Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1881-08-27

wild storm that had burst upon
them. Not so Howard. His face
grew more and more grave. AT
last he leaned forward and laid
his hand upon The drivers should
er. The man turned and his eyes
met Jacks. In that troubled ex-
preston Howard read danger"
chow far is 1t to the station 90
Five miles if FOOT
Can you keep the trail ."
II can't ! See !! this cursed wag.
on drags eternally through the
drifts. If we cut loose from IL
and make a break with the
horses
The driver paused and looked
in his listeners eyes as If seeking
resolution to 20 on. Howard s
dark eyes were thoughtful AMI al
most sad.
"You think the only chance for
safety Is in the horses ?"
Yes. We can run them for all
that's in them, and perhaps reach
the station. But ii will be close
call at the best, and,' lowering
his head nearer Jacks and glanc-
ING nervourly at Charley-"only
two can &c. So long as there is a
shadow of trail / can follow
it. but it's going fast in this gale.
For Gods sake, decide quickly"
The dark eyes had lost their
look of trouble. The handsome
face was pale but calm as was its
wont.
"Cut the horses loose - came
the answer, share and short.
Charley, we must leave the wag-
on. Tumble out, old man !"
Jack was already on the ground
removing with rapid, skilltul fin
gers. the heavy harness from the
trembling, covering horses.
Charley came back from dream
land from the bright little home
of his fancy, and climbed bewild-
eringly to the ground.
"What are we leaving the wag-
on for? Are we going to camp
here? What's all this row about?"
1.-The row is. my dear boy, that
the wagon sticks in the drifts, and
we are going to push on for the
station on horseback"
"All ready, sir" said the driver
meaningly, looking seriously at
Jack.
"All ready. Here, Charley, up
you go |! Now, ride hard, and
stick close 10 your guide"
The driver paused in astonish-
ment.
"But what are you going to do,
Jack p And Charley looked
from his companion to the driver,
perplexedly. Something in their |
faces struck him as with a blow.
He grew deathly pale.
"My God Jack, what is this :
Can't we all 60 ?"
mo. old fellow, we cannot, |
said Jack.
"But why should you be left ?"
This man-what right has he |
more than either of us
"He is the only hope of us. He
alone can find the station
Great God This is horrible. j |
will not leave you. ! cannot,
Jack ~
Charley, you must, and at
once. Every minute is precious.
Your life is not your own. Think
of Kate. You must go, dear old
fellow. Goodbye I"
Jacks warm, firm hand held
Charley's in clinging grasp for
an instant and then let it fall.
"By heavens, / will not go I"
The driver sat nervous and i'm
patient. Jack moved to his side
and whispered: He must go, do
you understand ?" and nodded to-
ward the heavy wagon whip that
lay beside the heap of harness.
Eyes, be quick about it,"
The driver grasped Grants rein
that hung loosely on the horses
neck. The long lash cut the Girls p
air savagely. Both horses sprang
forward with a single impulse.
Jack Howard stood alone in the
whirling snow. His skeleton was
found there in the spring.
At l p. NJ, December 81, 1879, |
the telegraph operator at Lead
vile received the following dis
patch:
NEW YORK, Dec. 81, 1879.
John Howard, LeadUiHe, Colorado: |
Your uncle died yesterday from
a stroke of paralysis. You are
his sole heir. BARTON REID.