Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-03-10

The column of troops had come to q
halt and several Of the men clustered
about the spot where the unconscious
girl lay.
SIS she hurt much?" asked one of the
men, bringing a lighted lantern from
the ambulance.
"Only stunned, think" replied the
officer.
"Then give her some of this" and
flask of brandy was extended to the
lieutenant.
Taking the flask, he pressed it to the
girls lips and forced her to swallow
small portion of the liquor.
In few moments she recovered con-
seriousness and rose to sitting posture.
"Where am |? What has happened?'
she cried in an agitnted voice.
"You have just been thrown from
your horse" said the officer kindly.
Come, let me help you into the ambu-
lance and We'll take you home"
"You won't let them hurt me, will
you" cried the girl in an appealing
voice.
mo one shall modest you, replied tho
oLlCcl IcdSSullllSlJ' Eiu III IliS lIo
girl to her feet, he led her to the ambu-
lance and placed her on one of the seats
by the side Of the paymaster.
"My man has got your horse, and he
will be brought along with us, said the
ofncer, lana II you'll tell us where your
home is we'll see that you are taken
there"
IL live on the road good many miles
south of hers" answered Fanny-for she
whom the officer had picked up by the
roadside was none other than Fanny
Riggsby, whose wild ride from the inn
was chronicled in another chapter
"You-you won't let them hurt me- will
you?'
"Who is it that you think is going to
hurt your asked the officer.
THE cattlemen; they surrounded the
house and were going to kill US all,
made my escape and started to the set
Element after some one to help us.
Tell us i'll about it, said the officer
land we'll see that this high handed
business is stopped.
Fanny began and related the story Of
the attack on the inn by the cattcmen,
of the killing of Ike Baker, who ar
tempted to 90 for help, and Of her escape
from the inn; her being discovered by
the cattlemen and her wild ride across
the prairie.
You are a brave girl said the officer,
full of admiration, when She had finished
her story
"A genuine heroine" sanctioned the
paymaster, holding up the lantern and
gazing approvingly into Fannys lace.
won't You tell Us your nume:"
Fanny Rigg,hy." was the reply.
| Then you must hc sister to Dan
Riggsby, whom we met tonight
Yes; he Is my brotAer,' cried Fanny
eagerly. "Oh where is he; Have they
hurt him.
Scott, was the answer I'VE are in
debted to him for Il great favor and arc
glad Of an opportunity of rendering some
service to his sister.
"Oh, I'm so glad he is safe" cried
Fanny loyfully Il was afraid those
cruel cattlemen had harmed hlm in some
way. | know he'll be back now rs soon
as the trouble is over"
'Licutenant," said the paymastcr
something must be doue to quell the
hostilities of those cattlemen who are
causing all this trouble. What is to bo
done"
II have been considering that uues-
ton" sand the officer, "and shall make
it Il point to investigate the matter. In
less they cease their lawles5 course /
shall dispatch a courier to Fort Scott
and call the proper authorities into
action.
The door Of the ambulance was then
/ closed, and the officer mounted his horse
and gave the order TO move forward
Seated upon the soft cushions, half en-
veloped III buffalo robe. Fanny l{lrgs-
by could hardly realize the sudden turn
affairs had taken. Only IA half hour be-
fore she had been dashlng wildly across
the prairie upon the back of SPIRITED
and bridleless horse, not knowing what
moment she might be dashed to death
upon the ground OF shot by her merci-
less pursuers.
But, thanks to the splendid speed of
her horse, she had completely distanced
those who had sought to run her down,
and by one Of those rare strokes of good
fortune that come but once in "A life
time she had been saved from death
and thrown in company with those who
would befrieud and protect her
Though the soldiers kept sharp look
out, no sign of the cattlemen who had
pursued her was discovered, So great
/ ~ had they been distanced by the girl
! that they had doubtless abandoned the
chase and returned to their companions
who were keeping watch over the prairie
inn.
After travelling some three or four
miles the ambulance came to a halt.
Fanny looked out between the leathern
curtains and saw that they had arrived
in front of Dollhouse that stood close to
the road.
lis this your home" asked the officer,
riding up to the vehicle and addressing
the girl.
mo, cir" Fanny replied, lit is farther
on south; but please wake the people