The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1912-10-03
CHAPTER /.
The Price q a Kiss.

AeAA A0AA ~
OF the February evening. Inc
Jaded horses. exhausted with dragging
= cumbrous chariot through the miry
ianes and rugged by-roads OF the
rough moorland, obeyed the command
with promptttude, disregarding n
oaths or q couple OF serving men IN the
rumble. .>I
Keep stfll, unless you wish me to
blow out what you are pleased TO con-
alder your brains" said the highway
a MY pistols have an awkward
habit OF going on of their own accord
when / am not instantly ~obeyed-so
don't provoke them"
The position became as still as a
statue and the footnen, under cover
of the selfacting pistols, descended,
~grunbling but unresisting, yielded up
their rusty blunderbuss with q trans
parent show OF reluctance and with
drew to a respectful distance, while the
highwayman dismounted, opened the
carriage door and throwing he light
OF a lantern within, revealed the
shrinking forms OF w women muffled
m cioaks and hoods.
One OF them uttered a shrek OF ter
o when the door vas opened and in
coherently besought the highwayman
TO spare two lone, defenseless women.
The highwayman thrust his head in
and peered round eagerly, as though in
search OF other passengers. Then,
pulling off his SLOUGH brimmed hat, he
revealed q pair Of dark eyes that
cleaned fiercely from behind a mask,
and as much Of a bronzed end wealth
er-beaten face az 1t left uncovered.
Black hair, loosely gathered in a rib
bon and much disordered by wind and
rain, added considerably to the Wild
ness OF his aspect, and the uncertain
light OF the lantern fiickered upon sew
eral weapons besides the pistols he
carried 50 carelessly.
II shall not hurt you, madam" he ex-
claimed impatiently. Your money
and jewels are all 1 seek. 1 expected
to ind a very different booty here and
must hasten elsewhere lest I miss 1t
altogether by this COMPOUNDED mishap.
So let me advise you to waste neither
my time nor your own breath in USE
less lamentations, but hasten to hand
out your purses and diamonds"
We nave neither, Mr.. Highway
man" said the other lady in a clear,
musical voice, quite free from tremor.
II am 4 poor widow without a penny
IN the world, flying from my creditors
10 take refuge with Il relative almost
as poo as myself. This is my com
p~anion-alack for her! The wage I
owe her might make her passing rich
II ever 'twere patd-but it never will
be-"
dc poor widows travel in coach and
four with serving men n maids? ?" de-
manded the highwayman with an in
credulous laugh. Come, ladies, /
am well used TO these Do not
put me to the disagreeable necessity of
setting you down in the mud while /
search your carriage and, nayhap, your
fair selves"
The lady threw back her hooded
cloak, revealing a face and form of
rare beauty, and extended two white
hands and arms. bare to the elbow.
and entirely devoid OF ornament. In
one hand she held q little purse
through whose silken meshes glittered
a few pieces Of money.
This is all the money / have in the
wide world" she said, in a voice Of
pathetic sweetness. Take 1t, If you
will, and search for more If you think
1T worth while-and If you find any
thing, prithee, share it with mel"
But the highwayman scarcely heard
her. Through his mask his eyes were
fixed upon her beautiful face with a
deyouring admiration Of which she was
quite unconscious. Not that such an
expression would have seemed at all
extraordinary to her, or otherwise than
the natural tribute of any masculine
creature to the beauty she valued at
its full worth.
Keep your purse, Madame" he said,
and his voice had lose it's harshness:
II will take but one thing from you
something YOU will not miss, but that
a monarch might prize-a kiss from
those lovely lips"
IA kiss. rascal! Do you know VIVA
you ask?" She exclaimed, her sweet
ness vanishing in naughty anger.
Something I shall not miss, forsooth!
What can"
.'Oh! kiss him, Prue: kiss him and
let US be gone!" implored her COM
panion. we shall miss the mail
coach at the crossroads. and then
what VIII become Of u.s."
The highwayman leaned against the
open carriage door and watched the
struggling emotions pickering over the
face OF the widow. Anger and disgust
were succeeded by scornful mirths and
at last, with a gesture OF indescrtbably
naughty grace. she extended her hand,
palm downward.
My hand. Sir Highwayman," she
said loftily, has been deemed not I'M
worthy OF royal kisses!"
My plebeian lips would not venture
where a. kings have feasted." was the
knocking retort. But whoever in fu-
ture may kiss your lips must come aft
err Robin Freemantle, the highwayman.
So. sweet one, by your leave" He bent
suddenly over her and kissed her bold
~ on the scarlet blossom of her mouth.
she drew back, gasplng with anger
and amazement. How dare you" she
almost screamed. -
He stood a moment as If half daZed
by his own audacity, then closed the
carriage door and replaced his beaver
on hts head.
Good night, ladies' he cried in a
tone of reckless gaiety. "A pleasant
journey to London and a merry time
at court, and as it's all junketing on
an empty purse, accept mine In ex-
change for yours"
with which he flung a heavy wallet
little silken trife from Prue's hand,
sprang on hts horse and was quickly
lost in the gloom Of night.
.Insoient varlett" cried Prue pas
s~ionately. Would / were a man to
peat him to DEATH" And h burst
Into a. flood of angry tears.
console yourself, sweet cousin" said
her companion coaxingly. You have
saved our Jewels for the second time
today-frst .by outwitting a sheriff
and now by cajoling a highwayman.
After all, what Is a kiss? You have
just as many left. for Sir Godfrey as
YOU had before you were ROBBED ot
that one .-.
sThat is all very WELL" cried Prue,
half laughing and half fearful, but
how would you have liked 1t II II mad
happened 10 you?
Faith, Pm not sure i should nave
made such a fuss! After 30 n may
well Be- grateful for the kisses OF a
handsome young gallant--for ! could
zee he WAS young. and I'll warrant me