The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-01-28

was flash, a sharp report, and she felt
the driver fall heavily against her The
leaders reared wildly, falling against
each other, and with sudden jolt the
coach fell on it's side.
Shrieks and means filed the air The
Irish woman broke into loud wailing with
cries of "Murther!' interspersed here
and there. The Chinaman lay uncon-
cious, 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 quieting 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 at the station.
With an unnatural strength born of
despair she wrenched herself free, and
her assaulter was looking into the
cleaning barrels cf Jim's Smith & Wes-
son.
LET me alonen' 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
weapon from her.
Come, =" said the first man II don't
want TO hurt you. Hand over the cash.
I'll not touch you; but I've got to have
it,"
Rose clutched her belt still tighter.
Looking into his face she saw that al
though reckless and nissipated, he was
above his companions, and, with a wo-
mans instinct, she spoke
Sir she said, bravely, I'm in your
power, I 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
struggle. Play a game of poker with
me for the booty. If you lose, l am free;
II lose, take the money; give me this
chance. If you will not shoot me as you
did poor Jack; l will not disgrace him
ana she clasped her hands tightly, look
ing 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 lurl1ed
in his heart, and was touched by her
words, for, lifting his hat, She outlaw re-
piled courteously, Certainly, madame, if
you will honor me-"
They seated themselves in silence on
the ground, and the man quickly shuffie1
and dealt the the cards which he drew
from mis- pocket. Roses hand trembled
slightly, but with an iron will she forced
back her nervousness, discarded aud
asked for three cards in a steady vioce
1t was strange scene. the plunging
horses, the overturned coach. the
frightened passengers and the two
sea Q / N that strange game. The moon,
bright and cold, lent her light, shining on
Roses uncovered head with its golden
hair and on the dark face of her appoin-
ent.
For nom INT every sound was hushed-
even The irish dame ceased her howling
to await with breathless interest the re-
suit.
With look, half regret, the outlaw
laid down his cards. Three aces" he
said slowly and looked curiously at the
girl, halt deciding to divide with her, she
had borne herself so bravely. But there
was no need. With little smile she, too,
showed her cards. Aces are high, she
said, but this trip deuces VIM and
there on the ground lay the four deuces.
1T is yours" he said calmly; then
spoke few words to his companions, who
grumbled somewhat, but submitted to
his stronger will.
The coach was righted and the luggage
put back in place Dandy Jim, still I'M
conscious, was laid inside on the straw
The passengers, trembling and pale, took
their places, and the outlaw turned once
more to Rose.
Dare you drive2'' he asked
Yes, she answered, bravely, II will :"
Gravely and courteously, he lifted her
TO the seat and handed her the reins
then, Enthusiastically, held out his hand
Rose instantly gave him hers. II will
not betray you, )" she said softly, land the
Others dare not"
"Thank you,' he replied
Then, impatient to be off the leaders
sprang forward, and the coach was on it's
way once more.
Fifty minutes later Rose drove her
foaming horses up the narrow street of
Angels Camp two minutes ahead of time