The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-06-13

"uue' saiu her 1ather, coming
INTO the house from the barn, 81 wish
you would ride the sOrrel mare into
Easton and get this hundred-dollar
bill changed at the bank. The work
men have got done with the roofing
ofthe barn and | want to pay them of
to day."
Very well father. Let John get
the side saddle 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 gallop toward Easton.
She had an excellent seat, AID was
a 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 in an opposite
direction.
When Maude got to Easton she
rode directly to the bank, but was
unfortunate enough to8nd that it was
closed, After few moments thought
she resolved to try to get the note
changed at the grocer's or at some of
the stores, and went Immediately to do
so. Fate seemed against her, for no
one had small change enough to &C
commodate Miss Henderson.
Atone of the stores where she stop
ped very gentlemanly locking per-
son took out his pocket-pook and said
he thought he could change the bill
for her and she handed it to him, but
he returned it, saying, after all, he
did not have so much small money.
He seemed to regret this. however,
and even followed Maude to the door
and assisted her to remount her horse.
She was forced to give up her err
rand, as she did not like to run among
strangers asking them to change her
bill, especially as no one seemed
able to do so. She therefore turned
hes horses head once more toward
home. Scarcely had she passed the out
skirts of the town when she was over
taken blythe stranger who had spoken
with her in the last store, and who
at first thought chat he could change
her bill. He was mounted upon a
fine looking bay horse, and saluted
hpr respectfully as he came alongside.
''Did you get your bill changed z"
he asked. ~. '
""No} small bills seemed scarce"
she replied t.at#
"Do YOU live near here?" lt
"Abrut FIVE miles off.
"Quite a ride. =" -
On, we don't mind five miles in the
country" 4s Ht
YYou are an excellent rider"
II have ridden since ] was six
years DID," she said ); 'tblt my sister
Ellen is better rider than | am
"You are generous to admit it."
said the stranger.
Why, its only the truth" said
Maude.
After they had passed over about
two miles they came to q lonely piece
Of the road, quite removed from any
dwelling houses, Still, as the stranger
appeared so gentlemanly, and had
addressed her so politely, she had not
the least suspicion of any evil intent
ion on his part.
Presently he said suddenly: 81 viii
thank you for that bill"
"What ?" said she half smiling,
"Please give me that bill"
"What do you~mean NJ" aske'
| Maude.
Gust what say" he replied, sud
denly.
ii shall do no such thirg!" sh
answered firmly.
81 am sorry to draw pistol upol
a woman" he continued, suiting th
action to the word, but | must hav
that hundred dollar bill at once. "
"Do you mean to rob me ?"
81 must have the money
1t was with difficulty that she coul
believe the man was in earnest; bu
when he cooked the pistol and held
toward her with one hand, while b
extended the other for the bill, sh
was forced to yield to. the necessit
of the situation. She was a BRAY
girl and even now did not tremble !
the least, but she saw sne could ne
help herself and so made the best OF /
Just as she held the bill to him
! sudden puff of wind blew it into tn
road and carried it gently sewers
! yards from them. . q.
The stranger alighted to get !
when as quick as thought Mauc
struck her horse in order to get OF
I of the reach of the robbers power.
The sorrel mare was a spirl
= ed little creature, and sprung, into
smart gallop at once; while Il
: strangers horse which had been lie
J standing at her side, also started {
! : at full speed in her company.
% Bang went the robbers pistol aft