The Red Cloud chief., 1912-07-11

all her other emotions. She struggled
to her feet. but Slosson put out
heavy hand and thrust her back
There now" he urged soothingly.
why make fuss? We amt goin3
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 word to the horses Jim
swung about and the carriage rolled
of through the night at 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 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 a 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 clung to the desperate
hope that they might meet some one
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 lat.
ter.
Where are you taking me?" asked
Betty. in voice that shook in spite
Of her efforts to control 1t.
You must hurry. ma'am." urged
Slosson tmpatiently.
Il won't move until I know where
you intend taking mel" said BETTY
II / 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 60. and I've tackled
jobs I'd heap less heart TO In my
time." he concluded gallantly, 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 filthy
mouth. Bunker. and see you keep tight
hold OF that young rip-staver." said
Slosson. Hes perfect eel-l've
: had dealings with him afore!"
You tried to kill my Uncle Hob
|. at the tavern. you and Captain Muir
!. rell. heard you. and seen you drag
.. . him to the river!" cried Hannibal
Slosson gave q start OF astonish
;. ment at this.
why. amt he hateful?" he ex
; claimed aghast. See here. youna
I feller. that's no kind OF way TO you
to talk to a man who has riz hts
ten children!"
II Again Bunker swore, while Jim told
SlOsson to make haste. This popular
ciamor served to recall the tavern
keeper to q sense or duty
4 "Ma'am, like | should tote you. Of
will you walk?" he inquired. anC
a reaching out his hand took hold o.
Il Betty.
I'll walk" said the girl quickly
shrinking from the contact.
4 Keep close at my heels. Bunker
d you tuck along after her with tht
boy"
What about this nigger?" asked
q the fourth man.
= Fetch him along with u.s." sait
T. Slosson. They turned from the roal
+ while he was speaking and entered ,
4 narrow path that led on through tn,
n woods. apparently In the direction o
the river. moment later Bett,
;. heard the carriage drive away. The!
went onward In silence for iittl'
time. then Slosson spoke over hi
\ shoulder
i Yes. ma'am. I've riz ten children
but none of 'em was like him
J trained 'em up to the minute!" MI
- SlOSSOn Seemeu 10 nave passeu con-
pletely under the spell OF his domes
" tic recollections. for he continues
with Just touch OF reminiscent sad
ness in his tone. There was all toll
4 four Mrs. Sioss0ns: two OF 'em wa
NJ South Carolinians. one was from Geol
N gia. and the last was q widow lad
n out OF east Tennessee. Shed burte
u three husbands. and figured W
could start perfectly even" The IN
trinsic fairness OF this start made It
strong appeal. Mr.. Slosson dweit "
ON It with satisfaction. "She ha
three to her credit. l had three t
mine: neither could crow none owe
II the other"
II (To BE cONTINuEDl