Pittston Gazette

              D2 f Oldest Newsoauer in the Wyoming Valley PITTSTON, Ll'ZERNE CO., ID.\., FRIDAY. MARCH 25, 1892. A Wt-eKlv'.oral anil hainilv journal I * fM tri V I I t 11 rti) "ilr^ feafc® J •^rftti; sr- *mer«CAM-H Suggs hurriedly be can't bother us." "111 soon fix him ho 'The men air watchiu fer him on the At a signal from the man who had been conversing with Dan the moving column of troops came to a halt. approval ot the paymaster, was earned out. and they passed Drywood without being discovered by the robbers, who had been completely outwitted by the iinexju'cted move. "That would be a good plan," commented the lieutenant. "As soon as those cattlemen see that they are not going to have things their own way, they'll doubtless disband and go to their homes." NYK IN 'l lli: WOODS. prowiing arouna the same old lager oe*r place where lie loved to linger before bis prosperity. He was talking with Colonel Yowler, of Buckskin. It was a critical moment for Dan Riggsby, and he realized the des]Derato character of the man in whose clutches he had fallen. Dan still held the rock in his hand which he had taken from the wall, and with a quick movement he freed his arm from the grip of his adversary Then before the latter could recover from his surprise at the unexpected move. Dan struck him a heavy blow upon the head with the rock The man uttered a gasp, relaxed his hold upon the yonth and sank upon the floor yuick as a Hash Dan sprang *\o his feet, and picking up the pistol that h:id fallen from the man's hand, he C! i: ! prairy on both sides of the crick, an if he leaves the timlDer he'll be picked up." "Thar's no doubt but what we'll git him if we haf ter search every bush on the creek—it won't do ter let him slip now, fer he'd spile our whole game." "What is it?" asked one who appeared to be an ofticer, spurring his horse forward to where the tive were stopped in the road. HE WRITES FROM THE PRIMEVAL FOREST OF THE NORTHWEST. "By the way, Frankfurter," says Yowler. "are you going to the big bapket?" He always called it "banket." After crossing Drywood they followed the old trail for some three miles, when they turned westward and again entered the Military road. "Curse that drunken woman! We orter knowed better than ter leave her thar alone.' "Here is a boy that wishes to see the payniiister CDn important business," was "If they don't, we'll disband em," remarked Rogers in a significant tone as he turned and hnrried to the house. In Search of Health Me Visits a IDuin- "Vot banket?" says Frankfurter. the answer Scarcely had they gained the road when the sound of rapidly approaching hoofs were heard, and the next instant a horse dashed wildly across the prairie from the south, uttered a snort of terror as it approached, then rearing, turned juickly to one side, throwing its rider to the earth, and dashed on. The order to move forward was again given, and Fanny felt the ambulance roll onward. After pearly an hour's travel the vehicle again came to a halt. Fanny looked out of the coach window but could see nothing that might occasion the stop. The sonnd of voices came from ahead, and glancing in that direction Fanny could see a squad of mounted men near the road. She rightly guessed that they were cattlemen, and it was evident that they were holding a conversation with tbe lieutenant berman—Mr. Frankfurter's Cordial Ju- "Why, the banket up to Tabor's. the great men of Colorado will be there, and all of the gentlemen of Leadville." "That's the truth, but it can't lDe helped now Jim, yon go in this thicket an take a look fer the gam£~an me an Hal will jist kinder surround the place an see that he don't dodge us if he's in thar." "Thrit is rather strange," was the comm.-lit. "Has he made his business vltatioo—William** Seiinitlve Soul Torn In Shreds by McAllister. "Py kolly, is dot po3seaible? I get no inwite for dot banket." BEE known: "No: he says he prefors to wait till he can see the paymaster, lieutenant." [Copyright. 1802, by Edgar W. Nye.] In the Piney Forest, ) March, f "Why, you are a partner of Tabor's, ain't you?" tit Asrocv*T»«*-i: One of the outlaws then walked quick - Iv around to the other si'le of the thicket, "Well. Dring aim iDacK to the ir.utrareplied the officer in an nnpu"He must be brief in what We are now flying through the resinous woods, along a lane of pines so dark and green and somber that there's something about it that i9 strangely sad but restful, like the cool shadows of an easy fitting grave at the close of a toilsome life. There's a gentle, soothing lullaby in its graceful, dignified branches and their soft sigh that come9 to your worn senses like the well ''empt and soothing folds of a well sodded grave to a man "Yaw, I vas still a pardner, but Tabor he has pegoolier notions about dose tings. He inwitee no one but chentlamens. But look here, Colonel Yowler, some day I vill get me my rewenge on Tabor. I will give already a big oxpensive banket myself, and I won't inwite a chentleman—.not a gentleman! Yon are all right, colonel. By Chinks! you will be the first man I will inwite!" The presidential battle is near enough to the northwest so that the occasional boom of a big gun is heard above the sqneal of the planing mill, the squeak of the logging sled and the roar of the grist mill. lance, (coxnxrii)) bead .".nil fell dangling at her side, horse was bridleless. The through the open door. On reaclpn iiMCi the next instmii UmV lifurt almost sunk! still D■.« |jt» iHic of the men making Ins *vay into t!ie he has to say." tient tone. Spurring his horse forward, the lientenant dismounted and bent over tbe prostrate form in the grass. "iiut mere is a prisoner nere, 1 xorgo. to tell you, and I must stay here to see that he doe# not escape." There are few horses, however gentle, that do not feel a sudden thrill of freedom if released from the restriction* of the bridle when ridden at a full gallop. and Jet was no exception. Startled as the liridle slipped from his head, the horse leaped wildly through the long cabin he was met by Meg Fro!,. uiw uttered an exclamation of turpn.