The Kentucky Ranger

E >> Edward T. Curnick >> The Kentucky Ranger

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

So they rode along by the quiet river. Sometimes the stream was hidden
by high and mighty trees and willows growing by its bank; at other
times they saw the placid waters, and the moonbeams shining upon it
making a pathway of silver light.

At last the horses turned into the great gateway, the carriage wheels
crunched upon the graveled drive, and soon they were before Viola's
home. It was very late, after midnight. George took his team to the
barn, for he would not call up Mose at that time of night. Alice
LeMonde and her two girl friends at once went upstairs.

Viola opened the drawing-room door, and she and Jasper entered. They
stood by the piano, leaning against it. She looked up into his face
with a happy smile in her deep blue eyes and a tender flush in her pink
cheeks. Jasper, gazing down upon her with inexpressible feelings of
reverence and love, imprinted a kiss upon her pure brow, thus sealing
their unspoken troth. They walked together to the broad staircase where
they parted bidding each other good-night.

CHAPTER XX.

Kidnapped.

The hour was late the next morning when Jasper Very awoke from a
refreshing sleep. At first the incidents of the past night did not
arrange themselves in proper order before his mind, but soon the
succession of events and their meaning became clear. He arose, dressed,
attended to his ablutions and devotions, and sat down to think. This
was the tenor of his thoughts: "What a fortunate being I am to have
gained the love of this true and noble woman. I feel myself unworthy of
such affection and confidence. A new idea of God has come to me. He
gives himself for those whom he loves. And in a new sense I am willing
to sacrifice my all for her whom I love. Heretofore I have looked to my
own interests as to food, clothing, lodging, and other things. Perhaps
I have been a bit selfish. Now I shall delight also to plan for her
well-being and happiness. When the marriage rite is said, how gladly
shall I promise to 'love, comfort, and keep her in sickness and in
health, to bestow upon her my worldly goods, and to keep her only unto
myself.' Jasper, a precious treasure has been entrusted to your
keeping, a treasure the most valuable on earth, and you must be careful
to keep it from all harm."

At this moment his soliloquy was interrupted by a knock at the door,
and Nora's announcement: "Please, sur, breakfast is waitin' fer yo' in
de dinin' room."

"Thank you, Nora, I shall be down presently." And he descended the
stairs without loss of time.

You ask, reader, what were the thoughts of Miss Viola when she awoke
from her deep sleep? As the writer is a man he cannot tell. No man can
sound the depths of a woman's heart. She only can understand her
motives, her desires, her modes of thinking, her varying moods. She
holds the key to the inner chambers of her nature, and no masculine
hand can seize that key and unlock those apartments.

However, we believe we are able to fathom some of the ideas which
passed through our heroine's mind that bright morning. We can take it
for granted that she was very happy; that the future looked very
promising, though she was impressed by the responsibility of becoming a
minister's wife.

When Jasper Very descended the stairs and entered the dining-room he
found Viola and her mother awaiting him, the rest having eaten some
time before. The ladies cordially greeted their guest, and the meal was
partaken of with a seasoning of pleasant conversation.

After breakfast the twain went into the drawing-room, and there the
stalwart preacher took his own darling into his arms, and for the first
time their lips met in a rapturous kiss. They sat side by side on the
beautifully upholstered sofa, and looked the splendid couple they were.

If the night before, silence was golden, surely this morning speech was
silver. Jasper said: "Viola, my dear, I am giving a new meaning to that
Scripture passage: 'This is my commandment, that ye love one another.'"
"And I," replied Viola, "feel like expressing as my sentiment those
words in the Song of Songs: 'My beloved is mine, and I am his.'"
"Well," said the parson, "we must seal that ownership with another
kiss." It was readily given and received, and we are afraid several
more followed to keep the first company.

Then they fell to talking about the future: how they hoped some day to
establish a home of their own; how they would walk hand in hand through
life bearing its burdens, and meeting the exacting duties of the
ministry with mutual helpfulness.

Thus they conversed for a long time on the new and opening vistas of
life. At length Viola said: "Jasper dear, let us take a walk this fine
morning toward the great knob, and enjoy together the beauties of
nature. It seems as though nature itself would delight to shower its
blessing upon us."

