The Lamar register., 1912-06-26
CHAPTER XIX.
Prisoners.

Don't you be scared, ma'am," said
the tavern-keeper. who smelt strongly
of whisky. II wouldn't lift my hand
ag'in no good-looking female except
in kindness"
How dare you stop my carriage?"
cried Betty. with a very genuine an
ger which for the moment dominated
all her other emotions. She struggled
to her feet. but Slosson put out q
heavy hand and thrust her back.
There now" he urged soothingly.
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 a pistol to his head while
he sternly enjcIned 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-where
could they be taking her-and for
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 1t 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 q break in the wall
Of the forest where the pale light OF
stars showed Betty the cornfield 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
ruptiy checked them. and Bunker and
Slosson sprang from their seats.
Get down. AA'ami" said the lat
ter.
where are you taking met" asked
Betty. In q voice that shook in spite
of her efforts 70 control II.
You must hurry. ma'am." urged
Slosson impatisatly.
Il won't move until I know where
you intend taking mol" said Betty.
IF 1 am to de-
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 70 20. and I've tackled
Jobs I'D . heaD less heaBt TO in my
time." he concluded calamity. From
the opposite saAe Of the carriage
Bunker swore nsrvously. He desired
to :.now II they were to stand there
talking all night Shut your flthy
mouth. Bunker. md So you keep tight
hold OF that yo1nS rip-staver." said
Slosson. Hes . perfect eel-l've
had dealings WITH him afore!"
You tried 70 kiIl my Uncle Bob
at the tavern. you and Captain Muir
eli. heard yea, and 1 seen you drag
Lin to the rivsei" cried Hannibal.
Slosson gave Q start OF astonish-
ment at this.
why. amt - Aateful?" he ex-
claimed aghasG see here. youns
Teller. that's no Etnd OF . way To- 20,
to talk to . AAA who has rig his
ten chiidreni"
Again Bunker swore, while Jim tolc
Slosson to make haste. This popula.
clamor served - recall the tavern
keeper to q sense Of duty.
"Ma'am, like should tote you.
will you walkfs he inquired, all.
reaching out has hand took hold o.
Betty.
I'll walk" std the girl quickly
shrinking from tAs contact.
Keep close Ct my heels. Bunker
you tuck along AFTER her with til,
boy"
What about this nigger?" asked
the fourth man.
Fetch him along with u.s." saio
Slosson. They turned from the road
while he was speaking and entered a
harrow path that led on through the
woods, apparently in the direction O.
the river. A moment later Betty
heard the caxr1aOe drive away. They
went onward n silence for a little
time. then sloasoa spoke over his
shoulder.
Yes. ma'am, rvs ris ten children.
hut