The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1865-11-09
THE BORDER HEROINE.

1 y
Arkansas was so densely populated as now
and when the mails from Little Rock to
the eastern borders were carried On horse
back, there lived few miles above Horse.
head, stout pioneer named Jacob Bur.
nap. His wife, Polly, and one child
nine years old, made up his family. His
chief business was hunting, and his un-
erring rife never failed to supply his
board and something over. His nearest
nei ghbor was fifteen miles off so he was
little troubled with prying visitors.
1t was in the early spring that Jacob
started down the river with boat load
of furs and skins. He left Polly in
charge of the premises, and he left with
her, too, light rife and brace of pistols.
She new how to use the rife, for never
was she happier than when her husband
patted her on the shoulder and said =
"Nobly done, Polly, my dear; Il could not
have made better shot myself" And
he had occasion to say this with truth,
too.
Jacob Barnup had been gone four days,
when towards evening horseman rode
up to the hunters door, He was small
muscular man, some forty years of age
and seemed Injured to all hardships. AS
he sprang from his 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 his ia
tigued beast.
Eyes, and 1 am glad to see you. Ja-
cob has been gone four days, and time is
getting heavy"
"Jacob gone? Where ?"
''Down the river with load of furs."
ooh, yes. Well you shall have the
company 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 woman quickly only little lonesome.
Thus speaking, Morton threw his sad
die bags into the cabin aud led his horse
around to low shed where he made the
animal fast and fed him.
After this he returned to the dwelling
and entered, and was soon discussing the
events of the time over an ample supper.
His hostess had told him all that had
transpired in the neighborhood since his
last visit, and the visitor gave her all the
news of the eastern valley, Liant Nor
ton had been mail carrier upon that
route for several years, and not
once had he passed to and fro without
spending night in Jacob Barnaps'. In
fact he'was about the only regular visitor
at the hunters cabin, and although the
intervals between his visits were long,
yet he seemed almost fixture to the
place. Polly Burnap, just in the
generous, noble character, so she felt per-
fectly free and at home in his presence.
"Is it known on the route that your
load is valuable ?" asked Polly.
II think not-though it may be. Still
| am weil armed, and fancy it would be
a tough job for any one to tackle old
Morton"
GA man was robbed on the creek few
days ago"
And the robbers have fed" added
Morton carelessly, as he threw his mail
bags otter him.
Morton went to bed at nine o'clock, as
he was tired from his long ride. Polly
had work to do, having neglected it while
talking TO her guest, so when she had
seen him safe to rest in the bed she drew
her basket to little table where the can.
die was and went to work upon some
clothing for her child was soundly sleep.
ing in the corner.
The old German clock upon the wall
with its great weight and wind strings al
exposed, had struck ten ere Polly arose
from her work. She had just pushed the
basket beneath the table when the front
: dood opened and two men entered. They
were in their stockings, their shoes hav
ing been left outside.
."Hush p uttered the formost intruder
''Speak but one word above whisper
and you die in moment"
Polly recovered from her quick terror
and looked up. She saw two stout wick
ed ugly looking men, one of whom helc
, cooked pistol towards her. With ;
quickness of perception natural to her
, she knew the piston Would not De Hreu
she held her peace, as that would make
t more noise than she could make, and fur
l ther-she recognized in the foremost
notorious villain, who bore the name o
!, Dick Gallus.
: She had never seen him before, bu
the minute description her husband hat
given of the man, led her to know hin
and positively too, for one big scar on tn
left cheek was mark enough.
y "What do you seek, gentlemen Z" ask
:, ed Polly, without betraying the least fear
i awe have come to see the mail car
e rier," one replied, in hoarse wisper
!. "wherc is he ? Don't speak too loud"
ale is long since asleep. Would l
not do as well to see him in the morning
We can find you room and lodging
The fair hostess had said for the pur