The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1905-02-24

times its original length before we
should reach our biding place. but,
Cod willing, we hoped to hear the
bells of Bow church ring out their
evening chime.
We had been in the saddle all night,
and was CALLED from riding IN spite
of the many ways had of easing my
self was now riding with my legs
hanging over one side as | had seen
market men do to balance the weight
of their horses.
1t was yet early in the morning, the
dew was on the gossamer. GIL be-
guiled those last hours Of the early
morn with "reminiscences OF the times
he had had in London, that "hotbed OF
iniQuity."
The road had been for miles through
q forest tract where the trees were So
dense that. although the sun shone
brightly, splashes of light were seen
only in places. We came out abrupt
" into the open space. So clean cut
was the division, it was as if giants
knife had separated the woods from
the open country. We were upon an
elevation and looking down 1--WE could
see as soon as our eyes became aecus-
toned to the glare) great lengths OF
rolling heath and hill, while the taper
ing road wound in and out like the del
icate tracery on piece of tapestry.
The boastings were hardly from
his mouth when he added: Hasten,
there is trouble ahead!" and put spurs
to his horse.
| knew from his exclamation that
his piercing eyes had caught sight of
an object my more obtuse ones had
not yet seen; what was not long in
finding out going at the pace we were.
We kept to the sides of the road SO
that the noise of the horses feet com
ing on the turf should not be heard.
When we had ridden near enough, we
stopped in the sheltering shade Of a
clump of trees. 1t hid us from view.
To the side of the road a post coach
was standing on the two wheels of
one side. The other two were in the
air looking woefully out of place. The
six horses plunged and trembled. At
their heads were masked men-high.
waymen-bold fellows, too, to be
about their business in so open
spot on the country's face.
Not the Magenta colored coach, >"
calculated Gil.
In the stiffness of the atmosphere
we heard the high clear thread of
patrician voice.
pray, good sir, go easy" 1t said,
otis not so l have heard it said that
gentlemen who take to the road are
wont to treat the gentler sex. They
use them courteously. | assure you"
Your pardon, Madame, answered
a deeply musical voice. 1t came from
the rogue standing by the coach door.
ALLOW me. Only one moment shall
inconvenience you, for which /
again crave pardon"
With that the scamp helped the
lady out of the coach and proceeded
| to search 1t.
"Ah. | see," she said sarcastically,
"you are truly one of those gallant
ones who tighten the purses of way
| farers."
"By my faith" said he, some need
relieving"
That's as it may be-" she retorted.
Men must take the chances Of war.
care only where it affects myself.
Now If you would initiate that world
renowned highwayman, Claude Duval,
you would request the honor of a
dance on the green, and in pay
ment-" She gave suggestive shrug
and wave of her hand. Then she lift
ed her dress in one hand to show her
feet, and most wantonly took a few
steps IN the minuet. Her manner
was bewitching.
| I,n