Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1884-06-16

the ROADSIDE rdncn. BuL the frontier
woman turned back into her cabin
after she had watched her husband
out of sight, with not thought of
danger and hardly one of loneliness
amid all the work which he; busy
hands could find TO do.
1t was high noon. For a little the
young mistress had rested, while the
soft warmth of the springtme had
almost lulled her TO sleep. Then she
had prepared and eaten a plain winner,
all alone, and now she was engaged in
washing the few dishes used, hum
ming low love song as she worked,
and counting the flight OF the mo-
ments that interviewed before her hus-
bands return by the creeping shadows
upon the distant mountain side AS
she worked her hack was turned
toward the open door, and she did not
see the darker shadows that suddenly
fell across the rough floor, nor note the
crunch of heavy boots upon the fresh
green grass. until a resounding football
upon the step start ed her. and she
turned quickly TO meet the first caller
who had appeared that aay--a tall.
fierce-looking, bearded man who stood
before her.
"MiSsis, who lives here -
The tone was harsh and threatening.
but the question was common one,
and Nellie replied
My husband, Mr.. Lathrop, and my
self"
Where's the boss? ?"
my husband? He's gene to the
Creek for barrel of salt
Where's your hired help"
1--WE only have one man, and he is
not here now. Can do anything for
your"
YES" growled the black bearded
one. eyes, yer can. Yer can do this
fer me. Git a good dinner for three
hungry cusses as hasn't had time to get
their own. Come in, boys" he con-
tinued, turning toward the door, " it's
all clear. The cocks away, naught
but the hen at home, an we'll have
dinner"
For a moment poor Mrs. Lathrop
felt faint, and the world, sunlit and
warm, danced before her eyes, then
full strength came again as she saw
this burly stranger fling himself into
chair and lay two enormous pistols be-
side his elbow on the table, while
pair of others, each as wild and tat
tered and ferce-look :ng as the leader,
followed him; full of strength, even
while she realized who it was that sat
within her kitchen, the man "whose
heart was as black as his beard -
Blaek Dan, the rutllaa of New Mex
leo. who only two DAYS ago, with these
very companions, had. committed rob-
berry and murder. This was the man
who demanded dinner, and Mrs.
Lathrop knew it.
Don't waste yer time. miSsus,"
spoke the leader, turning
quickly and fastening his fierce, bold
eyes upon the, young hostess, don't
waste your tims nor yer words. Git
dinner"
There was no mistaking the com
mand, and the tone in which it was
uttered meant far more than the
words. Mrs. Lathrop began at once
to lay the table.
Were busted miners, nissqs,"
began Black Dan, with a. wink. TOMS
comrades, completely busted, an
can't pay. What We give us to eat
must be fer charity We amt even
got no weepins, except these pistils O
mine. an them we're keepin' to help
us out UP at the creek, an Deggin' to
git thar
Poor Nell 6 heard all this, believing
not one word, but working steadily on,
frying eggs, making tea and supplying
the table with bread and butter and
cake When all was ready she placed
chairs and tolds her enforced guests
that dinner was prepared for them.
Awaiting no second invitation they
hastily seated themselves and began to
eat.
Suddenly the leader of the trio
paused and turned sharply toward
Mrs. / ashrop.
"Missus. are We scared at such Wild
looking fellows as we'uns? Did you
ever see our likes before?"
1t was test question. Black Dan
wished to know ii this little woman
who fed them so willingly knew aught
Of the robbery at the Peak, or
rtel who she entertained. Even
while her heart leaped in fear she an
Swered:
"Oh, indeed, no, I'm not scared
Why should l be? I've seen busted
miners before. I'm glad to be able to
help you"
Yer a little brick !" calculated
Black Dan, IAN when / marry I'll
look round first and see eff YOU'RE q