Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1904-09-07
Duped by a Girl
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES


and counterfeiters, to say nothing
of villains of still blacker grades,
were predominant and, as a general
thing, ruled matters with a high
hand.
Situated near the bank of one Of
the continents of the river Brazos
were several farms, whose owners
had chosen to settle together, the
better to defend themselves and
property.
Their most dreaded enemy and
scourge of the country for miles
around was daring desperate
known as Jack Wingrow.
Jack and his companions built a
large, heavy log house, almost
against a high bank of clay and
sandstone, few miles distant from
the first settlers.
But when the house appeared
completed work still went on night
and day, the men working in relays.
And then at the end of several
months the strangers threw off the
mask and appeared in Their true col
ors.
They helped themselves to such
stock as they most fancied, and
when one settler, James Agden, re-
sisted pistol shot shattered his
right arm and left him cripple for
life.
The outlaw band grew stronger
and more bold as they encountered
but little resistance.
But Wingrow, king as he was
among his men, had to succumb at
last, and what armed force could
not do the bright eyes and pretty
face of maiden accomplished.
Mabel Craythorne was the only
child of the richest stock grower of
the settlement. Her father had suf-
fered severely by the marauding out
laws and was still suffering from a
bad wound before he gave up in
despair.
But one day Wingrow caught
sight of Mabel, and he did not es-
cape without injury.
Knowing that his life was safe
while his men remained to ayenge
him, he boldly called at the house
Of old Cyrus Craythorne and made
proposal.
He offered to cease troubling the
settlement and to protect them from
other outlaws provided Mabel should
become his wife.
The indignant reply of the old
man did not abash him in the least,
and he took his departure, saying
that he would expect their answer
in one months time.
George Mablie was only poor
herdsman of her fathers, but he
was true hearted and brave. He and
Mabel learned to love each other,
but as yet it was a secret from the
father.
George mustered up courage at ]
the outlaws threat and asked the {
hand of his employers daughter.
As soon as his establishment
would permit Mr.. Claythorne babe
him be gone, adding that if he {
would break up the band of despera- |
does he might then renew his pro- c
posal.
The young folks managed to
meet, and out of their despair grew I
a settled plan. t
AS a first move Mabel one day
her horse and rode down h
the creek. b
When once beyond sight of the Ii
house, her animals head was turned {
toward the hill where stood the out
law stronghold
Approaching 1t, she rode more
slowly and nerved herself for the !
rial.
"Good mornin', MISS" the outlaw
bowed. Flows the family" u
"Quite well, thank you. Mr.. Win ,
grow, l believer" II
"Yas. So you know me?" J..
81 saw you at our house not long \
ince. But Pm very thirsty. Can u
'ou tell me where l can get some -"
yater" d
"Thar's some fresh in the shanty. "
III git it Eff y
"Oh, Mr.. Wingrow, please let me
% too! I've got such curiosity to
ee what it is you keep so secret in :,
here. Besides, I'm only girl. | h,
ould not do you any harm if I -
1ould."
81 don't know. The men mightn't .,
Ike it." q:
"You are master. Surely you do -
ot care what. they say. don't be- .,
eve you are afraid of what they VI
hinkw -,
"Jack Wingrow afraid Not he! ~ ~
ct me help you to light" &c ~.
While he placed her chair and W. W.
asfened to fetch the water Mabel ="
BOX survey of the room.
Her eyes dwelt long upon the
Doorway where Wingrow had disap- ev
cared 81
This was apparently the entrance mi
an underground vault. pr
Then, hearing the steps of the co
atlaw returning, Mabel hastily pick til
l up tasty morocco belt from the no
antel containing a brace of richly alb
ounted pistols. ste
"Oh, Mr.. Wingrow, where did you vii