Morgan County republican., 1912-06-20
CHAPTER XIX.



the tavern-keeper, who smelt strongly
OF whisky. Il wouldn't lift my hand
agin no good-iooking female except
In kindness"
How dare you stop my carriageT
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
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
heil! 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
,, 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. Bettys 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.
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 cornf1eld 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
| 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 lat.
| ter.
Where are you taking me7" asked
Betty. in voice that shook in spite
Of her efforts to control 1t.
| Iou dul, uI6cO
Slosson impatiently.
II won't move until I know where
you intend taking mel" said Betty.
If l 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 Id heap less heart TO- In my
time" he concluded CALAMITY. From
the opposite side OF the carriage
Bunker swore nervously. He 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. He's perfect eel-lve
had dealings with him afore!"
You tried to Kill my Uncle Bob
at the tavern. you and Captain Muir
rell. heard you, and seen you drag
him to the river!" cried Hannibal.
Slosson gave start OF astonish.
ment at this.
why. amt he hateiul?" ne ex
claimed aghast. See here. youne
feller, that's no kind OF way TO you
| to talk to man who has riz his
| ten children!"
Again Bunker swore. while Jim told
Slosson to make haste. This popular
clamor served to recall the tavern
keeper to a sense OF duty.
"Ma'am, like l should tote you. Of
will you walk?" he inquired. anc
q reaching out his hand took hold o.
Betty.
IN walk" said the girl quickly
A shrinking from the contact
n Keep close at my heels. Bunker
4 you tuck along after her with th'
4 boy"
What about this nigger7" asket
d the fourth man.
Fetch him along with u.s." SAT-
!, Slosson. They turned from the roa'
4 while he was speaking and entered
narrow path that led on through tn
woods, apparently in the direction O
the river. A moment later Bett!
heard the carriage drive away. The,
I went onward In silence for q uttl
I time. then Slosson spoke over hi
shoulder.
{ Yes. ma'am. I've riz ten children
but none OF 'em was like him
!. trained 'em up to the minute!" Nj
Slosson seemed to have passed CON
II pleteiy under the spell OF his domei
y tic recoliections. for he continue
with Just a touch OF reminiscent sac
\ ness In his tone. There was all toi
four Mrs. Slossons: two OF 'em wa
South Carolinians. one was from Geol