The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-07-16

i.'ihoSH III Vic Sauulc, ana, besides,
the folks at Wabash and at the Cricls
ought to be waeued. And you know
the mail has to TO as long as it's any
ways possible"
The spur touched Dolly's flank moro
often than usual, but she kept up brave
~, and Danny clattered into Wabash
ahead of time. Imparting the alarm
ing intelligence to old man Beck, the
postmaster, and cautioning him to get
the family ready and start for the post
without further delay, he rode on to-
ward Crooked Creek
"Jcwhillakers!" exclaimed one of the
watchers whats Danny ridin' SO all
fred fast about? Must be suthin' up"
They soon knew, and scattered for
their respective claims to prepare for
flight ere the storm burst.
Danny clinchcd the saddle tighter
and looked to his weapon ere he mount
ed for the homo ride. He was not
afraid. Had he been coward he
would have remained safely at the
fort But an ominous dread fell upon
him as lie thought Of the dark Cim-
marion. He arrived at Wabash and
looked in Mt the open door of the Beck
and Tartan households. Everything
was topsy -turvy as left in the hurry of
departure.
"Wcll, Rosie is safe anyway" he con-
fided to Dolly, with a sigh.
Their flying shadows grew longer and
longer, and finally night dropped on the
plains. Before him doomed the Cimmar-
ron. He could sec the misty vapor roll
ing up like smoke.
IF they're anywhere they'll be down
there" he muscd They'll want to lay
along the trail und catch some Of the
settlers maxim for Dodge. Wonder if
hadn't better cross further DOWN"
1t was good idea, and he turned Dol
~ from the trail and directed his course
further down the river.
The rcins changed from right to left
rs he entered the mist, and his right
fell upon the protruding butt of re-
volver in his belt A twig cracked un-
der the horses feet and gave the rider
a start. Down into the waters of the
Cimmarron they splashed. Dolly pulled
ut the rein.
40, no, Doll; can't drink this time"
he murmurcd.
He climbed the bank on the opposite
side and rode out on the plain, breath
ing easier.
"Spangr'
Dolly bolted forward, and flame of
light flashed in the darkness up the
river.
"Yip-yip-yip!" 1t was the war cry of
the Arapahoes. The fight and flight
was on. With yell of defiance he fred
at the dark mass tearing after him, and
bending low over the saddle horn spoke
encouragingly to the horse:
Dolly, if you ever run, do it now.
You're faster than any of them, Dolly,
If you'll only try-look out for gopher
hills-that's good horse. Whew! that
oneeHas close. Now you're gcttin'
dowfto it, Dolly. Well beat the red
devils yit On. Doll Remember, we've
got the mail. and it must be saved.
Here's the trail. Now see how fast you
can run. Ouch! Oh, God. I'm hit, and
hit home ut that It's all with you,
Dolly; it's all with YOU"
And he chung to tho saddle horn and
gave the mustang free rein.
Horse sense: we hear it alluded to in
q jocular way. Did Dolly realize that
in her fleet feet lay her masters ONLY
salvation? think 50. you may not.
But she ran like frightened antelope,
hardly seeming to touch the ground,
while Danny with closed eyes and
clcnched teeth chung to the saddle horn
with the desperation of death.
Halt, who comes there?" challenged
the guard as horse and rider came
lounging into the fort
THE United States mail" came the
faint reply, and Dolly galloped up with
blood in her nostrils, and blood on .ier
tanks, quivcring like an aspen.
Dan, are you hurt?" qucricd the SOL
dier, lifting him from the saddle
I'm hit dead" he replied, with n
moan. They carried him into the bar
racls-room and the surgeon was sum
moncd, but there was no hope, he said.
1t was wonder he had lived as long as
he had. Soon the news spread to the
camp, and the rough soldiers and furi-
tive settlers gathered around him.
watching with brcathless interest for
the end to come. girl came pushing
her way through the crowdLa scared
faced girl, wringing her hands in
agony. She bent down and took the
sufferers hand.
Rosie" said he, with panied smile,
I'm goner. guess Good-by. Rosie;
you can have Dolly, and take good care
OF her, for she did all she could to save
me. Good-by, boys Yonder's the
Cimmarron. That's 3 good horse,
Dolly"
"Delirium," said the surgeon.
Get out of the way of the United
States mail"
The end came. Another daring spirit
had passed along that unknown trail
that leads through the dark. dreary
| desert Of dcath-Charles Maurice Grow