The Washington times., 1909-02-16

ton to the animals condition. The
horse was badly spent, and at any other
time Bess would have noticed it.
But now nothing mattered, she had
but one idea, and that was to get to
the governor at once and make a per
sonal plea. Both felt that IL would be
futile, but there was nothing else left
So she dashed down the hill at a reck-
less pace, Gordon following more eau
tiously
They came suddenly upon a rocky
turn in the road. Bess tried to pull up
and save her horse at the curve But
the animal was now gaIopinE mechan-
ically. He was not sure on mis- feet.
but he could not stop, the down grade
kept him going
A sudden lurch, Bess frightened on
the reins, but too late; her horse went
down and she was thrown over his head
TO some distance.
Gordon picked her ND and carefully
carried her to a nearby farmhouse
where she was soon revived by cold
water.
The accident had caused the loss Of
half an hour As soon as Bess was
herself again she inquired about her
horse, only TO find that II was too much
hurt by the fall to go on.
They were unable to Pre- cure another
mount at the farmhouse and Gordou's
steed was badly spent
What time is it," asked less.
Quarter TO nine" was the reply
The girl turned even whittier than she
had been before.
+. Fl can't go &c Dewitt until half past
nine then" she broke out
No" the farmer replied. "vou'U be
lucky if YOU make IL in that ime."
Blu I must" cried the girl, hurry
ing toward Gordon's horse.
What do YOU intend to do2" aueried
Gordon, following her in wonder.
u IN going 20 take your horse and go
on alone" was the firm reply. as Besz
swung into the saddle and gathered up
the TeiHs.
In moment she was on the road.
headed again for Dewitt
III meet YOU at the governors Of
nee" she called back TO Gordon, who
stood open-moUthed I'm the road
Bess rode on. She was more careful
of this horse and yet she could not af-
ford 20 lose q minute. II was difficult
@ ride so tired an animal but she
could not afford 90 let him walk.
But one thought possessed her. and
that was the fact that 10 would be
$50 before she could hope to reach
the governors office. That would give
her half an hour,
What If the governor would not see
her? A thousand doubts possessed her.
She was almost crazed as she urged
the horse on, a strained. fixed look on
her face, her eyes on the dome of the
capitol ahead
She would make 1t or die 1t might
not do any good if could not do any
good, but she must be In motion during
this awful half-hour. IN her minds eve
she could see the guards preparing Jim
Tor his execution. Possibly they were
already fixing the wires TO the chair /
Doubtless there was minister In his
cell with him now utterug a final pray
er. The death watch would be march /
ing up and down the corridor. She could T.
sec everything wildly.
Finally q guard would arrive then
another would unlock the big steel door
and jim would ba led between them /
He would walk proudly His head
would be thrown back. and his ewes
would gIisten. On, Jim would not quail /
~ death, she knew.
She goaded her horse on cruelty. car
ing for nothing except one last chance /
20 throw herself at the governors feet /
and plead with him for mercy.
She could see the capitol Tome straight /
ahead, only half a mile up the avenue. T.
People were staring az her, She did I.
not care.
A cut Of the whip sent shfver|
{ through her mount She had oa,--.F. +