The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-08-16

find myself wondering whether the old
man had not some good reasons for his
belief. And was vexed, too. I could
ride as far as the horse could carry me
but 1 felt that I had the right to choose
the direction. There was my dinner, too
"a nice juicy buffalo steak. Take it all
in all, was decidedly uncomfortable:
and had it not been for q weary tramp
back to our camping-ground, should
have shot the animal dead in his tracks.
"The way grew rougher as drew near
er the mountains; but the horse did not
abate his speed in the least. He plunged
into a ravine-the dry bed Of some
mountain stream-like one accustomed to
the way. On he dashed, and up the path
growing narrower and the rocky sides
sleeper.
Higher and higher were the rocky
walls, as We advanced, until they closed
over our heads. shutting us into the
gloom. Ten minutes of this darkness, and
the horse emerged into an open space.
lighted by the monday sun. There he
stopped as suddenly as he had started,
and neighed loudly.
"Before 1 recovered from my surprise
a quick, sharp. well-known sound struck
upon my car; and looking in the direc-
ton from whence it appeared to come, I
saw two men staring down at me-two
as rough, villainous- looking creatures as
ever encountered the earth.
"Ah, my friend, knew my peril then,
and my thoughts went through my brain
with wonderful rapidity. I had not a
second to lose. Already two rifles were
pointed at me. Whatever I did must be
done instantly. There was but one chance
to stake the dumb brute's life against
my own.
II drew my revolver, and placed the
cold muzzle to the ear Of my treacherous
captor;
I shouted
$50 soon as they comprehended my in
tentions, they disappeared; but knew it
was only to gain more advantageous po-
sition. I dared not leave the horse, how
ever, for on him depended my safety; so 1
sat there, still holding my revolver ready
for any emergency. and watching all
points. Vigilant rs was, however, was
surprised. Without any warning, light
form leaped upon the horse behind me,
and human voice uttered some strange
word-some magical word, it seemed, for
the horse so motionless before, wheeled
on the instant, and went dashing back
through the path we had come.
"Then and there was ride for lite.
The rocks seemed swarming with men
bullets flew around US like hail, and the
CHATTER of hoofs over the hard ground
came distinctly to our cars. spared nci
thcr whip nor spur, and by strange good
fortune we escaped the bullets and reach
ed the open plain. Then, for the first
time ventured to look behind, and II saw
a woman's face. cannot describe my
feelings-my surprise, my gratitude. my
admiration, my love. For once I forgot
that there was such man as Major Guy
Maxwell. Neither knowing nor caring
who this stranger was-whether rich or
poor, Of high or low degree-I then and
there gave her the truest and noblcst best
love man ever gave to woman. nor thought
perhaps, it would never be returned. NY
life then was nothing, only so far as it was
necessary for her safety. The yelling de.
mons in pursuit were welcome to it, If, by
this means she could be saved. But there
was no surety fthat. Both would be saved
or both lost.
"Our pursuers were gaining on US.
Ever and anon leaden messenger
ploughed up the sand behind us, lessen
ing our hope as they fell nearer and near
,er. But we could only urge on the poor
tired horse, and pray for deliverance.
"a mile or two ahead of as was belt
of timber. had no recollection of pass
ing it in the morning.; but, if we had lost
our way, we could not turn back. If we
could only reach the shelter of those trees,
it would be better than remaining on the
open plain, a target for. half score of
rifles. But would we reach it, had
not the shadow of an idea that we could,
tor the horse was nearly spent. Yet
urged him on. He strained every mus
Gle to the utmost, but those sinews of
steel gave way at last. He staggered and
fell, and was just in time to save N.Y.
self and my companion from being
crushed beneath him.
"rhe timber was yet hundred yards
away, and the ruffians fifty behind. Why
they didn't fire upon us never knew, but
l think they wished to spare my compan-
ions life.
II grasped the small white hand of nv
companion in peril, and together we re-
sumed the flight. But half the distance
was covered, when one of the robbers
galloped up to my side, and drew his
sabre on me.
"'Takc that
"They were the last words he ever
spoke. Puffs Of white smoke appeared
suddenly among the trees, and of the ten
outlaws but 1hree escaped.
"Well, there is but little more to tell,
The timber which / had tried so hard to
reach was our camp, and it was the
rifles Of my own men that sent death and
defeat iuto the robber ranks.
Mr.. Stockton stared at me as though,
l were veritablc ghost; but when led
forward the beautiful girl, it was my turn
to be amazed.
Minnie, my darling!' cried the old
man.
Sand knew then who had shared my
ride from the outlaws stronghold.
''She had been taken prisoner only the
day before. Failing to find her father,
she was on her return, and the coach fell
into the hands of the robbers. By chance
she saw me, and conceived the bold plan
for escape: but what magic word she
used to induce the Obdurate horse to turn
back with us never knew, and she can
not tell.
1T came to me, and went again when
1 had no further use for it, is her reply
when l ask her about it; so am content.
ed with the benefits received, and ask no
questions.