The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-06-14
scupDrNo BEFORE THE STORM
Mary A. White, in Dardanelle (Ark.) Maii.l

Mary A. White, in Dardanelle (Ark.) Mail.
 We reached Abilene, Texas, on the morning of the goth ult, and took the stage for San Angela, about eighty-6ve miles south of us. The morning was fresh and clear and as we dashed over :he smooth road and looked out for the first time on the wide expanse of prairie, our soul took in a draught of joy that there was yet so much ot beauty left to the earth. It reminded me of the ocean, in its boundless waste of verdure; only the dark and treacherous sea was sup planted by billowy waves of living green. No doubt these fowey prairies were once the bed of the briny deep. But that was in the e old time " las the brother said of the days of miracles) and as we prefer to look ahead instead of backward, we will not discuss the question.
 Our course was ever on an upward grade, proving the truth of the assertion that San Angela i, 1888 feet above the level of the sea. This is some higher than "Nebo," but must not skip the events of the day. We travelled at rapid rate in four-horse coach, changing horses every fourteen miles. By the time we reached the dinner house it was raining. l wentinto the kitchen to dry my feet, and found good, kind, motherly lady, who had come there from Missouri for her husbands health. He had died and left her with her only son in a strange land, and she was supporting herself and try ing to get means to return to her former home. This touched a sympzthenc chord and we got acquainted rapidly. She told me had better turn back and go by Colorado City. as there was danger ahead. The Colorado river had been swimming the previous day, so that the stage could not cross :; and moreover, the stage had been attacked by robbers ire quently of late, and two men had been killed few days before.
 After a storm comes a calm," said so guess this will De the best time to make trip"
 "l wouldn't liketo risk i, with Davis," she repliei. He's q mighty good man, but I'm tod they have threatened to kill him ever since that robber was killed last week. They lay it on Davis, and Pm afraid if he drives you on the Angela side you will have trouble"
 How can turn back!r l asked.
 Well, you'd have to stay here until the other stage comes in from Angela to- night
 If must travel in the night, viii go to San Angela" 1 answered.
 Finding that persuasion WAS useless, she bAde me goodbye win tears in her eyes, after refusing to take pay tor an ex- cellent dinner. "One touch of sym pathy makes kindred of us all
 proposed to my friend to go back ard around by Colorado City, but she laughed at the idea and rather than alarm her, l allowed her to think me foolish and scary. We were then twenty-eIght miles from the Colorado river, which was thirty six from San Angela, and it was some time after noon.
 Dark and angry clouds were gathering in the south and west as the sun began to dip towards the western verge ofgreen We arrived at Tunnels, five miles north of the river, as the sun went down with fearful storm muttering and flashing just ahead. Again l proposed to stop and remain in that little town all night.
 You would have to wait until to- morrow night, the driver replied :" and by that time the river might be im- passable."
 Do you think it fordable nowg' l asked.
 Can't tell you," he replied. "It rises and falls mighty quick. Twas swimming last night this morning the stage came over but there has been power of rain since then. l think can tell when l see it. whether it will do to go in or not. You sec, this is the Newnited States mail, and can't be stopped for foolishness."
 What will you do if the river is swim ming !' asked, fearfully, for the storm was bursting upon us.
 Put you over in a skih. The other stage house is just across the river, and Davis will take you to Angela
 "Oh, Jack :" (all the name had heard him called) won't you drive us all the way! We've got acquainted with you, and you look like an honest man won't you go with us ?''
 Couldn't do it to save my life. I've been on the box thirty-six hours and am fit to drap for sleep. Besides you need not be afraid with Davis; he's a good man and brave, bet yer boots. Didn't he send the robbers bowling. the other night? We'll, should smile! !"
 would have wept but the constant flash of lightning would have betrayed me to my fair young friend; so l leaned over in my corner and silently prayed.
 The storm had spent its fury by the time we reached the river, but 1t vas get ting dark and the water was running in the road almost like mill-race, and the river roared feartully. put my head cut of the window and called halt.
 Can we 90 in, Jack2"
 think we can.n
 Don't you know its'
 @Well, I'm going to try"
 "Open this door e' called, as though bsm to command. He did %. 1 never knew how got on the drivers seat be- side him. It seemed just as easy a walk iag upstairs, but 1t was an awful job get ting down, after our gallant grays had Pannged and hoendered in the surRinx Soam and borne us safely to the cther sAoge.
 y>