Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-02-19
Gales ano skettbes.
A RIDE FOR LIFE.

II was Just at sundown. and Lily Ser
vosse was sitting on the porch at Warning
ton. watching the sunset glow, when a
horseman came in sight, and rode up 10 ,
the gate. After a moments scrutiny OF
the premises. he seemed satisfied. and
uttered the usual halloo which 1t Is Gus
tomary for one to give who desires to
communicate with the household. in that
country. Lily rose. and advanced to the
steps.
..lIeres letter." said the horseman, as
he held an envelope up to view, and then,
as she started down the steps, threw itOver
the gate into the avenue, aud, wheeling
his horse. cantered easily away. Lily
picked up the letter. II was directed in
coarse, sprawling hand
COLONEL COMFORT SERvOssE.
WARRINGTON.
In the lower left-hand corner. in more
compact and business-like hand, were
written the words, Read at once" Lily
read the subscription carelessly as she
went up the broad avenue.
She went into the house, and calling for
a light. glanced once more mt the envelope,
and then broke the seal. II read:
"COLONEL SERvossE A raid Of X. X.
has been ordered to intercept Judge Den
ton on his way home tonight (the 23d
inst.) il is understood that he has tele-
graphed to you to accompany him home.
DO not do it: lfyou can, by any means,
give him warning. II is 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 rs to prevent n rescue,
and the bridge set on fire. / send this
warning for your sake. DO not trust the
telegraph. shall try to send this by
safe hand, but trcmble lest it should be
too late. dare not sign my name, but
subscribe myself your
UNKNOWN FRIEND"
The young girl stood for moment par
alyzed with horror at the danger which
threatened her father. II did not occur to
her to doubt the warning she had re-
ceived. She glanced Mt the timepiece
upon the mantel. The hands pointed to
eight O'Clock. 1t
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 ishc
knew it wonld be useless to telegraph af-
forwards. II was evident that the wires
were under the control OF the Klan, and
there was no probability that the message
would be delivered, If sent, In time to pre-
vent the catastrophe. assfr
"Oh, my dear, dear papa!" she cried,
as she realized more fully the danger.
20 God can nothing be done to save
him." H "1
Then q new thought flashed upon her
mind. She ran to the back porch, and
called sharply, but quietly:
civilian |! Oh Wifliam!''
William" said Lilly, 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 hoss''--
the servant began to expostulate.
Il know all 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 10.
ward the stable, he soliloquized angrily
Now, what for Miss Lily want to ride
dat pcrtickerler hoss, you s'pose Never
did afore. Nobody but the kunnel ebbeI
on his back, an he hab his hands full wit
him sometimes. Desc furren bred horses
jes' de debbil anyhow! Dar's dat Young
Lollard, now, it's Jest bout all man,
life's worth ter rub him down, and sad
die him. Why can't she take de ole an
Here you, Lollard, come outen dat!''
He threw open the door Of the 1og-sts
BILE where the horse had his quarters, q