The Democrat-sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1906-1935, 1908-06-18

ride, still slowly. The mood for
speed had not come. A short distance
farther on she came to deep, curving
cut. instantly on entering an uncan-
ny sensation possessed her, PRESENT.
ment of danger. Yet she derided her
self, and touched Swift to lope Had
not the train just passed? What
menace could arrive in ten minutes?
Along the banks were few cave
like depressions cut for some purpose
by the graders. AS Esther rounded
the curve fieeting glimpse of horse
man coming toward the cut from the
other end was interrupted by the
voice of a man who sprang from one
of the little holes and caught her
bride rein.
"I'll trouble you for that sparkler
Mss; and don't take too much time
getting off your glove. Keep them
ruby lips shut, too, might add by
way of friendly advice"
Esther was looking into the barrel
of a pistol held by the man she had
that morning served with coffee. IL
was not courage that came quicker
than reason to her; rather, sWl1t
anger that this creature should pre-
sumo to molest her.
How dare your she cried fearless
ly, striking the hand on her bride
stlnging blow with her whip. In the
instant of surprise and pain that maue
IN release her, she whirled the mare
on two feet and was off.
Three shots rang out behind her.
She heard the whizz of bullet peril
ously near, yet raced wildly on, every
sense alert to keep her horses feet
from pitfalls. No sounds followed
her. She knew the man would not
dare show himself, would probably
hide from the other rider If possible;
and the mare was putting the miles
behind her in marvelously few min
utes.
Esther began to breathe more free
ly Near the town she slowed to
walk and looked back Neither mis-
creant nor horseman could be seen.
She stopped to put herself to rights.
Her heart was beating fast, yet as
much from the rapid riding as from
fear. she told herself. All had hap
pened so quickly, it now scarcely
seemed real. Dread of making scene
was stronger than fear for what mad
passed; and it nerved her to ride quiet
ly up to the hotel.
Sally b. met her at the door in
great excitement Mrs. Gregory an
Mrs. Harmon both telegraphed you
to come on an see the show termorrer.
been hopin' ye'd fly in fore the train
left. | got yer things all packed!"
The train stood on the track less
than stones throw distant, its time
just up. The conductor came forward
as Esther dismounted.
will you go, Miss Anthony? I'll
hold her ten minutes for you"
Thank you. Yes, I'll go. Five min
utes will do"
With Sally BIS help she changed to
another gown and sped downstairs.
You're lightning, sure" the con.
ductor said with respectful approval,
as he took her bags. helped her into
the high boxcar. made her as comfort
able as he could, and went about his
train work.
Following a half-hour behind the
| iron train, the little engine struggled
noisily along for a time, dragging its
string of loaded cars, when it came
to a sudden halt on mountain-s1de
grade Around curve and just be-
yond, the track left the mountain and
crossed a gorge over trestle. The
| forward brakeman came running back
with blanched face and CHASTITY mes.
sage
The trestle's gone down! the iron
trains wrecked and piled up down
| there!" he finished, pointing with q
| trembling finger forward.
[Continued in our next issue1