Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29

audience rose and cheered. The children
waved their flags and sashes frantfcally,
and even the United States senator catch
ing the enthusiasm, started forward and
shook hands heartily with the flushed and
perspiring reader. Some offered him a
chair at the senator's elbow, but he shook
his head, and muttered hoarsey:
Sorry, but l can't stop. It's time I was
going
18th a wave of his hand to the amazed
master of ceremonies, he sprang from the
platform and threaded his way rapidly to
the trembling horse, which stood in the
center of an admiring group of owboys
Something in this unexpected action. held
Helmer spellbound, and he stood stock still
watching the tall, lank figure swing itself
upon Cyclones back. The first break in
the program occurred The master of cere-
monies had fairly forgotten that the next
number was The Star Spangled Banner
by chorus and band. The crowd around
cyclone broke. and the horse plunged for
ward. Then. above the murmer of voices,
rose clear call. In girls voice:
Stop him, Stop him.
Helmer stifed a profane exclamation Of
astonlshment as he saw his daughter urg-
ing her pony through the crowd The COW
boys. seeming a sensation, wheeled In the
direction of the departing horseman. but
ne dug his spurs and the terrified animal
fairly sprang into the air
Its Long Pete, and he's killed Dave
Ewing!"
The agonized words scarcely reached be-
yond the edge of the crowd, but people in
pening out there in the hot July sunlight.
One of the cowboys, gazing blankly after
the fleeing figure. shouted derisively:
Ewing!"
With cry Of baffled anger-almost de-
spa1r-the girl dropped the reins, raised the
rihe slung across her saddle and fired upon
the fugitive. howl rose from the throng
as Uncle Sam swayed in the saddle The
shot seemed like an insult to the flag.
Ihere was tumult in the grove, and the
master OF ceremonies. shading his eyes
with one hand and protesting for Quiet
with the other, saw something which made
| his heart stand still. for Lena lurched for
| ward suddenly. and would have fallen had
not not man at her side caught her. Forget
Iul or his position as master Of ceremonies
| forgetful even Of the United States sena-
tor, Helmer pushed through the crowd to
Lena side.
burly miner, ramming his bulk right and
| left against the press Of human beings.
'Plucky little girl. and ALFRED good
| shot"
| Out on the stretch of alkau dust bevond
| the grove men were bending over O. form
| In gaudy red. white and blue raiment One
arm hung limp and useless at his side and
thin streak of blood showed against the
| blue coat. The hat had fallen off, the gray
wig and goatee were snatched away by
eager hands. and one Of the men straight
! ened up suddenly with an oath.
| Long Pete. by God! How'd the kid
know it?"
| When Lena regained consciousness she
was looking into her fathers face; his lips
twitched nervously as she fixed her great,
| solemn eyes on his face.
| Daddy, didn't kill him-tel me didn't
kill him.
| No, no. Lena. just winged him." Helmer
was still chafing her hands nervously.
| Where's Dave?'
| The girls lips quivered piteously.
| "Choked. gagged and shot, out at his
cabin: You'd better send the Doctor
| And sobs choked off further words
An angry murmur arose from the ranch
| men and cowboys gathered near the girl,
but Long Pete. with grim. white lips, snarl-
| ed at his captors:
wound. It's just my Internal luck-this is
| Thought I'd do it for joke. and teach
| that young upstart Of deputy few
tricks. Drat that girl! She must have
| been hot on my tran.'
A bevy Of sympathizing women escorted
Lena from the field Of battle, and a gang
| of hooting cowboys and ranchmen started
for the Jail with Long Pete. Then the
| master Of ceremonies mounted the plat.
form. raised his hand for silence. and an
| nounced:
Ladies and Gentlemen-While we want
ed to give you a f1rst-class celebration
we wasn't counting on this here little ex.
| htbition OF fireworks. cloud laughter and
| applause). But If you'll stay over for this
evening Wen show You the real thing. And
| we hope this here little exhibition Of short
| range shooting amt spoiled your appetite
for some Of the finest beef that ever come
| on the range. The barbecue will follow
this program: And the exercises will now
close with The Star SpanGled Banner,
sung by chorus and band. VIII the au.
| dience please rise and join In
And the audience did. till the river grove
rang with patriotic melody. and the band
| was almost lost in the shuttle.
That night Dave Ewing and Lena Hell.
| mer watched the fireworks from the door.
way Of Dawes cabin. with Mrs. Helme,
discreetfully and thankfully lowering IL
the background. One Of Dawes arms waa
In sling. and his head was swathed II
bandages, but the well hand was firmly
clasped about Lena's fingers, which stii
trembied from the days adventure. Fol