Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1893-10-24

In the rear of the Rainsford residence.
4t somewhat resembled Betty's yonngey
brother who was absent from home at
the time. In q belt were two reSoEvers,
and a winchester rifle was grasped firm
~ IN the right hand. The figure hurried
across the mountain by way Of foot
path, and on reaching the public road at
the dark. shady spot disappeared be-
hind log among the laurel underbrush
along the roadside.
In 10 minutes there was heard the
sound Of the tramping of horses feet.
The figure behind the log became alert
ness itself IN an instant. The winches-
ter was trained on the road, where a
small opening would reveal the passing
horsemen. As they came up it could be
seen that by some means Jim Spring
ston had succeeded in getting five of his
captors IN advance, riding single file,
and was talking in cheerful tone to the
one in the rear. AS they came on Jim
cautiously gathered up the slack of his
bride reins and scanned that laurel
thicket with bated breath. For an in
slant felnininelike finger pressed the
trigger of the sleeping winchester, and
then came sharp report, the scream of
a horse, and down Went the rear gunrd.
Bullets came from that thiclket like nail
and seemed to take effect entirely among
the horses.
Tho greatest confusion prevailed
among tho officers. Two were entan-
gled in the trappings of their slain.
horses, and third was on the ground
in danger of being trampled to death by
the excited animals of those yet mount
ed. In less time than it takes to tell it
the firing had ceased and the cloud of
powder smoke floated away ON the lazy
atmosphere.
At the beginning of the firing Jim
had dashed into side path and diSap-
peared. His horse came back in few
moments, however, indicating that he
had dismounted and fed to the thick
woods. Ten minutes later he was Joined
by the boyish figure, who handed him
the winchester and one revolver, when
they vanished into the underbrush.
When Captain johnson had restored
order, he found all of his men safe, but
three of the horses were dead. 1t seemed
that the attack from ambush had been
made on the horses. a search of the
woods was made for the escaped prison
er and the attacking party, but it was
a vain search. Behind the log in the
laurel thicket were half dozen car
fridge shells and small footprint in tine
loose earth. That was all.
Two hours later, when the officers re-
turned to the village with chagrin pic
tured on their faces to get couple more
horses Betty was going about her house
hold work singing blithely.
AS the officers came up, two of the
horses carrying double, she went to the
door in apparent great surprise and was
an interested listener to the story of the
attack as related by Captain johnson.
He said the onslaught was made with
such fury and suddeness that the horses
became unmanageable to such an extent
that himself and men were unable to use
their firearms. They left the country
without again seeing Springston,
Springston gave up his unlawful busi-
ness, and a year later he and Betty COM
menced housekeeping in neighboring
settlement rs man and wife. He some
times tells their children how disguised
young woman once rescued her lover by
shooting the horses of his guards. He
calls that woman Brave Betty, the Jail
er's Daughter. CHARLES A. Hartley in
Cincinnati Enquirer.