The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-06-24
A RIDE FOR LIFE.

It was just at shutdown, and Lily Ser
vosse was sitting on the porch at Warning
ton, watching the sunset glow, when
horseman came in sight, and rode up to
the gate. After moments scrutiny of
the premises he seemed satisfied, and ut
tered the usual halloo which it is custom
airy for one to give who desires to COM
municate with the household in that
country. Lily rose and advanced to the
steps.
'sHere'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 then
wheeling his horse, cantered easily away.
Lily picked up the letter. It was direct
ed in coarse sprawl1ng hand:
"CoLoNEL CoMFoRT SERyossE,
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 catelessly as
she went up the broad avenue.
She went into the house, and calling
for light, glanced once more at the
envelope, and then broke the seal. It
read:
"CoLoNEL SERvossE, "A raid Of X. X.
has been ordered to intercept Judge Dem
ton on his way home tonight (the 23d
inst) It is understood that he has tele-
graphed you to accompany him home.
Do not de 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, planks taken up
on each side, so as to prevent rescue,
and the bridge set on fire.. I send this
warning for your sake. Do not trust the
telegraph. I shall try to send this by safe
hand, but tremble lest it should be too
late. I dare not sign my name, but sub
scribe myself your UNKNOWN FRIEND
The young girl stood for moment
paralyzed by horror at the danger which
threatened her father. 1t did not once
occur to doubt the warning she had re-
celyed. She glanced at the timepiece on
the mantle. The hands pointed to
O'Clock.
ssToo 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. It was evident thai
the wires were under the control of the
Khan, and there was no probability that
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, God can nothing be done to save
him9
Then new thought flashed upon he1
mind. She ran to the back porch, and
called sharply but quietly:
"William Oh, William!''
s'William" said Lily, as the stable BOY
appeared, ''put MY saddle on Young Lol-
lard and bring him round quick as pos
sible.'
.But, Miss Lily you know dat boss
the servant began to expostulate.
81 know all about him, William. Don't
wait to talk. Bring him out"
s.All right, Miss Lily, he replied, with
q bow and scrape. But as he went to.
ward the stable he soliloquized angrily
sNow, what for Miss Lily want to ride
that partickerler boss, you spose3 Nebbel
did afore. Nobody but de kunnel ebbe1
on his back, an he hab his hands full wild
him sometime Desc furrerbreed bosses
les the pebble anyhow! Oars dat young
Lollard, now it's jest bout all mans
life with ter rub him down and saddle
him. Why don't she take de ole UNI
Here you; Lollard come outen dat.
He threw open the door Of the log sta
BILE where the horse had it's quarters, as he