Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-03-26

ford. Looks as if the blood had settle
under the skin
The train was bound for Denver, u
Landlord had said.
The wagons belonged to men who ha
no women with them. There were ty
OF these de.peradocs, and only the small
nsss of their number As compared wit
the others, induced Landlord TO allo,
them 10 travel under his guidance an
the protection of his train.
A few introductions took place, an
then the long train took up RS line O
march westward
During the noon encampmont, on th,
following day, Gay had lin she'd her din
ner, aud a merry snatch OF song was or
Der lips, when one ot the desperadoe
known rs Burk, came up to her. an,
paused beside her, regarding her with al
! insolent stare.
'Hailo, younker,' he said grufily. Il NO
tlrcd you yesterday, and you are tn,
preIticst Young one | ever did sec Go
n i'thel nor mother. eh? Going ives
with 'oul bolher, eh? Give us kiss
there's doll?
In au instant she lsapcd to HI feet
Child rs she was, she resented the in
suit hat had been offered her with i
wom"n's offended pride and anger.
How dare you?' she cried. Go away
II YOU touch me, III call my brother"
'Ah. now, young one, you're foolpg,
he said insolcntly. You nc. older than
took YOU Tor. I'll warrant no boy ex.
crpt your hroihcr has kissed them lips o
yourn, and I'm bound to have one-sc
now
As quick as n flash she drew from hen
pocket pistol Mark had bought Tor hen
Ai LeavanWorth, and which he had since
taught her to use skillfully. She cock ed
this pistol. aud It's four small dark tube.
were promptly presented To The eyes oi
Burk Tor inspection. He started back in
unaffected horror and umazcment
The little viNen!' he mu,tered She
acts like n highwayman instead of u
shrinking girl. She beats all
i was only iooliug, he said aloud. i
didn't mean nothing, Don't say nothing
young one. I'm off
And he FASTENED to beat retreat TO
his own proper quarters.
Gays light laugh rang after him mock
ingIy.
'Cutse her" muttered Burk Blue
Jack would tame that Wild cat spirit Of
hcr'n, and wish he may do it. that's all
I'll make 'em acquainted, bIest if don't
The train WAS read, to resume its
..."tvu.
Come up into the wagon, Mark. said
the girl coaXngly i have something
10 tell You,
Mark elm bed up beside Gay, his
boyish face full OF tenderness and affcc-
ton as he lo.Sed down upon his adopted
sister.
Well, what is it, little Gay p he said, las
she hesitaled.
Have you noticed that man Burk, who
ioined us with the other train al kearney
Cily?' asked Gay.
I've seen him and noticed him, said
Marx Mr.. Landlord has poor opinion
OF him. He's confederate oil Blue
Jack, the OUTLAW. What have you TO say
about him, GayT
lie wanted to Liss me, back Mt the
halt said Gay composedly, and, as YOU
were busy, iu.t pulled out my pistoI
and scared him. He thought meant tc
shoot him, and went OF to the rear OF the
train
Marks boyish brows grew stern, and
his eyes flashed
The coward and viIlainn he exclaimed
III horsewhip him Tor that How daret
hep
Don't get into trouble on my account
dear Mark exclaimed Gay, in alalm
'He's bad man, and he might kill you
He didn't kiss me, and have taught hin
to keep his distance, so that he won
trouble me again. Don't speak to him
Mark, please don't p
But Mark would not promise.
About sunset Landlord beheld in tn,
distance Il solitary horseman. who, upoI
looking back and observing the train
wheeled his horse about, and rode rapid,
toward it. As he approached it, he said
Are you the conductor of this train sir
| am bearer of dispatches from For
Kearney to Fort Scdgwick. Will ,oI
grant me the protection OF your train dur
ing the remainder OF my jOurneyP'
What is your name?'
'Fallon, Lieutenant Fallon. was the re
ply, and he offered to show his crcden
lials
Fallon ate supper with the Whitmans
and after conversing till late hour. re
tired To the rear OF the train TO SLEEP
After all was still, he rolled over on til
ground until he came to the side {
Burk.
Bark. he Missed.
Burk started with smothered oath.
who calls p he growled.
Hush, you idiot = Kissed Fallon b,
tween his teeth Have | fooled you an
the boys as easily as fooled the cond,
tor OF the train ? Dou't you know me
| haven't got my card. case with me, bl
To, l. l..