Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-09-02
CHAPTER VIII.

Capt. Welsh showed considerable ex
element when he read the note of warn
ingwhich the mayor placed in his hands
Mr.. Minard Hendricks was looking over
bundle of New York papers which hac
been sent to him. and did not look uT
when the mayor entered the room.
Without o word. Capt. Welsh held the
note before his eyes, and waited for him
to speak. After reading it, Hendricks
stroked his beard thoughtfully for q
moment, and then said:
II don't think you need have any fear
up at your place, Mr.. Roundiree. but I'M
der such circumstances women are
usually uneasy, so should advise you,
Capt. Welsh, to have a couple of police
men in citizen clothes hang about the
grounds for few days.
This was done for a week, but, as
nothing occurred TO indicate the pres
ence of danger. the men were ordered
away. Everything went on smoothly
till the day following Col. Warrenton's
visit to WILDLY. Mayor Round
tree, accompanied by Fred Walters,
had gone downtown. leaving his wife
and Mrs. Walters alone with the sery-
ants. Mrs. Roundlree was in the sit
ting-room giving orders to the cook,
and Mrs. Walters had stroled down the
graveled walk among the rose-bushes.
The cook had just left her, when Mrs.
Roundtree heard the report Of a revolver
outside. She sprang up and ran to a
window. Not seeing her daughter on
the veranda, she screamed, and almost
tainted with fright, She staggered
through the hall and reached the front
door. Then, looking in the direction OF
the gate, she saw Mrs. Walters emerge
from the rose-bushes and come slowly
towards her.
Don't be frightened, mamma" she
cried, seeing her mother. "lle did not
touch me-" In moment Mrs. Round
tree was by her side, but so excited that
she could not speak. II really did have
o narrow escape, though" continued
Mrs. Walters. "You see now what |
missed by not carrying the revolver. |
think could have hit him before he got
away"
"Oh, what was it? What do you
mean?" gasped Mrs. Roundtree, throw
ing her arms about her daughter.
Mrs. Walters twisted herself from
the embrace and pointed to round hole
in the sleeve Of her wrapper "See
that?" she said, with a cold, calm smile.
ave been shot at. AS was gathering
these roses" (she still held them In her
HANDY II heard n report and felt some.
thing touch my sleeve lightly. AT the
corner of the lawn, just this side Of the
trees. saw man and puff of smoke,
He was about TO shoot again, but, see
ing me looking, he ran into the woods.
! suppose he is out of reach by this
time"
Come into the house, quick!" cried
Mrs. Roundtree, drawing her along fore
IDLY. "lle will shoot usl"
Mrs. Walters impatiently drew her
self from her mothers arms,
II shan't be coward, If you are" she
said, sharply. Don't you know II you
run from people of that kind they will
be all the more apt to pursue you" Be-
sides, he is gone. DO you suppose he
would wait to be arrested after firing
revolver here in open daylight"
They had reached the steps of the
,eranda, and Mrs. Ioundtree drew her
into the house. James and Jane were
standing. wide-eyed and frightened, in
the hall,
Close the door, quick, james," Mrs.
Roundtce screamed, following her
daughter into the library,
Leave it open. Do You want to
smother us?' asked Mrs, Walters, pout-
ingly. "Mother, am ashamed of you,
There is not particle of danger, and !
am no baby"
james, telephone to my husband
and Mr., Walters, quick" Mrs. Round.
tree ordered.
James went to the telephone and rang
Mrs. Walters followed him. "What do