The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1878-04-09

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 towards home. Scarcely
had she passed the outskirts of the town,
when she was overtaken by the stranger
who had spoken to her at the first store,
and who at first thought he could change
her bill He was mounted on a flne-look
ing bay horse, and saluted her respect
fully as he came alongside.
"Did you get your bill changed ?" he
asked.
"No; small bills seemed scare" she re.
piled.
"Do you live near here p
about five miles off,
"Quite ride
"Oh, we don't mind five miles in tho
country"
you are an excellent rider
II have ridden since | was six years
DID, said she; 'bnt my sister Ellen is a
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 avery lonely piece of
road, quite removed from any dwelling
houses still, as the stranger had treated
her SO gentlemanly and had acted so pc.
litely, she bad not the least suspicion OF
any evil intention on his part
Presently h said suddenly, 81 will
thank you for that BILL
what ?" said she, half smiling.
"Please give me that BILL
what do you means' asked Maude.
"Just what say" he replied.
II shall do no such thing she an
swered firmly,
he ta sm fHE5Y tq d{aE lgs ssat Sp aSy.
word, ..but must have that hundred dol.
lar bill ut ouce.'
"Do you mean to rob me.
1t was with dicfiieulty she could believe
the man was in earnest, but when he now
cooked his pistol and held it toward hel
with one band, 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 nor tremble in the
least; she saw she could not help, and sc
she made the best Of it
Just rs she held it out to him sudder
cv st of wind blew it into the road, anc
carried it gently several yards from them
The stauger alighted to get i, and as
quick as thought Maude struck her horse
sharp blow, in order to get out of the
robbers power. The sorrel mare was
spirited little creature, and sprang into {
smart gallop at once; while the stranger
horse, which had been standing beside
her, also started off at full speed in hel
company.
Bang! went the robbers pistol afte
them, having only the effect to increase
/, the speed of the flying horses, both Of
whom were now on the dead run. Maud'
did not care how fast she rode, the sorrc
! was as easy as cradle at that speed, ant
in ten minutes she dashed into her faith
er's yard, followed by the riderles
horse.
Her story was soon told, and her faith
err was with difficulty prevented iron
starting after the robber with his pisto
and rife but he knew that the scoundre
would naturally take at once to the wood
where he could not possibly follow o
find him.
( "Well, we've got his horse, at any rate
said the farmer, "and he's worth NOR
than the hundred dollars"
"Hallo, Master?' said the man John
who had been taking the saddle bag
from the strange horse.
NV hat is it, John p
"These bags are full Of something's
81 should think So" said the farmer
as he uns,rapped the leather bags
; They were found to contain some coun
: terteit plates, a quantity of counterfeit
money in various bills, and also littl
over fifteen hundred dollars in goo
: money.
r "Huzzaw cried the farmer.
"What is it, fatheri' said Maude.
"Why, your trip to Easton has prove
r profitable one, at all events. "Here'
over fifteen hundred dollars in good mo
ney."
, "Ah, but it will be claimed by the own
err
4. "Do you think a counterfeiter woul
t dare TO come for tools that would con
vict him--to say nothing of highwa
: robbery ?"
IL didn't think of that"
! That evening farmer Henderson sen
r John over to young Marsters with mes
0 sage to call around and see him, t
which Harry responded Immediately.
D "Mr. Marsters," said the farmer. o
Ii he came into the large, old-fashioned 81
!, ting room, ''you remember what you asl
ed of me this afternoon =
It ayes, sir"
| "Well, give my consent. Maude hi
lust furnished her own marriage portion
e Take her, my boy, and be happy"