-e mid rage and made an attempt to gra tutu Tbe officer wheeled his horse and rode back along the line us be spoke, followed by Dan and tbe four men composing tbe advance gnard. "Why, it's a girl!" he said in astonishment. "What can the child have been ioing here at this time npon the back of that wild horse?" "A prisoner!" exclaimed Suggs, "what do yon mean? Who is it?" "He's a young fellow—a boy almost - whom the men caught prowling about the cabin last night. They thought h« might be a spy or might have overheard something.'' CHAPTER XVI OS THE MIUTAKY IM.vD. But he was determined not to be I and throwing his weight against the naii intoxicated woman he sent her sprawling over a chair onto the floor, and then darted from the house There was a dense thicket of underbrush that skirted the stream near by, and without an instant's delay he dashed into this and ran speedily down the creek Scarcely had he gained the thicket when he heard the enraged voices of the woman and man as they rushed in pursuit. Then the sharp crack of a pistol sounded and a bullet cut through the brush close to the fugitive's head. As Dan made his way along the line he noticed that there were about thirty men in tbe company. They were formed in line by twos, and near the center of the column stood the ambulance to which were hitched four mules. "Why, we are right clone to my home," said Fanny, as she recognized the spot where they bad stopped "Oh. 1 do hope those cattlemen will let us pass." Tbe column of troops had come to a halt and several of tbe men clustered about the spot where the unconscious jirl lay gram, almost throwing his rider from her seat and then darted away with the speed of the wind. ••Where have you got him?" "In the room back in the bluff," replied Meg Prone, pointing toward the door behind which Dan was ertw*tr«*.' "Who is the boy, and where Is he from: does he say?" A man got out of the vehicle as Dan and bis escorts approached. "Is she hurt much?" asked one of the men. bringing a lighted lantern from the ambulance. "It would be best for them not to at tempt to stop ns," said the paymaster with a smile. With a cry of terror at her now help teem situation. Fanny clutched thr iD:«tae of tbe (lying horse and held on with desperate energy, while from behind came tbe thunder of hoofs in hot pursuit. i ■'What's up, lieutenant*" he asked. "Only stunned, I think." replied the officer. At thiB the officer rode back to tbe ambulance. The presidential campaign costs too much and ctoues too often, but it a healthful effect. It has the same effect on the republic that a well agitated cistern pole has in a cistern. It gives it a a good oxygenation. The purest water becomes offensive if permitted to stand perfectly stagnant for too long. Let ia the light and air and yon prevent decaf. That is where we havjt the advantage over a kingdom or an empire. It is said by those who are familiar with foreign potentates and their methods that then is not a throne in the Old World that ia not alive with cockroaches and other bacteria. "Here's a young man that wishes to see you," replied the officer as Dan was ushered .forward into the paymaster's presence. "He was very particular and refused to make his business known till he saw you." "My home is right down there a few hundred yards ahead," said Fanny. "Please don't let them hurt me"  "Then give her some of this," and a tlask of brandy was extended to the lieutenant. "I don't know what his name is, but he claims to live on the Military road, some ten or fifteen miles south of here. Says his father keeps a tavern there.1' Before her now lay many miles of unbroken plain with not even a bush to break the dreary monotony, and across this her horse sped swiftly on, bis proud head tossing from side to side as if in liockery of those who came behind Taking the flask, be pressed it to the pri's lips and forced her to swallow a imall portion of the liquor. "Are you sure the house just ahead is your home?" asked the lieutenant. But now that Dan was out of the clntches of the enemy, he made good use of the opportunity to put as much distance between himself ami pursuers is possible. Keeping undercover whenever he could, he ran swiftly down Itream, maintaining a sharp lookout for »ny of the robbers that might be lurking In his way. "Why, yes: 1 know it is," replied Fanny. Aaron Suggs sprang to his feet, with an exclamation of astonishment. "I only wished to be sure that this was the paymaster and his guard before 1 spoke," said Dan, advancing and addressing that individual. in a few moments she recovered conicionsness and rose to a sitting posture. "That's odd," commented the officer "The men ahead stopped us and said that the next house was a pest house; that there were a number of jMitients with the smallpox confined there, and that they were simply a quarantine guard; but 1 see now that it is only a trick of those cattlemen to keep people away, and a very clever one at that." "What's the matter?" asked the woman, surprised at his unexpected condnct. Fanny Kiggsby was a good rider and bad spent many a day in the saddle, galloping over the prairie in search of her father's cattle that would often stray away but she could not help feeling a »enae of helplessness and terror steal over her as she now found herself upon tbe back of the spirited horse without saddle or bridle. Without any means of guiding tbe animal, she could only trust to chance in keeping upon the proper coarse. She knew that there was a settlement many miles to the north, and it was with tbe hope of reaching this that she had started in a northerly direction "Wtuit business cun yon hurt with the "Where am I? Wnat has happened?" ihe cried in an agitated voice. it would be hard to describe the feelings of Dan Kiggsby as he heard the outlaw advancing toward the spot where he lay concealed. He realized how useless would be his attempt to escape, since the other two outlaws were guarding the edges of the thicket, revolver in hand. To resist would be worse than useless; they were three to his one, and men of the most desperate character. p»i ipmuttrf" "Well. 1 am ready to hear what you have to say, but you must be brief." "Matter!"' he cried, lowering his voice to almost a whisper. '. That boy whom you have got imprisoned here is the very one to whom the legacy was left by James Mansfield; he is the son of Sally Ann Riggsby!" "You have just been thrown from four horse,*" said the officer kindly. 'Come, let me help you into the ambu-' ance and we'll take you home." "You won't let them hurt me, will fou?" cried the girl in an appealing roice. "I only wish to say that there will be an attempt made to rob you at the Drywood ford," replied Dan briefly. Forahalf hour he continued his course rapidly down the stream; then pausing and hearing no sounds of pursuit, be concealed himself in a dense thicket of willows. Here he remained in concealment till he had rested and then continued his way. Exclamations of surprise came from the men's lips. That would be impossible in t.hi« country. Just as a man gets to think that he and Tammany together can make the axis of the earth incline a little mora than it used to something is heard to fall from a great height, and on lighting a candle and scorching a few feathers it is fonnd to be that man. It was tho woman's time to be astonished now, and springing to her feet she stood facing the speaker, a momentary pallor coming over her face. "How do you know this?" asked the paymaster, peering sharply at the youth through the gloom. "Why, that