Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-05-13
The
Highwayman
BY Mabel Chase England
copyright, 1912, by Associated Literar.
PresS.)


Yer money or yer life! Hold up,
ladyt"
The woman repressed startled i'm
pulse to scream. Then her INFORM
fearlessness. coupled with an impa-
tent contempt for the ill-judgment
that would hope to find money on her.
broke forth in one crisp ADMIRATION.
"Oh, don't be an idjit!" she said
The raised club wavered impercepti-
bly, as its mufned owner stroTe 20
shape his mind to this unexpected re
ception Of his threat. Had this soll-
tary female some unseen guard IN her
wake? He glanced suspiciously along
the dark road.
u said. yer money er yer life,' he
repeated, somewhat uncertainty.
We'll, you kin go on sayin' all night
if it amuses you. Lemme past!
The masked figure gave one final
look into the dark
Jaw. stow that" he growled. None
o. yer sass. old lady! You're jest the
kind wot carries a wad in their stock
in. Cough up now! l amt had a
square meal in three days"
The woman clutched tightly small
plush bag which she carried.
II amt got no wad." she retorted
decisively. but got a nice little
dineymite bomb in this here bag thatll
blow you where you won't want meals
for some time. You'll be too much &C.
cupied kepin' COOL"
AS she raised the bag threateningly
the man drew back. The arm holding
the club fell to his side.
go OH wont touch YOU he
grumbled sulkily You amt got no
dineymite, but darned if | don't ad.
mire yer pluck You mind me Of
He watched her as she stalked off
into the dark. strange half-forgotten
memories stirring within him. Sud
denly grin widened his mouth
by Jingoes! She's comm back!
What's eatin' herr"
The woman approached with decis-
ion.
You got me nervous now" she adj
mitted grudginsly. though amt
afraid of you. somehow. But If you're
dyin' to make use Of that there stick
of yours you can come along to pro-
tect me- There's bad place up the
road bit"
Sure" His heart warmed unac-
countably at this evidence OF femln-
unity in the valiant female. 1t was a
long time since he had been called on
for protection. or help in any form.
Unconsciously he squared his shoul
ders, threw back his head. as he
stepped brisliiy out beside her.
I'll give you good square meal
when We git home" she promised him
Hungry as he honestly WIS. the Of
fer. with It's hint OF reward, in some
subtle way offended him.
"You needn't mind / kind git
along" he answered loftily.
She glanced at him curously.
How long have you been doing
this?"
WHAT"
"Why, this here highway robbery
business"
That's tellin'." he grinncd
Il imagine you're new at It," she
persisted.
"Why?" Indignantly.
"Oh. you're sort Of kind an nice
You. amt no hardened criminal" she
vouchsafed, the vile of the eternal
feminine nconQuerable even in this
uncertain situation.
The man felt an added warmth per-
'meatc his entire being. 4 sudden de-
sire to stand we'll with this fearless,
yet distinctly Appealing individual
surged up within him.
Suddenly she started Ssh. What's
that?"
They had reached the bad part"
place where the road wound through a
dense growth of forest. thick with I'm.
dcrbrush and dark with IN appalling
darkness. Again came the cracking
rs Of q heavy body pushing through
the brush. She clutched his arm merry
ously.
Don't be skeered." he treasured
her. It's nothin' but some animile
prowlin'." He put his hand protect.
ingly over hers. 1t felt aprealingly
small in his powerful grasp. a rush
of memories swept over him. render
ing him suddenly solicitous for the
woman IT his side.
What are you dom Of, anyway,
alone in the pitch dark on 4 road like
this?" he queried.
II haven't met nothin' worse than
you, so far"
He coughed, suddenly abashed.
That's so"
An wish you'd take OF that crazy
mask. 1t makes Tie feel like a com
plice. walkin' along with it," She drew
away Indignantly.
Sure" He tore of the strip OF
black cloth oblisingly and put it in