davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12

suddenly, hardened-"t there amt but one
way to get even"
He suddenly leveled his pistol, but
Chickasaw John struck up the weapon.
DON'T 90 Drasn, old man." he ex-
claimed I've got intruss in,this. girl
rs well as you. Besides, what are we all
here for; We're two to one asst is, and
here is where the money lies" Ho
pointed to the safe "Give up the COM
bination, leftenant, or we'll blow the
ID thing to pieces afore your eyes, and
that" with wave of the hand and q
sarcastic smile, that might scare tho
ladies'"
A collision seemed TO be inevitable.
The boomers gathered menacingly
around the knot of half armed soldiers.
In one corner crouched the two ladies Of
the garrison. Arizony, with her eyes
fixed piteously upon her old lover, stood
ut Strings elbow. The latter, at this
crisis, was surprised TO see Miss Oberlv
suddenly rise, trembling in every limb,
and point to Burl Yates.
81 remember him now" she exclaimed.
HE is the very man who led the gang
that robbed the stage. | cannot be mis-
taken, though at first | was puzzled"
An oath from Yates and an agonizing
cry from Arizony were heard. The last
straw had been added to the poor girls
burden of despair.
There came another uproar of dogs
and a chatter of horses hoofs outside at
this juncture. Then dozen or more
men in citizens clothing ran into the
Office with pistols drawn. At their head
was Parson Tilney, his grayhairs flying,
his lean face sternly set and III his eyes
an unusual fire. He alone was unarmed
save for a thick walking stick. but he
laid lis hand boldly upon the naked
shoulder of Burl Yates.
II arrest you" he exclaimed, 'for the
murder of George Eakins in Virginny
IS years ago come next Aprile" Then
turning to the other boomers, drop
your we'pons. every mothers son Of
you" he shouted.
Truly, the parson was developing some
very unministerial traits. A scene of
confusion ensued Taken'front and rear
the boomers became panic stricken,
yielding up their arms as two Of the
later Corners made the rounds. demand
ing Of each an unconditional surrender.
Burl, however, thrust the old man aside
and turned, eager to vent his gathering
fury, but was everywhere confronted
by leveled winchesters and revolvers.
Through their momentary irresolution
the pseudo Indians We're completely en-
trapped-the soldiers before, the rescuers
behind
Burls eye, fercely rowing, fell upon
Stirling. The lieutenant was support
ing Arizony with one ARM his other hand
grasped a pistol. The girl was endeav-
oring frantically to restrain herself from
fainting fit.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12

A wave of his old jealousy overswept
Yates, and leveling his weapon he fired
at Stirling. But Arizony with a loud
cry threw herself between. Then she
sank to the floor, at the same time re-
garding her lover with eyes filled with
an expression Of pain and terror
Whether she was hit or not was hardly
at once apparent. But at that moment
another pistol flashed and Burl, while
looking down aghaSt mt the supposed re-
suit of his own act, fell heavily to the
floor
Some one among the rescuers had fired
with fatal effect doubtless in a resolve
to avenge what seemed to be the result
of Yates hasty shot, But at her lovers
fall Arizony rose to her knees, wrung her
hands, looked wildly around, then threw
herself upon his bosom.
"Forgive me, Burl, she cried, lost APP
parently to every other consideration but
this terrible result Il meant for the
best-I meant for the bestr'
But over the stricken mans face a
CHASTITY pallor was spreading. His eyes
were glazing with the film of death. Yet
be was conscious to the last, for suddenly
his hand grippod hers firmly.
"Ari2ony," he whispered, Il wanted
to-make money-for-you
\ choking rattle interrupted the words,
and after the momentary rigor which
followed was at an end the man lay dead.
Come, child said Parson Tilney ten
derby. Its bad enough all round, but
then it can't be helped. You amt to
blame. Arizoyy That's one comfort"
But the girl cluug to her dead lover and
for time refused to be comforted.
Meanwhile Lieutenant Stirling ordered
the rest of the captured boomers TO be
conveyed to the guardhouse, The par
son lifted Arizony to a chair She
clasped her arms around the old mans
neck and hid her face as the body of
Yates was borne out of the room.
I'm tired - tired" she whispered.
Seems like want forest"
Stella, both shocked and plying, bent
over the girl. Mrs. Tolliver began to
hunt for restoratives.
"Arizony," said Miss Obcrly, 81 wish
could say something that would make
you feel better"
"Burl was good to me-" sobbed the
girl. Maybe he did do wrong things
but-but he loved ,pe. Oh, miss! oh,
miss! I'm so miserable"
The old minister laid his hand upon
Arizonys head andlooked into .her eyes
as if what he saw there was bringing to
memory the features of his own deaG
wife
Wen 80 back, ssid,be soothingly;
wen so back Sto old Virginny. She
was always a-wishin for you to come
back
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12