is how they came to turn the stage and other travelers from the road yesterday," exclaimed Fanny. "The mean thingsl You won't let them stop us, will you?' who has been married for twenty years to a superior woman. Dear reader, were you ever married to one of those—a woman who was your superior in every way and kept the fact at the head of the column next to pure reading matter? AT THE LUMBERMAN'S CAMP. "No one shall molest you." replied ths officer reassuringly. And lifting the| jirl to her feet, he led her to the ambaance and placed her on one of the seata Dy the side of the paymaster. ] "My man haa got your horse, and he ' Till be brought along with us," said the "1 overheard the robbers when they were planning the robbery in their cabin on the creek." "Do—do yon think tl* plot has been discovered?" she gasped, after a moment of silence. "Perhaps he had come here to—to—give ns over to the law: There may be others who will be here"  Dan's tirst impulse now was to attempt to find the cabin of some settler that he might obtain assistance, but he soou saw the danger of making his presence known to any one who might live in that locality. Jt was plain that a large band of robbers infested that part of the country and he did not wish to take any risk of again failing into their hands. •The steps of the advancing outlaw drew nearer and nearer. Dan felt that something must be done vet terrified and bewildered he knew not what course to pursue. It seemed as if there was nothing left for him to do now bat to submit to being recaptured "Hardly," replied the lieutenant, and wheeling his horse he rode forward to where, the squad of cattlemen were waiting by the roadside. "What is your name, and where do you live?' This reminds me somehow of Mr. Wilde. If I could have seen Willie in time I would have told him never to marry a superior woman, even though she should "throw open to him the door to every avenue, of literary success," as his wife did. I knew a man once who married a superior woman and he died in a madhouse, and the visitor is still shown the marks on his little iron bedstead where he bit it while thinking of his past life. •Steady. Jet," she cried, leaning forward and speaking in a coaxing voice, but the spirited animal only plunged forward with renewed speed, leaping wildly through the tangled grass and patches of goldenrod that grew in bis course. But close behind came the thunder of pursuing hoofs, and with a thrill of fear ■be realized tbe necessity of urging her horse to greater speed. Dan gave his name and place of residence.Word comes to me recently ftiat in rearranging the list of the Four Hundred my name has t)een overlooked, and there lias been considerable carping about it. "Nonsense," said tho man, stopping her with a wave of the hand. "It is but an accident that the boy came here; he knows nothing. Perhaps he is not the one I think he is—let us go and have a look at him." officer, 'and if yonH toll us when your home is we'll see that you are taken there." "Gentlemen." he said, addressing the men by the road, "1 shall have to discredit your statement regarding theC smallpox at the house ahead of us. I have been made acquainted with your outrageous doings here, and unless you disband immediately and cease your lawless acts 1 shall take the matter in my own hands and see that you are pmnished as you deserve." "Will ymi explain jus* how yon happened to bo in the locality of the robbers' ;abin yon mention?" But nt that very instant there was a crash in the underbrush and a deer—an immense buck—leaped within a yard of where Dan lay and disappeared like a flash through the brush that skirted the stream. The loud crack of a pistol broke the stillness as the outlaw hurriedin the direction taken by the deer. This makes twice that Mr. McAllister has counted me out. His only reason for doing this is not that my standing and wealth at present are not all they should be, but because I inherit a coarse integrity together with a tendency toward trade. Dan gave a brief account of his trouble with the cattlemen and of his starting to the Marmaton river settlement; of the discovery of the cabin in the woods; the Dverheariug of the robbers' plot; of his capture by the robbers and his subsequent escape from the stranger and intoxicated woman, omitting that part of the 6tory that referred to the plot to defraud himself and mother. "1 live on the road a good many mile* south of here," answered Fanny—for she whom the officer had picked up by the roadside was none other than Fanny Riggsby, whose wild ride from the Inn was chronicled in another chapter "You—you won't let them hurt me, will youT After carefully considering the matter he resolved to push on to the Marmaton river by the way of the Military road. This wonid afford him an opportunity of meeting the paymaster and his escort, when he could make known to them the plot that had been laid for their robbery at tbe Dry wood ford. As he spoke the woman moved toward the door, Aaron Suggs following close behind. Yet she hesitated, for already she maintained her seat witb great difficulty and any attempt to urge the horse into a swifter gallop might result in precipitating her to the ground. But closer and closer came the hoof beats from benind. and with a prayer upon her tightly compressed lips she clutched the rope in ber hand. Then swinging downward she struck Jet tightly upon the shoulder. This unexpected move on the part of the two cinspirators took Dan Riggsby by surprise. Jt would not do for him to be discovered there by the door, and he realized the of getting back to the room ho had left with as great dispatch as possible. "The settlers commenced the war upon us by killin our cattle," said one of the cowboys, seeing that the officer was acquainted with the' state of affairs and further deception was useless. The falls of Niagara are grand and beautiful, besides having a worldwide reputation; so are the Brooklyn bridge and the national debt, but I would not care, even if footloose (which I am not), to marry either one of them. But why should the thoughtless and ill advised toil of my parents be thrown in my face now? Why should I be debarred from leading the march at the Patriarchs' ball or be compelled to eat tea by myself, while up on Fifty-seventh street and Fifth avenue the dreamy measures of a Strauss waltz are floating out at window and the gas bill is running up on Mr. Vanderbilt at such a frightful rate? "What is it?" came from the other men as they came fanning along the edge of the thicket. "What air ye shootiu at?" "Who is it that you think is going to hurt you?" asked the officer. But there was great danger yet that threatened him, for well be knew that the robbers on learning of his escape would make a thorongh search for him. That the man and woman at