The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1894-06-01
ION Tins mornings train"

Yes"
mo passengers took that train from
this station. l was at the depot when
it pulled out"
Lon Cariin recIed in her seat and al
most fell to the ground
Gordon lcaped up beside her
''You are illr' he exclaimed.
No she answered, r>,Solutely, re
covering herself with an effort.
Surely you are not going to drive
the STAGE
''Sdrely l ann she replied, with com
pressed lips That looks like business,
doesn't it?'
She pointed to Winchester rifle
lying at her feet.
But you are not well enough re-
turned Gordon, with a shade of anxiety
in his face.
'Nonscnser' she cried, with a forced
laugh. "An aboard. Henry! We're
late now
I'm going to ride out here with YOU"
'All right"
And then, with crack of whip and
creali of wheels, the stage departed,
Gordon was reserved and thoughtful
So was Lou. She was think ug of her
brother and wondering where he had
gone if not to Jimtown-
At Shocma!ler's ranch a halt was
made for dinner.
As they once more started on their
journey Gordon drew from his breast
pocket Il package of bills.
Lou" said he, quietly, will you
take charge of this?''
She drew back and looked at him
with wondering eyes Then a half
Snrcr curlnd her lin
She had been deceived in Gordon lie
was Il coward
Certainly" she replied, in distant
voice; you bear the risk of placing
this in my hands?"
'.RisI.!''
He said no more. The taunt in her
voice was iIl-conccaIcd. He understood
it and turned away his head.
The stage drew near the rocky
cotcauN 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
Hale" cried one of them, in a
hoarSc voice.
One of his companions sprang To the
horses heads.
What do you want?" cried Lou Car
lin, with = white face.
we want a word with that man be
side you"
Then for the first time Lou noticed
that the two robbers had covered Cor
don with their guns
Quick a lash 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, Lou!' exclaimed
Gordon. be CAREFUL
With "A quick movement he struck
the weapon from h,.r hands.
At that instant there came the sound
of two reports, blending as one.
n shot was fired at Gordon just as "A
passenger fired from the coach.
Gordon fell from his seat, dropping
like log by the roadside.
With Il cry of anguish Lou Carlin
Ieaped 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
sanI, To the ground
My God,'' cried Lon.
Leaping forward. she tore the mask
oacll wildly and dropped scnseless be
side him.
1t was her brother Tom.
Henry Gordon was not killed, al
though for days he fingered at the con
fines of the grave.
lie was dciirious and in his wild talk
he told. over and over again, his sus-
pirionS of Tom Cariin-how he had
seen him associating with desperate
men-how he KIN ew, or feared. he was
planning to rob the stagc-that he had
given the money To- Lon, knowing that
She vould bc, safe from molestation at
her brothers hands.
Lou. wan aud SorrowfuI. sat beside
him and nurscd him back To life.
Her eyes were first to meet his when
ne once more looked out upon the
world, and her quivcring hands brushed
his forehead as she asked if he would
not soon be well
''Ncs, Lou" he answered; ''and
Tom
Slowly she drew back the curtain,
and pointed off over the prairie to a
new-made grave in the distance.
Tears fcl! fast from her eyes-therc
was no need of words.
Forgive him Henry, forgive him.
she said, broIlcnly, falling to her knees
beside the bed.
Freely, freely, God l<nows!" he muir
INJURED, kissing her brow.
Then he spoke other words in a
whisper and she returned his kiss and
laid her head beside his.-Chicago
News