The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-12-10
Copyright. 1914. by the
LUBIN MANUFACTURING COMPANY

note that had sent me away. It told
me that she did love me and always
would. that she knew ! would realize
that that other note was forced from
her md that | would look in the old
tree for her true hearts message. And
| had not looked.
81 found her--my lane-on the poor
farm. Her hair was white hut TO me
she was as fair as on the day she first
kissed me. forty years ago. and when
! looked into her eyes saw the same
light shining.
Now youll understand. stranger
why I'm kinder foolish maybe.
1T gets feller sort Of stirred up
bubbly-lilSe. TO suddenly lind that he
is to be happy at the end of such sad
and long journey when he wasn't look
in for anything but the same old ach
ing pain. for We are goin to be happy.
my old sweetheart and me.
I've sold my claim for enough TO
buy snug little cottage and take care
o us as long as We live. I've got IL
right here in this old billbook-the
price Of happiness and peace and rest
for me and Jane"
From his coat old Silas produced a
fat pocketbook, patted IT fondly and
carefully slowed it away. he lapsed
into happy revery.
Cecil smiled. with moist eyes. On
the seat just in front man sat with
hat pulled low over furtive, glittering
glances. This man was sometimes
known as Sykes. However, he really
was entitled to the honorary title gen
orally bestowed-h his friends and ad
mirers invariably referred to him as
Bad" Sykes.
Bad Sykes thin lips writhed into Il
grin of eager greed
Ahead of the locomotive man SUD
denly stepped into the middle of the
track and waved Il red flag. The emer.
gency brakes screamed. and the train
came to a humping halt.
The erstwhile fiagman covered the
engine crew with two heavy Colts
Several stubble bearded gentlemen
suddenly arose from the bushes along
side the track and climbed into the
express car. as though on imperative
business.
At the FIRST bite of the brakes Bad
Sykes had thrown aside his mask of
repose He arose swiftly. with both
hands filled"
"All hands up-keep 'em up-march
out the back door an line up long the
track he ordered. and was obeyed.
Lord Cecil felt distinctly gratified.
This was just the sort of thing one
had right to expect in America.
Personally he could suffer little from
any number OF holdups. his money be-
ing of such denominations and guam.
tity as would have provoked the con-
tempt of sneak thief.
Really they would think 1t deucedly
amusing at the club
Cecil WAS at the end of the line
which had formed up along the right
Of way. Next 10 him was old Silas.
Mr.. Sykes had begun at the other
end and worked his way down with
dispatch. the passengers dropping their
seemed. into the bag which was held
to receive them.
Silas contributed small roll of bills
with. shaking hand
Dig up that wallet quickw Mr
Sykes snared. and his revolver men
aced.
Old Silas glanced about wildly, as
though contemplating fight. but the
black muZzle stared unwinkingly into
bis face.
"Quickw Mr.. Sykes prompted. and
about his eyes came the tiny Fuckers
that just precede the Tightening of a
finger on trigger.
With the joy of life stricken from his
face, old Sllas dropped the wallet into
the gaping bag.
"An' that watch" Mr.. Sykes prompt.
ed Lord Cecil. and the watch was add.
ed to the other booty.
"Oh. God! My Jane-I can't take
you now-always-the poor farm!'
The broken. sobbing whisper was
close at Lord Cecil's side
A flame seemed to leap through his
veins. and for an instant a red veil
obscured his vision. There was n
movement in the line toward the other
I end
keep STILL therer' Mr.. Sykes roared
and turned eyes and gun toward the
disorder.
To the point of the jaw. swiftly.
Lord Cecil struck. and Bad Sykes drop
ped suddenly.
In an instant Cecil had possessed
himself of his guns.
Keep still. every one! Tie this chap.
Watch the bag" he snapped and duck
ed under the coach.
With swift lightness. Lord Cecil ran
the length Of the train.
/ As he slipped round the engine the
bandit guarding the crew sprang back
with startled yell. and his bullet cut
lock from Cecil's head.
Then he pitched stiffly on to his face.
and Cecil. flaming weapon in either
hand, was facing the storm of bullets
sent at him by the bandits leaping
from the express car.
Suddenly the battle was at an end
| One of the men by the express car