Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1917-12-13

rier we were threatened with more,
because 1t appeared that our coach.
man had no pass. had not figured
on him, and for a few minutes (and
minutes were valuable) l thought we
were to be turned back, which would
have been the same as destruction.
But 1t happened that Agnes knew the
offlcer Of the guard; and when she as
sured him that the negro's pass had
been overlooked, and that we were
only bound to Kips Bay and would re-
turn by sunset, he consented to our
going on, won more by the girls be-
deviling witchery than by argument.
AS we rolled out into the country,
melancholy in its barrenness, for it
had been well-nigh denuded of trees
near the city, bent close to the girls
ear.
"Why did you tell him Kips Bay7"
asked in whisper.
"To throw him off the scent. We
are bound to be pursued ere long"
II thought, perhaps, you had some
plan"
IL have none. Ny head is used up"
"And small wonder! But / think
see way out. You have told Peter
We were going to Bloomingdals. We
our waiting until dark. taking the gov
ernors pleasure boat-for he must
have one--and rowing across the
river?"
"He has boat" whispered the girl,
"but It may have been put up for the
season. Oh, why could not ! have
thought of such a simple thing? The
Apthornes have boat. They are
mile beyond Robinsons. but they are
intensely loyal, know them WELL"
"The Apthorpes!" l exclaimed, and
In my surprise, for the family had
been friends of my fathers, spoke the
name too loud. Peter pulled up. Did
you order me to de Apthorpes, sah?"
he asked. turning his head.
"Yes," l answered desperately,
cursing myself for my carelessness.
Drive to the Apthorpes; we will let
Kips Bay go for today. 1t is beginning
to rain!" The last was the truth, for
as spoke cold drop struck me in
the face. 1t gave good complexion
for the sudden change of program.
"As we drive by the governors
| house | will make an excuse to stop
and investigate his house-boat, and
Hark!" l said as the boom Of dis.
tant gun drifted from the barrier we
had left behind. The girl and looked
at each other
"The alert gum" she exclaimed,
drawing herself together as il she
were suddenly cold. Our escape has
been discovered"
81 hardly think So" returned, to
comfort her; but l was without
doubt that she was right. Our line
| of flight had been marked | stood up
and looked back, but as yet there was
no sign of pursuit; indeed the road
was deserted of both wayfarers and
vehicles as far as | could see in either
direction. Nor was there the first sign
that we were being followed until just
before we swung from the Kingsbridge
Road to the narrower highway leading
up the west side of the island.
But then / saw enough to become
aware that our time of stress was not
yet over; for as / stood up in the We.
hicle for the twentieth time and look
ed back, saw plainly against the sky,
and topping of hill at least mile in
our rear, the ,silhouetted figures of
several horses being driven at speed.
"Faster. Peter, Faster!" l cried
to the negro: but he did not appear
to heed me, for though the rain was
now beginning to fall smartly, we
went at the genteel pace of six miles
an hour. My temper rose as | stood
there and saw the immobile back of
the uniformed driver. Lash your
horses, you black DEVIL" l shouted,
this tension being worse than active
danger; but instead of obeying he
hauled the animals up Short What
in Satan's name do you mean?" | de-
manded, wild at the sudden istoppage.
Peter turned on his hammertloth.
"Ah doan' like this, sah," he said
"Deres something wrong! ! hear de
'larm gun while back"
| Whipped ont my rapier and cut him
short Drive on, or I'll leave you in
| the road!' cried, though l knew /
wouldn't kill him. And he seemed to
know as much himself, forlh shook
his black head until the loose cockade
In his hat fell off. mo, sah! don't
get in no trouble! Ah don't run away
from nobody, but"
My anger at the stubbornness of the
man leaped to a white heat, and
stopped him; not with rapier stab,
but with my fist l struck him a blow
behind the ear, the force or 1t knock.
ing him from the box to the road He
was on his feet in an instant and ST ood
rubbing his head to gather his scat.
tered wits. while ]. with but one OBJ
pect in View, caught up the loosened
reins, reached for the whip, and lean.
ing o"cr the drivers seat lashed the
spirited animals into run.
But the chariot was heavy, and /
was nerfpctlv plyara that fha enua,I nf