The weekly union record., 1865-07-08
The Border Heroine.

Some years ago, before the State OF Arkan-
sas was so densely populated as now. and when
ihe mail from Little Rock TO the eastern bor-
ders was carried on horseback, there lived
few miles above Horsehead, stout pioneer
named jacob Burusp. His wife Polly, and
one child. uiue years old, made up bis family
His chief business was hunting. and his unerr-
ing rife never failed to supply his board and
something over. His nearest neighbor was
fifteen miles Of, so be was troubled little with
prying visitors.
1t was in early spring that Jacob started
down the river with boat load of furs and
skins. He lef, Polly in charge Of the premises,
and be left with her, too. light rifle and
brace of pistols. She knew how to use the
rifle, for never was she happier than when her
husband patied her upon the shoulder and said:
"Nobly done, Polly, my dear. | could not have
made better shot myself" And be had &C.
casion to say this with truth, too.
Jacob Burnap had been gone four days when
towards evening horseman rode TO The hun
,er's door, He was u small muscular man,
some forty years of age, and seemed injured to
all hardsbips. As be spraug from the saddle,
Polly made her appearance.
"Ah, Polly, once more here" the new conner
said, as he drew well filled pair of saddle bags
from the back of bis beast.
Yes, and / am glad 10 see you. Morton.
Jacob has been gone four days, and time is
getting heavy
Jacob gomez Where?'
"Dowu the river with load Of furs."
"Oh-yes. Well. you shall have the COM
pany of Liant Morton for one night at least; so
for the next twelve hours you'll be safe"
"Oh-I feel safe enough" returned the wo
man quickly "ouly lonesome"
Well, then, for this evening you shan't be
lonesome"
Thus speaking, Morton threw his saddle and
saddebags into the the cabi1, and then led his
horse around to low shed, where he made the
animal fast and fed him. After this, he re-
turned TO the dwelling and entered, and was
soon discussing the events of the time over an
ample supper. His hostess had told him oil
that had transpired in the neighborhood since
his last visit, and the visitor gave her the news
Of the eastern valley.
Liant Morton had been mail carrier upon
that route for several years and not once had
he passed to and fro without spending night
at Jacob Burnap's. ln fact, he was about the
only regular visitor at the hunters cabin, and
although the intervals between his visits were
long, yet be seemed almost a fixture to the
place. Polly Burnap-still in the bloom Of
womanhood-knew his gentle. generous, noble
character. so she felt perfectly free and at home
10 his presence.
us it known on the route, that your load is
so valuable p asked Polly.
II think not-though it may be. Still am
well armed, and fancy it would be tough
job for any one to tackle old Lant."
"A man was robbed on the creek q few days
ago."
"And the robbers have fed" added Morton,
carelessly, as he drew his mail bags after him.
Morton went TO bed at nine O'Clock, as be
was tired and sleepy from his hard ride. Polly
had work to do, having neglected it while talk
ing to her guest, so when she had seen him
safe at rest in the bed she drew her basket to
the little table where the candle was, and went
to work upon some clothing for her child, who
was soundly sleeping in the corner.
The old German clock upon the wall, with
its great weights and winding strings all ex-
posed. had struck ten ere Polly arose from her
work. She had just pushed the basket beneath
the table, and taken up the candle, when the
front door opened, and two men entered. They
were in their stockings their shoes having been
left outside.
Hush y uttered the foremost intruder.
Speak but one word above whisper, and
you die 10 moment"
Polly recovered from her quick terror and
looked up. She saw two stout, wicked, ugly
looking men, one of whom held cooked pistol
towards her. With a quickness of perception
natural to her. she knew that the pistol would
not be fred if she held her peace, as that would
make more noise than she could make, and fur
ther-she recognized 10 the foremost notori
Gus william who bore the name of Dick Gsllus.
She had never seen him before, but the mi
mute description her husband had given OF the
man, led her to know him-and positively, too,
for one big scar on the left cheek was mark
enough.
"What do you seek, gentlemen p asked Pol
ly, without betraying the least fear.
I'VE have come TO seek the mail carrier"
one replied, in hoarse whisper, where is be
Don't speak too loud"
He is long since asleep. Would it not do
as we'll to see him in the morning? We can
find you room and lodging"
The fair hostess had said this for the pur.
pose Of gaining time. She knew very we'll
that these men had come to rob the carrier,
and was equally sure that they would murder
him if they could, and would in all probability
put her out OF the way as well. They had ev-
iden'ly learned the valuable load be carried.
and meant 10 carry it in bis stead.
"Never mind his being asleep. Show US
where he is at once" roughly replied Gallus
in answer 10 Polly's last remark.
But can call him, good sirs," reasoned
the woman calmly. though there was alarm in
her soul.
"Cal him? Call" growled tbs william, with
fierce oath. "You call him. and you'll be
called to another world. Quick, show us the
way"
The mild eye that could aim an uerring bu
let at the forest beast, did not even betray the
thoughts of that woman's soul, nor did look
tell her meaning. She was pale, but she did
not tremble.
This way, sirs," she whispered.
Aud as she spoke she turned towards door
of the little bed room and the pantry. She did
not open it until both men were close behind
her.
Don't you her him breathe ?'' she whis-
pered.
-otr-nod 10th v,Ii;onc nd fbor