The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-11-28

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"Miss sPencer-Phoebe-lt Is Only |,
"Mss Spencer-Phoebe--I Is Only
MIR. Wynkocp."
desirable result was rendered doubly
certain, for as Moffat moved slowly
past the Occidental on his way home
a person attired in chaps and SOM
brero, and greatly resembling Mcneil,
was in the back room, breathing some
final instructions to a few bosom
friends.
Now don't-eh-any O. you fellers
-eh-go an forget the place Jump
in-eh-lively, just afore she-eh-
gifts ter thet thick bunch-eh-under-
brush, whar' the trail sorter-eh-
drops down inter the ravine. An you
chumps eh-git-yerselves up
so she can't pipe any of We off-eh-
in this yere-eh-road-age act. l
tell We, after what thet-eh-Moffat'
bin a-pumpin inter her, she's just got
ter be-eh-rescued, an in blame good
style, er-eh-it amt no go"
oh, you rest easy bout all tibet,
Bill" chimed in Sandy VIM his
black eyes dancing in anticipation of
coming fun. Wen git up the orn-
arrest outfit whut ever hit the pike"
The long shadows Of the late after
noon were already falling across the
gloomy Carter woods, while the red
sun sanl, lower behind old Bull noun
tain. Rev. Howard Eynkoop, who for
more than an hour past had been vain
ly dangling a fishing line above the
dancing waters of Clear creeks, now
reclined drcamily On the soft turf of
the high bank, his eyes fixed upon
the distant sky line His thoughts
were on the fossy hair and animated
face Of the fair Miss Spencer who he
momentarily expected would round
the edge Of the hill, and so deeply did
he become sunk in blissful reflection
as to be totally oblivious to every
thing but her approach.
Just above his secret resting place,
where the great woods deepen, and
the gloomy shadows lie darkly all
through the long afternoons. small
party Of hideously painted sayages
skuikcd silently in ambush. Sudden
ly to their strained ears was borne
the sound Of horses hoofs; and then.
all at Cnce, q womau's voice rang out
in single shrill, startled cry.
Whit is up?" questioned the lead
ing savage, hoarsely. is he a-doin'
this little job all by hisself?"
Dunno" answered the fellow next
him, Tipping his quirt uneasiIy; but I
reckon as how it's her as squealed, an
we'd better be Citing in ter hev our
share O. the fun"
The chief" with an cath of disgust,
dashed forward and his band surged
after. ust below them, and scarcely
so fec. away, half-score of roughly
clad, aavily bearded men were clus-
tered n the center of the trail, two of
Their number lifting the unconscious
form Of a f2.lting woman upon
horsr
2rvera's gang, by gosh" painted
Ii leading savage. How did they
G. yere?"
You bet! She's up agin the real
ing" calculated a voice beside him.
t.. IT'S ride 'em off the earth! Whoo9!"
With wild yells to awaken fresh
oaurage the whole band plunged head
'ong down the sharp decline, striking
he surprised road agents" with a
force and suddenness which sent half
Of them sprawling. Revolvers flashed,
oaths and shouts rang out fiercely, men
clinched each other, striking savage
blows. Lumley grasped the leader Of
the other party by the hair, and en-
deavored to beat him over the head
with his revolver butt. Even as he
uplifted his hand to strike the mans
beard fell off and the two fierce COM
batants paused as though thunder
struck
Hold on yere, boy" yelled Lumley.
This yere is some blame joke. These
fellers is Bill McNeil's gang"
by thunder! If it amt Pete Lum.
ley" calculated the other Whit did
ye hit me fer, ye long-legged mimi
jackass?"
The explanation was never uttered
Out from the surrounding gloom OF
underbrush hatless, disheveled indi-
vidual on foot suddenly dashed into
the center Of that hesitating ring Of
horsemen. With skillful twist of hit
foot he sent a dlsmounted road agent
spinning over backward and managed
to wrench a revolver from his hand.
There was a blaze of red fame,
cloud of smoke, six sharp reports, and
wild stamnede of frantic horsemen.