The state herald. (Holyoke, Logan County, Colo.) 1887-1921, 1912-07-12

| all her other emotions She struggled
to her feet but Slosson put out
heavy hand and thrust her back
There now" he urged soothngly.
| why make a fuss? We amt going
to harm you; we wouldn't for no 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 a fourth member
OF Slosson's band had forced the
coachman down into the narrow space
between the seat and dashboard, and
was holding pistol to his head while
he sternly enjoined silence
With a word to the horses Jim
swung about and the carriage rolled
of through the night at a breakneck
pace. Betty's shaking hands drew
Hannibal closer to her side as she
felt the surge OF her terrors rise with
In her, Who were these men-whero
could they be taking her-and Tor
what purpose? The events of the past
week linked themselves in tragic Sc
quence In her mind. What was 1t
she had to fear? Was It Tom for
whom these men were acting? Tom
who would profit greatly by her dis
appearance or DEATH
They swept past the entrance at
Belle Plain. past break in the wall
OF the forest where the pale light OF
stars showed Betty the corniield she
and Hannibal had but lately crossed,
and then on into pitchy darkness
again. She chung to the desperate
hope that they might meet some one
on the road, when she could cry out
and give 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 abb
ruptly checked them. and Bunker and
Slosson sprang from their seats.
Get down. ma'aml" said the lat
ter.
Where are you taking me?" asked
Betty. in a voice that shook In spite
OF her efforts to control IT,
You must hurry. maam." urged
Slosson impatiently
u won't move until know where
you intend taking mel" said Betty
III am to die"
Mr.. Slosson laughed loudly and In
diligently.
You amt. II you don't want to
walk. I'm man enough TO to tote you.
We amt far to go. and I've tackled
Jobs I'd heap less heart TO In my
time" he concluded calamity. From
the opposite side OF the carriage
Bunker swore nervously. lie desired
TO know II they were TO stand there
talking all night. shut your iilthy
mouth. Bunker. and see you keep tight
hold of that young rip-stayer." said
Slosson. He's a perfect oel-i'ye
had dealings with him aforei"
You tried to Kill my Uncle Bob
AT the tavern. you and Captain Muir
rell. heard you. and seen you drag
him to the riyerl" cried Hannibal
SlosHon gave a start OF astonlsh.
ment Mt this.
why. nint he hnteful?" he OK
claimed nghast. Sec here, young
Teller. that's no kind OF way To- you
10 talk to man who has RIG his
ten childrenl"
Again Bunker swore. while Jim told
Slosson 10 make haste. This popular
clamor served TO recall tho tavern.
keeper To a sense OF duty
"Nin'nm. like / should tote you. or
VIII you walk he inquired. ana
reaching out his hand took hold OF
Betty.
I'm walk" faid the girl quickly.
shrinking from the contact
Keep close at my heels. bunker.
YOU tuck along after her with tho
boy"
What about this nlgEcry" asked
the fourth man.
Fetch him along with u.s. said
Sloason, They turned from the road
while be was speaking ana entered a
narrow path that led on through the
woods. apparently In the direction OF
the river A moment later notty
heard the carriage drive away. rhey
vent onward In silence for littio
lime. then sloanon spoke over his
shoulder
Yes. ma'nm, I've ria ten children.
but none Of EN- was like him
trained en- up 10 the minutc'" Mr..
slosHon seemed 10 have passed com.
pleicly under the spell OF his domca.
tic reoolleclions. for he continued
with just touch Of reminiscent uad.
ness IN hla tone There was all told
four Mrs. soaHona; two Of EN- was
South CAroliniAnH. one was from ueor.
I Gin and the last was widow lady
out Of east Tennessee Shed buried
three husbands. and I figured No
could start perfectly even" The IN.
trinaie fairness OF this start made itu
strong appeal Mr. slosson dweit up.
on II with satisfaction. "Hhe mad
three &C. her credit, had three 20
mine. neither could crow none over
the other"
rro nn coHTfguEDl