The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-10-09


aire or the possessor of only very mod
crate means. In anticipation of the lat
ter result, he prudently resolved TO lay
the foundation for another fortune,
bought Western lands and engaged In
various enterprises.
The Sand Ridge region extends over
miles and miles of country, consisting
of wooded, sandy ridges, with interven-
ing marshes and occasional openings.
Game of all sorts was plentiful, but the
soil was thought to be worthless, and
the few inhabitants were believed to be
there for the purpose OF harboring
horse-thieves and sharing their profits.
In one of these sheltered openings
Mr.. Haviland had built cottage,
planted acres of small fruits and a
peach orchard, now just coming into
bearing, placing all under the charge
of trusty man in his employ.
His Western interest demanded long
and frequent abs noes from home, and,
having fallen in love with Western life,
he had, within the last year, built a
pretty house, and brought his family to
Waneta.
Had Agnes Haviland understood the
character of part of her route, she would
have looked long for messenger be-
fore she would have undertaken the
ride but she gave very little thought
to the horse-thief stories, hurried on
her trim riding-habit of navy-blue,
perched her little plumed cap over the
feathery brown curls with their CLINT of
gold, and gathered up her long skirt to
hasten downstairs, but, on second
thought, turned back and took from a
drawer a little toy of pocket istolwith
which she sometimes amused herself in
firing at mark.
In few moments she was cantering
down the carriage-way on her spirited
iron-gray leading her fathers glossy
chestnut by the bride, Melissa Briggs
protesting to the last.
"Have you stole boss? Coin to
run him off into Injianny? The
speaker was old Capt Billings, and
Aggie dashed on, laughing.
For a time the ride was delightful.
Over smooth roads, past cultivate d
farms, the horses dashed on abreast,
seeming to grow more spirited and am
bilious for their chase across the green
country in the golden autumn air.
But now the dwellings were less
and less frequent, and by the time
she reached the belts of timber, she con-
fessed to herself feeling of nervous
ness. The sun was getting low, and
the forest-road looked lonely. She had
traversed about two miles of woods
when the horses sprang aside, startled
by the sudden apparition OF two men,
muddy and rough-looking with guns.
Aggie's heart gave great leap, and,
thoroughly frightened, she urged the
horses on at a flying pace but the men
only lifted their hats, one OF them with
easy grace, the other bowling with all a
Frenchman's effusion.
comfy hunters" thought Agnes,
ashamed of her cowardice.
"By Jove Fernand who would
have expected such vision as that in
this wilderness? She must be bound
for the plantation we came upon this
morning"
"No doubt, mon ami"
"Those were vicious looking scoun-
drels we saw stealing through the tim
Der while ago. Suppose we strike
across here and see that she passes the
creek safely?"
"Wiz all my heart" responded mon
sieur.
Coming soon to the little stream,
Agnes stopped to let the horses drink
1t was pretty place the shallow water
clear and limpid, the banks covered
with close underground of bushes, a
blaze of cardinal flowers in the marshy
islets.
Tired by rapid riding, she rested a
few minutes, leaning over to watch the
tiny fish darting here and there, quite
unconscious of the Unlocking figure
lurking behind large tree near by, and
hidden by the bushes.
liant you stole boss, miss 2"
Aggie started, almost expecting to see
Capt. Billings, but beholding a most
villainous-l looking Individual instead.
CLOCKS powerful like it, " he continued,
passing his arm through the chestnut's
bridle-rein and grasping the other
"You are mistaken, sir" said Agnes,
quietly, 81 am on my way to my
fathers farm"
Cant believe you, my beauty.
Reckon III have to set you down yer
and take the hosses."
LOU VIII no ITO SUCH bnl0B Cr1eu
Agnes, reused and fearless now, IN the
face of real danger. "Let go my
bride, or I'll fire on you !" drawing her
little revolver.
Law !" said The man, with grin,
confident she would not fire without
further warning.
81 shall Lot hesitate if you don't
drop that bride % said she, taking aim.
But the words were scarcely spoken
when her arm was seized with an iron
grip, and another wicked face leered up
at her.
Let go, you coward !" cried she.
" Pritty good grit" said he. "Bill,
reckon we'll take the gal along with
the beasts.
Then chill like death came over her.
There was a sudden rush through the
underbrush. and Agnes captor felt a
pistolbarrel pressed to his temple.
=" Let go your hold, this instant, you
villain !" commanded it's owner and
let go he did, not daring to stir the
other turned to flee, but found himself
covered by Paul Fernand's rifle.
Stop, my PLEASANT FRIEND" said
monsieur, and he complied.
Then Agnes disengaged the halter