the cabin would leave no stone unturned to find mm. now tnat they were aware of the secrets he had fonnd out from their conversation, he was fully convinced. It was highly probable that they would communicate with the outlaws and a thorough search would be made. "The cattlemen; they surrounded the house and were going to kill us all, I made my escape and started to the settlement after some one to help ns." "An ole buck jumped up in thar," was the answer, "an 1 jist give him a crack fer luck/ It was plain that the paymaster and lieutenant were impressed by the youth's storv. "A courier has been sent to warn the settlers of your doings," continued the lieutenant, "and I shall remain here to see that no further outrages are committed till they arrive." But let us retnrti. We have been for days in the lumber region, i. e., the spinal column of it. At every little sta tion we are joined by lumbermen, mostly foreigners, wearing the picturesque costumes of the camp. We saw the Berry Wall of the pine region yesterday. He wore a new buckskin shirt, fluted at the seams, and a pair of woolen panties or over-underwear knitted from the worsted remnants of a big yarn carnival, 1 judged. They were the most lurid trousers 1 ever saw. Wherever he went you could almost seem to smell something burning. It was a woolen kaleidescopo which reminded one of a picture of a volcanic eruption executed by an intemperate wagon painter. Turning quickly, the youth started hack along the passage, but in his haste "This is an unpleasant situation of affairs," observed the lieutenant. "It is fortunate ;liat 1 obtained re-enforcements it Scott," "Tell us all about it," said the officer, "and well see that this high handed business is stopped." 'Heaven help me!" she cried, and for a moment she reeled in her seat and almost lost ber balance as the horse shot forward like a thunderbolt, bis fleet limbs seeming to scarcely touch the earth as be swept onward. "Hit him? "Dnnno." ne stumbled over some obstruction inai lay in his way, and before he could recover his balance he fell with a crash among a pile of empty boxes. "See nothin uv the boy?" "No; reckon be ain't in thar er the deer wouldn't bin round hyar." It was plain to the cattlemen now that they had been outwitted, and they readily perceived the uselessuess of keeping up hostilities. "It is, indeed. I don't think they'll lare attack us with our present itrength." Fanny began and related the story of the attack on the inn by the cattlemen of the killing of Ike Baker, who attempted to go for help, and of her escape from the inn: her being discovered by the cattlemen and her wild ride across the prairie. Why did I ever tell Mac that my father hauled flour to Galena? I do not know. But it has hurt me with him. I At the same instant the door was thrown open and Aaron Suggs advanced into the passage, a cocked revolver in hi« hand. "Guess that's so," and with this the men moved hastily away. Dazed and bewildered by the amazing speed. Fanny clung to the horse's mane for her life, ber tangled hair Hying loose to the wind, ber fear stricken and pallid fat* turned upward toward where a bright and solitary star gleamed through a rifted cloud. As Dan reflected over the situation he became convinced that it would be hazardous in the extreme to attempt to cross the broad prairie lying between Drywood and tbe Marmaton until dark. A sharp watch would doubtless be kept by the enemy, and he saw no coarse left but to conceal himself in the bushes and wait patiently for oightfall. Having selected a dense thicket of dogwood bushes, he crept into it, and throwing himself among the rank weeds that entirely covered the srronnd, he prepared to wait patiently for the coming of night. He examined the pistol he had captured from his adversary at the cabin and found that it was of large caliber and contained six loads. Dan breathed a deep breath of relief and thankfulness. He knew that the deer, whose fortunate apjtearance had laved him, had not been in the thicket when the outlaws arrived, as they had evidently supposed, but had simply lashed through there, having doubtless been frightened by some other members jf the outlaw band who were searching for him farther down the stream. "Nor I. But now that we are informed as to the intended attack, it will be easy to form some plan to defeat them." With muttered imprecations they wheeled their horses and rode away, and the officer ordered his men to move forward. A few minutes brought them to the Travelers' Rest, where they were challenged by the guards. But it only required a moment for the settlers to discover that the newcomers were a company of the military, and they were given a warm welcome. And who can describe the joy of the little garrison on seeing Fanny Riggsby descend from the ambulance, to be clasped in her mother's arms. They had missed her from the house and all feared that some great evil had befallen her. "You are a brave girl," said the officer, full of admiration, when she had finished CHAPTER XTV. A WILD XlGirr RIDE. "Do you know how many there are of the robbers?" asked the paymaster, adires sing Dan. ner story. "A genuine heroine," sanctioned the paymaster, holding up the lantern and gazing approvingly into Fanny's fac*. "Won't you tell us your name?" Never tn her life had she ridden bo rapidly before. The wind which was blowing gently upon her back seemed now to whirl and dust in a stiff breeze about ber face. The long stretch of black, shadowy grass seemed running like a great belt beneath tbe horse's feet, and here and there a tall resin weed would leap by like a fleeting shadow. "About twenty, as near as I could find out from their conversation." replied the youth. "That is a pretty strong force, it must be a band of the Missouri guerrillas who have escaped to the unsettled regions of Kansas." The men had soon passed out of hearing, and Dan now felt a sense of security ae had not felt since his escape from the outlaws' cabin. It was not probable that the men would return and make iny further search of the thicket, and ho resolved to remain here till nightfall. "Fanny Riggsby," was the reply. "Then you must be a sister to Dan Riggsby. whom we met tonight." Underneath the clothes I have named above he had all the other clothes he had ever owned since he grew up. This gave him a choked and suffocating appearance, and gave rise to the remark, in the Scandinavian dialect: "I gort too many pantses on. Dat's becorse I svet so." "Yes: he is my brother," cried Fanny eagerly. "Oh, where is he? Have they hurt him?" The paymaster and. lieutenant then held a consultation for several moments. Even in ber terror and bewilderment Fanny Kiggsby realized the peril of ber situation, and knew that it wonJd require all the courage and strength of her nature to sustain her