Jasper was willing, and they went as before to the apple orchard, but
instead of stopping there they climbed the ascent to the foot of the
knob. Then they entered the woods which covered the great elevation
from near its base to the top. They emerged into a zigzag foot-path,
difficult to follow, and climbed up and up. Many times the strong arm
of Jasper had to help the maiden at his side to surmount steep and
bush-entangled places.

At last after much exertion they reached the top of the knob, where
they beheld a wide-extended view. Below them lay Judge LeMonde's broad
plantation and many others on the right hand and on the left. Beyond
these ran the beautiful river through the landscape like a ribbon of
silver, and they saw in the far distance valleys and hills and majestic
knobs, making altogether a picture of surpassing loveliness.

The man and the woman were enchanted with the scene and Jasper, full of
deep emotions, cried out: "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name. He watereth the hills from his
chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He
causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of
man."

Viola exclaimed: "My father's plantation is called 'Mount Pisgah,' and
this view reminds me of that other scene Moses saw on his 'Mount
Pisgah.'"

They sat under one of the great forest trees crowning the brow of the
knob and feasted their eyes on the near and the distant prospect. They
heard the birds singing in the trees, and saw the saucy squirrels
running up and down the hickory and other trees. Jasper spoke of his
present engagements, saying on that afternoon he must visit a family
down the river, and the next day he had an appointment to begin a two
days' meeting in a distant township of the county.

Viola told of her plans. She intended tomorrow morning to have Mose
drive her to a number of the families attending the mission school. She
wished to become better acquainted with them, to show a friendly
interest in their welfare, and to teach the boys and girls some further
rudiments of knowledge, and tell them a number of interesting Bible
stories.

This knowledge gave Jasper much concern, and he said: "My dear Viola, I
have now even more than a pastor's regard for your safety and welfare.
Are you not afraid to travel those lonely hills without any protector
save Mose? While the mission school gradually is improving the moral
tone of that region, you know there are some depraved and desperate
persons living about there who would not hesitate to steal your horses,
or your purse, or commit other crimes, if it were to their seeming
advantage to do so?"

"Yes, I know that, dear Jasper, but hitherto the Lord has protected me,
and I believe I can trust him to hold me safely in the hollow of his
almighty hand. If I am called to suffer in his cause, I am willing. I
have no fear of physical violence, and I am sure duty calls me to that
settlement tomorrow."

"Well, my beloved, may heaven still safeguard you, and may you continue
to be a blessing to that community which needs reformation, education
and the gospel so much."

Viola spoke: "It is getting near dinner time, and we must not be late
for that meal as we were for breakfast." With that they arose, and
proceeded down the knob and on to the mansion.

After dinner Jasper Very bade them all a cordial good-by, and proceeded
on his errand of mercy to a family who needed his ministrations.

Early the next morning Viola, seated in her phaeton with faithful Mose
holding the reins over Prince and Bess, started to the mission school
settlement. She had taken with her some things which would interest the
children--candy for the little ones and some bright books for those
older. The distance was considerable, but at last they arrived at the
cabin of Mart Spink, where they were cordially received.

Viola stepped down from the carriage and, entering the house, soon had
the whole family around her. Their minds seemed famished for knowledge.
She first opened a paper bag and passed several pieces of candy to the
younger children, Elmira, Robert and Jonathan. She offered the bag to
the parents and to Susanna, and they helped themselves sparingly. She
then brought out from her satchel a nicely bound copy of Aesop's
Fables, and presented the book to Susanna. The girl was both surprised
and pleased. Opening her wonderful eyes wide, she thanked her teacher
in few words. Viola also gave the family some of the simpler school
books used in the public schools and a few volumes of a religious
nature. After a further half hour spent in pleasant conversation Viola
left the cabin, and directed Mose to drive to the Sneath home.

She found Harrop Sneath sitting under the shade of a tree about as lazy
and contented as ever. He was smoking tobacco contained in a corncob
pipe. But Viola noticed a decided improvement in the cabin. It was
cleaner than when she first saw it, and had a bit more of furniture in
it. All the children showed the benefit they had received from
attending the mission school. Jemima, the oldest daughter, revealed the
greatest improvement. Her eye was brighter, her dress cleaner and
better fitting, and her demeanor showed more intelligence and
self-possession.

