The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1894-01-05

6han do or her, 90 It's an even thing all
around"
Thus Mr.. Lynch unused, as he walked
homeward to assure his invalid wife he
was all right
81 guess had better tie Snowflake be-
hind the pumphouse," said little Ethel,
as her father disappeared from view, "be-
cause the SCOT from the engines makes him
all speckled."
That done, she went to examine the
switch, to see that twas thrown right for
No. Al, the through freight, which was al
ready due.
She had but just returned when the
whistle sounded for the station, and mo-
ment later the huge monster came in
sight. Ethel waved the white flag to sig
nal all right, the engineer answered with
two short, sharp whistles, and an instant
later called for brakes, in order to stop at
the station for water
"Why, there are two sections on run Al !,
tonightp' Ethel exclaimed as she saw the
two red flags on the engine.
Then the train drew up at the station,
the engine was cut loose and switched
over to the tank for water, after which
the train proceeded on its way to Placer
City, six miles distant, to sidetrack for No.
8, the fast limited express.
After the second section had gone
through the same operation as the first,
Ethel entered the pumphouse to make
sure that the fire under the boiler was
properly banked for the night.
She desired to start for home as soon as
No. passed, so as not to alarm her par
ents by any unnecessary delay. She had
been inside but a moment or two, when
her attention was attracted by slight
noise at the window.
Imagine her surprise, upon turning
around, to see man standing at the open
window, with his gun, which was resting
upon the window sill, aimed directly at
her.
''It's mothers dream p she said to her
self, but not muscle moved to show that
she was surprised.
"Say, little gal" said the man at the
window, "where is the station agent2"
''Ie is not here, sir He went away
some time ago."
"Where to?' demanded the man gruff1y.
"He went to Keeley's Bar, with supplies
for the company's men," replied Ethel,
and added, in an undertone, "but that
was long time ago."
"When is the lightning express due2"
"In 80 minutes" said Ethel, as she
glanced at the clock above her fathers
rude desk
"Well, we want to board her. Can we
do so?"
mo, sir. They do not stop here for
water"
Cant you flag her?"
"No, sir"
"Why not9"
ave have orders not to flag No. unless
there is danger ahead"
"Then there will be danger ahead"
said the ruffian as he turned his back to
Ethel, and addressing the men said "Get
to work lively, men, and take up couple
of rails. The express is going to stop here
tonight, and don't you forget it!'
Ethel glanced through the window, and,
sure enough, there were four men besides
the spokesman, making five in all, as her
mother had dreamed.
Quick as thought, she turned and
sprang through the open door; there was
a chatter of horses feet upon the hard
ground, and an instant later the white
pony dashed around the corner of the
pumphouse and was OF with the speed Of
a deer
"Bangl" "Bangp' "Bang!" rang the
report of firearms in rapid succession.
The men had discovered her fight, but in
their haste had shot wide of the mark.
"Bang" "Bangw "Bang" Bang
rang out second volley from the repeat
ing rifles. The bride rein dropped, as
Ethel threw up her hands and fell for
ward on the pony's neck, limp and appar-
emily lifeless. The frightened animal, see
ing he was free to go where he chose, dash
ed headlong down the bank into the gulch
below and disappeared from view.
81 guess that redheaded imp of girl
won't give us any further trouble" re-
marked one of the men.
"You're right" said another. "She's
fixed all right enough"
Had the speakers stood where they
could have seen what was taking place
down in the gulch, they would soon have
discovered their mistake, for no sooner
had the pony reached the bottom, than
Ethel arose erect in the saddle, gathered
up the reins and remarked:
ga pretty good trick for a redheaded
girl to play. When they thought me dead,
they ceased firing; otherwise might have
been killed" Looking at her tiny watch,
a present from her father, she added:
"Six miles and only % minutes in
which to make it. Now Snowflake, fly"
Loosening a rawhide from the pommel
of the saddle, she dashed the pony into a
run. One, two, three, four miles are pass
ed. The tender hearted girl, who under
ordinary circumstances would not think of
beating her pony, used the lash without
mercy urging him to his utmost speed.
Finally, exhausted, her hand dropped to
her side, and when she again raised it she
saw that it was covered with blood.
why" she exclaimed. 81 must have
been hit after all. Yes, my skirt is soak
ed with blood, and come to think of it
lid feel a singing pain in my thigh when
the men fired, but what of it? We must
reach Placer City in time should it kill US
bothp
At last the station was in sight Only
Ihort half mile and she would be at the
end of her journey. But, alas the wind
bore a sound to her ear that fairly froze
the blood in her veins, long, shrill whis-
tie, the express calling for a clear track.
Ethel shut her teeth tightly and piled the
lash with all her strength.
Faster Snowflake faster, fasterl Obi
Heaven help usr' she exclaimed. The pony
groaned at every jump, yet she urged him
IN 90 faster Already she cOuld seq the