through the trying ordeal Let her strength falter for one instant and she would be dashed to the ground and perhaps to instant death. Then the former turned to Dan and said: The sun was already low in the western horizon, and darkness would soon be it hand. From what he had overheard from the outlaws Dan knew that men ivonld be stationed on the prairie on tach side of the creek to watch for him, ind he was determined to use the knowledge to his advantage. "He is safe and is on his way to Fort Scott," was the answer. "We are indebted to him for a great favor and are glad of an opportunity of rendering some service to his sister." When at last they learned of the dangers she had passed through for their sakes, the settlers crowded about her and clasped her hands warmly in theirs, while tears were seen on more than one bearded cheek. The sight of the weapon brought forcibly to his inind the startling events that had taken plat-eat the cabin in the Woods, and now for the first time he found time to reflect ou the strange things be bad overheard there. It was all plain to his mind now that the persons to be defrauded by the two strange men who bad stopped at the inn. were none other than hiinjelf and mother. The conversation he had heard at the inn and that between the short man and the woman at the cabin, had fully convinced him of the fact. "We feel grateful to yon for the important information you have given us, and shall see that yon are properly rewarded."The lumberman carries a valise made of a two bushel grain bag fastened together by a top and bottom corner so that he can sling it over his shoulder. In this, I think, he has a pair of heavy kip boots, some edible tobacco and a large bottle of alcohol. Qvi( k 'is n flash the animal bounded for ward. "I thank you. but 1 do not wish any reward," answered Dan. "1 have only done what was my duty to do. And now, if you please, IH go on, for 1 wish to be at the Fort early in the morning." "Oh, I'm bo glad he is safe," cried Fanny joyfully. "1 was afraid those cruel cattlemen had harmed him in some way. 1 know he'll be back now as soon as the trouble is over," Fanny Riggsby's heart sank within her as she heard the gruff challenge and saw the dim outlines of several men suddenly start up from the grass not twenty yards away. It was now long past midnight, and Lieutenant Hawley ordered a halt for the remainder of the night. "We will remain here till daylight," he Bald, "and by that time the settlers will be collected and be on hand ready to defend you against any attack that the cattlemen may make." Not of her own safety alone did she think But the very lives of those in the inn might depend opop the success of what she had undertaken It was this thought that gave her courage, and with a desperate determination she clung to the back of the flying horse with only a faint hope in her breast, but with strength and resolution that were almost superhuman. As soon as it was fairly dark he left tiis place of concealment and stole ;antiously down the Btrealu It was his purpose to travel several miles in tl is lirection before leaving the shadows of he woods. By adopting this course he loped to evade the outlaws who, he felt convinced, were keeping a close watch upon the prairie at all poiuts near the road leading to Scott. Sometimes the prosperous chopper has a square, black papier niache valise with a toy lock on it. Yesterday two men got on the train at the same time. One of them was a Canuck and the other was a Norwegian. The Canuck had one of these little black bags with the tin lock on it which is so exactly like several thousand other little black valises peculiar to the railroad. VVE AT M'ALUSTER'S. have never been the same, I can see, in his estimation. At the club also one time I asked him what he would hava "Wait a moment," said the paymaster, and going to the ambulance he climbed to the inside. Presently a light gleamed from between the curtains. In a few moments he returned and handing Dan two envelopes, he said: "Lieutenant," said the paymaster, "something must be done to quell the hostilities of those cattlemen who are causing all this tronble. What is to be done?" "Who goes there?" repeated the voice. "Halt, or we'll fire!" and he ordered a little Shetland pony of caraway sirup while I ordered a schooner of beer, for it was a warm day and I was awfal dry. I noticed that he did not talk any more—for I am a keen observer—and so I judge that this had something to do with the way I have been treated. At his house once also he passed a porcelain receptacle around while we were smoking, and when he came to me and held it toward me I flipped the ashes of my cigar into it. Fanny knew in an instant that she had been discovered by the dreaded cattlemen, but no thought of surrendering herself to them entered her breast. She made no answer to the challenge, but leaning forward she struck her horse a sharp blow with the picket rope which she held coiled in her hand. Quick as a flash the animal bounded forward and sped Bwiftly across the prairie. At th« same instant the loud crack of firearms broke the stillness of the night, and the spiteful whiz of bullets sounded close to Fanny's head. His words were received with a cheer by the garrison, who now felt that the great danger that threatened them had passed. What was he to do in the matter? How was he to prevent the successful carrying out of the skillfully laid plan of the jonspirators? He felt sure that the scheming two whom he had left at the would proceed to Fort Scott as won as possible, and would lose uo time in putting their evil designs into effect "I have been considering that question," said the officer, "and shall make it a point to investigate the matter. Unless they cease their lawless course I shall dispatch a courier to Fort Scott and call the proper authorities into action." "One of these is for yourself, the other is addressed to Captain Parker, who is now quartered at Fort Scott. Deliver this letter to him, and if you need a friend rest assured that he wi]j not hesitate to render you any service in his power." How swiftly the world seemed to slip beneath her as mile after mile was passed. She no longer heard the sound of pursuing hoofs. They might be miles behind for aught she knew, but still she swept on with no means of checking the flight of her bridleless horse. After traveling a quarter of a mile he "pswlied the road, and after assuring limself that none of the outlaws were in lie vicinity he stole across to the timber aeyond I made his way down the stream as rapidly as possible, using the greatest caution as he proceeded. "Thank Ood for his mercy and goodness," said Mrs. Biggsby reverently, while the tears ran down her cheeks. "He has not forsaken us in our hour of need." "Hole on dar, you Frantsmans!" said the