Viola distributed sweets and books to this family much as she had done
to the other, and they were gladly received. She led the talk to things
which would interest their minds--prospects for good crops, the sewing
circle recently organized for women and girls, the picnic which the
mission school expected soon to have.

She told them several thrilling Bible stories about David slaying
Goliath, Daniel in the lions' den, the three Hebrew children.

It was nearing dinner time and the mother invited Viola to partake of
their plain fare. She said: "You air u'st to all de good tings money
can buy. We'uns cayn't gibe you much, but sich as we'uns hab you air
welcome to."

Viola replied: "I am really greatly obliged to you, Mrs. Sneath, for
your kind invitation, and will gladly dine with you today. It is not so
much the amount or kind of food one is given but the spirit in which it
is given that counts."

"Jist so," said Mrs. Sneath, "so we'uns'll all set down soon to corn
pone and pork. Please ask your nigger to unhitch his hosses and put 'em
in de bawn. He'll find sum hay der for 'em. De nigger shall hab sum
dinner too."

Viola putting aside any punctilious feelings she had, partook of the
homely meal with what grace and relish she could command, and thanking
them all for their kindness, bade them good-by.

Viola visited a number of other families in the afternoon, and toward
the evening of the long summer day instructed her servant to turn the
horses toward home. They were not far from the cabin of the monster
dwarf, Zibe Turner. A strange feeling of fear and apprehension sprang
up within her. Was it caused by her nearness to the home of this wicked
man, or by a premonition of danger?

They were passing through one of the densest parts of the great forest.
The sun was yet some distance above the horizon, but his slanting rays
could throw only a dim light through that mass of wood and foliage.

Suddenly two men sprang from behind high bushes by the roadside. They
had black cloth masks over their faces. Holes were cut in the masks
through which the bandits could see. One man was tall and broad. The
other was short and thickset. The shorter man leaped to the horses'
heads and, seizing the reins, stopped their progress. The other stepped
to the side of the phaeton, and said in a voice he tried to disguise:
"Lady, we'uns do not mean to harm you, but you must cum wid us."

Viola, though dreadfully frightened, straightened herself up in the
carriage, and replied: "What do you men mean by stopping a carriage on
the highway, and thus disturbing peaceable citizens? I call upon you
to go, let go the reins of my horses, and allow my servant to drive me
home."

"Dat is fur from our wish," said the desperado, "and if you won't walk
away quietly wif us, we'uns will have to tote you away."

With this the highwayman (who was no other than Sam Wiles) jumped into
the vehicle, and seizing the young woman around the waist, was dragging
her forcibly to the ground. Viola could make no successful resistance
in the grasp of this powerful man, but he met resistance where he
little expected it. The slave held the buggy whip in his hand, and
hastily reversing his hold on the whip, brought the butt end of it down
with much force on the miscreant's head. Wiles was half stunned by the
blow, but he would not release his hold on Viola, and cursed the black
with dreadful oaths.

But it was the work only of a second for the terrible dwarf, Zibe
Turner, to spring to the front of the carriage, and grabbing Mose in
his sinuous arms, he drew him to the earth, then struck him a terrific
blow on his head, and threw him to the ground. What the blow might not
have done (for a negro's skull is very thick) the fall accomplished;
for when he fell Mose's head struck the protruding root of a great oak
tree, and the blow was of sufficient violence to stun the black man.
Zibe Turner let the negro lie by the side of the road, and going to the
horses led them to a trunk of a tree and, taking the hitch strap, tied
it to a lower limb. The outlaws' purpose this time was not stealing
horses.

In the meantime Sam Wiles carried Viola, vainly struggling, about one
hundred feet up the road and turned to the right, where not far away a
two-seated wagon stood, with two horses hitched to it. Wiles lifted
Viola, now exhausted and half dead with fear, into the rear seat and
sat down beside her. Presently the monster dwarf appeared and, freeing
the horses, jumped on to the front seat. Turning the horses into the
road, he drove in an opposite direction to that which Viola had been
taking.

