Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-10-08

self, and his men were quick to follow
their leader.
What chance had law and order.
even the emblem of great govern
ment, in the face of madness? And
these were nothing better now that
they had had taste of the pulQue.
While Mark Smith acknowledged
this, he set his jaw tight and, mount
ing his horse. rode from one to another
OF the outlying ranches. giving warn
ing of the coming raid. He advised
his neighbors TO gather at his place.
His line was drawn closer as be
neared the town. and at last there
remained only one house. that of James
Bradley.
Ellen's father was at the gate when
Mark rode up.
I've heard all about 1t. What's your
plan. Mark?' he asked.
Gather all the women and children
at my place with an armed guard.
want the men to go with me to meet
VadosN try to wipe him out before
he does any damage. I've sent
couple OF messengers to Arko TO teie-
graph for assistance from FL Paso.'
Good. I'll hitch up and bring my
folks over. hope you'll let me be on
the skirmish line" added the old man
wistfully.
"Suit yourself. but we need steady
head to hold the fort. you know" smil-
ed Mark YEARLY.
Just at sunset the last OF the fugi-
tives rode through the gate of Mark
Smiths ranch. 1t was a very martial
sight that met their eyes. and It re-
newed courage in many a timid heart
From every peak of the roof there
was a standard from which waved the
stars and stripes. Every window had
its pole with fiuttering flag. and even
the stables were breaking out in pa
triotic colors. On either side Of the
gate was tall pole. where two large
flags waved protectingly over the refu-
gees.
James Bradley and his wife had
come over in a blackboard with some
of their most precious belongings.
where is EllenY" asked Smith as
he assisted Mrs. Bradley to the ground.
Ellen's parents cast startled glances
around.
"why. isn't she here? She started
of on her horse and said she would
get here first"
''Ill fetch her." gritted Mark savage
~, and, throwing himself on horse,
he tore away toward the town.
But in the deserted town there was
no trace of Ellen Bradley. Mark found
himself riding frantically in pursuit OF
the girl who had houted him for a
within. At last he dashed toward the
river and followed fresh trail along
the bank. Possibly Ellen was taking
the longer way, but she must know it
was a dangerous way today. Vados
might be lying in ambush, waiting for
the friendly night to cover his move
ments.
1t was dark when he reached the
. river. Here a strange sight met his
startled eyes.
This was the narrowest part, and It
was here that the outlaws would cross
If they were to reach Smiths ranch
that night, as they had threatened. A
narrow wooden bridge spanned the
river.
A dark bulk of shadow resolved into
a stationary horse and white clad
rider. Above the rider there appeared
to float in midair large transparency
with the stars and stripes painted WV
idly on four sides. Within the trans
parency there burned a light that
threw the flags into strong relief.
Mark Smith had carried that trans.
parency in the last political campaign.
That was not all.
There was an ominous cracking. with
the smell of burning wood. Suddenly
the bridge burst into flames and dis
closed on the opposite bank para
lyzed group Of rufiians. vados and his
band. They stared at the motionless
figure CARRIED In white unfolding the
glowing transparency. then ut the
burning bridge. and with one accord
they turned and fed in drunken terror
toward the hills. Another day would
find their heads clearer and their cour-
age renewed and they might return to
Yeager. but by that time the troops
would have arrived.
Now Smith rode up to the motion
less white figure on the horse and
found It TO be Ellen Bradley.
She was crying with terror even
while she bravely upheld the emblem
OF an indomltable country.
my girl-my own girl!' cried Mark
as he lifted her from the horse and
held her. together with the pole of the
transparency. tightly IN bis arms. Ths
transparency waved triumphantly over
them as he kissed her again and again.
IL wanted to be worthy OF you and
the name." sobbed Ellen on his shout.
der. III they must call me Mrs. Old
Glory Smith / want to be worthy OF
the name" She laughed weakly.
They will think you brave enough
TO be called another Molly Pitcher
cried her lover warmly.
But the Yeagerites compromised BY
clubbing her Miss Star Spangled Ban.
ner' until she actually became Mrs..
"old Glory" Smith