The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1858-12-16
An Gftfllfnt storp.
The Rangers Bride.


when lone hunter, or ranger. as they are
called in that region, with his rifle thrown
carelessly over his shoulder. was leisurely
sauntering along the banks Of the Neuces
river. He was of medium height. with the
broad, manly chest and free bearing which
IL peculiar to those who make the 'ree forest
their home; and. despite the swarthiucss of
his checks, his features were we'll formed and
handsome. And, from the intelligence spark.
ling in his eye, and the broad, majestic look
ing brow, one became impressed with the fact
that he was not native Of the forest. and
had seen other climes in earlier days. Nor
did his countenance indicate that grief or af-
fiction had driven him TO his present life.
His face beamed with the radiant pleasure
and freedom Of surrounding nature and he
often let forth his feelings in snatches OF song.
INDUCED in a careless whistle.
1t is well remembered, that when the fame
OF the Texan Rangers became FIRST known to
the world, many bold and adv cnturous spirits,
flushed in the pride Of manhood, cast off the
trammels OF society, and the sri'e of the
commercial word. and, bidding farewell TO
friends and home. departed for the southern
wilds, resolved to share its dangers aud adj
ventures.
Henry Woodward was one Of these At
tanning his majority. with pa,rmony OF
several thousand dollars, his bold spirit thirst
ed for excitement; and. removing 10 the far
west, he purchased "A rancho upon the Neuces
river. joined the Rangers, and now, at the
age OF twen y-five. was experiencing as much
pleasure as he could well appreciate.
1t is needless to say that the Ranger we
have described and Henry Woodward
one and the same. He was just returning
from a days hunt. which had proved rather
proftless. rs his wet garments attested, it
having rained nearly the entire day. 1t had
cleared up. however, as the sun went down,
and now, As the stars began to peep out
from above. q Ranger seemed to have for
gotten bis drsnchipQ; and went On his way
- anersily A. thong his hunting hg was tnti
-of kaAes
N H.ehad just diverged fronyhe riser bank.
~ avoid aAtrip Of dense chapparei and be>
gensto hum merry song. As he thought Of
~ gbsiA9 near home when his ears we're
pierced BY thrilling shriek. apparently
short distance down the. river.
a woman, by St Marie' and in danger"
he cried; and without pausing to consider
he dashed through thcchappafel. towards the
spot whence lie sound had proceeded.
He had not gone many yards, when he dis
covered two boats through the tall reds. but
had not time 10 observe them, for his atten
'ion was Immediately attracted by rustiing
in the reeds. and the voice of man, mingled
with the hard breathing of some object.
"Carramba" exclaimed voice. Anne
ricana strong 4 tigress!'
Henry spian@ forward, and started. he
beheld 4 si III which made his blood run cold.
a young aud beautiful woman was strugIl-
ipg in the grasp OF two guerilla Mexlcans,
who had succeeded in gaggng her ard were
in the act of Ira agging her towards tie river.
llpuy-xr IN Al NOT haan the
widS 10 need consideration rs Iow to con
quer two tocs. Ills rife was uRsiuug IN a mo-
ment, aud, brin .ing it to his shoader, he sent
a bullet, with uuerring aim. throu 5h the BRAIN
OF one Of the rutfians, and then clubbing his
weapon. the next instant Il was crashing
through the skull Of the other!
Without paus.ng hardly 70 tiink,he sHa'ched
the gag fro..: .ha maiden's mo,,th,and !el her
in his strong arms. until she recovered from
her fright when she exclaimed:
"Oh, noble sir | thank You. lol have
saved my lite, more. my homo. To the
river; my fuheri Oh, see if he is quite
dcadi''
Harry spraug towards the river. not even
waiting to take Il second glance q the lovely
face, rendered doubly beautiful by the wealth
OF loose flowing hair As he reached the
bank, he discovered that one OF the boats
which no had seen, had driftel far down the
river. and lie could Just descry some object
lying in its bow.
Remain here, lady" he said, quickly leap
ing into the Mexican punss that was moored
10 the shore. But stop and drawing a
pistol from his belt, he handed il 10 her. take
this" he continued, land should either OF
those copper dogs " AXE up, don't be afraid to
use it. You won't hur,'em''
He cpt The rope with his bowie knife. a
the maiden took the weapon, and seiziag the
oars, sped out into the river like an arrow.
The boa, was far in advance. but the arms Of
Harry Woodward were strong and sinuous,
and he made the little quiver as he shot
in pursuit, with a strength that caused even
the pnnga 10 tremble.
Twenty minutes brought him along side the
boat. which revealed to him a of forty
wears; covered with blood. deep, wide cash
across the brow. aui several stiletto wounds
in the breast He was in his last asonies OF
death: but as Harry rea he'd over and lashed
the boat 70 his own, he seemed 10 revive with
energy.
My child!' he g.sped. faintingly.-
MARY
..She is safe. my friend" said Harry.
thanks TO good knife and strong arm!'
And stepping into the boat. he let loose the
punga, and bent over the dying man.
"Oh, you have saved her!' be grasped.
Thanks. thsnks-ten thousand thanks, You
YOU will protect her-she has no friends
now--none in the wide world'
II aeiN protect herl" cried Harry, with
feeling. for glance at the wounded man was
sufficient to convince lin that lite was al its
last throbbiug.
Thanks dying IA theirs ths-.'' gut
teral sound in the throat-a few almost i'm
pereep'abie breathings a shuiier bubble of
blood from the wounds, they were thrown
out by the last throb of the heart. and then
Harry Woodward hooked into the face of the
dead
lie looked on many such. slain in the strife
OF battle or the struggle of hate, without a
rassir., thnue,ht R.,t he saatad him saIf