Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1895-05-28
DUPED BY A GIRL.

Texas might truly be called the
'trogues' paradise in 1850.
"Horse dealers"-to give them their
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 and
scourge of the country for miles around
was daring Desperate known as Jack
Wingrow
Jack and his companions built a
large, heavy loghouse, almost against
high bank of clay and sandstone, few
miles distant from the first settlers.
! But, when the house appeared COM
pleted, 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 set
tier, James Agden, resisted, a pistol
shot shattered his right arm and 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, 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 a 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 ut the house of old Cyrus
Craythorne and made q proposal
He offered to cease troubling the set
tlement 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 herds
man of her fathers, but he was true
each other, but as yet it was a secret
from the father.
George mustered up courage at the
l -
his employers daughter.
AS soon as his astonishment would
permit Mr.. Claythorne bade 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.
As a 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 Flows the family?"
"Quite well, thank you. Mr.. Win
grow, 1 believer"
"Yas; so you know me?'
ST saw you at our house not long
sinca But I'm very thirsty. Can you
tell me where can get some water?"
'Thar's some fresh in the shanty- I'll
git it ef''-
"Oh, Mr.. Wingrow, please let me go
tool I've got such curiosity to see
what it is you keep so secret in there
Besides, I'm only girl could not do
You any harm if would"
''I don't know. The men mightn't
like it. !"
"You are master. Surely you do not
care what they say? I don't believe
you are afraid of what they thinkI''
Jack WIngrow afraid Not heI Let
me help you to light. -
While he placed her chair and has
tened 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 outlaw
returning, Mabel hastily picked up a
\ tasty morocco belt from the mantel,
containing brace of richly mounted
pistols.
"Oh, Mr.. Wingrow, where did you
get these? They're just what I've been
wanting for SO longl You must bring
them over GONE time for father to buy
for me-won't your"
"Do you like 'em? Efyou do. they're
yourn or anythin else I've got, eagerly
replied Jack, and then, as Mabel hesi-
tated, he clumsily buckIed them around
her waist
From step to step she led the outlaw
on until he repeated his offer, and Ma
| Iii Lositatad-so admirat.lY that a far