The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-24
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shouted the lieutenant as bravely as though
his company was behind him. "You
greaser," he cried, with sulphurous adject-
Ives, as he sent a bullet whizzing through
You'll rob the mail wagon, will your" and
his second shot, with truer aim, struck ono
of the fellows who was guarding the pris-
oners.
Fandango's pistol replied in turn, but
without effect. and the lieutenant dred
of accuracy and as void of fear az though
at target practice. The robbers had at
first been astounded. The tone Of COM
mand with which the newcomer announced
his arrival stunned them for moment, but
when they saw there was no one to obey
they took fresh courage and showed vastly
more fight than their fellows usually do.
But the lieutenant continued to swear and
to shoot, and one exercise or the other
famed into flame live coal In the line OF
prisoners.
The woman took advantage of the distrac-
ton, sprang to the drivers overturned boz,
grasped the two revolvers which lay beside
It on the ground, tossed one to the man
nearest her and with the other herself a.
sisted in the fusillade.
robbers, be they ever SO bold, could not
stand before the storm of fire from an equal
number of guns. They threw down their
weapons and started to run.
"Halt-hands up!' cried the lieutenant.
firing again With more careful aim. hs
the savage was reused in him. He wanted
them dead or alive. He saw the Mexican
sink to his knees, and he turned to the next
one his last cartridge gone.
s'Halt-hRnds up!' he commanded IN
him him. ''. "Blnd shsm, commanded the young
officer, and the coach and harness were de-
spoiled of ropes, chains and straps to ~
curely tie the prisoners.
Then the lieutenant gave the first atten-
strangely weak for victor. and leaned
against the overturned stage too weak to
"You are q noble MANS That Vas the
first thing he heard above that rising roar
in his ears. A thrill like electricity ran
nerve and courage had turned defeat into
Aye! Il was moro than that Il was
Kate Bentley. She had laid a gentle hand
upon his bleeding arm, and with the other
tried to steady him to seat. But the tonic
with wave Of feeling that may be par
doned, in young man lately hero, he
wrapped both his arms about this treasure,
| and for one blissful moment publicly
Rugged most handsome young woman.
How the mist rolled away! How he hated
himself for that decision on the fallen red
wood, No wonder its dead scents clouded
his mental vision. Why had he not stood
upright like man among the verile trunks
| Of living trees? Surely their stronger bear
| ING would have guided his judgme mt better.
Ali his being told him this was the missing
part of his life. His mind few to the fu-
| ture and he saw himself the proud husband
of this heroine of the Sierras.
"But how did you come here2" he aaked.
| releasing her. They had become the center
| of group.
~ was in thseoach," abe answered. She
WAS not embarrassed. They all stood too
close in the valley Of the shadow Of death
sWhat on earth brought you thers?'' he
| pursued, regarding her only.
She released herself gently and he 70
clined upon the cushions they had piled for
"Why, don't you knowf' shs asked and
there may have been somewhat Of regret in
| the tone, ~ was married this afternoon. I
| told you was going to Wedding when
passed you at the fort this morning. This
is my husband. We are going to the bay.
| Fandang0 knew 1t, and kneW We bad some
money with %. That's why he chose this
| time.''
"This-is-your-hu questioned
the lieutenant, very weakly indeed, taking
| the hand Of rich young ranehman.
"My husband;" and then, - she stopped
and moved the cushions slightly abe eassd
| far down into those dreaming eyes and
added: "If be we're not" Hat she did
mot finish. She rose. her lashes little vet,
| vent over to the young man whose name
abe bore. put both hands in his, and To-
eethsE they caught step again fsg thema
81 LIE.