Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1895-03-30
DUPED BY A GIRL.

toiASltSIss 10 say HolhlNs OF NlIlalns OF
still blacker grades, were 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
defend themselves and property.
Their most dreaded enemy and
scourge OF the country for miles around
was daring desperate known as
Jack Wingrow.
Jack and his companions built a
large, heavy lughouse, almost against
high bank OF clay and sandstone. a
few miles distant from the first set
tiers
But when the house appeared com
pletol. 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 aud appeared in their true col
urs.
They helped themselves TO such
stock as they most iancied, and when
one settler, James Agden, resisted, Il
pistol shot shattered his right arm
aud left him 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. aud what armed force could not
do the bright eyes and pretty face Of
maiden accomplished.
Mabel Craythorne was the only
child of the richest stockgrower of the
settlement. Her father had suffered
severely by the marauding outlaws
and was still suffering from 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 a
proposal.
He offered to cease troubling the
settlement and TO protect them from
other outlaws provided 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 Mablie was only poor
herdsman of her fathers, but he was
true hearted and brave. They learn
ed 10 love each other, but as yet it
was a secret from the father.
George mustered up courage at the
outlaw threat and asked the hand of
his employer daughter
As soon rs his astonishment would
permit Mr.. Claythorne babe him be
gone, adding that if he would break
up the band of desperadoes he might
then renew his proposal.
The young folks managed to meet,
and out Of their despair grew a settled
plan.
rs first move Mabel one day
mounted her horse aud rode down the
creek
When once beyond sight Of the
house, her animals head was turned
toward the hill. where stood the out
law stronghold.
Approaching 1t, she rode more slow
" aud nerved herself for the trial.
Good mornin, miss" the outlaw
bowed. "How's the family -
Quite well, thank you. Mr.. Win
grow, / believe -
"las; so you know me -
II saw you at our house not long
since. But I'm very thirsty. Can
you tell me where | can get some
water?'
Thar some fresh in the shanty.
III git it ef'-
"Oh, Mr.. Wingrow, please let me
20 too, I've got such curiosity to
see what it is you keep so secret in
there. Besides, I'm only a girl. I
could not do You any harm if | would"
II don't know The men mightn't
like il.
you are master. Surely you do
not care what they say? ! don't be-
lievc you are afraid of what they
think =
Jack Wingrow afraid Not he
Let me help you 10 light"
While he placed her chair and
FASTENED 10 fetch the water, Mabel
took 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 tasty morocco belt from the
mantcl, containing brace Of richly
mounted pistols.
ooh, Mr.. Wingrow, when did you
get these They're just what I've
been wanting for so long You must