The Washington times., 1907-06-02

Gay locked the front door. and attempt
ed 10 assault her. Miss Bird continued
to fight her assailant. and by might and
main wrested herself from his fiendish
clutches. She rushed TO the door. UNI
locked it. and ran into the yard. only
TO be halted by Ratliff. who stood guard
there with the Winchester.
While Ratliffa held the clippers at bay
with the weapon. Gay came out OF the
house. and was told by Ratlif to put
saddles on two OF the most spirited
horses 70 the stable. This was quickly
done, and within a few moments Miss
Bird, still screaming and weeping. was
swung in a saddle, with Ratlin on a
horse beside her.
In front Of him Ratliff had a Win
chester and two blankets
At Saw Mill Camp.
Leaving Caldwell in charge Of Gay,
who also had a winchester, Ratlin whip
ped up both horses and started toward
Marlinton. Instead OF taking the main
road. he went along a private lane
which leads to his favm.
AS he rode beside the frightened girl.
he told her he merely intended taking
her back to her father. She was quieted
by this. and rode along in silence.
About two miles down the road there
Is an abandoned sawmill camp. This
is a lonely, desoIate spot, unfrequented
by anyone save 'fatliff.
When this out-of-the-Way place was
reached. Ratlif threw the blankets and
gun TO the ground, and then dragged the
trembling little girl from the saddle
Threats of Death.
After he had made the girl his victim
ne stood over her with the Winchester
and said;
"One Of us has got to die here and
now. II won't be me, so ii must be
you"
Cooking the trigger OF the weapon.
Ratliff walked of a few PAGES and
aimed at the terror-stricken girl
Screaming Historically the girl drag
| yed herself over the rough and rocky
I ground until she reached his feet. Gaz-
ing up into his hardened and dissipated
countenance. she begged and beseeched
him not 10 Kill her. he told her there
was no use pleading. because he had TO
kill her 10 protect himself
III YOU must Kill me-" sobbed the
girl, '1et me pray just a little"
IF you utter d word OF prayer III
blow your brains out so quick you won,
know what struck you" replied RatliR
Caldwell Escapes.
Upon hearing this the girl fell prone
upon the ground and began weeping pit
/ eously
Ratli1 was evidently touched by hel
tears. He lowered his weapon and be
! gan reasoning with her why he should
] kill her. Every word from him brought
| a louder scream and shrek from thu
girl.
While this terrible scene was enacted
In the heart OF the woods Caldwell was
making his escape from his guardian
Gay is several years Ratllff junior
| and unaccustomed TO strong drink. Soor
after Ratlin LETT the house. telling Gay
TO keep close watch on Caldwell. IN,
young man fell asleep with the loade,
gun in his lap.
Caldwell made his way to the wood.
and endeavored TO find the road takeI
by the abductor. but ne was so fright
encd he lost mis- sense Of direction sn,
went farther into the woods FINALLY
he reached the railroad, four mile
above Marlinton. and ran down TO IN,
home Of Chief Yeager
Pursuit Is Started.
| When Caldwell and Miss Bird me
Ratliff and Gay it was shortly after
o'clock in the afternoon II was nc
until Il o'clock that the tagged ant
frightened young man reached tn
home Of the chief Of police. Il require
fifteen minutes for him to relate tn
story Of horror 20 Chief Yeager. TIL
latter Immediately saddied his hors
and rode of with a Winchester and re
volver.
Going 70 the home OF Squire Bird h
. told the girls father Of the horribl
crime. Squire Bird leaped upon hi
fastest horse and with Yesgers revol
YER in his pocket started for the roa
designated by Caldwell
A few minutes after the assault wa
reported Chief Neager and the infuri
ated father reached Marlin mountai
and heard the girls screams.
Father to the Rescue.
Urging their steeds to top speed III
rescuers reached a spot about fort
! feet from the scene Of the assault. TIL
5 father shouted TO his daughter that h
would reach her in a few moments an