The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-07-11
The
Highwayman
BY Mabel Chase England
Copyright, 1912, by Associated Literary
Press.)


LADY,"
The woman repressed startled I'M
pulse to scream. Then her Unborn
fearlessness. coupled with an impa-
tient contempt for the ill-judgment
that would hope to find money on her.
broke forth In one crisp adjuration.
"Oh. don't be an idjit!" she said.
The raised club wavered impercepu-
bly, as its muffied owner strove to
shape his mind to this unexpected re-
ception OF his threat. Had this soil
tary female some unseen guard In her
wake? He glanced suspic.ously along
the dark road.
Il said. yer money er yer life" he
repeated, somewhat uncertainty
We'll. you kin go on sayin' all night
II 1t amuses you. Lemme past"
The masked figure gave one final
look into the dark.
"Aw. 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
square meal m three days"
The woman clutched tightly small
plush bag which she carried.
Il amt got no wad," she retorted
decisively. but l 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 oc-
cupied kepin' cool"
AS she raised the bag threateningly
the man drew back. The arm holding
the club fell to his side.
go on won't touch you" he
grumbled sulkily. You amt got no
dineymite, but darned II I 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 ad-
mitted grudgingly, though l 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 a bad place up the
road bit"
Sure" His heart warmed unac-
countably at this evidence of femin-
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 shout
ders. threw back his head. as he
stepped briskly out beside her.
"I'll give you good square meal
when we git home" she promised him.
Hungry as he honestly was, the Of
fer. with It's hint Of reward. in some
subtle way offended him.
You. needn't mind. I kind git
along" he answered loftily.
She glanced at him curiously.
How long have you been doing
this?"
WHAT"
"Why, this here highway robbery
business"
That's tellin'," he grinned.
Il imagine you're new at It," abe
persisted.
Why" Indignantly.
ooh. you're sort Of kind an nice
You amt no hardened criminal" she
vouchsafed. the vile Of the eternal
feminine unconquerable even In this
uncertain situation.
The man felt an added warmth per
meate his entire being. A 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" q
place where the road wound through q
dense growth of forest. thick with un
derbrush and dark with an appalling
darkness. Again came the cracking
as of n heavy body pushing through
the brush. She clutched his arm nerv
ously.
Don't be skeered." he treasured
her. Its nothin' but some animile
prowlin'" He put his hand protect
ingly over hers. 1t felt appealingly
small In his powerful grasp. A rush
OF memories swept over him. render
ing him suddenly solicitous for the
woman at his side.
What are you dom of, anyway
alone in the pitch dark on a road like
this?" he queried.
81 haven't met nothin' worse thar
you. so far"
He coughed. suddenly abashed.
That's So"
AN wish you'd take off that crazy
mask 1t makes me feel like com
plice, walkin' along with IT." She drew
away Indignantly.
Sure" He tore off the strip OF
black cloth obligingly and put 1t In
his pocket,
Il used to belong to these parts" he
offered pacifically after short 81
lence.
"'Twasn't no fault Of the parts
then, reckon"
"Haw-haw!" He laughed enjoying
ly. by Cricky! but you mind me OF
Say, of course It's fifteen year
now an s'pose she amt here nc
more. but did you ever hear of'-he
hesitated between a strong reluctance
to speak the name and a burning de
sire to know" Of Indy Rastall-as