Putnam patriot., 1912-04-12

only the steady pounding of the big bays as Jim with voice and whip urged them forward. At last be ab- ruptly checked them, and Bunker and Slosson sprang from their seats.
 Get down. maam," said the lat ter.
 Where are you taking me?F asked Betty, in a voice that shook in spite of her efforts to control it.
 You must hurry, maam,' urged Slosson impaciently
 T won't move until know where you intend taking mel" said Betty. If I am to die
 Mir. slosson laughed loudly and in- diligently.
 You aint. If you don't want to walk, I'm man enough fo' to tote you. We ain't far to go, and I've tackled jobs I'd a heap less heart fo' in my time," he concluded gallantIy. From the opposite side of the carriage Bunker swore neryously. He desired to know If they were to stand there
  mouth, Bunker, and see you keep tight hold of that young rip-staver." said Slosson. Hes a perfect eel-Ive had dealings with him sforel"
 You tried to kill my Uncle Bob at the tavern. you and Captain Mur- rell. heard you, and seen you drag him to the river!" cried Hannibal.
 .~f 0tan ment at this.
 Why. ain't he hsteful?" he ex- claimed aghast. See here, young feller. that's no kind of way fo' you to talk to q man who has rig his ten children!"
 Again Bunker swore. while Jim told Slosson to make haste. This popular clamor served to recall the tavern keeper to sense of duty.
 "Ma'am, like 1 should tote you, or will you walk?" he inquired. and reaching out his hand took hold of Betty.
 "I'n 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," said Slosson. They turned from the road while he was speaking and entered narrow path that led of through the woods, apparently in the direction of 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 rig ten children, but none of 'em was like him-i trained 'em up to the minute!" Mir. Slosson seemed to have passed com pletely under the spell of his domes- tic recollections. for he continued with just touch of reminiscent sad ness in his tone. There was all told four Mrs. Blossoms: two of 'em was South Carolinians. one was from Geor- gia, and the last was . widow lady out of east Tennessee. Shed buried three husbands. and l figured we could start perfectly even" The in- trinsic fairness of this start made its strong appeal. Mr. Slosson dwelt up on 1t with satisfaction. She had three to her credit, had three to mine: neither could crow mono over the other"
 As they stumbled forward through he ho aA 10 personal revelations. the present en- terprise having reused whatever there was of sentiment slum mbering in his soul At last they came out on . wide bayou; a white mist hung above 1t, and on the low shore leaf and branch were dripping with the night dews. Keeping close to the waters edge Slosson led the way to point where a skin was drawn up on the bank.
 Step in, ma'am," he said, when he had launched it.
 "I will go no farther!" said Betty in desperation. She felt an over mastering fear, the full horror of the unknown lay hold of her, and she gave piercing cry for help. Slosson swung about on his heel and seized her For moment she struggled to escape, but the mans big hand pinioned her
 No more of that!" he warned, then he recovered himself and laughed. You could yell till you was black in the face, ma'am, and there'd be no one to hear you"
 Where are you taking me?" and Bettys voice faltered between the sudden sobs that choked her.
 Just across to George Hicks's."
 For what purpose?"
 You'll know in plenty of time" And Slosson leered at her through the darkness.
 Hannibal is to go with me?" asked Betty tremulously.
 ssGuraiu apraed GlOaeon afYahiy