The progress., 1904-08-27
THE LIGHT
ON THE HILL
81 ANNA cosULfczz
(Copyrishs, isoa. by Daily story Pub. Col

M ARGARET stepped out OF the III
lvI tie station for mohent's breath
Of the cool, stariit night. She gazed
curiously at the familiar surroundings.
All the village was asleep. From the
cabins along the mountain side, the
lights had long been extinguished. All
save one-on the adjoining hill. She
smiled family. He was not like the
other inhabitants of Coalton, at any
rate.
After the days work there was read
ing and studying for the young magis-
trate OF the district. Idly she wonder
I'D which book held him at that mo-
ment,. and, recalling what he had said
TO her one night. she smiled family
ard a bit wistfully
Il am not good enough for you now,
know, But some day, when am
successful lawyer in the city, I'll come
back to ask you the same question
unless there's some one else-even
now"
There is no one else," she had as
sured him. "Only, Il cannot marry.
I want my freedom-I want to work
| think great deal of you, Howard,
but I'm not in love with any one"
She had sent him away as gently as
she knew how. The friendship she
wished to retain he denied her. He
avoided her. and, indeed Coalton saw
but little of him. She heard he was
working hard. Her respect for him
increased, but SO did her loneliness.
The faint twinkle Of light on the
hilltop was friendlier and more COM
forting to her than all the galaxy Of
shining stars in the purple Virginia
night. Why could he not have re-
mained friend? With little sigh
she returned to her work. She made
the door fast and sat at the instrument
which licked away at a great rate. It
was midnight-an unconscionable hour
for girl to be at work. But Margaret
was telegraph operator, station master
and express agent at the tiny settle
ment. AS such her position was of the
utmost Importance. Each train found
her faithfully at her post.
That night she was to deliver fat
money parcel to old Barker, the ex-
pressman on No. 20. No. % was an
hour late. She must wait patiently.
The man on the hillside had en-
treated her to take no risks. In fact,
in the old days, he had insisted on re-
naming with her during the late
watches. Margaret had objected. She
knew everyone in Coalton. What dan
ger could there be? Besides, gossip
might find apt material in the young
magistrates presence in the station at
all hours. He had sulked bit, but
finally submitted.
Nevertheless, he put something in
her table drawer which might mean
defense.
"You know how to use 1t, don't
you?"
"Or course" she had replied, laugh
ingly. "But what foOlishness! You
are simply trying to frighten me, and
refuse to be frightened. There could
be no danger"
"One can never tell" he merely said,
a certain gravity in his tone.
That was when they were good
friends.
Now--he would not care-she tore
her thoughts away from him, and be-
gan telegraph communication to Tar
vile, ten miles away. The operator
there was her cousin and merry chap,
who found Margaret great company by
wire.
She was laughing softly at some
quirp he was ticking to her, when
loud knock startled her. She arose
and stood facing the door, her heart
beating fearfully. A gruff voice out
side bade her open. She made no an
swer, nor a single move
Then there came violent banging.
The intruder burst open the door. He
was tall, heavy man, his face evil
with insolence and determination.
Margaret shuddered. 1t was Dick
Gray, the terror of the county, fearless
and most feared. He came from the
wilderness west OF Coalton, safe in his
mountain Businesses as outlaw well can
be-
He paid no heed to the white-faced
girl, going straight to the little safe
which contained the package for
No 90.
A culver ran through her as her hand
stole to the drawer beside her and
swiftly found hiding in the folds OF
She went forward and faced him
bravely!
Get out of .herc!" she commanded,
in the sternest of voices.
He sneered. "Humph! Yes, just as
soon as I'm through with this"
She managed to Slip between the
safe and the robber.
Look ERE. gal, III hurt you, ef you
don look out" he muttered menacing-
ly. He thrust her aside. but she re-
sisted with all her might.
."IH give you ten seconds to leave
this place!" She was in deadly earnest,
rxy Am rarY ~y ASS Yan