The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-03-26
THE DAILY STAR
A RIDE FOR LIFE.

IL was Just at SuHuoWIi, ANU Liiy OOi-
vosse was sitting on the porch at War
rington, watching the sunset glow, when
ahOrseman came in sight, and rode up
to the gate. After moments scrutiny
of the premises he seemed satisfied, and
uttered the usual halloo which it is Gus
tomary for one to give who desires to
communicate with the household in that
country. Lily rose, and advanced to
the steps,
Here's letter." said the horseman,
as he held an envelope up to view, and
then, as she started down the steps,
threw it over the gate into the avenue,
and, wheeling his horse, cantered easily
away. Lily picked up the letter. 1t
was directed in a coarse, sprawling
hand
COLONEL COMFORT SERvossE,
WARRINGTON"
In the lower left-hand corner, in a
more compact and business like hand,
were written the words, "Read at once"
Lily read the superscription carelessly as
she went up the broad avenue.
She went into the house, and, calling
for light, glanced once more at the en-
velope and then broke the seal. 1t
read:
"CoLoNEL SERvossE: A raid of K. K.
has been ordered to intercept Judge Den
ton on his way home tonight (the 29d
inst). 1t is understood that he has tele-
graphed to you to accompany him home.
Do not do it. If you can by any means,
give him warning. 1t is a big raid and
means business. The decree is, that he
shall be tied, placed in the middle of
the bridge across the river, the planks
taken up on each side, so as to prevent
rescue, and the bridge set Oh fire. |
send this warning for your sake. Do
not trust the telegraph. shall try to
send this by safe hand, but tremble
lest it should be too late. dare not
sign my name, but subscribe myself
your UNKNOWN FRIEND"
The girl stood for moment paralyzed
with horror at the danger which threat
ened her father. 1t did not once occur
to doubt the warning she had received.
She glanced at the timepiece upon the
mantel. The hands pointed to o'clock.
"Too late, too late!' she cried as she
clasped her hands, and raised her eyes to
heaven in prayerful agony. She saw
that she could not reach Verdenton in
time to prevent their taking the train,
and she knew it would be useless to tele-
graph afterward. 1t was evident that
the wires were under control of the
Klan, and there was no probability that
a message would be delivered, if sent, in
time to prevent the catastrophe.
"Oh, my dear, dear papa!" she cried,
as she realized more fully the danger.
"Oh Godl can nothing be done to save
himf
Then new thought flashed upon her
mind. She ran to the back porch, and
called, sharply, but quietly:
civilian! Oh, William!''
"William," said Lily, as the stable
boy appeared, "put my saddle on Young
Lollard, and bring him round as quick
as possible"
''But, Miss Lily, you know dat boss"
the servant began to expostulate.
81 knowall about him, William. Don't
wait to talk. Bring him out"
"All right, Miss Lily" he replied, with
a bow and scrape. But as he went to-
ward the stable, he soiloquized angrily:
"Now, what for Miss Lily want to ride
dat pertickerler hoss, you s'pose? Never
did afore. Nobody but de kunnel ebber
on his back, an he hab his hands full
wid him sometimes. Desc furrer-bred
HOSES ie5 de debbil, anyhow! Dar's dat
Young Lollard, now, it's jest bout ali a
mans life wuth to rub HIM down an sad
die him. Why can't she take de ole un?
Here you, Lollard, come outen dat"
He threw open the door of the log
stable where the horse had hY quarters,
as he spoke, and almost instantly, with a
short, vicious yhinney, a powerful dark
Lrown horse leaped into the moonlight,
and with ears laid back upon his sinuous
neck, white teeth bare, and thin, blood.
red nostrils distended, rushed toward the
servant, who, with loud "Dar now
Look at him! Whoa! zee de dam ras
ca!'' retreated quickly behind the door
The horse rushed once or twice arounC
the llUtlt SldDlc-y ydIu) dhu oiCu etoppc,
suddenly beside his keeper, and stretched
out his head for the bit, quivering il
every limb with that excess of vitality
which only the thoroughbred horse eve
exhibits.
Before the horse was saddled LILY hat
donned her riding-habit, put revolve
in her belt, as she very frequently dic
when riding alone, swallowed hast.
supper, scrawled short note to he
mother on the envelope of the letter sh'
had received-which she charged VIII
liam at once to carry to her--and wa
ready to start on night ride to Glen
vile.
The brawny groom with difficult
held the restless horse by the bit; bu
the slight girl, who stood upon tn
llock with pale face and set teeth, gath
cred the reins in her hand, leaped feal
lessly into the saddle, found the stirruT
and said, "Let him gop without
auiver in her voice. The man loosed hi
Gold.
The horse stood upright and paved til
-, for n Yoonoant with his feet Oava