The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-02-19
THE EVENING STOR r
THE LIMITED.
BY Seward w. Hopkfns.)

DICK Prescott sat huQdleQ III MS
chair at the desk, his eyes staring az
the receiver as though the innocent
little piece of mechanism had sud-
denly developed venom. His rlgnt
hand clutched a revolver, and MS leLt
worked convulsively around his left
breast as though he was feeling
something inside.
1T can't be oossible!'' he said once,
Julie Gridon-leader of a gang of
robbers? No. it must be a hideous
mistake"
But the words as they had come in
Crossing, could neither be misunder-
stood nor effaced. And he knew
LOOMS SO well-Loomis wouldnt say
a word about a woman that could
wrong her. And besides. LOOMS did
not know that Prescott loved her. 50
the element of jealousy would not
play part.
But there was the message, repeated
to make an error impossible.
"Dfck Prescott-Cow Corners-You
will receive package containing money
from express messenger on Limlleu-
Twenty thousands dollars for James
BeaI. You will be accosted by Julie
Gridon leader bad gang who Will tax
hold you uo-Jake Gridon coming
later with gang. LOOMS"
1t wasn't long message prescott
laughed half insanely as he repeated
He got up and walked nervously to
and fro. -,
"And see how true it has come SO far:
I've got the package. Limited went
through on time. And now
He laughed again but 1t was
strange, wild laugh
"So-this is the little girl who was
SO nice-and cordial-and even affec-
tomato. The pretty girl l saved rr to-
drowning only month ago. me
girl whom was going to ask-God!
Suppose had! Suppose it was her
husband she, with Jake Gridon. was
coming to rob. Suppose it? L can
suppose 1t. It's all a
looked down.
1--WE got it right" he said. And
LOOMS wouldn't lie. But how did he
learn it? How can he know? ?"
His nervous walk began again: He
couldn't leave. His pony wasn't Tar
away, but the eastbound express
would pass soon. and then the switch
must be turned for the night local
There was no one else. The ram
shackle, one-horse station had a por--
ter daytime. But at night when all
the deviltry took place, the company
did not think he needed any one,
His brain was on fire. He had the
package-and the girl he loved was
coming with gang to take 1t from
him.
him jump. His revolver leaDed from
his pocket.
nervous voice. "Dick-Mr. Prescott
you received package from the
No" he said 1.-THE Limited went
through without stopping"
But it was sent-I know it was
sent. I know it. I tell you"
mo, I received no package"
For a moment she looked at him
steadily, and then a peculiar smile |
dashed across her face and disappear
she was far-fanled she sprang in at |
"Dick Prescott" she. said sternly. |
your face tells different story. You
did get that package for Mr.. Beal."
Miss Gridon, Il
"Stop, L have misunderstood you,
and I make few mistakes in men
Dick Prescott, you have opened my
man a gentleman. You have proven
me to be wrong"
She stood leaning on her rife and
her great fearless eyes looked stead
He felt himself trembling How
was he to let her know that LOOMS
had sent the news that had so un- |
manned him? Yet he must do some-
thing Once more LOOMS was proved
correct. The package had come. /
Then she had come. The next would
be the worst gang of cutthroats in
Arizona with Jake Gridon at their
head.
Julie" he said. ''I am not well.
I am going out for air."
we'll Come outside"
He started to the door.
stop where YOU are!'
He flashed a glance back. He could
not pretend to be frightened. He was
looking into the muzzle of her rifle.
"Dick Prescott. throw up your
hands Quick! You haven't mo-
ment to Lose
Her eye was as steady as any mans !
of the southwest. Prescott was no
coward and he couldn't shoot the |
girl he loved for a hundred times
twenty thousand dollars. Up went
his hands
There was a peculiar sound in her
throat as she stepped to his side. /
With fingers that seemed to have |
had much practice she took away his
coat and took out the package.
Nov, Dick Prescott. obey every /
word of mine or I will shoot you.
Stand still a moment"
She stepped to the desk. A few /
clicks had sent this message along the |
- agent at Cow Corners robbed.
Send relief on express"
'.Now Dick" she said, walk out |
quietly. Leave things as they are
but, Juliew..my good name-my
reputation--
your GOOD name! oh, Dick!"
She pointed sternly. He walked |
ahead of her. 1t was a dark night. |
The single lamp in the station was
the only light visible. But the girl
knew the way in the dark s well as
Prescott. She ordered him to walk
to his horse He found her own teth-
cred near it.
Release both horses" she said
He obeyed.
His heart was bitter. He could not
fight her. He might as well do as