San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1882-12-14

we will be old folks by that time"
Not quite 80 bad as that said
Maude.
"rm sure my hair will be gray by
that timel"
Nonsense, Harry. Now you are
oking."
~ was never more in earnest in
nv life" said he, as he stole kiss
from her pretty lips and ran away, SO
as not to hear her chide him for his
boldness.
Maud" said her father, coming
into the house from the barn, Il
wish you would ride the sorrel mare
into Easton and get this 500 bill
changed at the bank. The workmen
have got done with the roofing of the
barn and l want to pay them off to-
night"
"Very well, father. Let John put
the de-saddle on and l will be ready
in five minutes.
The sorrel mare was brought up
to the door, and Maude was soon on
her way at an easy hand-gallop to-
ward Easton. She had an excellent
seat and was good horse-woman.
AS she knew this very well, she would
not have objected to have Harry see
her Just now; but he had gone few
moments before in an opposite direc-
tlon. ..
When Maude got into Easton she
rode directly to the bank, but was un-
fortunate enough to find that it wa
alreadyyclosed. After few moments
thought she resolved to try to get the
note changed at the grocer's or at
some of the other stores, and went
Immediately to do so. Fate seemed
against her, for no. one had small
change enough to accommodate Miss
Henderson. -,r
At one of the stores where she
stopped very gentlemanly looking
person took out his pocket-book and
said he thouget he could change it
for her, and she handed him the bill;
but he returned it, saying, after all,
he had not so much small money.
He seemed to regret this however,
and even followed Maud to the door
end assisted her to remount her
Qorse.
She was forced to give up her err
rand, as she did not like to run about
among strangers asking them to
change her a bill, especially as no
one seemed able to do 80. She there
fore turned her horses head once
more toward home. Scarcely had
she passed the outskirts of the town
when she was overtaken by the stran-
ger who had spoken with her in the
last store, and who at first thought
he could change her bill. He was
mounted on ne-looking bay horse,
and saluted her respectfully as he
came alongside.
did you get your bill changed?"
he asked.
mo; small bills seemed scarce, ="
she replied.
do you live near here?"
About five miles off.
Quite ride.
"Oh, we don't mind five miles in
the country"
"You are an excellent rider.
81 have ridden since 1 was 6 years
DID," she said; "but my sister Ellen
is better rider than l am.
you are generous to admit it. !"
said the stranger.
why, it is only the TRUTH" she
answered frankly.
After they had passed over about
two miles they came to lonely piece
of the road, quite removed from any
dwelling house. Still, as the stranger
appeared so gentlemanly, and had ad-
dressed her so politely, she had not
the least suspicion of any evil inten-
ton on his part.
Presently he said, suddenly: Il
will thank you for that BILL"
"What?" said she, half smiling.
please to give me that bill"
What do you mean?" asked
Maude.
Just what 1 say" he replied, sud
denly.
Il shall do no such thing!" she
answered firmly.
Il am sorry to draw pistol upon
a lady," he continued, suiting the ac-
ton to the word, but l must have
that hundred-dollar bill at once"
DO you mean to rob me?"
Il must have the money"
1t was with difficulty that she could
believe that the man was in earnest,
but when he now cooked his pistol