Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1895-03-15

OF the truth. was powerless to aid Ma
Umi or move myself till had obtained n
remittance from my bankers in New York.
Even without his knowing that we are
aware of his designs, you will have to he
careful" said Naomi. Luke is danger
Gus if thwarted, and this is a Iawless
place"
There was firm ste- outside, and a
young man strobe into the cabin. He was
of medium height, with sandy hair and
complexion. He had furtive look ard
paused moment on the threshold to eye
me askuncc.
Luke, here is n cousin from England"
Naomi said. Won't you bid him wei
Gomez"
For n moment he hcstated, as if max
ing up his mind. Then he came forward
and gave me his hand. "Glad to sec you!"
he said Guess you've come over after
the old mans dollars-that so?"
Eyes, l said, but as l find another
claim with more right than mine l shall
go home again quite contented."
That's all right, then," said Luke.
stay as long as you like and make your
self comfortable. Naomi will fix you up"
After this he became more and more
hOspitablC. He listened with an air of in
terest to my story Of the coach robbery
and offered to lend me a few dollars till
heard from New York, but / said rot a
word to cnlightcn him as to my knowledge
of his having claimed Leonard Salt
marshes money for himself alone without
mentioning Naomi l wished to try to faith
ON him without raising his suspicious. In
the course Of that evenings friendly con
versation Luke informed us that he had
been to Parsons City that morning to
buy II horse.
The next few days passed quickly
enough. Eaomi and | became fast friends,
and whenever she had the chance she told
me much of her early life. But Luke took
care that we were seldom alone. He haunt
ed the cabin under the prctense of enter
tanning me and pressed attentions which
were almost scrvile. He avoided talking
of his claim or the solicitors, but when
obliged to speak of it always inferred that
Naomi was to share his good fortune. 1t
was understood that l was to remain at
any rate till the remittance for which |
had written to New York arrived.
When | had been at Golden Falls three
NNNhS, an lllClNtuJ OtCuTTtu WHICH Iltlu It's
effect on after events. l came out of the
cabin one morning and found Luke bru-
tally thrashing Indian Joe, the half breed
boy who fetched and carried for Naomi.
In my horror at the cruel treatment |
called Luke a BLACKBOARD. TO my sur
prise, he left the lad alone and apologizod
to me hulnbiy, making some excuse about
his temper. When l told Naomi of this,
she was much agitated Luke's civility
she felt sure was dangerous.
The next day l was sitting alone in the
cabin reading a week old newspaper
Naomi had gone up the ravine to hunt for
some herbs among the rocks, and Luke
had started eff after breakfast to his era
die" to wash for gold. Suddenly the door
of the cabin burst open and Luke dashed
in. For Gods sake, cousin he always
called me cousin get on my nag and
ride for DIR. Bell at Parsons City. Naomi
has fallen over crag up yonder. Pm
afraid her back is broken. She can't be
moved and l must get back 10 her right
away"
Mortified as l was and anxious to go
to her, there was no need for Luke t. press
me into the service. In two minutes / was
mounted and listening to Luke's final in
structions. Take the path you came by
till you strike the coach road" he said,
then along the road till you come to the
city. Any one will tell you where the doc
lives. Bring him back at all risks and ride
like tbunderr'
The sure footed horse-a large, raw
boned chestnut-carried me safely up tho
rocky sides of the ravine. Once on thCtOp
! dug my heels into his sides and made
him gallop his hest. The ground, though
level, had a broken surface, but with Ma.
omi lying there injured, perhaps fatally,
what cared for the risk of broken neck;
We flew along regardless of stones ard
the frequent burrows of prairie dogs.
had reached spot three miles from the
coach road wnen thought heard shout.
Looking around, l saw some 20 or 50
mounted men following in my tracks.
They were galloping their hardest, and
some of the best mounted were overhaul
ing me. For moment l wondered what
1t meant. Had Naomi's peril started of
the wnUio of Golden Falls in search of
doctor? That had nothing to do with me.
| had promised to go to Parson City, and
whether larrived there first or last thithnr
would go. l sent my horse along with q
will
But there were fleeter footed than the
chestnut behind me. AS we entered the.
coach road three Of my pursuers dashed
alongside, and before l could realize what
they were doing pointed their pistols aC
my head. Halt, you burned horse thief
Dr. Wen down yoG" cried one of the mi
ners.
! pulled up to explain. Before | ha'
opened my mouth they had ME off tho
horse. Two of them held me fast whilD
the remainder of the party camo strag-
Cling up.
For heavens sake" said, "whatever
blunder you are making over me, let one
of you ride IN for the doctor 1t may be
too late else
cts uncommon little good n doctor
will do you in this job, my lad, d." said one
of my captors Here, Luke" he added,
as Naomis sol disant brother rode up on
a borrowed steed, we've took him, you
see
Luke came up to where I stood. "What
does this meant" asked. You told me
Naomi was hurt and asked me to ride for
the doctor"
THAT be hanged for yarn. You had
better tell that to the court. You stole tic
horse, you dirty tenderfootp' replied Luke,