before!"
"You tried to kill my Uncle Bob
at the tavern, you and Captain Murrell
/ heard you. and ] seen you drag him
; to the river!" cried Hannibal.
Slosson gave start of astonishment
at this.
why. amt he hateful?" he ex.
claimed aghast "See here, young fel-
Ter. that's no kind of way fo' you to
talk to man who has riz his ten
| children"
Again Bunker swore, while Jim told
Slosson to make haste. This popular
lclamor served to recall the tavern
keeper to sense of duty.
! "Maam, like should tote you. or
will you wak?" he inquired, and reach
ing out his hand took hold of Betty
| 'I'll walk" said the girl quickly,
shrinking from the contact
Keep close at my heels. Bunker.