The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1878-01-12

grocer's, or at some of the other stores,
and went Immediately to do 50. Fate
seemed against her, for no one had small
change enough to accommodate Miss Hen
derson.
At one Of the stores where she stopped
very gentlemanly-looking person took
out his pocketbook and said he thought
he could change it for her, and she handed
him the bill, but he returned it, saving.
after all, he had not so much small money.
He seemed to regret this, however, and
even followed Maude to the door and as
sisted her to remount her horse.
She was forced to give up her errand,
as she did not like to run about among
strangers asking them to change her bill,
especially as no one seemed able to do so.
She, therefore, turned her horses head
once more toward home Scarcely had
she passed the outskirts Of the town when
she was overtaken by the stranger who
had spoken with her in the last store, and
who at first thought he could change her
bill. He was mounted upon a fne-look-
ing bay horse, and saluted her respectfully
as he came alongside.
" Did you get your bill changed ?" he
asked.
Nss>small bills seemed scarce she
replied.
" Do you live near here p
About five miles off,
"Quite a ride
Oh, We don't mind five miles in the
country"
" You are an excellent rider"
have ridden since I was six years
old" she said but my sister Ellen is
better rider than am."
You are generous to admit it." said
the stranger.
"Why, it's only the truth" she an
swered frankly.
After they had passed over about two
miles they came to very lonely piece of
road, quite removed from any dwelling
houses. Still, as the stranger appeared SO
gentlemanly and had addressed her so DO
litely, she had not the least suspicion of
any evil intention on his part.
Presently he said suddenly, ''I will
thank you for that bill"
WHAT" she said, half smiling.
Please give me that bill"
What do you mean ?" asked Maude.
Just what l say p he replied, sud-
denly.
F" shall do no such thing" she an
swered, firmly.
am sorry to draw pistol upon a
lady" he continued, suiting the action to
the word, 'but / must have that hundred
dollar bill at once"
Do you mean to rob me?'
g must have the money"
1t was with difficulty she cc1ld believe
the man was in earnest; but when he now
cooked his pistol and held it toward her
with one hand, while he extended the
other for the bill, she was forced to yield
to the necessity of the situation. She was
brave-hearted girl, and even now she
did not turn pale or tremble in the least,
but saw she could not help herself and so
made the best of it.
just as she held out the bill to him a
sudden puff Of wind blew it into the road
and carried it several yards from them.
The stranger alighted to get it, and, quick
as thought, Maude struck her horse a
smart blow, in order to get out of the rob-
ber's power The sorrel mare was a spir-
tied little creature, aud sprang into a
smart gallop at once, while the strangers
horse, which had been standing beside her,
also started off at full speed in her CON-
pany.
Bang went the robbers pistol after
them, having only the effect to increase
the speed of the flying horses, both of
whom were now on the dead run. Maude
did not care how fast she rode, the sorrel
was as easy as cradle at that speed, and
in ten minutes she dashed into her fathers
yard, followed by a riderless horse.
Her story was soon told, and her father
was with difficulty prevented from starting
after the robber with his pistol and rife,
but he knew that the scoundrel would nat
urally take at once to the woods, where he
could not follow him.
Well, we've got his horse, at any
rate, said the farmer, and he is worth
more than hundred dollars"
Hello, master p said the man John,
who had been taking the saddle-bags from
the strange horse.
"What is it, John ?"
These bags is full of something"
"a should think so" said the farmer,
as he unstrapped the leather bags.
They were found to contain some coun-
terfeit plates, quantity of counterfeit
money, in various bills, and also a little
over fifteen hundred dollars, good money.
Huzza !" cried the farmer.
"N hat is it, father ?" said Maude.
Why, your trip to Easton has proved
profitable one at all events Here's over
fifteen hundred dollars good money!
All, but it viii be claimed by the
owner"
Do you think counterfeiter will dare
to come for the tools that would convict
him ?-to say nothing of highway rob-
berry ?"
II didn't think of that"
That evening farmer Henderson sent
John over to young Masters with a mes
sage to call round and see him, to which
Harry responded instantly.
Mr. masters, salu the farmer, as ne
came into the large, old-fash;oned sitting
room, you remember what you asked of
me this afternoon ?"
Yes, sir"
" Well, | give my consent. AIaude has
just furnished her own marriage portion
Take her, my boy, and be happy"
c.- No.