Waterbury Democrat., 1902-12-24

treat women with more courtesy" she re- torted. ses-
 You're from New England? What arc you doing out here?"
 "Pm going to the agency-I'm Miss Ma con, the new" .
 The man stepped back as if he had been struck by a mailed hand. He motioned to his confederates to join him, but they did rot see his signal. With quick action of impatience he swung his arm across his face and the mask was for an instant dis placed Only for an instant, but it was time for the bright moonlight to fall on his. clean-shaven features and for the woman gazing intently at him to realize that this was for her time of fate.
 She gathered herself together with an effort that was worthy of better cause, and stepping closer to the bandit whis- and obeyed her swift instructions to step behind the wagon, leaving the otkers < guard the four remaining paa=ergers..
 "Oh, Frank, how could you:' she Ge- manded, reaching up to the strong face and lifting the mask. It was one she knew so we'll in the old days. ~.. :" Well, it ain't right he admitted, shame-facedly. "But who cares"
 "I care-everybody cares-your poor old mother sitting alone in the little farm house at Danvers, cares. You don't know kow much she cares-and Anna cares!" < The man brushed his arm across his face as if his eyes hurt him. "Yes, I sup pose it's so. But things got mighty tough T had to do something. It's the first time What can do now?" s-v.-
 "Go home, Frank" went on the wom- ans low voice. "Go home to your moth CT, and help her run the farm. Be man again" .. ....
 And Anna-your sister,"
 Frank, she has grieved for you all this time-she wants you now" ..-.
 "But,"' bitterly, s'you will tell her about -about-this ?a 1T.
 ftI will do this, Frank, will give you two years to prove yourself II you. are sincere, the secret will be yours and mine If you do not, will tell them ot tonight and of"
 She turned toward the group they had left in the moonlight beyond the wagon. His eyes followed hers and grew large as he saw the transformation that had taken place. S 3@ s#@
 Hands up!'' Carlin's cool voice gave the order, and his revolver was pointed at them. The other robbers had fled The chief was alone. Y +~
 The girl, needless of the summons, lift. ed the mask to hide the face of the man beside her and then stepped in front of him. Carlin lowered his gun. Get out of the way,' he called. Hell escape!" / j.
 "No, he won't escape" was the calm reply-"not now. l 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 lem, though"
 "You must begin now" said the girl, turning to the chief. Understand ?'
 He bowed his head. "I'll do it." he whispered, "honor bright" ~ .s
 "Go," she ordered, and. facing the pig, zled ranchman, held both his hands un- til the other had vanished in the sum flower stalks. Carlin glowe6 under the girls touch, and obeyed.
 sDo you belong to this-companyw he asked, little bitterly, as she loosed his arms, now that it was too late.
 '.No,. but you remember what you said a little while, ago, there is more than one kind of bravery?'" x
 A shrill whistle sounded off to the right and suddenly stood before them the quar- tette so recently departed The passen- gers were covered by their revolvers and they were at the bandits mercy once more.
 But the masked chief stepped forward, holding in his hand Carlin's watch and pocketbook; he gave to the others their belongings their watches, jewelry and re yolvers-Carlin was the only one who had hidden his gun.
 It was all done so silently and quickly that the stageload could scarcely under stand what was happening.
 When the last trinket had been distrib- uted the masked chief bowed low. His
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