The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1894-05-03
A FORSAKEN DUTY.
But 1t Was Well Cared for by a
Brave Girl.

1dlnJ IlnBe OF cOlOr lew W LON
Carlin's cheek.
II want to go down to Jimtown TO-
morrow on business. I'm going to ia Ike
the morning train"
That's my affair Lou, and don't
you ask any questions" he answered
gruffly.
The girl at the other side of the room
came to her brothers side and laid a
hand on his shoulder.
I'm afraid, Tom" she murmured,
sadly.
Afraid of what?"
afraid that those rough men you
have been taking up with lately will
lead you into trouble. You are going
to Jimtown with them-I know it. Oh,
Tom, don't go. For my sake, Tom"
She placed an arm around his neck
and looked pleadingly into his eyes.
He hesitated a moment and then
started to his feet, throwing her from
him.
Don't make a fool of yourself, Lou.
I'm going to Bismarck in the morning
and that settles it.
81 thought it was to Jimtown."
''Well, Jimtown, then"
''You ought to be here, Tom, attend
ing to business. Don't you know that
Henry Gordon is going north to-nor-
row morning with fifteen thousand
dollars for the bank at Sykeston?"
''Of course I know it," replied Tom,
a strange glitter in his eye. The
more fool he for not taking the train
and going around by way of Jimtown
instead of carrying that amount of
money across country"
THE money must be in the hands of
the bank by tomorrow afternoon" re-
turned the girl. 'If he goes by train,
via Jimtown, he won't reach Sykeston
before midnight"
We'll, it's none of my affair" NUT
tered Tom; ~ wonder who l can get to
run the stage for me?"
II will, Tom
He started forward impetuously.
mo, no, Lou-not your he cried.
Not you, anyone but you! Promise
me you won't run the stage!'
His words were wild; his looks plead
ing.
She drew herself up trihe sternly.
''If you forsalSe your duty when you
are needed most, it devolves upon me,
who love you and care for your reputa-
ton, to step into your shoes and do the
work you fail to perform. 1 shall run
the stage!'
He turned his back to her and
walked toward the door. There he
paused, the spirit of good striving
within his breast to overcome the spirit
of evil But the strife was in vain.
He faced her once more with cruel
laugh.
Il see through your scheme, Lou.
You're setting your cap at this Gordon
you're afraid he'll get into trouble
with that fifteen thousand dollars of
his-ha, ha, ha! That talk about your
brother is all very fine, but it won't
wash. I'm off for Jimtown, anyway.
Good-by, Lou!''
Waiting for no parting word from his
pale-faced sister, Tom Carlin passed
out of the house.
Half an hour afterward knock fell
upon the door of the little shack"
where Tom Carlin, the stage-driver,
and his sister lived.
The knock was twice repeated before
it was answered.
Lou at once threw'open the door, and
when she saw who the caller was would
have given the world had her eyes held
fewer traces of tears recently shed.
Come in, Henry" she said.
!, L.
lutte face stepped into the room and
caught her hand
''Good-evening, LOU" said he, and
then, noticing her red and downcast
eyes, he would have said something
further but stopped himself with an
effort that was almost sigh.
Pardon me for calling at this I'M
seemly hour, Lou, but wished to talk
with Tom. Is he here?"
She shook her head mutely.
"There are two or three desperate
looking strangers in town, and came
to ask your brother if he thought there
would be any danger in my taking that
money north tomorrow. Do not think
me cowardly, Lou; it is not my own
money, you know-I should feel differ
emily if it were otherwise"
"There is not the slightest danger,
Henry" she replied. Tom is not here,
so l will answer for him"
THANK you," he returned. you
have treasured me, but"
He paused
''But what?" she asked.
Nothing" he returned, catching her
hands and looking wistfully into her
face. II shall have something to tell
you, Lou, when come back from
Sbyeston."
Tell me now"
Smiling, he shook his head. Bringing
her hand quickly to his lips he kissed
it, leaving her at once with an abrupt
good night"
"All aboard for Sykestonr'
1t was woman's voice that spoke
the words as four horses came dashing