Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1880-12-25

+ die, l fastened the breech to my left
wrist, and, remounting my horse. al
lowed the gun to rest on my legs as I
advanced. The jounce, jounce Of the
weapon added to my discomfort but
at least, it was secure, and | was kent
awake. But now whtre was T. T
recognized no landmark. The aspect
generally was strange to me: seemed
to have neared the limit of the prstiri
line OF hills lay against the horizon.
and beyond the day was breaking.
With victory ready to my grasp, was
l lost? Suddenly | deserted ii the
i distance what seemed human l.,hi-
tation. | travelled toward it, and re-
joiced to have it prove a ranclie. |
reached it and hallood.
When | was within few PAGES of
the house window in the second
story sddenly opened, and rifle bar
rel was protruded aimed directly at
me.
was thunderstruck at this proceed
ing. Had come to the lair of a des-
perado? But instantly | be.hought of
the suspicious appearance that / pre-
sented, with my gun across my knees,
as if | were ready for actian
II have gone astray,' ! shouted.
Where is Denrer?'
There was a silence-still the rifle
was pointed at me-and then | heard
low laugh. 1t was echoed by the sill
very tones Of pleasanter, laugh-a
woman's laugh. felt safe.
d. nver is two miles further east ),
was answered me, in a rather juvenile
voice.
SO was not lost. | would triumph
in my mission. / was within easy
reach of my destination.
With the thought of my overtasked
energies asserted their weakness. /
longed for moments rest, at least.
Could not obtain it here: fingered.
despite the gun which menaced me.
If they wanted to shoot they would
have shot, | reasoned. BY the light,
that was now strengthening, they must
see | was not ruf1an
| was right; the gun was soon with
drawn, and then reuppeared at the
door Of the house in the hand Of a le<<1
me and said EXc,4-e 1f1e,
stranger, but you are rather an early
visitor. | see you're gentleman.
Fathers away, and the welnen folks
are easy scared. thought it best to
be on the safe side
"Id like a little refreshment, twas
all | said in response.
| was really in fainting condition,
as pale as death. The lad instantly
took pity on my plight, helped me to
alight, and led me 20 II seat in the por-
tico of the house. to a pillar Of which
he tied the horse.
He entered, and returned with
glass of wine. which gave life at once,
and | told him of the loss of my rifle.
I was in the midst of the narration,
when beautiful face appeared, unld-
lv. at the door, and hand outstretched
to the lad a sandwich, which he gave
to me. | ate it, and told my story a,
the reader has it, gaining another IFS
! tener in the person of charming glri
/ of II.
| 1t was now o O'Clock. ! had :N"
hours in which to travel tive miles
but | thought | had hest sci about i;
The mustang was as tired as nysI ::
| He proceeded at a walk.
"iIowever. as we reached the con
fines of the town he increased hl'
speed. and it was at a lively trot h'
entered the stable to which he be
longed
exhibited little Of the SAME -1iri
when | presented the coveted rlfit L
its owner and received ten dollars.
| was vet sufficiently recovered iron
fatigue, at the close of the day TO b
among those who were congratuiatln
the winner of the prize-my employee
He forced upon me another ten-dolla
bill. He would admit of no refusa
Those two .ten-dollar bills proved til
foundation of quite little fortune.
am at present married, and livin
!, in the rancho have mentioned, b,
/ expect soon To leave for the East. NJ
h wife, being still very young, IS curioa
: to see the higher civilization, Boste
r. and other cities.
Two Fools MUTUALLY FOOLED.
An English bachelor saw han
, somely dressed young lady on 81
, ton street and was told that She W
the daughter of a wealthy mercnal
Y. He became acau ainted, and the &
Il knowing the woman who watched |
a. interests of an elegant house who
owners were at the seash ore was =
70 mitted bv her ~ receive him the
hi She also gave Kim dinners there. II
ing walters. She told him that /
ad parents We're in Europe. He propo,'
ct, was accepted, and found that the W
the had Won was poor girl.