Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-04-09


she graciously accepted. Then MUIR
murs OF admiration were heard. and
Cactus Bill audibly expressed his
opinion that "the dame was sure a
winner any way you liked to take
her"
What admire in a beautiful wom-
an" remarked the gratlhed colonel.
is the ability she possesses to adapt
herself 10 circumstances. as illus
trated in the present case. We are all
friends here. OF course, so we can be
comfortable. but I don't mind saying
that I shall be glad 10 reach Milton.
That little matter OF four thousand
dollars I have sewed into my-my-
In fact. my shirt-the lady can't under
stand English, gentlemen, SO I may be
pardoned for mentioning the garment
lis tax on my mind, and / want to
get IL of"
Outside the dusk OF a winters even
ing was slowly deepening into dark
ness. High up on the slope that rose
on our right stood solitary pine tree
that had pushed its way through the
rocks and now stood. by night and
day. keeping watch and ward over the
valley. The sun. long since hidden 20
the occupants OF the stage below, shot
ray as a farewell message. and for
an instant the tree was ablaze; then
the Hight died out quickly. and they
were in semi-darkness again. The road
wound its way around the face Of a
high cliff; on one side lowered a wall
OF rock sheer three hundred feet. on
the other sunk an unsoundable chasm
Slammons sat on the box, his two
lamps lit. and his tongue playing a
rapid accompaniment 10 his whip. In
side. the small reflector at the end OF
the coach only served 10 make the
night without seem darker than IL was
Silently the passengers sat smoking.
the ends OF their cigars alternately
glowing and dimming In the dingy
air. An unusual volley OF oaths from
the box, the crack OF revolver, and
then the stopping of the stage with a
lurch started them from their quiet
Then a shout from Slammons as he
spoke 20 his cattle, and voice, stern
and determined. rang from the rocks
above.
Come, none o. that Make a straight
haul for il, d--n you. Throw on that
box Lively, now; put up your hands
and get down. Everyone OF you come
out of that"
Sadly the passengers obeyed. A
pair of six-shooters. held in the hands
OF a stalwart man, whose face was
partially concealed by black mask,
FASTENED their descent, and in another
moment they were ranged in line. with
hands raised aloft. a meek, unhappy
eowed group. At one end OF the line
STOOD Slammons. swearing savagely at
his hard luck; at the other stood the
colonel, cool, impassive, dignined, con-
ndent In the security OF his concealed
treasure. The last to descend was
the widow-but a widow no longer, for
out OF the coach there sprang an &C
tive young fellow, smooth shaver,
dark, OF slender but sinewy build,
dressed in the conventional garb of
the western rider, and carrying In his
hand a nickel-plated six-shooter. And
this was Mrs. Thompson-who did not
speak English.
The former Mrs. Thompson pro-
ceeded TO search the pockets OF the
luokless travellers and relieve them of
their valuables, his associate keeping
guard meantime. Down the line he
went, doing his work quickly but care
fully. but before he was done the other
began to grow impatient
Hurry up, Bart" he said. Amt you
most through? We're late"
All done but this one" said Bart,
the quondam widow. as he halted be-
fore the colonel. He's got four thou
sand dollars sewed inside his shirt.
guess III have to pretty near rip the
old buck open to get at IT,"
Saying which he drew his knife ana
with a quick movement slipped the
point through the coloners clothing,
cut 1t wide open and withdrew the
precious package.
Il am sorry TO have Inconvenience
you. gentlemen" said the highway.