No words were spoken by any of the party and the horses pursued their
way through the darkening forest. After a time they were driven by the
dwarf into the enclosure before his mother's cabin. She was at the
door, evidently expecting them. The devil which was in her caused her
to cry out in hideous glee: "An' so you'uns cotched her did you'uns?
Good. Now we'uns'll see what de Jedge'll do. Will he put gentl'men ob
de hills in de jug ag'in? De debil blast 'im and all his kind." Looking
at Viola, who now had braced herself for any approaching ordeal,
remembering that she was Judge LeMonde's daughter, the hag said: "Now,
my purty lady, we'uns'll see who'll wear fine clothes, an' eat de best
tings, an' go round de kentry convartin' de people. We'uns count dat
you'll get a taste of how we'uns live. Don't hurt yer digestion ner
spile yet purty looks longin' ter see yer pa an' ma an' dat cussed
preacher."

The monster dwarf here broke in, speaking in his deep voice: "Ma, dat's
nuff now. Tell sis to git ready in a hurry, for we'uns have a long
drive before us."

Sis was soon ready--the tall, raw-boned, homely young woman, a fit
member of this ogre family, but with a little less of depravity in her
makeup and looks. She was dressed in a long calico gown, heavy coarse
shoes, and a much worn hat, whose flowers appeared worse than "the last
rose of summer," after it had faded.

Viola maintained silence, and awaited developments. The plan soon
unfolded itself. Sis Turner got up into the rear seat beside Viola.
Zibe Turner mounted to the front seat, took the reins in his right
hand, spoke to the horses, and away they went, leaving Sam Wiles
looking after them. What was the character of his thoughts?

Turner drove his team along a faintly marked country road always toward
higher ground. On and on they went for miles, the way in many places
becoming so dark, that the only direction was the avenue made by the
cutting down of the trees. Sometimes they came to such serious
obstructions in the road that the driver had to get down to remove
them. At last the way was so narrow they had to leave the wagon and
proceed on horseback.

After climbing higher and higher they arrived at a small open place
near the top of the knob. In its midst was a diminutive log cabin,
consisting of only one room. Turner stopped his horses in front of the
cabin, dismounted, and requested the girls to do the same. He unbarred
the door, and the three entered. By means of flint, steel, tinder, and
burnt rags Turner made a light. Viola observed that the cabin was of
about the same order as the Sneath home she had visited that morning. A
large fireplace was on one side. There was no window, and only one
door. Two cheap beds were in two corners of the room. In another corner
there were a number of bundles of provisions. A few cooking utensils
were on the hearth, and a few dishes were on the table. The door on the
inside was secured by a heavy bar which fell into a strong socket, the
bar being fastened by a stout padlock.

Zibe Turner spoke: "Miss LeMonde, dis cabin is to be yer hum for a
while. My sister is to be comp'ny for ye, an' also yer guard. No harm
is to cum to ye, if ye do what ye air told. I'm goin' to leave now, an'
sis'll tend to yer wants. Good-night to bof uv you'uns."

With this he left the cabin, and drove away.

CHAPTER XXI.

The Search.

As the time for the evening meal was approaching at Judge LeMonde's
mansion, his wife said to him: "I wonder what is keeping Viola so long
today. She told me before starting, she would be home by sundown, and
it surely is time she were back."

The Judge responded: "Do not be alarmed. She may have been kept longer
than she expected at some of the places she visited. The days are very
long now, and the twilight lingers. Besides, there will be moonlight
tonight and if they are delayed they can easily see their way over the
big road by the light of the moon. Mose is a trustworthy fellow and we
know he is a careful driver."

At this time Nora knocked at the door, announcing that supper was
ready. Madam LeMonde was not fully at ease, but went with the rest to
the dining-room. The repast was rather a quiet one, and when it was
finished dusk had fully settled over the valley. The Judge and his wife
went to the piazza and looked down the plantation private way, but
could see no sign of carriage or horses. They together walked to the
large gate which opened on the county road, opening the gate, and went
the short distance to the river road along which the returning carriage
would come. They stood and strained their eyes looking down the
highway, but could discern no vehicle of any kind approaching.

For some time they stood looking and listening, and then returned to
the house. Now they were anxious indeed; and so was their son George
who had been to the barn on some business with one of the hostlers.

Madam LeMonde exclaimed: "What can be keeping them? Surely some
accident or harm has befallen them. Viola would never stay away from
home as late as this unless she had company with her. I am very nervous
and disturbed. What can we do?"

