Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1912-02-16
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ESTABLISHED 1868.
Copyrght, 1914, The BobbsMerriH Company
CHAPTER XVII.
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In the lace VI Delly ihuiShahe PAN
test Slosson and the man named Bum
ker climbed into the carriage.
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 other emotions. She struggled to
her feet, but Slosson put out heavy
hand and thrust her back.
There now" he urged sooth!ngly.
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, where a fourth member
of Slosson's band had forced the coach
man down into the narrow space be-
tween the seat and the dashboard, and
was holding a 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
the surge of her terrors rise within
her. Who were these men-where
could they be taking her-and for what
purpose? The events Of the past
weeks linked themselves in tragic Sc
ouence in her mind. What was 1t she
had to fear? Was 1t Tom who had
inspired Norton's murder? Was 1t
Tom for whom these men were acting?
Tom who would profit greatly by her
disappearance 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 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 me?" asked
Betty, in a voice that shook in spite
of her efforts to control 1t.
You must hurry, ma'am," urged
Slosson impatiently.
81 won't move until know where
you intend taking me-" said Betty
IF am to die"
Mr.. Slosson laughed loudly and in
diligently.
You amt. If 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 a heap less heart TO in my
time" he concluded gallantly. From
the opposite side Of the carriage Bum
ker swore nervously. He desired to
know If they were to stand there talk
ing all night. shut your filthy mouth,
Bunker, and see you keep tight hold
of that young rip-staver," said Slos-
son. He's a perfect eel-I'ye had
dealings with him afore!"
You tried to kill my Uncle Bob-at
the tavern, you and Captain Murrell'
1 heard you, and seen you drag him
to the river!" cried Hannibal.
Slosson gave a start of astonishment
at this.
why, amt he hateful?" he ex-
claimed aghast. "See here, young fel-
Ter. that's no kind Of a way TO you
70 talk to a man who has riz 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 I should tote you, OF
will YOU walk?" he inquired, and
reaching out his hand took hold OF
Betty.
''rrl walk" said the girl quickly
shrinking from the contact.
Keep close at my heels. Bunker
YOU tuck along after her with the boy
What about this nigger?" asked the
fourth man.
Fetch him along with us" sale
Slosson. They turned from the roac
while he was speaking and entered
narrow path that led on through the
woods, apparently in the direction o.
the river A moment later Betty heard
the carriage drive away. They went
onward in silence for little time
then Slosson spoke over his shoulder
"Yes. ma'am, I've riZ ten childre!
but none of 'em was like him-l train
ed 'em up to the minute!" Mr.. Slos'
son seemed to have passed complete
lv under the spell of his domestic
recollections, for he continued witt
lust a touch Of reminiscent sadness
IN his tone. There was all told foul
Mrs. Slossons; two of 'em was Soutf
CarolinianS, one was from TeorSia
and the last was a widow lady out o
Fast Tennessee. Shed buried three
husbands, ard figured that we coul'
start perfectly even." The intrinsic
fairness of this start made it's stron,
appeal. Mr.. Slosson dwelt upon i
with satisfaction. "She had three u
her credit, had three to mine; neithe
could crow none over the other"
AS they stumbled forward through
the thick obscurity he continued nj
personal revelations, the present en-
terprise having reused whatever Their
was of sentiment in his slumberin'
soul. At last they came out on
wide bayou; a white mist hung abov
II, and on the low shore leaf ant
branch were dripping with the nigh
dews. Keeping close to the water
edge. Slosson led the way to poin
where a skiff was drawn up on tn
bank.
Step in, ma'am," he said. when n
had launched 1t.
Il will go no farther" said Bett