Norske man. "You gort my sassle darl" The door of the ambulance was then closed, and the officer mounted his horse and gave the order to move forward. "No, sare," said the gentleman from San Pierre; "it is eemposseble." The thought of returning home to consult with his parents about the matter presented itself, but after considering the condition of affairs there and the danger that his presence might bring to himself as well as his parents, tie decided to adopt some other plan of action. "I thank you," said Dan. "I may find It necessary to ask bis aid in some business matters at the Fort." and then bidding the men good night he continued his journey. "Amen I" responded one of the settlers earnestly, "but while the Lord's been helpin us, I reckon the little gal has bin doin her part." By that time both men had hold of the handle. They talked broken English back and forth for some time. Then the Norwegian, said, "Vort you gort in yours sassle?" The dewy winds whistled about her pallid face and her damp hair swirled in tangled masses about her neck and shoulders. The sharp, rattlelike notes of insects were bushed in the grass and strange wild birds started from their cover and Hew with screams of fright into the darkness as the horse dashed swiftly on. Seated upon the soft cushions, half enveloped in a buffalo robe, Fanny Kiggsby could hardly realize the sudden turn affairs had taken. Only a half hour before she had been dashing wildly across the prairie upon the back of a spirited and bridle lens horse, not knowing what moment she might be dashed to death upon the ground or shot by her merciless pursuers. I was told afterward that it was a bon bonniere. I wrote him a letter about it afterward, but it was never answered. He traveled fully three miles after crossing the road before he ventured to leave the shadows of the limber. Then turning in a northerly course he struck out at a brisk walk across the prairie. Luckily none qf the bullets took effect, and lying flat upon her horse's neck she dashed up the slope and had soon crossed a gentle swell that skirted the ravine. "That she has," replied Lieutenant Hawley warmly. "She's a brave, noble girl, and this garrison ought to be proud of her." The column of troops moved on, and Dan was soon alone on the dreary stretch of prairie road. The Frenchman told of a few things, such as hair oil, hoarhound candy, comb, brush, snowshoes, etc. At tb« time I was married I wrota him to attend to the printing and aend the bill to me, but he never did it. "1 know what I'll do," he muttered at last; "I'll go directly to Fort Scott and inform the authorities of what I have keard and see what can be done in the natter." For nearly an hour he traveled steadily northward: then turning to the left he began to make his way toward the Military road. Upon reaching this it was his purpose to proceed directly to Fort Scott, where he would endeavor to frustrate the plans of the wily Dill and his ro-conspirators. "It is," came from a dozen voices. My great ambition now is to be his mortgagee and pester him on interest days. & I have got to associate with tradespeople and not have any refined fun, let me tackle my job with a good grace and content myself with being a low workiiwman with no soul. But it is hard, Mac—it is hard to be driven from your purlieus this way. Remember that whatever I am after this, you and Mrs. De f eyster Bergamot have made me. Recollect, Mac, that I gave you the chance to make something of me. You knew six years ago that I was living in New York, for I wrote you from the store and told you we were coming there to live. But did you call on us? Not much, you didn't. A succession of bitter oaths came from the discomfited men as thoy saw the rider gallop swiftly away untouched by •their bullets. Owing to the darkness they had been unable to discover whether it was man or woman that was mounted upon the horse, but they had rightly guessed that it was some one from the inn who was trying to escape to the settlement. As he quickened his pace and hurried on in the direction of the Fort he felt a lightness of heart he had not experienced sinco leaving home. Daylight was just breaking over the great prairie when a company of nearly a hundred mounted and armed settlers arrived at the inn. The Norske told what he had, and in the meantime they pulled hard on the bag and the train got a good start. As we crossed a trestle they were both appalled and put to confusion, for the bag burst open and down through the trestle there fell a porous plaster and a big flat bottle of something that thawed great holes in the ice wherever it struck. The bag, it seems, did not belong to either of them. Fanny now sought to check the wild Higbt of her horse with gentle words, but it was of no avail. Although breathing heavily and covered with roam, the maddened animal showed no inebriation to slacken his speed. But, thanks to the splendid speed of her horse, ehe had completely distanced those who had sought to run her down, and by one of those rare\strokes of good fortune that come but once in a lifetime she had been saved from death and thrown in company with those who would befriend and protect her. Dan's knowledge of the law was very limited, but he was familiar with the plan adopted by those with whom he lad to deal, and he felt confident of his ability to defeat their designs, could he Dnly reach Fort Scott before it was too late. CHAPTER XVII. THE SETTLERS AROUSED. But it was found that the cattlemen had withdrawn their forces during the night, and the settlers were, for the time being, complete masters of the situation. Fanny knew that she must soon reach the timber of Drywood creek, and should she not succeed in checking her horse's speed before that she realized the awful danger that awaited her should she be carried into the woods. That she would be dashed to death against some limb or tree seemed inevitable. He might have continued his course to the fort with less danger to himself by keeping away from the roiid, bnt he wished, if possible, to meet the paymaster and his escort, that he might give warning of the intended robbery at Drywood. % ;l •£ , I »- M D"?:• m | TO BG CONTINUED. J This was sufficient to rouse the cattlemen to immediate action. After all the pain:; they had taken to wreak vengeance upon the settlers garrisoned at the inn, the very thought that they were about to be outwitted at the last drove them into rage and desperation. ( Fanny knew that the men Were not mounted, and it was likely that their horses were some distance from where she had seen them. Urging her horse forward at the top of his speed she had soon crossed the little hill and was beyond the sight of her pursuers. That she would be pursued as soon as the men could get their horses she felt convinced, and it was