man was with them-a boomer from the
Cherokee strip. AS they saw Arizony
waiting Chickasaw John winked at this
third companion.
you'll want to,talk to her, Burl," be
said. me and Tate here, we'll mosey on
ahead, and leave you to carry her bun.
die. How are you, Arizony? Me and
Burl have been a-talkin about you, and
we've fixed up plan. You got us outei
that guardhouse, and we thanks you.
You do what Burl says, and when we've
carried out our plan you'll be all the
richer. Come on, Tate. Two is the only
number courtin folks likes to count UP
to. Don't take much 'rithmetic for that,
sure"
Cbickasaw John and the third man
laughed and hurried ostentatiously for
ward viewing the situation mainly in o
humorous light Burl walked by the
girls side and eyed her suspiciously. The
bundle he entirely ignored.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12
CHAPTER XI.

Lieutenant Stirling made his final
round about midnight to see that all
was we'll The fact that several thou
sand dollars We're in the Office safe, with
the commandant and most of the troops
absent, had not disturbed him much.
He exercised great care in his duties, yet
more through stress Of habit than from
a sense of insecurity.
So quiet had affairs been of late that
from midnight until sunrise no guard
was usually set. Stirling, however,
placed a cot in the office, and now that
the commandant was away slept there
himself with Il revolver under his pillow.
while without several watchful dogs
We're expected to announce any unusual
arrival.
After finishing his round he sat by the
fire for an hour and then lay down For
some reason he could not sleep His
mind was restless, perhaps because Miss
Oberly some three hours before, had at
last consented to fix the day that should
make him happy, always providing that
the mighty man of war, the admiral, did
not object, This, of.course, was a pleas
ing probability, but as "a contrast his
mind reverted to .Arizony. The interest
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12
THE BURLINGTON FREE PRESS THURSDAY OCTOBER H. 1893

preacher ruin your place as we'll as mine"
iii never see peace any more, Burl,
never" she walled
He left, uttering an impatient ejacula.
ton. That night shs kept long awake,
thinlling-yot in thought finding little
relief. After a time she became sensible
of faint glow beyond the open door of
the cabin as from distant fire.
More from restlessness than interest she
rose, put OH her dress and stole out into
the starlight. Then she saw that the re-
Election came from some hidden source
down by the creek. She began to feel
curious as a kind of respite from the 81
lent lniseries of the night. SO she went
back, put ON her shoes, threw a shawl
over her head and walked ont beyond
the wagons, tents and cabins toward the
fringe of timber that covered the creek
bottom.
The heavens were clear. Out on the
prairie a coyote was yalping. Nearer
by, where the cottonwoods rustled, sun
dry minor voices of the night kept up
droning interlude. The overmastering
gloom and glory of the night oppressed
her as with an impalpable, illimitable
weight. Vines and bushes chung to her
skirts and hindered her limbs as she
plOddel on
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12
"Ntcbbc rln NNle had on nol,0 hc satd.

