Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1894-03-02


whip to where the road curved sharply
around the side of the mountain, the high.
rocky wall rising I 900 feet on one side
and sloping abruptly down on the other.
"Thet," said the driver, sis the iden-
teal spot whar poor Jack war shot. Lord I
but it war lively here. We wuz riding as
you and | be when all of sudden he fell
agin me. Pm hit, Jim, he said. Look
out for Rose, old fellar' Then, tell you.
we hustled. Lordr'
Rose shuddered and pulled her belt more
securely "Do you think there's any dan
gers" she asked
"Bless YOU mol" he answered cheerful
ly. every body knows that Jack ain e well
yit, and they wouldn't risk the treasure
here tonight. Well make that curve in
double time and cracking his whip he
called to the horses, who once more start
ed on their lively pace
Rose drew back as they ratified along
and watched the shadows on either side
of the road little fcarfully. Suddenly
she grasped her companions arm. "What
is that?" she exclaimed breathlessly.
But she received no answer There was
flash, sharp report, and she felt the
driver fall heavily against her The lead
ers reared wildly, falling against each 9th
ON the side.
Shrieks and means filled the air. The
Irish woman broke into loud wailing, with
cries of "Murtherr' interspersed here and
there The Chinaman lay unconscious,
stunned by his fall; the drummer, with a
revolver in each hand, had covered the
sleeping miners, and the guard was lying
on his back, with all the tumbled luggage
on his chest.
Two men had darted from the under.
brush and fired the shots that struck poor
Jim, and they were now queting the
horses. Rose, who had regained her feet
unhurt, felt some one grasp her belt.
Turning, she faced the man who had been
her fellow passenger ut the station.
With an unnatural strength born of de
spair she wrenched herself free, and her
assaulter was looking into the cleaning
barrels of Jim Smith & Wesson.
Let me alone!'' she painted, her eyes
cleaning cruelty" or, by heaven, I'll shoot
you for Jack "
The robber laughed and made some sig
nal, and in another moment some one had
seized her from behind and taken the weup.
ons from her
Come, said the first man, 81 don't
want to hurt you. Hand over the cash
Z
it,
Rose clutched her belt still tighter
Looking into his face, she saw that, al
though reckless and dssipated lie was
above his companions, and with WON
ans instinct she spoke:
Sir" she said bravely, "Tm in your
power, know. OF course you can take
the money if you wish. am defenseless.
But | undertook to take that money
through and will not give it up without a
struggle. Play game of poker with me
for the booty If you lose, | am free; if
lose, take the money. Give me this chance
If you will not shoot me as you did poor
Jack, will not disgrace him." and she
clasped her hands tightly, looking eagerly
in his face.
Perhaps it was the novelty of the situa-
ton or may be the soft beauty of the face
lifted to his. AT any rate, some chord of
chivalry above his present position lurked
in his heart and was touched by her words,
for, lifting his hat the outlaw replied
courteuusl5, Certainly, madam, if you
will honor me"
They seated themselves in silence on the
ground, and the man quickly shuffled and
dealt the cards, which he drew from his
pocket. Roses hand trembled slightly,
nervousness, discarded and asked for three
cards in a steady voice.
1t was strange scene-the plunging
horses, the overturned coach, the frighten-
ed passengers and the two seated at that
strange game. The moon, bright and
cold, lent her light, shining on Roses un-
covered head, with its golden hair, and on
the dark face of her opponent.
For moment every sound was hushed
even the Irish dame ceased her bowling
to await with breathless interest the re-
suit.
With a look, half regret, the outlaw
laid down his cards. "Three aces" he
said slowly, and looked curiously at the
girl, half deciding to divide with her, she
had borne herself so bravely. But there
was no need. With little smile she, too,
showed her cards CAGES are high" she
said, "but this trip deuces win, " and there
on the ground lay the four deuces
1t is yours he said calmly, then spoke
a few words to his companions, who grum-
bled somewhat, but submitted to his
stronger will
The coach was righted and the luggage
put back in place. Dandy Jim. still un
conscious, was laid inside on the straw
The passengers, trembling and pale, took
lhelr PAGES, ana the outlaw turned once
more to Rose
'Dare you drives" he said
Yes, she answered bravely, ~ will. "
Gravely and courteously he lifted her to
the seat and handed her the reins, then,
half hesitatingly, held out his hand. Rose
instantly gaze him hers II will not be
tray you, " she said lily, land the Others
dare not "
THANK you," he replied.
Then, impatient to be off, the leaders
sprang Forward, and the coach was on its
way once more.
Fifty minutes later Rose drove her foam
ing horses up To the narrow street of An
gels Camp two minutes ahead of time
Exchange.
Gordon's Sudan Throne.
Gordon's Sudan throne is folding