Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-03-08
.LIN GARLAND
u-~rrxzn-n9

and tHist and at last slept. but Ann re, fused to go to bed. Her anxiety and the many questions pressing to be an- swered engaged her so deeply that she felt no need of sleep. Toward mid night Bfaide. in deSnar nf in.a.";,,-- Her 10 sleep. stretched himself in a low chair and fell into a doze.
 It was exactly o'clock when a single gunshot rang out sharply, like the voice of sentinel questioning the silent night AS the girl listened tense ", three others. deeper throated, an- swered ill quick succession. Then silence again intervened for a moment. only to be torn by q fusillade, rat tat-tat of assault which brought Braide to his feet
 Ann hurried to Raymond. calling sharply, Rob, they are shooting. Don't you hear them: Quick. Quick"
 Raymond rose to his feet dizzily and looked at her blankly. the mist of sleep thick in his brain. Other shots and cries followed, and though faint and far they cleared lis vision. Catching q belt of cartridges from the wall and turning to Braide he sternly asked, Can you slloot!''
 Before Bruide could answer another shrill chorus of wells, fierce as the out cry Of wolves, arose, vivid light filled the room. and second later dull conclusion shook the earth be- heath their feet. Ann shrank and covered. but Raymond, menacingly quiet, remarked: Well, our turn has come. They've blown up our shaft house.
 "Oh no.' cried Ann. "They wouldn't do that. They daren't do that.'' That's what they've done.. he bit terly assured her. Then a thought en- tered his mind which staggered him. 1.-The men-the men were in the mine." he shouted and rushed into the dark ness
 Ann heard his blows upon the door of the other cabin as he called: Boys, roll out! The power house is blown up. The men are in the mine! Quick, out with you! Buckle your guns.'
 Then the girl recognized Kelly's great voice. He was calling as be ran, Rob. are ye there?"
 Yes; I'm rousing the boys"
 ''It's the shaft house."
 ''lt looks that way"
 "And the men, lad; the men"
 Il don't know. Matt. I've just got on my feet.'
 So much Ann heard before the sound of their feet died away down the path. The sleepers in the bunk house began to rumble and catter about on the bare floors. One by one they emerged, slamming tie door behind them. Once outside the door the women could see the flames growing each mo- ment in power. licking with avid tongues at the confused mass of splin- tered beams, and on the curtain of rcd light the forms of Kelly and Raymond played in silhouette as they strove furi- ously against the destroyer. Their workmen soon joined them, and each moment some hastening rescuer hur- tied past the open door and as he ran cursed in bitter frenzy.
 "Annw called Louis from the bed. Faint as it was, the girl heard his cry and hurried to his side.
 "Yes, I'm here, laddie. What do you want? How do you feel?'
 My head aches so. l can't breathe good. He moaned. "Oh, dear, I'm so hot" The voice of his anguish stung Ann to the soul With sign to Nora. commanding silence, she closed the door in the hope that no sound from the burning mine would penetrate to the bedside.
 Nora hurried back to her cabin, while Rraide dropped some helpful drug upon the boys tongue. When his patient had grown quiet the young physician said: If you are not afraid, l will go down, Some onc may be hurt and my help re- quired."
 "Go. I am not afraid she con- manded. "Only remember your first duty is here
 "I do not forget that" he answered. But even as he W;t> collecting his outer clothing aHJ his medicines Raymond flung the Go9l' open and entered. His hands were blaekenel and bleeding, his head WAS bare, and on his face was look that thrilled the girl. "l'octor' three wounded ren are coming up the hill. They must be made confortable Ann, you would better @ back fo lAel- Tvs. These victims must be sheltered here, and they are not pleasant to sec.
 Ann felt herself diminishing ill pow, CT and importance as he spoke. HIS voice came from the mans world harsh, intleXible-but she uttered pro- test-"Louis"'
 His face softened and his hand went to his brow II forgot; you are right we must not endanger him. l will have the men taken to the other cabin"
 "Are the men in the mine all dead!
 I've can't tell The engineer and some of the men on the dump were warned and escaped. The rest are be- low and out of our reach. We are working desperately to subdue the flames, but we are almost helpless for In ol- oP~r o$ov