The Bossier banner., 1894-06-07
"All aboard for Sykeston"

good night"
"All aboard for Sykestonr'
1t was a woman's voice that spoke
the words as four horses came dashing
up to the Dawson house dragging the
Mouse river stage.
Four passengers came out of the ho-
tel, among them Henry Gordon. See
ing Lou Carlin on the box he stopped
short, astounded.
where's Tom, Lou?" he asked.
'Jimtown," she answered, briefly.
Gordon's. face became grave.
when did he go?"
ION this mornings train"
THE three o'clock train?'
Yes
mo passengers took that train from
this station. / was at the depot when
it pulled out"
Lou Carlin reeled in her seat and al
most fell to the ground
Gordon leaped up beside her
''You are ill!' he exclaimed.
''No," she answered, resolutely, re-
covering herself with an effort
Surely you are not going to drive
the stage?"
''Surely amp she replied, with COM
pressed lips. That looks like business,
doesn't it?'
She pointed to a Winchester rifle
lying at her feet
But you are not well enough" re-
turned Gordon, with shade of anxiety
in his face.
'Nonsenser' she cried, with forced
laugh. "All aboard, Henry! We're
late now"
Pm going to ride out here with YOU"
''All right"
And then. with a crack of whip and
a creak of wheels, the stage departed.
Gordon was reserved and thoughtful.
| brother and wondering where he had
gone if not to Jimtown.
At Shoemaker's ranch a halt was
made for dinner.
AS they once more started on their
journey Gordon drew from his breast
pocket package of bills.
Lou" said he, quietly, Twill you
Idhc IAdIB &c VI lllS!
She drew back and looked at him
with wondering eyes. Then a half
sneer curled her lip
She had been deceived in Gordon. He
was a coward!
Certainly" she replied, in distant
voice; you bear the risk of placing
this in my hands?"
"Risk!"
He said no more. The taunt in her
voice was ill-concealed. He understood
| it and turned away his head.
The stage drew near the rocky
Iecoteaux which they were to cross.
Barely had they entered the pass
| when three masked men stepped from
behind bowlder
They had guns in their hands.
Halt" cried one of them, in a
hoarse voice.
One of his companions sprang to the
horses heads.
"What do you want?'' cried Lou Car
lin. with white face.
"We want word with that man be-
side YOU"
| lneu IOr Tue uFSU llIu0 Lou uOClc0Q
| that the two robbers had covered Cor
don with their guns.
Quick as fash she stopped down,
picked up the rifle at her feet and
brought it to her shoulder, aiming at
the form of the man nearest her.
| For Gods sake. Loup' exclaimed
Gordon, ''be carefulP'
With a quick movement he struck
the weapon from her hands.
At that instant there came the sound
of two reports, blending as one.
A shot was fred at Gordon just as a
passenger fred from the coach.
Gordon fell from his seat. dropping
like log by the roadside.
With cry of anguish Lou Carliu
| leaped down beside him. AS she
stopped over she heard her own name
called.
The voice was familiar to her ears
One of the robbers staggering about
on the prairie and clutching at the air
sank to the ground.
my Godip cried Lou
Leaping forward, she tore the mash
from the robbers face, then started
back wildly and dropped senseless be
side him.
1t was her brother Tom