The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-11-02
j]HN BRECKENRIDGE ELLIS
Copyright, 1918, by the 5obbs- Merr
 Company.


 was going to do it till I was down, Lit on my feet anyhow. Why don t you come to meet me2'
 "EThis miserable beast won't move foot. Come and hold him, Lahoma, while I examine in front to ind out what's scared him.
 .sAu right. Where are you? Can you find my hand?''
 "Can.t IT. retorted Wilfred, clasping it in tight grasp.
 "GfaciouS, how wet we arer she painted. "and blown about, and frozen" '<And scolded,' he added p1aintively. "But Wilfred. it never entered my mind that I was the little girl. Would I have brought up the subject if had known- the truth? never would That's why I felt you took advantage A man ought to bring up the subject himself, even if I am a girl out west and"-
 'fEut Lahoma'-
 And not another word do I want you to say about it. Ever-at least, to- night Please, Wilfred, so I can think abollt it. I'll hold the horse-you go and find out what's the, matter.
 Besides, you said-you know you said, when we were strolling-that--- that I didn't understand such matters. And that you'd tell me when it was time''-
 Its time now, Lahoma-time for you to be somebody's sweetheart-and you said-you know you said, when. we were strolling-that I'd fill the bill for you"
 But. I brought up the subject my self, and I mean t6 close it, right short of, for it's a man subject Oh, how trembly. this horse is!''
 "But, Lahoma!''
 "Wel1, what is it?"
 ''I just wanted to say your name. '' He started away. "It sounds good to me-
 ~Yes, it stands for oklahono.
 e'It stands for much more than that!' he called.
 "Yes,'' she persisted in misunder- standing him, something big and grand"
 .'Not so big he cried, now at some distance, but whaN there's room for more than Brick and Bill in the coEer' If she answered the wind drowned her words. With extended arms he groped along the trail with exceeding caution. Suddenly his foot touched an object which, on -examination, proved to be a human body, a gaping wound in it's breast. A z Found anything?'' called Lahoma. her voice shivering.
 He rose quickly and almost stumbled over another object. It was a second body, stifenede in death.
 t'I'n be there in 9 minute,'' he called his voice grave and steady. After a
  of the horses, It's dead.''
 "Oh, oh!'-she exclaimed. They've driven it to deathr'
 Wilfred had found a bullet hole be hind it's ear, but he said nothing.
 Suddenly the horse held by Lahoma gave a plunge, broke away and went ga1loping back over the trail they had traversed, pursued by Lahoma's cry. of dismay. q couldn't hold himr' she gasped. sIe lifted me clear off the groundi"
 Wilfred was also dismayed, but he preserved an accent of calm as he felt his way toward her, uttering encour- agement for which their condition of fered no foundation. But his forced cheerfulness suddenly changed to real congratulation when his extended hand struck against an upright wheel. ''Lahoma,S here's the stagecoach. It's standing just as we saw. it last, except for the horses
 -sThe .stagecoaehI'' she marveled, com ing toward him. 'tOh, WiIfred! I see now what's happened. One of the : horses dropped dead, and Red Kimball and his men jumped on the other three. But I wonder what became of the driver2''
 
 Get insider' he ordered '"Thank God. we've found something that we can get inside of! That'H shelter us till morning anyway, and then we can determine what's to be done..''
 Once in the coach they were safe from the. wind, and there was no help for the discomfort of soaking garments, but Wilfred lighted a reserve lantern and placed it in corner; while thick leather cushions and stage blankets of fered some prospect of rest
 As no plans could be formed until morning revealed their real plight, they agreed that all conversation should be foregone in order to recuperate from the hardships of the day for the trials of tomorrow, and Lahoma soon fell asleep.