Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-02-23

road between Bedford and Berwick
where she walked the horse gently on
awaiting the coming up OF the postman
Though all her faculties were now
absorbed in one aim. and the thought o
her fathers deliverance still reigneL
supreme in her mind, she could not help
occasionally figuring to herself the pos
sibility Of her tampering with the pistols
being discovered, and their loading re-
placed, in which case il was more than
likely that her life would be the forfeit OF
the act she meditated. When she at
length saw and heard The postmau ad-
vancing behind her, the strong necessity
of the case gave her renewed courage ;
and it was with perfect GOODNESS that, on
his coming close up. she civilly saluled
him, put her horse into the same pace
with his, and rode on for some way In
his company. He was strong, thick
set man with good natured countenance
which did not seem 10 Miss Cochrane. as
she looked anxiously upon it. 10 SAVIOR
much Of hardy daring. He rode with
the mail.bags strapped TO his saddle in
front, close 70 the holsters Oor they were
two). one containing the letters direct
from London. and the other those taken
up at the different post offices on the
road. After riding short distance
together, Miss Cochrane deemed it time,
IS they were nearly half way between
! Belford and Berwick. 10 commence
operations. She therefore rode close TO
her companion. and said. "Friend,
have taken fancy for those ail-bags oil
/ yours, and | must have them; therefore
take my advice. and deliver them up
quietly, tor an provided for all hazards.
l am mounted. as you see, on q fleet
steed | carry firearms, and. moreover.
am allied with those who are stronger
though not bolder than myself. You see
yonder wood" she continued. pointing to
one at the distance oil about mile, with
an accent TO carry intimidation. Again
| say, take my advice, give me the bags.
and speed back the road you came for the
present. nor dare to approach that wood
for at least two or three hours TO come"
There was in such language from
STRIPPING something 50 surprising that
the man looked on Miss Cochrane for An
instant in silent and unfeigned amaze
mont
IT." said he, as soon as he lound his
tongue. you mean. my young master, 10
make yourself merry at my expense, YOU
are welcome | am no sour churl 10
take offense at the Idle words of foolish
boy. Blu, ii, " he said, taking one Of bis
pistols from the holster and turning It's
muzzle toward her. "you are mad enough
10 harbor one serious thought Of such a
matter, | am ready for you. But. me-
thinks. my lad. you seem at an age when
robbing o garden or an old woman's
fruit stall would beit you better. II you
must turn thief. than taking his majesty's
mails from stout man such as am upon
his highway. BE thankful. however. that
you have met with one who will not shed
blood il he can help it. and sheer OF be-
fore you provoke me to fire."
Nay" said his young antagonist. 81
am not londer oi bloodshed than you
are; hut il you will not be persuaded,
what eau ! do' For ! have told you a
truth that mail must and will have.
So now choose" she continued. as she
suddenly drew one Of the small pistols
under hoI cloak. and. deliberately cock
ing it, presented it 10 his face.
Nay. then. your blood be ON your
head" said the fellow. as he raised his
hand and fred his pistol. which. how.
ever, flashed in The pan. Dashing the
weapon to the ground. lie lost not mo-
ment in pulling out the other which he
also aimed at his assailant. and fred with
the same result. In q transport oil rage
and disappointment. the man sprang
from his horse and made an attempt 10
seize her, but by an adroit use OF her
spurs she eluded his grasp. and placed
herself out OF his reach. Meanwhile his
horse had moved forward some yards.
aud to see and seize the advantage pre-
sented by this circumstance was one and
the same to The heroic 2 RI. who. darting
toward it. caught the bride, and having
led the prize of about hundred yards.
stopped while she called to the thunder.
struck postman to remind him of her ad.
vice about the wood. She then put both
horses 10 their speed, and on turning to
look at the man she had robbed had the
pleasure OF perceiving that the nysteri.
Gus threat had taken effect, and he was
now pursuing his way back to Belford.
Miss C0chrans speedily entered the
wood 10 which she had alluded. and
tying the strange horse TO tree, out of
all observation from tho road, proceeded
to uniasten the traps Of the mail. BY
means OF a sharp penknife. which set at
defiance the appended locks, she was
mistress ot the contents, and with an
eager hand broke open the government
dispatches. which were unerringly
pointed out TO her by their address to the
| Cnnncil In Edinhnl O and THAR innosinn