River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1885-11-26
about five miles off. y

ADout Hfe mlles on
Quite a ride.
ooh, we don't mind five miles in the
country"
"You are an excellent rider
II have ridden since 4 was six years
old, she said; '.but my sister Ellen is
better rider than ! 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 very lonely
piece of the road, quite removed from
any dwelling-house. Still as the strang.
err appeared so gentlemanly, and had
addressed her so politely, she had not
the least suspicion of any evil intent on
his part.
Presently he said. suddenly: II will
thank you for that bill. "
What, said she, half smiling.
please give me that bill
what do you mean?" asked Maude.
"Just what | say" he replied sud
denly, II am sorry to draw pistol
upon a lady he continued, suiting the
action to the word, ''but | must have
that hundred dollar bill at once
do You mean to rob me?'
II was with difficulty that she could
believe that the man was in earnest
but when he cooked his pistol and held
it toward her with one hand, while he
extended the other for the bill, she was
forced to yield to the necessity of the
situation. She was brave-hearted
girl and even now did not turn pale
nor tremblc in the least, but saw she
could not help herself, and so made
the best OF it.
just as she held the bill to him a
sudden puff of the wind blew it into
the road and carried it gently several
yards from them. The stranger alight-
ed to get it, and quick as thought
Maude struck her horse sharp blow,
in order to get out of the robbers pow
or. The sorrel mare was a spirited
little creature, and sprang into a sharp
gallop at once, while the stranger :
horse, which had been left standing be-
side her, also started off ut full speed in
her company.
Bang! went the robbel 5 pistol after
them, having only the effect to increase
the speed of the flying horses, both OF
which were now on the dead run.
Maude did not care how fast she rode
the sorrel was as easy as a cradle at
that speed-and in ten minutes she
dashed into her fathers yard followed
by the riderless horse.
Her story was soon told, and he
father was with difficulty prevented
from starting after the robber with his
pistols and rifle, but he knew that the
scoundrel would naturally at once take
to the woods, where he could not follow
or find him.
well, we have his horse, at any
rate" said the farmer, land he is
worth more than a hundred dollars.
"Hallo!' said the man John, who
had been taking the saddle-bags from
the strange horse.
"What is it, John?'
These bags are full of something"
Il should think so, said the farmer
as he unstrapped the leather pags.
They were found to contain counter,
felt plates, quantity of counterfeit
money in various bills, and also q little
over one thousand five hundred dollars
in good money.
"Huzza?' cried the farmer.
What is it, father?' said Maude
why, your trip to Easton has proved
a profitable ore, at all events. Here
over one thousand five hundred dollars
in good money!
'Ab, but it will be claimed by the
owner.
do YOU think that a counterfeitei
would dare to come for the tools that
would convict him-to say nothing
of highway robbery
Il didn't think of that.
That evening Mr.. Henderson sent
John over to young Masters with 8
message to call round and see him, tC
whichHarry responded instantly.
Mr.. Masters" said the farmer, a
he came into the large sitting-room
you remember what you asked of ms
this afternoon?"
Yes. sir"
We'll, l give my consent. MaudC
has furnished her own marriage por-
ton. Take her, my boy, and be hap
py."