The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1894-05-05
A FORSAKEN DUTY.
But It Was Well Cared for by a
Brave Girl.

81 won't be able to drive the stage
tomorrow, Lou
why not, Tom?"
"A faint tinge of color few to Tom
Carlin's cheek.
II want to go down to Jimtown to-
morrow on business. I'm going to take
the morning train
what business?"
That's my affair, Lou, and don't
you ask any questions" he answered
gruffiy.
The girl at the other side of the room
came to her brothers side and laid a
hand on his shoulder
"I'm afraid, Tom' she murmured,
sadly.
Afraid of what?"
afraid that those rough men you
have been taking up with lately will
lead you into trouble. You are going
to Jimtown with them-I know it, oh,
Tom, don't go. For my sake. Tom"
She placed an arm around his neck
and looked pleadingly into his eyes.
He hesituted a moment and then
started to his feet, throwing her from
him.
Don't make u fool of yourself, Lou.
I'm going to Bismarck in the morning
and that settles it,"
II thought it was to Jimtown."
well, Jimtown, then"
''You ought to be here, Tom, attend
ing to business. Don't you know that
y Henry Gordon is going north to-mor-
row morning with fifteen thousand
dollars for the bank at Sylseston?'
''Of course know it, replied Tom,
strange glitter in his eye. ''The
more fool he for not taking the train
and going around by way of Jimtown
instead OF carrying that amount of
money across country"
"The money must be in the hands of
the bank by tomorrow afternoon" re-
turned the girl. IF he goes by train,
via Jintown, H., won't reach Sykeston
before midnight"
''Well, it's none of my affair."" NUT
tered Tom; 81 wonder who 1 can get to
run the stage for mc?"
II will, Tom"
He started forward impetuously.
mo, no, Lou-not your he cried.
Not you, anyone but you! Promise
me you won't run the stage!'
His words were wild: his looks plead
ing.
She drew herself up trifie sternly.
''If you forsalSe your duty when you
are needed most, it devolves upon me,
who love you and care for your reputa.
ton. to step into your shoes and do the
work you fail to perform. / shall run
the stage
He turned his back to her and
walked toward the door. There he
paused, the spirit of good striving
within his breast to overcome the spirit
of evil. But the strife was in vain.
He faced her once more with cruel
laugh.
II see through your scheme. Lou.
You're setting your cap at this Gordon
you're afraid he'll get into trouble
with that fifteen thousand dollars O,
his-ha, ha, ha! That talk about youl
brother is all very fine, but it won,
wash. I'm off for Jim:own, anyway
Good-by, Lou!'
Waiting for no parting word from his
pale-faced sister, Tom Carlin passed
out of the house.
Half an hour afterward a knock fel
upon the door of the little shack
where Tom Carlin, the stage-driver
and his sister lived.
The knock was twice repeated before
it was answered.
, Lou at once threw open the door, anG
when she saw who the caller was would
have given the world had her eyes held
fewer traces of tears recently shed.
''Come in, Henry" she said.
A young man with a handsome, reso
lutte face stepped into the room ane
caught her hand.
''Good-evening, Lou" said he. ano
then, noticing her red and downcas
eyes, he would have said something
further but stopped himself with al
effort that was almost sigh.
pardon me for calling at this un
seemly hour, Lou, but l wished to tall
with Tom. Is he here?"
She shook her head mutely.
There are two or three desperate
looking strangers in town, and cam,
to ask your brother if he Thought ther,
would be any danger in my taking tina
money north tomorrow. Do not thinl
me cowardly, Lou; it is not my owl
money, you know-I should feel differ
emily if it were otherwise.
"There is not the slightest danger
Henry" she replied. tom is not here
so will answer for him."
'Thank you," he returned. "Yo,
have reassured me, but"
He paused.
'But what?" she asked.
Nothing" he returned, catching he
hands and looking wistfully into he
face. II shall have something to tel
you, Lou. when ! come back from
Skyeston."
"Teli me now"
Smiling, he shook his head. Bringing
her hand quickly to his lips he kisses
1T, leaving her at once with an abrup
''good night"
"All aboard for Sykeston!'
1t was woman's voice that spols
the words as four horses came dashinl
up to the Dawson house dragging tn
:, Mouse river stage.
Four passengers came out Of the no
tel, among them Henry Gordon See
ing Lou Cariin on the box he stoppe,
short, astounded.
"Where's Tom, Lou?' he asked.
~ mtown,' she answered, briefly
GorlOn's face became grave
i. E. .ss\Vhen did M, Do?n