Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-04-12
DUPED BY A GIRL.

own chosen title-gamblers and coun-
terfeiters, to say nothing Of villains 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 sew
eral farms, whose owners had chosen to
settle together, the better to defend
themselves and property.
Their most dreaded enemy aud
Bcourge of the country for miles around
was daring Desperate known as Jack
Wingrow
Jack and his companions built a
large, heavy loghouse, almost against a
high bank of clay and sandstone, few
miles distant from the first settlers.
But, when the house appeared COM
pleted, work still went OF, 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 set
tier, James Agden, resisted, a pistol
shot shattered his right arm 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 maiden
accomplished.
Mabel Craythorne was the only child
of the richest stockgrower Of the settle
ment 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 without
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 set
Element 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 month s
time.
George Mablie was only poor herds
man of her fathers, but he was true
hearted and brave. They learned to love
each other, but 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. 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 settled
plan.
AS ga first move Mabel one day mount
ed her horse and rode down the creek.
When once beyond sight of the house,
her animals head was turned toward
the hill, where stood the outlaw strong
hold.
Approaching it, she rode more slow
ly and nerved herself for the trial.
Good mornin, MISS" the outlaw
bowed "How's the family?"
"Quite well, thank you. Mr.. Win
grow, believer"
"Yas; SO you know me?''
II saw you at our house not long
since. But I'm very thirsty. Can you
tell me where I can get some water?'
''Thar's some fresh in the shanty. I'll
git it ef''-
"Oh, 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. I could not do
yon any harm if 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 hel Let
me help you to light.
While he placed her a chair and has
tened to fetch the water, Mabel took a
survey Of the room.
Her eyes dwelt long upon the door
This was apparently the entrance ta
all underground vault.
Then, hearing the steps Of the outlaw
returning, Mabel hastily picked up 9
tasty morocco belt from the mantel,
containing a brace of richly mounted
pistols.
"Oh, Mr.. Wingrow, where did yor
get these? They're just what I've beer
wanting for so long! You must bring
them over some tine for father to buy
for me-won't you?"
EDO you like 'em? Eff you do, they re
vourr or anvthin else I've got, - eagerly
replied Jack, snd then, as Mabel hest
tated, he elumsily buckled them around
her waist.
From step to step she led the outlaw
81 until he repeated his offer, and Ma
gel hesitated-so admirably that a lar
more acute man than Wingrow would
have been deceived.
"Well, / hardly know. Father ha
taken such foolish dislike to you tina
know he would not consent I shoul'
dearly like such a life Why. it Woul'
be equal to beng a queen.
Gracefully effecting her escape, sh
rode slowly home yard, with sicken
ing feeling Of disgust, mingled with ex
ultation.
Day after day passed on, and Will
ontwardly events pursued their usua
course Mabel S plot was progressing rap
idly.
Indeed it required all her skill an
tact to keep Jack Wingrow in prope
subsection.
But she was equal to the task, an
once fairly started in the scheme sh
experienced strange, wild pleasure il
duping the infatuated outlaw.
George had taken his employer int
their confidence and had selected sew
= eral others whom he knew to be trust
worthy, and upon whose aid he relic
at the moment Of action.
The outlaw chief had at length pei
suaded her, with great apparent diff
Guilty, to consent to an elopen;ent.
According to their plans, Jack Win