The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1912-10-03
CHAPTER /.
The Price Of a Kiss.

lanes and rugged by-roads Of the
rough %moorland, obeyed the command
with ~promptitude, d~isregarding the
lash of the postboy and the valiant
rumble.
Keep still, unless you wish me to
blow out you are pleased to con-
slider your brains," said the highway
a MY pistols have an awkward
habit of going off Of their own accord
when l am not instantly obeyed-so
don't provoke them"
The position became as still as a
statue and he footmen, under cover
of the selfacting pistols, descended,
grumbling but unresisting, yielded up
their rusty blunderbuss with a trans
parent show of reluctance and with
drew to a respectful distance, while the
h~ighwayman dismounted, opened the
carriage door and throwing the light
of a lantern within, revealed the
shrinking forms of two women muffled
in cloaks and hoods.
One of them uttered a Shrek of ter
ror when the door was opened and in
co~herently 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 a pair of dark eyes that
CLEANED fiercely from behind a mask,
sNid sS u VI d olld
er-beaten face as it 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 fickered upon sew
eral Weapons besides the pistols he
carried so careleSsly.
Il shall not hurt you, madam" he ex-
claimed impatiently. Your money
and jewels are all 1 seek. 1 expected
10 find a rarH- n ice rant Io~tr l1~1 ,al
must hasten elsewhere lest 1 miss it
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 have neither. Mr.. Highway
man. said the other lady in a clear,
musical voice, quite free from tremor.
Il am a poor widow without a penny
in the world, flying from my creditors
as poor as myself. This is my COM
panion-alack for her! The wage I
owe her might make her passing rich
If ever 'twere paid-but it never will
be-"
DO poor widows travel in coach and
four with serving men and maids?" de-
manded the highwayman with an in
edulou laugh. Come, ladies', I
am well used to these excuses. Do not
put me to the disagreeable necessity of
- SN NoNI ~ lIC Jltun i
search your carriage and, mayhap, 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 In
one hand she held a little purse
through whose silken meshes glittered
q few pieces of money.
This is all the money I have in the
wide world she said in a I-nica Of
pathetic sweetness. Take it, 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
~devouring admiration of which she was
quite unconscious. Not that such an
expression would have seemed at all
extraordinary to her, or otherwise han
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 arshnes
Il will take but one thing from you
something you will not miss, but that
a monarc might priZe-a kiss from
those lovely lips"
"A kiss. rascal! Do you know what
you ask"' she exclaimed, her sweet
ness vanishing in naughty anger.
Something l 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
what will become Of us?"
The highwayman leaned against the
open carriage door and watched the
struggling emotions flick ering owe the
face Of the widow. Anger and disgust
were succeeded by s%cornful mirth, and
at last, with a gesture of indescribably
naughty grace. she extended her hand,
palm downward.
my hand, Sir Highwayman" she
worthy of royal kisses!"
My plebeian lips would not venture
where a kings have feasted," was the
hooking retort. But whoever in fu-
ture may kiss your lips must come aft
er Robin F,reemantle, the highwayman.
So. sweet one, by your leave" He bent
suddenly over her and kissed her bold
ly on the scarlet blossom of her mouth.
She drew back, gasping with anger
and amazenent. How dare you?" she
almost screamed. ~
He stood a moment as if half dazed
by his own audacfty. then closed the
carriage door and replaced his beaver
or his head.
Good night, ladies'" he cried in a
ton 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
into he carriage and snatching the
little silken trifle from Prue's hand,
sprang on his horse and was quickly
lost in the, gloom of night.
'Insolent varlet!" cried Prue pas
sionately. Would I were a man to
beat him to death!' And she 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-first by outwitting a sheriff
and now by cajoling a h~ighwayman.
After all. what is a kiss? You have
just as many left for Sir Godfrey as
you had before you were robbed of
that one"
That is all very WELL" cried Prue,
half laughing and half fearful, but
how would you have liked 1t If it had
happened to you?"
Faith. I'm not sure / should have
made such a fuss! After 80 one may