Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-09-01


Forks, much relieved in mind, with the
thought that had left him far behind.
AS l left the Forks. however, after
delivering large bundle of mail there,
and started on the homeward road, new
doubts and apprehensions assailed me.
THE road was on, | now remem-
bered, curved back and ran for short
space almost parallel to the road on
which had come out, with only valley
intervening. 1t would be quite possible
for the tramp, by making his way across
the valley, to intercept me on my re-
turn. From his position on the hill he
could, in fact, have followed with his
eyes my progress and timed himself to
meet me again.
Hardly had my reflections reached
this conclusion when l saw the realiza-
ton Of my fears In the shape of the
tramp, who emerged from the bushes
on the road and stood waiting for me to
approach.
wild thoughts surged through my
brain. Should T'rise In my seat, cut the
horse with the whip, and gallop ruth
lessly over the fellow? Or was there yet
time to make rapid turn and retreat
to the Forks, where might borrow
some death-dealing instrument, even
If 1t were, perforce, shotgun? Then
saw through the trees the CLEAN Of
white farmhouse, and took courage.
After all, perhaps the fellow meant no
harm and, In any event, he would hardly
try any violence within sight and hear
ing of the inmates of the house, Idrove
on slowly.
Say, give us ride inter town with
yer, will yer?' he growled suddenly, az
came up with him, and without more
ado he placed one hand on the shaft
and scrambled into the seat beside me
before could express my disapproval
of his actions. 1t was such a new ex-
perience to me to meet any one at all on
the route, and especially to have the
company of a stranger thus uncere-
moniously thrust upon me that could
think of nothing to say. was relieved
when caught sight of Farmer Jones
coming briskly across the field for his
mail. | stopped the horse and greeted
him cordially, while a thousand plans
flashed through my mind only to be re-
jected as absurd or impossible.
Ifelt like asking him for gun, an axe,
o carving-knife or something equally
deadly. But realized that to do so would
be to betray the fact that was unarmed
to my ugly companion, besides inspiring
the honest farmer with doubts as to my
sanity. In fact, any manifestation of
nervousness on my part was. | felt. to
be avoided. So said nothing when the
farmer turned and left us; and remem-
bering that there was a stretch Of lonely
road ahead of US, l took out the whip.
1T was Just at this part of the road,
with the wild mountain side on our right,
and the peaceful but deserted valley on
our left, the horse at sharp clip and my
spirits rising as | realized that once
round the bend of the hill comparative
safety awaited me, when my big compan-
ion reached forward suddenly and caught
the lines at the same time calling on the
horse to stop Jerking the animal back
on his launches, he caught the whip
from my hand, ....
"What do you mean?' l cried as the
horse stood still.
" I mean said he. glaring at me feroc-
ously, that there's some money in yer
pocket young Teller, and I'm goin to
have 1t. Hand over them five 20-dollar
bills see the farmer give yer up on the
hill, and don't lose time about IT,.
'Never' cried. That money Is IN
he care OF the United States govern
nent and you shall not touch It,
Look here he growled, you gim-
ne that cash. young Teller, or I'll take it
rom you
'The situation was getting desperate,
md again warning him to keep his hands
rom me, prepared to leap to the ground
nd run. But before | could move his
owerful hands gripped me, and in an
'ther instant we were engaged in a
esperate struggle.
ut would have been short one, for