her purpose to put as much distance between herself and the foe as possible while she had a chance. Th« Sanilt of I)p«. "O Mary, go and call the rattle home. "But the worst part of the whole business," continued Dan, "is the fact that they now know that their plot is discovered and they will not fail to push the business through with the greatest dispatch possible. But it may bo that they will remain here with the intention of recapturing me—which would doubtless be the best plan they could adopt: for by keeping a close watch upon the prairie along both sides of the stream they might be successful in their undertaking. " " 1 Though the soldier* kept a sharp lookout, no sign of the cattlemen who had pursued her was discovered. So greatly had they been distanced by the girl that they had doubtless abandoned the chase and returned to their companions who were keeping watch over the prairie inn. I spent two weeks in a lumber camp once by advice of my physicians. They said I needed pure air and a good deal of it. Every evening around a big hot lire the choppers from Denmark and Christiana would remove nine pairs of hose apiece to dry thein by the nice hot stove, and so I went back home where the air was less resinous. I do not care to be too healthy. It makes one look coarse. And call the cattle home. And call the cattle homo, Acrosa the Nundn of Dee." On reaching the road he found the traveling much less fatiguing than wading through the high grass, and he was enabled to proceed at a more rapid pace. The weatern wind wan wild and dank with fon.ni. Snddenly a mass of dark forms loomed throngh the darkness just ahead; the horse ottered a snort of terror, reared nigh in the air and wheeled quickly to the left With an agonizing cry Fanny Kiggsby fell into the damp grass, where she lay limp and unconscious. And all alone went nhe. The western ride crept up atnnz 'he nand, And o'er and o'er the Baud. And round and round the sand. A» far as eye could see. The rolling mist came down and lud the land And never home cainn ahe. Yon said afterward that it was because you saw me and Marlborough together a good deal, but that was not so,, for you and he were pretty thick, too, after tnav He had traveled three miles, perhaps, when he caught the sound of approaching hoofs in the road ahead. After traveling some three or four miles the ambulance came to a halt Fanny looked out between the leathern curtains and saw that they had arrived in front of a boxhouse that stood close to the road. Not knowing who the comers might be, Dan hastily withdrew from the road and concealed himself in the high grass. "*Oh. In it weed. or Ash. or floating lialr— A tress of golden hair. A drowned maiden's hair Above the nets at wa? Was never salmon yet that shone so fair Among t he stakes on Dee." St. Paul and Minneapolis aro making great calculations on entertaining the delegates to the national convention. They will do it well too. They have a good deal of local pride and the means to sustain their reputation for enterprise.Possibly this is as good a chance as I will have to say that my name will not be presented. 1 wish to refute now, however, the report that my health is out of repair. I was never in better health, but my name will not be presented. This narrows down the fight to Jerry Rusk and a member of the senate who last term received a beautiful red Testament at the close of the'session for being neither absent nor tardy. It is certainly^to be hoped, for the good of the Qftrty %t lftaijt that a man will be •elected who tuu) been careful ail fm fife to aroid giving offense—a man who can speak for hours without making a statement. No, Mac; you take the resporaribflftj' when yon cast out men like Mr. Depew and me and tell us to go. with the brand of your disapproval on our brows. Yo» will have to answer before a higher court for this. Mac. When you see me in the morgue. Mr. McAllister, with my tired hands crossed over my peaceful breast and a large 200-pound piece of ice on me, remember that once I wan pure as the beautiful snow. Remember that so long as I was not absolutely shot out of your set I hung on to my rectitude like a pup to a root; but alas! when society shuts the door on one he lets go all holds, as one may say, and cries oat with the poet, "Let the tail go with tigs hide." CHAPTER XV lD A CIjOKK P1.AC*. The more Dan studied over the matter the greater was bis anxiety as to what would be the outcome of it all. Any attempt to leave his hiding place might result in again placing him in the power of the outlaws, and his heart almost sank within him as he reflected upon his trying situation. Presently four mounted men, riding at a brisk trot, came into sight. They were dressed in uniform, and the gleam of their bright buttons shone in the starlight."Is this your home?" nsked the officer, riding up to the vehicle and addressing the girl. Taking the flask he pressed it to the girl's Ue tent i //»i *• r. Lieutenant Ilawley, who was in command of tho paymaster's escort, was a brave and daring soldier, yet he hesitated about leading his men into a place where they might be ambushed by a band of the most desperate outlaws that ever infested the southwest. lips. "No, sir," Fanny replied, "it is farther on, south; but please wake the people that live here and tell them 1 would like to see them a few moments." They rowed her In across the rolling foam. The cruel crawling foam. The cruel hungry foam. To her grave beside the sea. But still the boatmen hear her call the cattle home The horse she rode was a noble animal, gentle but high spirited and fleet of limb, capable of great speed and endurance. For full two miles Fanny rode at a rapid rate before she dared slacken her speed. Then pulling her horse into a sloW canter, she listened for sounds of pursuit. "It's the paymaster's advance guard!" exclaimed Dan joyfully, as he rose up and hastily approached the road. But there was nothing to be done now but wait for night, and then trust to the chance of escaping the enemy under cover of darkness. The lieutenant uttered a loud "halloo," and in a few moments a man came to the door and demanded to know what was wanted. "Haiti" came the sharp command as the youth advanced. "Who comes there?" Across the sands of Dee. —Charles KlngMey Dan stopped abruptly, startled by the sudden challenge. The horsemen had come to a halt, and sat upon their horses, their bright weapons visible through the gloom. He had sjx-'nt five years in military service and had figured in many battles along the border with the murderous guerrillas, who were the terror of the country they infested. That the men who were now planning to rob the paj-- master were none other than a band of those guerrillas who had fled for safety to the sparsely settled regions of Kansas, he had not the slightest doubt. A half hour passed and then Dan heard the sound of hurried footsteps advancing from up the stream. Clutching the revolver in his hand, he crouched low in the weeds, his heart beating in a wild tumult. Some one was approaching, and that it was some one of the enemy Dan felt convinced. "A young lady wishes to see yon out here at the ambulance," replied the lieutenant. , He (gently)—Are you not afraid some one may marry you for your money? Changed the 8ufaject. For a moment she ccrald detect no sound save the murmur of the night wind through the long grass. Then there came a low rumbling sound from behind that resembled the roll of distant thunder. The rumbling sounl grew louder and louder. Then glancir g backward Fanny uttered a low cry C.