The Dolores star., 1910-09-23


Are busiiy engaged with our soll
bsbies, while our mother sat neos
the window. occupied with somo
needlework.
Suddenly We were all startled b. .
loud knocking upon the doue. simul-
taneously with the entrance q
"Psrpie." His countenance wore -
expression Of alarm. and he was 10
such an e-cited state hs could scarce
iy speak. Come. quick. Miss FAnnie!
Two men have took Fannie Elialer, an
arc 'guine out de yard wid her. Tried
to stop EN-. an dey said dey had
orders to press her Into de servics.
] tole EN- TO wait I'll could sec you.
an lot EN- show you dey thority for
taking her. an dey Jess lifted dsy
coat tails and tapped dey pistols an
said dat WIS thority 'nuR fer me-"
Fannie Ellsler was . beautiful gray
mare, my mothers saddle horse She
was saddled and hitched TO . rack In
the yard every morning for my moth
er's use In riding about the plantation.
On this occasion she vas In her accus-
toned place awaiting my mothers
pleasure. when the passing men apled
her and decided to make q transfer Of
ownership.
Ny mother hastened 10 the hall
door and arrived In time to see the
men close the gate. turn TO the lsft
and ride on down the road. leading the
beautiful mare that had been divest.
ed Of the sidesaddle.
For an instant she stood still, closed
her eyes, placed her left hand over
them In an attitude Of thought. and
then turned quickly. "Pappie." she
said. get your masters gun from the
rack. and follow me. Now prove your
self 4 good soldier and obey your
superior ofYicer. Don't be afraid. No
matter what I tell you to do. obey
my command Instantly"
While speaking she tool; from hooh
on the wall = brace Of pistols. bucklsa
them about her waist. threw . shawl
over her shoulders, caught up . sur
bonnet from the rack. and passing oul
at the rear door she met Uncle Charles.
the gardener. who had come eager 10
know what Miss Fannie was 'gvine
ter do bout Fannie Elisier."
Here. Uncle Charles" my mother
spoke hurriedly. handing him one d
the pistols, take this, follow me and
pappie, and when tell you to use Il
shoot"
She hastened out at the back cate,
followed by her two TRUSTEES. intendino
70 intercept the men - they paaseS
the road running beyond the orchard.
She stationed Pappis aad uncls
Charles behind the tall picket fence
and. opening ths gats. stepSs1 1noe
the road Just - the msa came ".
Stop there. please! That mare =
my property. and wish yoa 70 lsavs
her here"
Surprised. the men drew rein -
answer. Madam. We have orders .
press into the confederate service all
horses and mules that We think suit
able for the use OF the armies"
Yes, ] know; but ! would like =
see the documents containing thsss
orders"
Suppose I decline 10 show that
document" was the defiant an.
swer.
Then you can't have my mare
insist on seeing your authority before
you 20 one step further"
with oil the insoleace Imaginable
the man treated my mother 10 the b.
dignity Of q repetition Of his coaAuce
to Pappie. and. lining his coat tall. ~
tapped his pistol and replied: This
10 my authority. madam"
"And this 10 my authority Tor o.
dsring you To hitch my mare 70 thne
gate post and ride on"
with these words my mother levslsA
her pistol At him and called: "Coms,
Pappie and Uncle Charles! Whsa
give you the order. shoot! And shoot .
kill both OF these rascals!"
with = dogged. cowardly cir Tie
man leading Fannie Ellsler discount
ed. Ny mother then commanded hin
10 deposit his pistols on the grounA.
When this demand was complied With.
she found no diAhculty In compelline
his companion to do the same thine.
"Now. Uncle Charles. take chareo
OF those arms" was her sect Con,
mand.
when Uncle Charles was IN possso
sion. she told Pappie 10 BE- 10 readiness
10 nre upon her prisoners II she shosl1
give the order.
NOW SIR" addressing the covardIy
scoundrel. u viii trouble yos to
lead my mare hack 10 the rack 10
my yard and leave her whsrs you
found her"
when tho little party approaeheA
the house tho family and servants
gathered on the piAssa to welcome
Fannie Elisler. and TO congratulate mp
mot her upon the victory she had 700