Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-03-29
"HsNDSONE JIM"

the town Of Digby. She had an erect
figure, clear, earnest eyes, and bright,
cheerful face. At times, however, strange
moods came upon her, in which she would
glance up with such look OF pain, mingled
with curious sternness, that it seemed as
if some bitter memory must be passing
through her mind.
''She's thinking of her brother Harry
her mother would say, in explanation, ''of
how his partner killed him one night, four
years ago. and ran off with all their saw
ings. Polly thought everything of Jim,
and it nearly killed her. Don't talk to
her about it."
Polly had plenty of suitors in fact, she
had rejected nearly every young man in
the place Nevertheless, they were all her
stanch friends, for her tenderness and
truth won loyal respect that left no room
for spite or malice.
There had lately, however, seemed to be
an exception among the numerous aspi-
rants for Polly's favor. Harry Fenton, a
prosperous young farmer, had entered the
gain the coveted prize of Pollys affections.
Harry was manly fellow, and if his ap-
parent good luck excited envy the feeling
was smothered in the thorough goodwill
with which everybody regarded him.
But d cloud had come over Harry Fen
tons prospects. He rode into town on
horseback one evening, dismounted, and
sought out Polly.
They took walk on the outskirts of the
town.
Harry's face wore a despairing look,
and he seemed almost TO stagger under a
load OF dependency.
at seems too bad, Polly, that you should
throw me over for that yellow-haired
stranger whom they call Handsome
Jim"
"Well,' answered Polly, she is hand
some You can't dispute that"
''Oh, yes, he's handsome enough, with
his flowing locks and his pale face And
to think that you should be caught by the
good looks of stranger who may be for
all we know, some villain-n
"There, Harry! Hush. You don't
know what you are talking about"
There was a sudden harshness in Polly's
tone. and a look of pain, almost terror, in
her face.
She trembled, too, and clutched Harry's
arm nervously.
The latter said, with some bitterness,
'Weil, won't hurt your feelings by speak
ing Ill OF him. But it is crushing me. |
have no heart for anything. | shall sell
my stock and move as far away from here
as | can get. | had good offer yester-
day"
Don't do anything in haste, Harry;
you might regret it. But | must 60 back
home. rs no use for us to talk. Good
night"
an walk back with you"
"No, please don't. l want to have a few
minutes to myself"
Just as you prefer" retorted Harry.
And, in white heat of anger he turned
quickly away, and left Polly alone SO sud
denly that she had nothing to do but turn
about and wend her way homeward. When
Polly had nearly reached her home she
was met by the man who had come between
her and Harry Fenton. He had not been
misnamed Handsome JIM" for he was a
magnificent specimen of physical manhood,
with pale, perfect features, long, light
colored, curling hair that nearly swept his
shoulders, and blue eyes that were both
tender and daring. He was dressed in a
black velvet suit. with broad SLOUGH hat
that set off his good looks to the best ad-
vantage.
Handsome Jim sprang forward and
greeted Polly tenderly, and she responded
to his words with bright smile Then
they wandered in the moonlight for an
hour, conversing ceaselessly ana earnestly.
When they finally parted, and Polly
turned to enter her house, her companion
said Then it is all settled for tomorrow
night?"
"Yes.n
4 will be at the appointed place with
the carriage"
"And l will not fail to join you.''
Then there were tender goodnight"
and in another moment Polly was in her
own room.
The next night at 10 o'clock carriage
left Digby. 1t was drawn by two horses,
and there was driver outside. Within a
lamp swung from the top, throwing pale
light on two occupants. One was Hand
some jim" and look OF exultation
beamed from his face. Opposite him sal
Polly Bender, whose eyes were bright with
excitement. The two were conversing in
animated style and laughing nerrily.
Tomorrow we will be at the parsons
and the knot will be tied, said Handsome
jim" 81 have got the Bishops license
"Won't you give me one kiss Polly?'
@Not until we are married" replied
Polly, decidedly.
And her companion evidently knew
better than to urge her.
Amid a running conversation the car,
riage logged along over the rough road
toward the rectory.
When within mile of the end of theil
Journey Polly said THE lamp needs trim
mirg, jim. Take hold of the bottom Will
one hand and turn up the light with tn,
other"
Jim obeyed, and reached above his head
thus bringing both hands near together
He did not notice certain eager look il
Polly's eyes nor movement of her hand
beneath her wraps.
But the next instant he experienced
shock of surprise. He felt cold steel oil
his wrists, and heard two sharp clicks. H
had been handcufed so quickly that b.
had hardly realized what had happened.
Sit down, Jim"
The words came from Polly, but he
voice was cold, hard and stern. He obeye,
mechanically.
whats all this? What do,you mean :?
he exclaimed, and perceived immediatel,
afterwards that Polly was seated opposit
him. with revolver in her hand.
Don't movem said Polly, quietly, bu
with look OF cool determination, Will
her ewes were fixed steadily on his, "Yo
know very well can handle pistol, an
You see that have you in my power.
sha'u't kill.you, bat if you make the slight
est disturbance l shall shatter both of You
arms, and put bu!let-holes in your legs.
mean exactly what | say, and want you I