«* terror as she saw the dim outlines of a squad of mounted men thundering down upon her. She (sweetly)—Oh, dear, no. Such an Idea never entered my head. "It is I—Dan Riggsby," faltered the youth. "1 would like to see the paymaster. Is this part of his guard?" "All right," was tho response. " Taint often a young lady calls on a feller in theso parts, on 1 reckon 111 not keep her a waitin very long." He (tenderly)—Ah, in your sweet innocence you do not know how coldly, cruelly mercenary some men are. "Come forward and let us see you," commanded one of the men, and Dan hastily obeyed. In a short time he came out and walked up to tho ambulance, where he was greeted by Fanny. She (quietly)—Perhaps not. He (with suppressed emotion)—I—1 would not fCir the world have such a terrible fate bD«ppen to yoti. The man who wins you should love you for yourself alone. Presently the steps drew nearer and the sound of voices could be heard. Lifting his head cautiously and peering through an opening in the thicket, Dan saw three rough looking men approaching. and the first glance told him that thCy were some of the same men he had seen in the robbers' cabin the night before.He well knew how desperate and reckless these men were, and he realized that an encounter with them would result in a heavy loss of men; but he was not tho man to lead bis men into an ambush when it could be avoided. So he had decided on adopting a plan that would completely checkmate the would be robbers and obviate any chance of a personal encounter with them. "What business can you have with the paymaster, and how do you know that he is to pass along this road?" questioned one of the men, eying the youth keenly. Dan hesitated. He was not snre the men before him were what he had supposed them to be. He did not wish to make any mistake. "W'y, it's the gal from the tavern," he said, recognizing the girl's voice. "What's up, Fanny?" True rolltenesn. As Aaron Suggs advanced  the doorway, pistol in hand, he saw the youth go down with a crash ainGng the rubbish in the passage. In a moment he bad taken in the situation. I met a man yesterday who looked like Ignatins Donnelly. I am told that it was Donnelly. He said that senators ought to be chosen by the popular vote. Orchestra seats in the senate are too high now, he said, considering, the character of the entertainment. He said we ought to be more careful, too, in the manner of inviting men to fill important offices. Out in Leadville there was an elderly German whom we will call Mr. Frankfurter, for that was not the name of our hero. He was concerned with Mr. Tabor at the time the big strike was made which turned into millionaires.First Lady—1 saw your husband meet you on Fulton street yesterday, and 1 noticed that he removed his bat while speaking to you. I admired him for ifr Very few men do that. She—He'll have to. It's my cousin Jennie who has money, not I. You've got us mixed. I haven't a cent. Ab if aware of the danger that threatened his young rider, the horse sprang forward with the nimblenees of a deer and was away like the wind. The sudden plunge caused the terrified girl to •way from side to side, almost losing her seat. With an involuntary movement ihe leaned forward, clutching the horse's mane with one hand and holding the rope reins tightly in the other. "Oh, it's you, ia it, Mr. Rogers?" cried Fanny. "I'm so glad, for we are having an awful time with the cattlemen down at home." He—Er—very pleasant weather we're having.—New York Weekly. 'So you have been listening to our conversation, have you?' cried the enraged man, rushing forward and throwing himself upon the fallen youth. "Ill see that yon don't have an opportunity to use tbe information you've trained." Second Lady—I remember. 1 to 14 him in the morning to have his hair cat, and he was showing me that he had obeyed.—Smith & dray's Monthly. Each man carried a pistol in his hand, and they were glancing eagerly about them as they stole cautiously through the brush. 'The deuce ye sayl What have they been doin?" Whisper* Carried Five Hundred Miles. "If you please," said Dan, "I would rather wait until the paymaster arrives before I make my business known." He knew of an old and abandoned trail which crossed the creek more than a mile below the Military road, and he had decided to travel across the prairie in an easterly course till he reached this trail, then follow it southward, thereby avoiding the robbers, who would be lying in wait at the upper ford. Whisper* can be transmitted 500 miles by the new telephone which, it is said, a telephone company has just perfected.— New York Journal. Fanny gave a brief account of the incidents that had taken place at the inn during the past two days. Ai he spoke he caught Dan by the ■honlder* and held him down with a grip of iron. They stopped as they drew near the thicket where the youth lay concealed. "He orter be about hyar somewhar," observed the foremost. "1 can't Bee how he's goin to escape us." "Very well; we'll remain here till the main body arrives." "Gee whiz I" ejaculated the settler. 'This thing's got ter be seen inter. HI git my hoes an stir up the settlers at once. IH have the whole country np thar on them cattlemen's heads by daylight." Keep Celery Moist. He—I tun resolved to live no longer if you reject me. Yon—yon—are my life. Speak! She—Well, I don't care if yon take your life, then.—Smith, Grey A Co.% Monthly, The movement of her body caused her to pull suddenly upon the reins. As she did bo she felt a quick loosening of the rose: then it aliened from ths bone'* In a short time the tramp of hoofs and the sound of wheels could be heard up the road, then a line of mounted men appeared in nght .  When celery is brought home, if not wanted Immediately, it should be wrapped in a wet cloth. An hour before dinner put in cold watei, then clean and arrange on a «alery dish.—New York Joaroal 'yuick, Meg, bring me some cords till 1 bind tbe rouur rascal." continued »He can't," replied one of the otben. This Qfeo, which net with ft? yam One evening tyr. Frankfurter wa*