Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-05-23
DUPED BY A GIRL.


still blacker grades, We're predominant, !
and as general thing ruled matters =,
with high hand.
Situated near the bank of one of the
continents of the River Brazos were
several farms, whose owners had
chosen to settle together, the better to y
defend themselves and property.
Their most dreaded enemy, and !
scourge of the country for miles
around was a daring desperate known
as Jack WingroW.
Jack and his companions built a large +
heavy log house, almost against a high
bank of clay and sandstone, Il few
miles distant from the first settlers.
But when the house appeared COM I
pIeted, work still went on, night and
day, the men working by relays. |
And then, at the end of several :
months the strangers threw off the
mask, and appeared in their true
colOrs.
They helped themselves to such
stock as they most fancied, and when
one settler, James Agden, resisted. a
pistol shot shattered his right arm, I
and left him a cripple for life.
The outlaw band grew stronger and
more bold as they encountered but
little resistance /
But Wingrow, king as he was among
his men. had to succumb at last, and
what armed force could not do the
bright eyes and pretty face Of a
maiden ACCOMPLISHED.
Mabel Craythorne was the only child
of the richest stock grower of the set
Element Her father had suffered Sc
vereIy from the maraudirg outlaws,
and was still suffering from a bad
wound before he gave up in despair.
But one day WingrOw caught sight
Of Mabel, and he did not escape with
out injury.
Knowing that his life was safe, while
his men remained to avenge him, he
boldly called at the house Of old Cyrus
CraythOrne and made Il proposal.
He offered to cease troubling the set
Element, and to protect them from
other outlaws, providing Mabel should
become his wife.
The indignant reply of the old man
did not abash him in the least, and he
took his departure, saying that he
would expect their answer in one
months time.
George Mavlie was only poor herds
man of her fathers, but he was true
hearted and brave. They learned to
love each other, and as yet it was a
secret from the father.
George mustered up courage at the
outlaws threat, and asked the hand Of
his employers daughter.
AS soon as his establishment would
permit, Mr.. Craythorne babe hint be
gone, adding that if he would break
up the band Of desperadcs, he might
then renew his proposal.
The young folks managed to meet,
and out Of their despair grew a settled
plan.
As first move, Mabel one day
mounted her horse and rode down the
creek.
When one beyond sight of the house,
her animals head was turned toward
the hill, where stood the outlaw strong.
hold.
Good mornin', miss" the outlaw
bowed; "how's the family?"
quite well, thank you. Mr.. Win
grow, believer"
Vas; so you know me?'
81 saw you at our house not long
since. But I'm very thirsty. Can you
tell me where l can get some Water?"
"Thar's some fresh in the shanty.
I'll git it eff"
ooh, Mr.. Wingrow, please let me go,
too! I've got such a curiosity to see
what it is you keep so secret in there.
Besides, I'm only a girl. l could not
do any harm if l would"
81 don't know. The men mightn't
like it,
'You are master. Surely you do not
care what they say. 1 don't believe
you are afraid Of what they think"
Jack Wingrow afraid! Not he! Let
me help you to light"
While he placed her a chair and
FASTENED to fetch the water, Mabel
took a survey Of the room.
Her eyes dwelt long upon the door
way where Wingrow had disappeared.
This was apparently the entrance
to an underground vault.
Then, hearing the steps Of the out
law returning, Mabel hastily picked
up a tasty mn~occo belt from the man
tel, containing a brace of richly
mounted pistols.
80, Mr. Wingr0w, where did you get
these? They're just what I've been
wanting for so long! You must bring
them over some time for father 10 buy
for me-wOn't you?'
do you Ike 'em: Eff you do, they're
yoUrn, or anythin' else I've got,
eagerly replied Jack, and then, as
Mabel hesitated he clumsily buckled
them around her waist.
From step to step she led the outlaw
on until he repeated his offer, and !
Mabel hesitated-sO admirably, that a
far more acute man than WingrOw ,
would have been deceived.
"Well, I hardly know. Father has
taken such a foolish dislike to you, :
that I know he would not consent. !
should dearly like such a life; why, it