The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-04-04

have turned hack. They knew they could catch up my steed at any time, whatever the delay. A joEum of hot nec- tar was prepared, and they all vent in to partake 1t.
 "Won't old Southard swear," cried Wolf, l" when he finds the money doesn't reach him, and he doesn't know why ?" A shouting laugh.
 Dicks voice is heard as 1t died away. "Is there water enough out there, Jenny, to drink my horse2'
 "I1l see" she returned, going out and then lifting out the tub >he tipped my barrel over a little so that l could spring out. Hide where you best car" " she whispered.
 The only place seemed to be the dark corner between the cabin wall aad thS barrel. Dick came out and led his horse up to the tub to drink. Then going in- doors again, brought out the coffin with the help of one of the others and slid it into the vehicle. Bill Wolf came out next
 "l've made another jug of nectar" called out the woman and at the tempt ing words they all went back to the cabin At that moment thought of seizing my own horse and riding of, but the animals were in so exposed position that it would have been suicidal to attempt it, so embraced the only alternative. Creeping into the wagon l lifted the coffin lid, and again lay down in the long, narrow prison. You wonder what my plan could be3 | had none other than the hope of having only one man to deal with, if Dick parted with the rest and went on alone. The three others mounted and all were about to start, when the woman ran out with some sort of blanket, and muttered something about covering the coffin; disposing the blanket across the coffin she contrived to lift its lid and drop inside a bowie knife. You may be sure l seized it heartily, and gave her blessing, too, poor thing.
 "Dick," the horsemen called back as they were riding on " a cool twelve hun dred a-piecel Throw out your old shell and join the hunt" The driver only mumbled some answer, and whipped up his horses. By-and-bye there was sud- den shout, a loud "tally-ho," as if the huntsman had sighted the quarry. No sooner was the noise heard than my driver came to a halt; listening for mo- ment, he leaped down, and started of to. ward his friends, who had kept within hailing for some two or three miles; for one instant my heart stopped beating a, the thought of the hazard was about to run. The next moment l sprang from the coffin to the ground. A few lightn- ing-like strokes and had severed the traces and the rude bands of the bar. ness l mounted one of the horses and urged him onward, but the quick ears of the men caught the echo of his footsteps; looking round, they saw me making of and with wild shout came on in pur- suit. There was the sharp report of two iifles ; felt sting in my foot, another in my shoulder, but the horse was un- harmed, and the race for life began. l had no saddle, but was riding for my life, and held my steed be:@een my knees, and took the broad trail with the fury of tornado the issue would chiefly rest with the horses. knew nothing of those that were pursuing me, excepting my own white faced horse; he could run like an antelope, and out-wind hurri- cane.
 On, and on, and on, my steed, desper- ately spurred with the point of the knife, bore ahead. actually causing me to gasp for breath and not two hundred yards in the rear rode the would-be assassins. On the rolling prairie now, and my ani- nal took the declivities with a plunge, and the elevations with sure, fl cree step. Across the brawling ford now but crack came another rife echo, and again an- other stream of fire seemed to strike my shoulder. They were closing in closing horsemen following. Ooe ot these had discharged his rife at me the other l suppose was keeping his in reserve until he should be few yards nearer.
 Could keep up this pace? Away and away went we, in front, they behind.
 A momentary dizziness threw me for ward on my horses neck; but a distant sound struck en my ear and brought me up. Oh, it was good. that soundl but l was not sure yet. l broke into the long, wild, fierce yell of the Border Rangers, and sped on again but my horse had that peculiar twist in his gs;; that told me he was failing. Again that echo reached me, and my heart leaped up. It was the shrill music of he fife and the rumble of the drums oI the infantry Again sent out that wild, long, border cry, and I knew that the soldiers had heard and were coming to my rescue. A parting shot, fired at random, and my two pur- sners turned: they could no. face the soldiers. But one of them was not to DC done with. called my horse with a peculiar whistle that he knew. lrepeated and repeated is; and then heard him coming crashing again in pursuit, while his driver shouted and lashed him, and tried to pull him round the other way. For brief space of time Wolf, for he it was. wrestled with the animal, lashed, goaded, and roared at him but Volt only ieaped from his back when squad Of infantry dashed over billowy swell of the prairie. When my eyes opened again, for had tainted with fatigue and excitement, beheld Wolf a prisoner. Our men had brought him in to receive his deserts.
 uIt was a near touch- captain.o oh-