The Winslow mail., 1913-06-21

on the brake, Wnen the stage took
sudden plunge down a sloping bank
where the valley perceptibly narrowed.
To the left, beyond a fat expanse Of
brown, sun-scorched grass, flowed
the widely-spreading waters of the Ar
kansas, barely covering the treacher-
Gus sandy bottom, and from the other
side came the more distant CLEAN of
alkali plains; to the right arose the
bluffs, here both steep and rugged,
completely shutting off the view, bar
rem of vegetation except for a few
scattered patches of grass. Suddenly
man rode out of rift in the bank,
directly in front, and held up his hand.
Surprised, startled, the driver in
simultaneously clamped on his brake,
and brought his horses to a quick
stop; the conductor, nearly flung from
his seat, yanked his gun forward.
None of that now," called out the
man in saddle quickly, both hands up
lifted to show their emptiness. This
is no hold-up. I've got news"
He spurred his pony forward slow
~, the animal seemingly barely able
to move, and swung out of the saddle
beside the front wheel, staggering
bit as though mis- limbs were cramped
as his feet felt the ground.
I'm from Fort Union" he said,
Seventh Cavalry, sent through by
way of Cimarron Springs. There is
hell to pay west of here; the stations
at Arkansas Crossing and Low Water
were burned last night"
''The devil you say" burst out the
driver hoarsely, his startled eyes
sweeping the horizon "Injuns?'
Sure, plenty of signs, but l haven't
seen any bucks myself. AS soon as 1
discovered what had happened at the
Crossing l struck out on to the pla-
teau, and came around that way to
warn those fellows at Low Water. But
when l got sight of that station from
off the bluffs yonder it had been wiped
out. Then 1 thought about this stage
going west today, and came on to meet
you. Must have ridden hundred an
twenty miles since yesterday; the
mustang is all in"
Moylan stuck his head out the near
est window.
Look like they had much of fight
at the Crossing?" he asked.
mot much; more like night raid;
two whites killed, and scalped. The
third man either was taken away, or
his body got burnt in the building
Horses all gone"
What tribe?"
"Arapahoes, from the way they
scalped; that's what made it so seri-
ous-if those Northern Indians have
broken loose there is going to be war
this time for sure"
The men on the box looked at each
other questioningly.
Il don't see no use tryin' to go on,
Jake, do you?" asked the driver sober
ly. Even If we do git through. thar
amt no hosses to be had"
The other shook his head, rubbing
his gun-stock.
Most likely those same red devils
are layin' for us now somewhar be-
tween yere an Low Water; whar the
trail runs in between them two big
mot havin' no ha'r to lose, I'm fer
goin' back"
With an oath of relief, the driver re-
leased his brake and skilfully swung
the leaders around, the coach groan-
ing as it took the sharp turn. The
man on the ground caught swiftly
passing glimpse of the young wom-
ans face within, and strobe .hurriedly
forward as the coach started.
Hold on there, pardner," he COM
manded sternly, This poor bronc'
won't travel another mile There's
plenty of room for me inside, and I'll
turn the tired devil loose. Hold on,
I say!"
The driver once again slapped on
the brake, growing and reluctant, his
anxious eyes searching the trail in
both directions. Hamlin quietly un-
cinched his saddle, f1inging it to the
coach roof; the bride followed, and
then, with slap on the haunch of the
released animal, he strode to the stage
door, thrust his Henry rifle within,
and took the vacant seat beside Con
zales. With a sudden crack of the
drivers whip the four horses leaped
forward, and the coach careened on
the slope of the trail, causing the pas
sengers to clutch wildly to keep from
being precipitated into mass on the
floor. AS the traces Strengthened,
Miss Molly, clinging desperately to
strap, caught her first fair glance at
the newcomer. His hat was tilted
back, the light revealing lines of
WEAKNESS and coating of the gray,
powdery dust of the alkal desert, but
beneath it appeared the brown, sun
scorched skin, while the gray eyes
looking straight at her, were resolute
and smiling. His rough shirt, open at
the throat, might have been the prod
uct of any suffers counter; he wore
no jacket, and the broad yellow stripe
down the leg of the faded blue trou-
sers alone proclaimed him a soldier.
He smiled across at her, and she low
cred her eyes, while his glance wan
5orod on toward tho Otborc