The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1912-01-17
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go long dar!" cried George, and
struck them with his whip, but the
horses only reared and plunged.
Hold on, you nigger!" said rough
voice out of the darkness.
what yo' doin'?" the coachman
gasped. Don yo' know dis de Belle
Plain carriage? Take yo' hans often
dem bosses bits!"
Two men stepped to the side of the
carriage.
"Show your light, Bunker" said
the same rough voice that had spok-
en- before Instantly a hooded. Ian
tern was uncovered, and Hannibal ut
tered a cry of terror. He was look
ing into the face of Slosson, the tav-
ern keeper.
CHAPTER XIV.
Prisoners.
In the face of Betty's indignant pro-
test SlossOn and the man named
Bunker climbed into the carriage.
Don't you be scared, ma'am," said
the tavern keeper, who smelt strongly
of whisky. 81 wouldn't lift my hand
agin no good looking female except
in kindness"
How dare you stop my carriage?"
cried Betty, with very genuine an
ger which for the moment dominated
all her other emotions. She struggled
to her feet, but Slosson put out a
heavy hand and thrust her back.
"There now" he urged soothingly.
"Why make 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, while 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
he sternly enjoined silence.
With a word to the horses, Jim
swung about and the carriage rolled
off through the night at breakneck
pace. Betty's shaking hands drew
Hannibal closer to her side as she felt
1f hnr ~ urit1. IL,
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 it she
had to fear? Was it Tom for whom
these men were acting? Tom who
would profit greatly by her disappear
ance 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 corn field 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 alb
ruptly checked them, and Bunker and
Slosson sprang from their seats.
Get down, ma'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 mel" said Betty. "If
am to die"
Mr.. Slosson laughed loudly and in
"You amt. If you don't want to
walk, Pm 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. He desired
to know if they were to stand there
talking all night. Shut your filthy
mouth, Bunker, and see you keep tight
hold of that young rip-staver," said
Slosson. Hes perfect eel-Ive had
dealing with him before!"
You tried to kill my Uncle Bob-at
the tavern, you and Captain Murrell.
heard you, and seen you drag him
10 the river!' cried Hannibal.
Slosson gave start of astonish-
nent at this.
Why, amt he hateful?" he ex-
claimed aghast See here, young fell
err, that's no kind of way fo to take
o man who has riz his ten chill
lren!"
Again Bunker swore, while Jim told