The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1912-03-13
CHAPTER XIX.


In the face of Betty's indignant pro-
Bunker climbed into the carriage.
Don't you be scared, ma'am," said
the tavern-keeper, who smelt strongly
of whisky. Il 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 her other emotions. She struggled
to her feet, but Slosson put out a
heavy hand and thrust her back.
There now" he urged soothingly.
why make a 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
coachman down into the narrow space
between the seat and 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
of through the night at a breakneck
pace. Betty's 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. What was it
she had to fear? Was it Tom for
whom these men were acting? Tom
who would profit greatly by her dis
appearance or DEATH!
They swept past the entrance at
Belle Plain, past break in the wall
stars showed Betty the corntield she
and Hannibal had but lately crossed,
and then on into pitchy darkness
again. She chung 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 it.
You must hurry, ma'am," urged
Slosson impatiently.
Il won't move until know where
you intend taking mel" 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 heap less heart TO in my
time," he concluded CALAMITY. From
the opposite side of the carriage
Bunker swore nerVously. He desired
to know If 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. Hes a perfect eel-I've
had dealings with him aforel"
"You tried to kill my Uncle Bob
at the tavern, you and Captain Muir
rell. heard you, and seen you drag
him to the riverl" cried Hannibal.
Slosson gave a start OF astonish-
ment at this.
why, amt he hateful?" he ex-
claimed aghast. See here, young
Teller. that's no kind Of a way TO- you
to talk to a 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, or
will you walk?" he inquired, and
reaching out his hand took hold OF
Betty.
I'm 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 a
marrow path that led on through the
woods. apparently in the direction OF