The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1893-09-08

why, there are two sections on run
Al, to-night!' Ethel exclaimed, as she
saw the two red flags on the engine.
Then the train drew up at the sta
ton, the engine was cut loose and
switched over to the tank for water,
after which the train proceeded on its
way to Placer City, six miles distant,
to sidetrack for No. 8, the fast limited
express.
After the second section had gone
through the same operation as the first,
Ethel entered the pumphouse, to make
sure that the fire under the boiler was
properly banked for the night
She desired to start for home as soon
as No. 9 passed, SO as not to alarm her
parents by any unnecessary delay
She had been inside but moment or
two, when her attention was attracted
by slight noise at the window.
Imagine her surprise, upon turning
around, to see a man standing at the
open window, with his gun, which was
resting upon the window-sill, aimed di-
rectly at her.
"It's mothers dream!' she said to
herself; but not muscle moved to show
that she was surprised
''Say, little GAL" said the man at the
widow, ''where is the station agent?"
''He is not here, sir. He went away
some time ago"
"Where top demanded the man,
gruffiy.
''He went to Keeley's Bar, with sup
plies for the COZ pany's men," replied
Ethel and added in an uudertone: but
that was long time ago.
"When is the lightning express due?''
''In thirty minutes" said Ethel, as
she glanced at the clock above her ia
theirs rude desk.
"Wel, we want to board her. Can
we do SOP"
'No, sir: they do not stop here for
water"
Cant you flag her?"
''No, sir"
"Why not?"
"We have orders not to flag No. 9 un-
less there is danger ahead"
"Then there will be danger ahead" ,"
said the ruffian, as he turned his back
to Ethel, and, addressing the men, said:
''Get to work lively, men, and take up
a couple of rails; the express is going
to stop here tonight, and don't you for
get it!'
Ethel glanced through the window,
and, sure enough, there were four men
besides the spokesman, making five in
all, as her mother had dreamed.
Quick as thought, she turned and
sprang through the open door; there
was clatter of a horses feet upon the
hard ground, and an instant later the
white pony dashed around the corner
of the pump-house and was off with the
speed of deer.
"Bangr' "Bang!' ''Bang!" rang the
report of firearms in rapid succession
The men had discovered her fight, but
in their haste had shot wide of the
mark.
"Bangr "Bang!' ''Bangr' "Bangr'
rang out second volley from the re-
peating rifles. The bride rein dropped,
as Ethel threw up her hands and fell
forward on the pony's neck, limp and
apparently lifeless. The frightened
animal, seeing he was free to go where
he chose. dashed headlong down the
bank into the gulch below and disap-
peared from view.
81 guess that red-headed imp of a
girl won't give us any further trouble, "
remarked one of the men.
you're right" said another. "she's
fixed all right enough"
Had the speakers stood where they
could have seen what was taking place
down in the gulch, they would soon
have discovered their mistake, for no
sooner had the pony reached the bot
tom than Ethel arose direct in the sad
die. gathered up the reins and re-
marked:
"a pretty good trick for red-headed
girl to play. When they thought me
dead they ceased firing; otherwise
might have been killed" Looking at
her tiny watch, present from her
father, she added:
six miles and only twenty-five min
utes in which to make it. Now, Snow
flake, fly"
Loosening rawhide from the pom.
mel of the saddle, she dashed tine pony
into run. One, two, three, four miles
are passed. The tender-hearted girl,
who under ordinary circumstances
would not think of beating her pony,
used the lash without mercy, urgin g
him to his utmost speed.
Finally exhausted, her hand dropped
to her side, and when she again raised
it she saw that it was covered with
blood.
"Whyl" she exclaimed. II must have
been hit after all Yes, my skirt is
soaked with blood, and, come to think
of it, did feel singing pain in my
thigh when the men fired; but what of
it? We must reach Placer City in time,
should it kill us both!"
At last the station was in sight.
Only short half mile and she woul d
be at the end of her journey. But,
alasl The wind bore a sound to her
ear that fairly froze the blood in her
veins, long, shrill whistle, the ex.
press calling for clear track. Ethel
shut her teeth tightly and piled the
lash with all their strength.
"Faster, Snowflake, faster, faster
Oh! Heaven help u.s." she exclaimed.
The pony groaned at ever Y jump, YET
she urged him to go faster. Already
she could see the headlight on the rap,
idly approaching engine. It glowed
in the gathering twilight like the eye
of q fiery demon. Would she pc toe
late9
On came the fiery monster The
race was an unequal one-.an iron