The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1902-12-25

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 a time of fate.
She gathered herself together with an
effort that was worthy OF better cause,
and stepping closer 10 the bandit wis
perei one word. He, startled, trembled
and obeyed her swift instructions to step
beaird the wagon, leaving the Others TO
guard the four remaining passengers.
''Oh, Frank, how could your" she de-
maujed, 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.
shame-facedly. But who cares:'
Il 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 mis- eyes hurt him. YES, | sup
pose it's SO. But things got mighty tough
i had to do something. It's the first
time. w udl Cdl w HOh'
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 sister"
Frank, she mas grieved for you all this
time-she wants you now."
But" bitterly, you will tell her about
-about-this!
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
and Of"
She turned toward the group they mad
left in the moonlight beyond the wagon
His eyes followed hers and grew large a.
he saw the transformation that had taken
place.
Hands up" Carlins cool voice gave
the order, and his revolver was pointed al
them. The other robbers had fled. The
cnlcf was alone.
Tne girl, needless of the summons, lift
ed the mask to nide the face OF the mar
beside her and then stepped in front o
hlm. Cariin lowered his gun. Get out o.
the way he called. Hell escapc,"
NO, he won't escape was the cain
| rcply-'not now. | will speak for him
Where are the others"
Gone. We told them the chief ha,
skipped and they were scared. They tool
all our things with 'em, though"
"Iou must begin now said the girl
turning 30 the chief. "Undcrstand?"
lc owed his head. IN do it," h
whispered, "honor bright"
Co. she ordered, and, facing the puz
lied ranchman, held both his hands un'
| i'll the other had vanished in toe sun
flower stalks. Carlin glowed under the
girls touch, and obeyed.
'Do you belong TO this-company:' he
asked little bitterly, as she loosed III:
aims, now that it was too late.
mo, but you remember what you sale
little while ago, there is more than one
kind OF bravery"
\ shrill whistle sounded off to the right
and sudder,r stood before them the quar-
totte so re departed. The passen
gers were O. ed by their revolvers anc
trey were l.. the bandits mercy onc'
more.
Ea, tie Dr. chief stepped forward
holding il and Carlins Watcn an(
pOcketboo gave to the others thei
belonging n watches, jewelry and re
Ivulvers-L.. "a was the only one who haC
b.a.an his gun.
"fs 4h dUne 50 Silently aud qui,hi
~, the stageload could scarcely under
land what was happening.
When the last trinket had been distrit
Ir,, .l ,I
fine mouth just showing beneath tn
fringe OF black curled little-whother i
tun or contempt none could tell.
Merry Christmas! ! am Santa Claus.
He bowed again, stepped back, bent hi
eyes on Miss Macon-and the stranger
had departed.
The passengers, looking down at thei
watches, read the time-it was past mic
nlght-Christmas morning.
The stage reached the end OF its joui
ney six hours late. Before it arrived Cal
lin had asked permission to call on Nj.
Macon and discuss the strange events {
the ride. Il am not used to recevin
gifts at that time of night said he.
Though Carln called and they talke
over the nights happenings, she did nc
explain. There was a newspaper story {
a crazy stage robber who gave back all b
stole (you may have read it) and she di
not correct that-not even when, yea
later Carlin made her his bride an
claimed that he had received two Chris
mas presents from the chief.
Years afterward they visited New En-
land, the guests of their brother-in-lay
the mayor of Danvers. ''Do you know
remarked Carlin, to his wife, Prank hi
a fine mouth-it reminds me OF some OF
| have seen somewhere"
She did not reply.
4 Similar Experience.