"Mcbbc I'm q little nara on nou," he said.
Proceeding in this way for some dis
lance, she rounded a great upturned
"clay root" and came suddenly in full
view of the object of her search. She
threw herself upon the earth and peered
forth cautiously.
Seated round an open fire We're Burl
Yates, Chckasaw John and dozen or
so of the more restless boomers. They
were apparently consulting together Sc
cretly. Burl was speaking, and his stri-
dent tones and bull-like energy of gesture
made her shudder.
"Just afore day is the time, he said.
When them seven stars dip into the
prairie yonder, We'll set out. We've
been bullyragged by these soldiers long
enough. Now is our chance to get even.
There's only seven men left at the fort
outside of the women and that ID
lieutenant"
where's the rest gomez asked a man.
"Some's here, and somes yonder keep
in fellows like we outen our land and
treatin us like we was born thieves One
of them seven is with us He told me
the cash for three months pay for the
whole detachment is in the colonies safe.
The pavmaster fetched it Yesterday.
Thousands Of dollars and only seven men
a-guarlin it all. Come, now, boys, let's
hustle. Time we paint and fix and git
there it'll be nearly day. If we manage
right, the hull iob'll be laid to these here
Cheyennes as has just broke loose from
the reservation"
He's right, men," said Chickasaw
John. We've been drug around like
dogs till were poor as dogs. When
think of my wife and dead children,
lows that if can't get even with them
as got me in this fix in one way perhaps
can in another"
More inhammatory talk followed. For
some time Arizony listened with grow
ing horror of this contemplated violence
and crime Though she might never be
happy again herself, perhaps she might
save the lives and secure the happiness
of others. Meanwhile Burl and another
man We're distributing various articles
of Indian dress and adorument together
with paint and bear grease.
She waited to SEQ and hear no more,
but hurried back to the cabin, put on her
bonnet and stole poiselessly through the
camp and struck the trail leading to the
post. Two hours of hard travel We're be-
fore her through tangled bottoms, over
treeless ridges where the long buffalo
grass impeded and across creeks pitted
by quiclIsands. All this, too, amid the
gloom, the stealth and the terrors of the
night
A grewsome task, even for man, and
fraught with perilous after consequences
from those whose nefarious plans she
was striving to disappoint. Yet the very
extremity of her despair engendered a
certain recklessness.
If she could only reach there in time!
That was her present anxiety. AS to tho
future--she had already lost her lover.
If endurance became uncomfortable, could
she not at least die?
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12
CHAPTER X.


For several days Yates kept himself
away from the camp of the boomers
Arizony was very miserable. She evinced
little interest in outward affairs and
seemed to brood more than ever. She
clung. however, to her stepfather, who
was making preparations to take hei
away.
You are right she said to him. I'VE
must go back together. But / think J
must see Burl once more. | want him tc
promise me to try and be good mar
after am gone it isn't right for US to
marry, but | feel like | was sorter re-
sponsiblo for him. If he should throw
hisself away, 'twould seem to me it was
all my fault"
The parson cheered and advised as
best he could. Arizony made another
trip to the post to take back the work
she had finished. Miss Oberly received
her kindly and again urged her to stay
with her.
I'm sure you're mighty good" re.
turned the girl, but | am goin back tc
Virginny, Seems like I'd rather e
there nor anywhere else-now."
Poor child" said the admiral's daugh.
ter compassionately. II fear You arc
unhappy. Won't You confde your trou.
blcs to me-
Arizony breathed quickly for mo-.
ment, then said YEARLY. almost apa
thetically:
There's hardly anything to tell-thai
could tell"
Philip" said Miss Oberly, meeting
that young man on tho parade after
Arizony had gone, what do you think
can be the matter with that poor girl"
"Oh, suppose that hulking lover OF
hers wants to marry her-or beat her.
You We're not SO sympathetic in Wash.
ington. Stella"
People have to be dreadfully noncom.
INITIAL in town. Perhaps we learn tc
know each other better out here"
See more heart and less cuticle, sup.
pose Well, the air of the plains is q
sort of visual magnifyer. they say. But
always did think you an angel, Stella.
She leaned lightly against him, and
Philips pulse tingled rapturously After
that he kissed her on the lips. She blushed
and withdrew herself little, then mur.
INJURED as IL to herself:
Poor Arizony."
Then they walked away arm in arm
and soon forgot these humber troubles
in brighter anricipations of their own.
Late that afternoon Yates returned tc
the boomers camp. Arizony, relenting
in love, though not in purpose, made a
few timid advances, which were received
rather grutfiy.
Have you thought things over?" he
asked her ungraciously
II don't know, as l underestimate
None of that now. I'll round you UP
here once TO. all"
But as h. scowled her deprecating
looks appeared to strike him with a sense
Of pity.
"Mebbc lin little hard on you" he
said.
Arizony weakly burst into tears. He
took her III his arms, but when he felt
the mute shuddering with which she
yielded his suspicion rose,
Look here" he exclaimed, "Tm tired
of all this shilly shally. Will you marry
me or will yau let hammer hsaded
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12
CHAPTER TX.
THOU ART THE MAN.

