Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1906-07-13
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me sida with mother against It,"
1T is sweet name to me-Hesper.
He uttered it with the tenderness
which dwels in the voice OF lover
and its letters sang together-Dut ne
dared not look at her.
Raymond was Fastening to apologize
for his temerity when the noise OF
galloping horse cut short his speech
and whitened AIMS cheek, so porten-
tous was the sound of haste at SUCH
nm hour. Il hope that is jack" said
the miner. and fastened to the door to
meet and silence Munro, who entered
with studied effect and, removing his
sombrero, bowed very low to Ann.
"Good evening, naughty princess.
How's the kid?'
Ann. relieved to find the flying mes
senger an expected though unwelcome
visitor, replied pleasantly, Hes bet
ter, thank you"
covert smile curled the handsome
lips of the young leader as he glanced
from Raymond to Ann, and something
in his bearing puzzled the girl. When
he spoke again, with growing deliD-
Grafton, she perceived that he was In
| liquor.
"You mustn't be .alarmed-these are
rough times, but you'll be protected.
Battles comm off this time, sure
thing. We move on the enemy at day.
break. Sit down. Don't stand in my
presence" he added, with a comical
twist Of his lips.
Ann turned with startled glance
to Raymond, who genially said: I'm
glad you came down, Jack. want
Won to hold q conference with the in
dependents"
Munro stiffened "NO time for con-
frence. No time to talk with any
one. l Just came down to say howdy
to the lady, that's all. Understand
His voice rose.
Raymond lifted a warning hand.
"Ouietly, old man, don't disturb the
hoy. Let's go find Kelly"
Munro's face grew sullen. Don't
want to see Kelly-don't want to see
YOU. I've come to see the lady," He
faced Ann again. I'm going into bat
tie. May be killed tomorrow. Had to
say goodby. may not see you again. y
10 Raymond's great relief Kelly, who
had heard Munro arrive, appeared at
the door. His manner was easy and
his voice low as he greeted the intrud-
err "Hello Jack! How goes the Ma
poleonic business"
Munro turned with darkening brows
and labored to be gloomily impressive
"Got 'em scared, all right. They're
meditating retreat this minute"
Kelly laid hand on his shoulder
LAD, you need sleep. You're worn
out"
Raymond, with significant look al
Matt, turned as if to stir the fire. a
movement which brought him behind
his visitor.
Munro put his hands in his pockets
and laboriously explained: .'Been try
in to keep awake on whisky. Trihf
shot this minute, askin' Lady AIMS
pardon"
Raymond's right arm encircled the
young leaders, waist, pinioning thu
deadly right hand to his side, while
Kelly. Selling the almost equally skill
full left, whipped the young desperado':
revolver from his belt.
For a moment the fangless rattle
! snake was bewildered. what you
. mean. Rob?" he asked ominously.
+ "Come outside, Jack. Don't make
row-for the lady's sake. We want II
talk to YOU"
"Let 90 O. me-" he retorted, writhins
In Raymond's clutch. In the midst O
/, this he grinned at Kelly. u know
these arms. What's your game, Rob?
"Come outside and I'll tell you,'
pleaded Raymond.
The sodden brain Of the reckless
leader was waking up again, and, witt
a bow to Ann, he said: Sorry to 'sturl
you, but must take these men Outsld
and kill 'em. See you again soon."
Raymond released his prisoner ant
, stepped through the door in advance