The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-03-06

Angels. Dandy Jim pointed with his
whip to where the road curved sharply
around the side of the mountain, the high
rocky wall rising 1000 feet ON one side
and sloping abruptly down on tho other.
."Thet," said the driver, sis the iden-
tical spot whar poor Jack war shot. Lord |
but it war lively here. We wuz riding rs
agin me. 'I'm 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
ger?' she asked
Bless you, noP' he answered cheerful
ly. EVERY body knows that J ack ain t 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.
hose drew back as they ratified along
and watched the shadows on either side
of the road a little fearfully. Suddenly
she grasped her companion's arm. "What
is thats' she exclaimed breathlessly.
But she received no answer. There was
a flash, sharp report, and she felt the
driver fall heavily against her. The lead
ers reared wildly, falling against each 9TH
er, and with n sudden Jolt the coach fell
on the side
Shrieks and means filed the mir. The
Irish woman broke into loud wailing, with
cries OF "Murther!" 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 bad 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 ut the station.
With an unnatural strength born of de-
spair she wrenched herself free, and her
assaulter was looking into tho cleaning
barrels of Jim's Smith s. Wesson.
Let me alone" she painted, her eyes
cleaning cruelty, cor, by heaven, I'll shoot
you for jack
Tho robber laughed and made some sig
nal, and in another moment some one had
seized her from behind and taken the weap.
ons from her
Come" said the first man, ssI 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 dissipatcd, he was
above his companions, and with Il wom-
ans instinct she spoke:
Sir" she said bravey, "rm in your
power, | know. OF course you can take
the money if you wish. am oefcnsecss.
But l 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; il
lose, take tho money. Give me this chance
III you will not shoot me as you did poor
Jack, | Will not disgrace him. and she
clnspcd her hands tightly, looking eagerly
in his face.
Perhaps it was the novelty of the situa-
ton or may he 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
courteously, "Certainly, madam, if you
will honor me-
They seated themselves in silence OH the
ground, and the man quickly shunIed and
dealt the cards, which he drew from his
pocket. Roses hand trembled slightly,
but with an iron will she forced back her
NERVOUSNESS, discarded and asked for three
cards in Il steady voice
1t was Il strange sccnc-the plunging
horses, the overturned coach, the frightcn-
ell passengers and the two seated ut that
strange game. Tho moon, bright and
cold, lent her light, shining on Roses I'M
covered head, with it's golden hair, and OH
the dark face of her opponent.
For moment every sound was hushetl
even the Irish dame ceased her bowling
20 await with breathless interest the re-
suit.
With n look, half regret, the outlaw
laid down his cards. "Threc aces" he
said slowly, and looked curiously ut 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. "Aces are high" she
said, but this trip deuces win, " and there
on the ground lay the four deuces
2" 1t is yours, - he said calmly, then spoke
few words TO his companions, who grum-
bled somewhat, but submitted to his
stronger will.
The coach was rightcd and the luggage
put back in place Dandy JIM still un-
conscious, WIS laid inside on the straw.
The passengers, trembling and pale, took
their places, and the outlaw turned once
more to Rose.
'Dare you driver" ho said
Eyes" she answered bravely, ~ will "
Gravely and courteously lie lifted her to
the seat and handed her the reins, then,
half hesitatinSly, held out his hand Rose
instantly gave him hers. 81 will not be-
tray 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 OH 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