Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1899-06-06

Before his" friend had time to reply
wonan's voice sounded clear and dis
tinct through the darkness:
Help! Helpl"
The two men sprang to their feet
Tom was little. in advance as they
dashed of in the direction of the cries
and was first to arrive at a little open
ing, where u red-shirted figure was
holding a struggling form in his arms.
AS he was nearly within striking dis
tance the female managed to free her
self, but instead Of running away she
dealt the man u resounding slap on the
cheek and painted:
You big brute! You-you-"
What she would have added was lost,
for the ruftian, maddened by the sting
| ing blow, raised his hand to strike her.
He was too late. however, for just as
his fist was raised Tom dealt him
straight right-hander that stretched
him on the ground at full length
He made an effort and scrambled to
his feet, but it was apparent that he
was half dazed by the blow and the
| liquor he had been drinking. He at
tempted to draw revolver from his
belt, but by this time he, was surround
ed by angry men who had been ut
tracted to the spot by the outcry.
He was seized by dozen pairs OF
hands and his weapons removed. At
first he attempted to struggle, but the
muzzle of q revolver pressed close to
his temple and n few cries of Lynch
him!" completely sobered him, and he
now looked fearfully about him at the
stern faces which beset him on every
side.
"What'll we do with him, boys?"
shouted oadshouldered giant who
appeared to be leading spirit.
Hang the scamp!" cried voice near
by.
"Nonsense!" returned the big fellow
What tenderfoot is talking now! ItI
no hanging matter to kiss girl. Let's
duck him in the salt water!"
A wild yell of delight greeted this
proposition, and the trembling wretch
was dragged of toward, the beach with
out ceremony.
Tom and his friend were about to re-
turn to their tent when hand was
laid timidly on his arm, and he turned
to find himself confronted by the limo
cent cause of the trouble, who said,
frankly:
Il thank you, sir, for your help. The
man seized me from behind so suddenly
that l screamed before knew what
was doing. My fathers tent is close
by, and I just came out after some
water"
Tom gazed with admiration at the
girl before him. Some one had,thrown
an armful of wood on fire short dis
lance away, and by the pickering light
he could see her distinctly. She was APP
parently about IS years old. witha low,
broad forehead, large blue eyes, which
met his freely, cheeks flushed with the
excitement and a mouth which, while
too large perhaps for classic beauty,
looked none the less bewitching. She
was dressed in a tight-fitting waist and
short skirt, her ankles protected by
leggings, while pair of stout shoes
covered her feet.
The young man took all this in4a q
glance as he replied:
That's nothing. I happened totget
here first. Would you like to haveime
see you safe to your tent?"
The girl laughed and said. quickly:'
oh. there's no danger! was care
less. I've got o revolver, and / know
how to use it. 1 shall look out after
this. The man was drunk, anyway.
I'm safe here"
AS she spoke she nodded brightlysat
Tom and turned to 60, but at that,in-
slant middle-aged man hurried for
4 ward and exclaimed:
Clara! What is this hear? Who
has"
Its all right, father" interrupted
the young girl, laying her hand affec-
uonately on his arm. There's nothing
the matter at all. A man had been
drinking and tried to interfere with me,
but this gentleman knocked him down.
Then the rest came and took the rascal
off to duck him; that's all"
That's enough, should say" was
the reply, and turning to Tom, the man
extended his hand, saying:
Il thank you, young man. los the
first time I've known a woman tol be in
suited here, and I'm glad you came 10
my girls aid so promptly. I'm obliged
to you. Perhaps | can do you u, good
turn some day. I'm an old mine!r, and
you are probably new at this sort of
life. Where are you from?"
I'm from New Hampshire" replied
Tom, who could not keep his eyes from
the girls face. my name is Scott, and
this is my partner, Mr.. Green"
MY name is Avery" said thc,strang>
or, land I'm from the east, too. Drop in
and see me tomorrow. That my tent
over there. Good night. Come ) Clara.!'
There had been something strangely
familiar in the mans tones to qrom, and
when he announced his name ;the truth
burst upon the young man alI at once.
"Waitl" he cried. "Avery8 Surely
you must be John Avery's bfpther!"
The elder man turned witls an excla-
nation of amazement, while, the girl
cried:
20, father! He knows Uhche John!"
What do you know of John Avery?"
said he at length. looking TOM full in
the face as if he doubted fhe> evidence
of his own ears.
Il sailed with him from Boston last