River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1877-04-26
THE BORDER HEROINE.

THE BORDER HEROINE.
Some years ago, before the State of
Arkansas was so densely populated as
now, and when the mails from Little
Rock to the western borders were car
ried on horseback, there lived a few
miles above Horsehead stout pioneer
named Jacob Burnap. His wife Polly
and one child nine years old made up his
family. His chief business was hunting,
and his unerTing rifle never failed to sup
ply his board and something over. His
nearest neighbor was fifteen miles of, so
he was little troubled with prying visit
Ors.
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 her,
too, light rifle and brace of pistols.
She knew how to use the rifle, for never
was she happier than when her husband
patted her ON the shoulder and said:
" Nobly done, Polly, my dear; could
not have made better shot myself"
And he had occasion to say this with
truth, too.
Jacob Burnap had been gone four days,
when toward evening a horseman rode
up to the hunters door. He was a small,
muscular man, some forty years of age,
and seemed Injured to all hardships. As
he sprang from his saddle, Polly made
her appearance.
All, Polly, once more here" the new
conner said, as he drew a well-filled pair
of saddle-bags from the back Of his
fatigued beast.
Yes, and l am glad TO see you. Jacob
has been gone four days, and time is get
ting heavy"
Jacob gomez Whereln
Down the river, with load of furs.r
"Oh. 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, | feel safe enough" returned the
woman quickly" Only little lone
some"
Thus speaking, Morton threw his sad
dle-bags into the cabin and led his horse
around to a low shed, where he made the
animal fast and fed him.
| After this he returned 10 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 Morton had been mail carrier
upon that route for several years, and not
once had he passed to and fro without
spending a night at Jacob Burnap's. In
fact, he was about the only regular Wis
itor at at the hunters cabin and al
though the intervals between his visits
were long, vet he seemed almost fix
ture to the place. Polly Burnap, just in
the bloom of womsnhood, knew his gen
tie, generous, noble character, so she felt
perfectly free and at home in his pres
ence.
at is not known on the route that
| your load is valuablel" asked Polly.
q think not-though it may be. Still,
/ am well armed. and fancy it would
be very tough job for any one to tackle
old Morton"
a man was robbed on the creek few
days ago"
And the robbers have fed" added
Morton, carelessly, as he drew his mail
bags after 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 at rest she drew her
basket to little table where the candle
was, and went to work upon some cloth
| ing for her child, who was soundly sleep
ing in 4 corner.
The old German clock upon the wall.
with its great weight and wind strings all
exposed, had just struck ten ere Polly
rose from her work. She had just pushed
the basket beneath the table when the
front door opened and two men entered.
They were in their stockings, their shoes
having been left outside.
| Hush" uttered the foremost intruder.
"Speak one word above a whisper, and
you diel'
| Polly recovered from her quick terror
and looked up. She saw two stout,
wicked, ugly-looking men, one who held
a cooked pistol toward her. With the
quickness of perception natural to her,
she knew the pistol would not be fired if
she held her peace, as that would make
more noise than she could make; and,
further, she recognized in the foremost q
notorious villain who bore the name Of
Dick Gallus.
She had never seen him before, but the
minute description her husband had
given of the man led her to know him
and positively too, for one big scar on the
left cheek was mark enough.
what do you wantin asked Polly,
without betrsying the least fear.
I've have come TO sec the mail car
rier," one replied, in a hoarse whisper;
where is heir
:. He Is long since asleep. Would it
not do as well to see him in the morn
ingl We can find you a room and lodg-
ing
The fair hostess had said this for the
purpose of gaining time. She knew
very well that these men had come to
rob the carrier, and was equally sure
! they would murder him if they could,
and would in all probability p,ss her ont
of the way Is well. They had evidently
learned Of the valuable load he carried,
and meant to carry it in his stead.
Never MAD his being asleep. Show
Us where he is at once. roughly replied
Gallus, in answer TO Poily's last re-
mark.
But can cal hila, good sirs,~ res-
soned the woman, calmly though there
was alarm in her very soul.
Call him. eallin growled the vii
Ian. with tierce oath. you call him,