The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1893-06-14

--HW
$50 YOU WON'T RIDE WITH ME, EH?"
comprehcnded then the danger that en-
vironed me, and my soul sank with a
sickening fear. ] was entirely in the
power of the wretch, and understood
very well that he would not hesitate to
deal with me as his fiendish nature
might suggest. ! continued to struggle
for my freedom, but it was useless. |
sent up scream after scream, but had
no hope of anyone hearing me.
The man dragged me to the wagon
and attempted to lift me in, but
grasped the spokes of the wheel and
held on with superhuman strength, re-
fusing to be torn away. For a long
time the terrible struggle continued
and felt my strength failing me, and
l realized that in little while ! must
give up the contest
Then heard horse galloping across
the prairie. A ray Of hope sprang up
in my heart and took frmer hold on
the wagon and waited. The horse
stopped near us and ] heard some one
dismount. Then heard voice say:
"What does this mean?"
"Save me, save me-" cried. "Save
me from this wretch"
was aware that the newcomer
struck my prosecutor blow which sent
him sprawling to the earth, but was
conscious of nothing else for some time,
for had swooned.
When recovered my faculties was
lying on the grass and kindly looking
young man was knecling by me en-
gagged in chatting my hands. Hooked UP
into the young mans face and examined
his features infinitely, and had no feal
of him. read true nobility in every
-lineament, and knew | could trust
him implicitly. He was the first tc
speak, and his voice was so soft and
gentle that it sent thrill of pleasure
through me to hear it.
Are you better now?" he asked.
Eyes, much better" l replied. as
he gomez"
"That man? Yes, you need have nc
fear Of him now"
How can thank you for what you
have done for me?" said, after a short
pause.
81 do not want any thanks" he re
piled, "but will be only too happy tt
render you any other service can"
made no reply aside from murmur
ing my thanks, and for minute or Sc
we remained silent, he in the mean
time keeping his eyes fixed inquiringly
on me. suppose he was at loss t.
account for my being there in the pligh
he found me, yet was too delicate t.
question me. At last, seeing that was
not inclined to speak. he said:
81 am ready to serve you as you ma,
direct. Don't hesitate to express any
wish you have in mind"
: 81 only want to be conducted to some
place to spend the night" answered
! IL am stranger here, and | know n,
one"
my home," he replied, 'is a coupl
! of miles distant, and if you can reach i
you will be welcomed by my parent
, and whatever there is in the house viii
be at your command. But you canno
walk. You haven't the strength TO
. that"
, ~ cannot, indeed" said I. ~ hav
walked long way since morning, an
, when reached this spot my strength
, was all gone"
~ see," he unused, seemingly burie
in thought. Then, after a pause: "a
. you wouldn't mind, you might ride wit
7 me- Ny horse will carry double, but
I lady cannot ride him alone"
t ~ do not mind" answered.
, He arose and brought the horse, ant
, mounting into the saddle, lifted me II
| behind him. We went slowly acros
the prairie, talking very little, my CON
, panion asking no questions and vo
unteering only such scraps Of informs
: ton as thought necessary to establis
I my character and in some degree az
count for my strange situation.
, Finally we reached our destination
and, stopping in front of a grea
, rambling old farmhouse, my con
| panion dismounted, and, lifting m
gently to the ground, conducted me il
, doors and confded me to the care Of
> motherly-looking old lady, who, thong
, greatly surprised at my appearance, IT
r ceived me with the greatest kindness
!. asking no questions and making n
b comments.