~ s'pose," said Yates at length, chat
if any one but you had asked that lef.
tenant to let us go we'd have been in
Tat guardhouse yet"
at wasn't so much what ! wanted as
what that beautiful young lady said,
Burl. wish you could have seen him
look at her."
cat you, you mean he replied, with
jealous suspicion. But she, pulling him
by tho car into convenient posture
dropped kiss in the air Just above his
lips.
Suddenly he clasped her in his arms.
Haven't I loved you for years. he de
manded. Il can't bear for another man
to look at you. Look here, Arizony. Me
and Chickasaw John have made up oul
minds to leave these parts. We've
dropped onto good scheme, but l won't
feel quite ready to go till you're my
wife"
Don't, Burl'----
what? Amt we promised:"
"Burl, I've told you of my love for
you often enough, but 1 don't want to be
so hurried. My mother is just dead,
and it would seem almost wicked. My
stepfather has just come He's preach
er, and he says I've got some property
back in Virginny."
Glad Of that, for we need all the
money we can get. Me and John arc go.
in to get even with them soldiers: then
we'll leave. Therefore l say you must
marry me this very day"
This very day, Burl:' she faltered.
1T is too--too sudden. See, 1 have some
work to do
She pointed to her bundle, whereat he
scowlcd heavily.
I'VE are very poor, You know she
continued, 80 l thought l would try
and help a little"
Marry me-" he reiterated. 81 swear
you shall live easily. See" He drew
forth a roll of bank notes. Il can make
money. You shall help Inc spend this
Ha. my girl! 1t isn't every woman has
such man for slave. well! Who
in the devil is he, wondeT;"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12

How can ] let you do this unnatural
thing?" Then sternly altering his tone,
Il say there h blood between YOU two
that cries out against such union"
BLOOD, blood" she gasped. "Tell me
all'---
Burl interrupted her with an oath. 1t
seemed to break the spellhe e3erted over
her, for she turned from him and kept
her eyes upon her stepfather.
"He was only boy them" said the
parson, again pointing at Yates. "But
he shot your grandfather and fed the
country afterward. Years have passed.
yet l recognized him. There's an old re-
ward out for him yet, l reckon"
"Is this true?' cried Arizony, clutch
ing her lovers arm. ooh, Burll may
be wrong, but-but I'll take your word
first"
TIE mans aptitude for duplicitv
seemed to desert him, and he hesitated.
Then he swore roundly, furiously. But
as he paused once more her agonized en-
treaty pierced him like the thrust of a
knife.
rs inns true. Is u true'
"Yesn he at last roared. fairly goaded
into the confessional. but what of that:
Old man Eakins caused my own uncle to
he killed afore that 1t was a family
feud, ~ long and bitter one. They put
me up to it, and l have been sorry for ii
since-I swear have. This was 10 years
back Our families are friendly now.
What? Are you going to leave me, Ari.
zony:'
Inch by inch she was moving farther
from his side AS he ceased speaking she
bowed her head upon the parsons shoul.
der, clasping him nervously. Yates
roughly pulled her back.
"No, no, Burl" she exclaimed, freeing
herself. "Give me time to think-time
to think. You say it has all passed
away. God help me! Ii can never pass.
/ don't know what to do. Give Inc time
Burl, and--and don't touch me, or
shall die
SO clearly did she shrink and shuddel
at each approach he made that he at
length desisted. In his breast storm
of passion was seething, for the sense Of
his impotence was maddening.
VERY we'll" said he harshly. You're
a fool, Ari2ony-but | won't force your
inclinations. Think we'll of all this and
remember! I'll stand no nonsense, nuth.
er, from You nor this gray headed mis-
chief breeder here If he was a younger
man, I'd have it out with him now and
let you see what a rotten stick you're
tryiu to lean on
Arizony suffered him to take her hand
yet avoided his eye. After moment he
dropped it. glared yindictively at the
preacher, then strobe off over the prairie
at a pace that soon carried him ont oil
sight beyond neiEhboring swell.
Then the girl again let her head fall
upon Parson Tilney's shoulder.
Wont you take me back toto my
mothers grave:" she sobbed. 81 wish
was dead and alvin there with her
Yes, | dol do"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12
Just AS SHE WAS.
By WILLIAM PERRY BROWN,
copyright, 1858. by American Press Assoca
toni
CONTINUED
CHAPTER VIII.
ARIZQNY INTERCEDl.S.

Burl Yates and ChiclSzsaw John, still
prowling over their staked and restaked
claim with n secret greed that thrived
apparently upon the official Tyranny"
which baffled it, remained so long in the
promised land" that one of Lieutenant
Strings scouting parties again discov.
cred them. Being old offenders they
were taken to tho post to undergo a lit.
tie guardhouse discipline under new
order from the much worried command.
ant of the district.
Both Of them were Tuning with rage
when brought before Stirling, upon
whom, as officer of the day, devolved the
duty Of having the two boomers con.
fined.
1--WE just got this to say leftenant,"
Yaid Burl, grinding out his words from
between his teeth. IF you put me IN
that guardhouse, it will be the wuss fol
you, if l have to wait months toget even
Remember that"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12

