The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1900-07-12


Mexican war, procured from the gov
ernment for Fourth of July purposes
in the days when Rustival esteemed
itself model of patriotism. 1t was
kept housed in an open shed at the top
of slight rise of ground just outside
the village. "We won't try to move it
down." said Columbia, "we'd best shoot
it off right where it stands"
At last the night of great events had
come to be signaIized by new revolt
against overbearing tyranny. All Rus
tival was asleep, apparently, except
Joel Bickman, who uneasily paced his
porch and listened at the gate, still
haunted by vague apprehensions anent
"them striped petticoats."
Suddenly the still moonlight was
marred by the sharp clang of a bell.
Peal after peal rang out with clashing
and discordant precipitancv, like fire
alarm. Then there burst forth an un-
earthly shrilIing and squawking of
horns and conchs, and simultaneously
sputtering and banging of firecrack-
ers of all dimensions.
Joel rushed into the street to be
greeted by the Kissing rush of mount
ing rocket, and the meteoric glare as it
exploded and spilled downward its
shower of colored sparks showed him
that the aforesaid striped petticoats"
were abundantIy in evidence. A mo-
ment later came the roar of the cannon
from the hill, jolting the ear and rat
tling all the window panes with it's
Meanwhile the fair artillery corps
were standing in terrified triumph by
their fuming gun. II thought I was
just blown to atoms" screamed Mary,
still dancing about. LUCKY you did
MT stay behind it, Clumby. That was
a real cute idea of yours to set it off
with firecracker. See, it's kicked
hole right through the back of the shed.
Now for another one: hurry girls and
help me-" Just as they were preparing
to fire it again they espied Joel Bick-
man, followed closely by Lum Chees-
ley and Lige Wiseguy. AS they drew
near, Joel shouted:
"Ye shoot that gun again and III
have you jailed"
"Put 'em under the pump" bawled
another of the gallant party.
"Look out for yourselves. It's 60
ing" rang out the sweet shrill treble
of the captain, keyed to concert pitch
by intense excitement.
The fuse was already sparkling and
splitting gushes of fire. She stood in
its itful light, aglow with color. Then
the air was rent with a thunderous
detonation, and both the cannon and
its inclosing shed had vanished.
Bickman was hit full and fair by the
huge wad of pulpy grass. Lucky for
him he was no nearer. Stained green
from head to foot, he lay writhing and
raging like blistered snake.
"She's a-killin' folks" he yelled. The
two aids had fled IN shrieking panic,
but as the storm of threats broke up
on her, Columbia staggered to her feet,
cropping for support, little stream of
blood trickling from her forehead.
'Stand back" she said, family; "don't
you dare touch me-
"Stand back you scoundrelsr'
A clear strong menacing voice came
like an echo. So with a reveile of
hoof beats from the farther slope of
the hill young cavalry officer closely
followed by squad of his men, drew
rein beside her. He lifted the girl to
the saddle and drew big revolver.
"This gun shoots lead," he warned
them. "Don't you advance another
step. l suspected there might be
trouble tonight in despicable little
town where they respect neither coun-
try nor women"
care you badly hurt, sweetheart ?" he
asked tenderly, as they rode away.
"No, Will, only little on my tenn
ple-just scratch" she whispered,
but she was shuddering uncontrollably.
Anyhow" he responded sitting a
soldiers oath, for he was still hot with