The daily Republican., 1902-12-12

and stepping r!V:Cr - t.l Ui.u.t -..-
pered one word. He, startled, ,gcmbled
and obeyed her swift instructions to steF
| behind the wagon, leaving the others tC
guard the four remaining passengers.
"Oh, Frank, how could YOU she de
manded. reaching up to the strong face
and lifting the mask. 1t was one she knew
SO well in the old days.
"Well, it amt right he admitted
/ shdme.lacedly. But VINO cares?'
Il care-everybody cares-your poor old
mother sitting alone in the little farm,
Housc at Danvers, cares. lou don't know
low much snc cares-and Anna cares"
The man brushed his arm across his
face as if his eyes hurt him. YES, | sup
pose it's SO. But things got mighty tough
i had to do something. is tke first
time What can | do now
Go home, Frank went on the wom-
ans low voice Go home to your moth
er, and help her run the farm. Be man
again"
And Anna-your sistcr?'
Frank, sne has greved for you all this
tine--she wants you now
But" bitterly, you will tell her about
about
Il will do this. Frank | will give YOU
two years to prove yourself. If you are
sincere, the secret will be yours and mine.
Ii You do not, | will tell them of tonight
ard Of
She turned toward the group they had
left in the moonlight beyond tho wagon.
Ills eyes followed hers and grew large as
he saw the transformation that had taken
place
Hands up Carlin's cool voice gave
the order, and his revolver was pointed at
them Tne other robbers had fled The
chef wa, alone.
Tne girl, needless of the summons, lift.
ed The mask to hide the face of the man
beside her and then stepped in front of
hun. Carlin lowered ls gun. Get out Of
the way" he called, Hell escape"
NO, he wont escape" was the calm
rcply-"not now. | will speak for him.
Where are the others
Gone. We told them the chief had
Skipped and they were scared. They took
all our things with en-. though"
You must begin now" said tie girl
turning to the chief. Understand?"
He bowed his head. "I'll do it," he
whispered, "honor bright"
Go. she ordered, and, facing the piz
z!ed ranchman, held both his names un.
til the other had vanished in the sun.
flower stalks, Csrlin glowed under the
girls touch, and obeyed.
Do you belong to this--companyt" lie |
Isked a LITTLE bitterly, as she looscd his .
AIMS, now that it was too late,
''No, but you remember what you said
A little while ago, there is more than one
ind OF bravery"
A.shr!I whistle sounded off to the right
md suddenly stood before them the quar-
ette so recently departed. The passen
gers were covered by Their revolver> and
hey were at the bandit, mercy once
more.
But the masked chief stepped forward,
Noldluy in his hand Carin's watch and
'ockctbook; he gave to the others their
belongings their watches, jeweiry and re-
was the only one who had
hidden his gun.
1t was all done so silently and quickly
hat the stsgeload could scarcely under.
fand what was happening.
When the last trinket had been distrib-
ted the masked chief bowed low. His
ne mouth just showing beneath the
ringe OF black curled little-whc,her N
IN or contempt none could tell
Merry Christmas. ! am Santa Clausl"
lie bowed again stepped back, bsnt his
yes on Miss Macon and the strangers
al departed.
The passengers. looking down al their ,
atches, read the time--it was past mid. (
morning.
The stage reached the end OF its jour.
ey six hours late Before it arlred Car !
II had asked permission to call On Miss t
Iacon and discuss the strange events Of ,,
fe ride. Il am not used to receiving
its at that time of night said he.
Though Carlin called and they talked
yer the nights happenings, she did not ,
'p.ain. There was = newspaper story u /
crazv stare robber who gave back all hs
80 '--" .-~- kas~ ussJ, -, s1,-, 81, suA.