Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1891-11-12

paSStSe'
The road had been washed deep by
hard rains, with high, steep banks on
either side, so Nancy had no choice but
TO draw her pony aside to let the men
pass But instead Of going on, Hines
and his companion halted directly before
her, and with lcer in his face the
leader said
"Wher yer been so airly, gal?"
"'Iendin' ter my own business, Dick
Hinesv she replied with spirit.
'Wot's tibet paper yer got in yer hand?"
Hines demanded, catching sight of the
folded receipt which she held as too pre-
cious to let out of her sight.
"Thets my fathers Let me pass"
Not so fast, gal! Yer been ter Baxter
ter the land agent, an tibet paper hes
sonethin' ter Say erbout wot yer been
dom thar. I'm goin' ter soc tibet paper"
he asserted with loud oath.
"No, yer not" the girl cried, trying to
force her pony past the villain. BGJ he
grasped her bride rein and restrained
her
Finley, yer kin take the paper frum
her while hold thcr pony said Hines,
with malignant emulation bea'ing in
every feature Of his countenancc.
Finley rode toward the girls side to do
his leaders bidding but instantly she
transferred the receipt to her mouth and
shut her teeth tight together.
'CAoke tner burned hussy!" roared
Hines, and again Finley approached her,
AN evil glitter in his green eyes.
AT that moment there was the hurried
chatter Of boots over the stony Dad lead
ing toward the little ford where Nancy
Hamlet had been stopped by the two
scoundrels, an! Il clear voice that sent
the red blood flowing back into the girls
fear blancAed checks rang out Sharply
on the pure morning air:
Lay one finger on that girl at Yer
peril" and Tom Bvers, with flashing
eyes, covered 1Ao villains with Ills TX
shooter
With mu;5ered curses the baNlod
wretches fell back in surprise and con-
fusion.
Now ride, whelps" he ordered, fol,
lowing them with the weapon. An
keep on ulin till yer git ci'ar out o
Gods country. Don't let me ketcA Yer
back on Deer c1eek CT ther Ne0sAo
river pollutin' Their air with yer rotten
devilnint, or III shoot yer down like
two ornery dogs"
They knew there was 10 testing in
that tone and they rode OF, with rage
in their dark hearts, but daring not to
utter word, in the direction Of the In
DIAN Territory border.
"Oh, Tom cried Nancy, recovering
her speech as the defeated villains dis
appeared beyond a hill, "how did Vel
ever happen erlong jest when yer did,
81 come up from Their Injun nation
last night he answered, riding up tc
her side. 81 was on my way back tel
ther ranch, but decided ter stay all night
in Baxter. | WAS at Their very hotel
where ther land agent stays. Yer was
jest ridin' ont o town rs | got up. I'm
well acquainted with Their agent, an he
told me how yerd happened ter be in
Baxter When he told me- what YER
overheard limos an Finley plannin' til
do was afcarl yerd meet ther whelR
an hey trouble. 50 ordered my Aors-
and rid right after yer"
II don't know what I'd done eff vel
hedn't rid up said the girl, trying t
meet the admiring eyes Of Tom Byers.
Mamie, yer mighty brave girl, he
said, trying to possess himself Of hel
hand, but yer need some big, homes
Teller who thinks IA heap Of yer ter take
keer of yer. | was thinkin' o sellin' out
my ranch an goin' back ter mother, but
If could only persuade yer to bide long
with me- thar on Their NeoSho I'd be plumb
contented ter live allus out hyer on thel
Neutral Lands"
"Oh, Tom" she said, quickly with
drawing her hand, "paps ailin' con
sid bic, an must git back ter him
"I'll ride back with yer, Mamie" Tom
declared, and they left the ford at once
It was y very pleasant and satisfactory
ride to Tom Bycrs, Judging from the
glad light that shone III his blue eyes as
the young couple rode up to the dugout
and were greeted by Adam Hamlet.
tom, I'm mighty glad ter hev yel
bring my leetle gal safe home. Is a.
well:'
AIS WELL" answered Tom, warmly
shaking the settlers hand. "Iher claim
yern, an Nannie's miner
The land question was finally decided
in the courts, and new settlers began tC
l,lc6 into the country, The league ex
element subsidized, and many Of it
warmest adherent5 contracted with Joy
for their lands.
Tom Bvers' threats evidently had the
desired effect on Dick Hines, for soOl
after the encounter at the ford he an,
his gang lef. the country for parts IN
known. Their places We're taken b,
honest settlers Consequently no regret
followed them, except that some Of then
had escaped their just deserts at tn
hands of the law.
Adam Hamlet secured n legal title tC
hiS claim, and in due time developed
valuable coal mines along the creek.
, Tom and Nancy have comfortable
homo near the Neosho river, and are a
Laupy As IA wcl mated couple can b
who possess one hundred and sixty acre
> Of rich land under good cultivation an,
? clear of all incumbrance.
raIIL ,rND