Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1882-02-23
SAVED By 4 WOMAN.

The sun was just setting. at the
close of Il long hot day in June, when
Ernest Black and myself drove our
wagons up to the banks of Red River.
OH the territory side. We were haul
ing freight for the United States gov
ernment, and were on our way to Tex
as for load.
We signalled the ferry man, living
Oh the Texas side. and as soon as he
came over, began to cross. The boat
was too small tOput over both wagons
at once, so | crossed first and came
back to assist Ernest.
He had two refractory mules, which
had always to be held in a ferry boat,
and it sometimes took both of us to
do it,
Just as the ferry-boat neared the
nation, Il large. powerful horse, but
evidently nearly exhausted, came in
view around bend in the road, a
double burden on his back A Young
man Of noble appearance. but looking
weary and harassed, rode in front :
behind him beautiful girl. nearly
white, but with sufficient Indian
! blood showing through the clear skin
to add a piquant charm to the feat
/ ures.
They rode up to the wagon, and
the young man without dismounting
spoke to Ernest:
Sir. | am white man, and some
days since had quarrel with another
in which unfortunately he was acci-
/ dentally shot. | am pursued by his
brothers. who are close behind, and
who have sworn to kill me on sight.
l ask your help to cross the river, if
possible, unseen
why do they" began Ernest !;
but the stranger cut him short.
Time presses, sir; you must an
swer-sves' or MOI If no, | must
do the best | can myself. | dislike
to she'd blood: but if am too closely
pursued-' and the cleaning of the
blue eyes finished the sentence.
Ernest took another look at the
open manly face, which, whatever
might he written there, showed nc
trace of crime.
Then he spoke, and fast--for the
trampling of horses feet, rapidly ap'
preaching, could he heard.
II suppose you wish to take the
: lady with you. Get into the wagon.
and under wagon sheet which you
will find there loose. will hide youl
, horse in the bushes. -
The young man dismounted, as
sisted off the girl who was riding be
} hind him, and did as directed, COW
ering down close in the bottom of th'
2 wagon.
After depositing tie sheet so as tt
e look as if it had only been carelessly
, thrown in. Ernest led the horse
: short distance from tie road, and af
! ter taking off the saddle and bridl
i turned him loose and returned to hi
c team.
/ had witnessed the scene from tn
boat, which by this time had reache'
l. the bank, and the wagon drove in
). After giving the ferryman a cautio
to silence, Ernest turned to me:
Il may be helping a fugitive fror
justice to escape, but | will risk ii
>, Loose the boat and put off, Beecher!'
. he added to the ferryman.
e At this moment, however, a pal
- of horses covered with dust an
r sweat, came round the turn in tn
road, and their riders drew rein s
! the riverside. They were two pow
y erfuI, evil looking fellows, with belt
|. stuck full of revolvers, and riff
:. across the pummel of each saddle.
" The elder-looking of the two ae
1racSad Ernest.
''Have you seen anything of ma
and woman on one horse anywhel
% here?"
AS he spoke his eyes roamed to I'll
=, wagon and sheet in it, and both me
dismounted.
- "Why, what do you want of them?
asked Ernest.
ssHe has killed a man in the Che
Sc taw nation, is trying to get away, has
nd woman with him and want to ARE
We him. If you help him to get away
'S' will be worse for you. I believe
NJ is under that sheet anyhow
m And he stepped on the ferry-boa