George spoke up and said: "Do not be distressed, mother. If the
carriage does not come in a few minutes, I will get Velox and ride
along the road to meet it and to be of help, if it is needed."

"Do so, my son, for this will help to relieve me of suspense," said his
mother.

They waited until it was quite dark, for the moon had not yet risen,
though it would show itself presently. Then George decided to go at
once. Hurrying to the barn, he saddled and bridled his noble horse and
instantly went along the road, his horse trotting rapidly.

About five miles down the road George met Mose coming in the phaeton,
but Viola was missing. Terribly anxious for the safety of his sister,
the white man asked the slave what had happened.

Mose was still somewhat dizzy from the blow he had received from the
monster dwarf and his fall on the root of the oak, but he told the
story as far as he knew, and added some particulars about himself.

He said he lay for a long time unconscious by the side of the country
road, but at last his senses came back to him. His head pained him very
much, and a great swelling was over his right eye. In the dim light he
saw the horses hitched under the tree.

He tried to rise from the ground, but found it impossible at first.
After making a number of attempts, he managed to get up on his feet and
went to the phaeton reeling like a drunken man. He untied the horses
and almost fell into the seat. He managed, however, to keep the horses
in the road and drove them as best he could till he met "Mas'r George."

George considered whether it were better for him to ride furiously
after the outlaws, or to return to the plantation with Mose. He chose
the latter course, and before a great while they came up the private
way to the mansion.

The Judge and his wife, and indeed the whole household, were anxiously
awaiting them. When the phaeton drove up and no Viola in it, Madam
LeMonde became hysterical and almost fainted. She screamed: "Where is
my daughter? Where is she? What has happened to her? Tell me quickly."

The Judge was compelled to quiet his wife before he could hear the
story of his daughter's abduction.

The group returned into the house. Entering the sitting-room they
discussed what was best to be done. The Judge requested his son George
to ride as fast as possible to the county seat, arouse the sheriff and
ask him to select a posse as soon as he was able, to search for the
missing girl. This George proceeded to do. He rushed to the barn and
mounting a fresh horse set off at all speed on his errand.

Judge LeMonde hastily wrote some notes containing a brief account of
his daughter's seizure and, entrusting them to his most faithful
slaves, instructed them to deliver the notes to those addressed. These
were his most intimate neighbors and friends in the valley. He
requested them to meet him at "Mount Pisgah" early in the morning.

As the Judge could do no more that night he suggested that they retire
to their rooms, and seek rest. This they did, but no sleep came to him
nor to his wife that night. Their thoughts were with the girl:

"Where is she? Have they murdered her? What could be their object in
carrying her away? Was it revenge? How difficult it will be to find
her. But Oh! that morning would come, so that the attempt can be made!"

Thus they beat the walls of darkness with unavailing questions, and
even their prayers were mixed with natural forebodings and fears.

With the first dawn of day Nora, who also had passed a restless night,
awoke the fat cook (for she in spite of sympathy for the family had
slept soundly) and asked her to get coffee and toast as quickly as
possible. This was soon prepared, and the Judge and his wife drank the
stimulant and ate a little toast.

Presently thereafter the neighbors began to arrive. They were greatly
affected by the foul deed, and vowed the direst punishment upon the
outlaws in case they were captured. They offered to the family every
assistance in their power. They spoke comforting words to the afflicted
Judge, who showed the marks of his mental anguish and sleepless night
in his haggard face. They sent their respects to Madam LeMonde, who was
too prostrated to see them at this time.

When all were arrived it was decided to await the coming of the sheriff
and posse when all would go to the spot where Viola was taken, and from
that point scour the wilderness under the sheriff's lead.

The sun was not high in the heavens when the sheriff and a company of
eight determined-looking men rode up to the mansion. No words were
wasted. All were eager to depart. The leader ordered the company and
planters to fall in, and away they went with swift pace toward the
place they sought. Judge LeMonde and George rode with the sheriff.
Mose, nearly recovered from his hurt, was in the company as guide.

They came to the place where the carriage was stopped, and Mose took
time to point to the very spot where his head came in contact with the
root of the oak. They followed the road along which Sam Wiles went with
the struggling Viola in his arms. They turned to the right, and saw the
hoof prints of the horses the marauders had hidden with the wagon in
the brush.

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13