"N no IN The deril is he, I tcOndcr2"
This change in his manner was caused
by man suddenly rounding a shoulder
Of bluff directly in their front But Ali
zony's face frightened at once.
Its my stepfather," she said. Hes
come to meet me, | know
When Parson Tilney drew near, his
first mild glance at Yates deepencd into
so close scrutiny as to surprise both the
others.
Hope you'll know me next time, " said
Burl. "Arizony says you're her stepfa,
Their and likewise q preacher too That
bein the case. we've got II job for you
right now"
"Burl. Burl," interrupted the girl.
shocked at his brutal persistency, but ct
lowering WIS his look that she paused.
This girl and me-" continued Yates.
want to get married. We've been court.
i'll long time, and I've got to leave, sc
we concluded to ask YOU to do the yolsin.
Amt them your sentiments, Arizony;'
She did not reply, and he grew impa.
tient.
why don't you speak up, )" he growled,
land tell your respected half parent as
were so blamed tired of livin single that
he must marry us at once;"
There was still another moment of 81.
lcnce. After his first long look at Yates
the preacher fixed his eyes upon Arizony.
lis this man." he asked, speaking
your desires as we'll as his own
She shivcrod under an inward conflict
that kept her strangely silent.
"Of course ami" exclaimed Durl an.
grily.
II ask you, daughter" said the preach.
or solemnly, "to reflect. Do you know
who this man really ISL
IL don't understand" she faltered.
do you remember what l told you Of
the Yates hack in Virginny, and how
your grandfather died?"
at cannot be! 1t is too horriblew she
almost shrieked as some inkling of the
persons meaning darted through her
mind.
Il say lie is the man" aud the preach
er pointed finger at Burl, who became
furious at'once.
"Hark you" he exclaimed Don't
you NEEDLE any further'n you're asked A"
But Personal---very., still regarding only
the girl, came, a. step nearer.
"Arizony,'f said'he entreatingly, "bein
as youar myawife's child you are also
mine. She told me gto:see after YOU.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1893-03-25
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION.

Land Office at wa-Keeney, Kansas, NJ ON,
February Is, 1893. No' of'o
Notice is hereby given that the following named
settler has filed notice of his intention to make final
proof in support of his claim, and that said proof
will be made before the Register and Receiver OF
the U. s. Land Office at Wa-Keeney, Kansas, on
April l, 1893, viz:
William B. Robinson,
Homestead Application No. 1896, for the south
half of the southwest quarter and the south half of
the southeast quurter of section Sownshp Is south
range 25, west of the 9th P. NJ, Kansas.
He names the following witnesses to prove his
continuous residence upon and cultivation of, said
land, viz:
John Hoover, George Young Patrick W. O'Toole;
all of Gibson, Kansas; Timothy T. Armstrong. Wa
Keeney, Kansas.
218 ct LEE MONROE, Register.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1893-03-25
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION.

Q. s. Land Once, waKeeney, Kan, ~, ss.
March 9, 1898. NO. oos'
Notice is hereby given that the following named
settler has filed notice of his intention to make final
proof in support of his claim, and that said proof
will be made before the register and receiver of the
United States land office at Wa-Keeney, Kansas, on
April II, 1893, viz:
Joseph A. Law,
Homestead Application No. 1851, for the south
east quarter of section 18, township Is south range
%, west of the 9th P. M, Kansas.
He names the following witnesses to prove his
continuous residence upon, and cultivation Of said
land, viz:
Charles 81. Burt, LYMAN 8. Burt, James 7. Ford,
Charles Hearting; all Of BrowneIl, Kansas.
Su6t LEE EoHRoE, Register.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1893-03-25
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION.

Land Office at Wa-Keeney, Kansas, No o,es
February H. 1898. 1'o o7oo.
Notice is hereby given that the following named
settler has filed notice of his intention to make final
proof in support of his claim and that said proof
will be made before the Register and Receiver of
the U. s. Land Office at Wa-Keeney, Kansas, on
March %, 1885, viz:
Charles L. Hopkins,
Homestead Application No. 1744O for the northeast
quarter of section 3d. township 10 south, range %,
west of the 9th P. NJ, Kansas.
He names the following witnesses to prove his
continuous residence upon and cultivation of, said
land, viz:
Sumner Croker, Thomas Harrington, William
Spratling, Hugh Faulkner; all of Wa-Keeney, Kan
sas.
21s6t LEE MONROE, Register.