Smyrna times., 1915-08-11

PENNSYLVANIA PETE
BY LEIGH CURTIS

Sherir Heckers daughter peered
into his office and. finding him deem
In discussion with a dozen keen-faeed
men, went on her way without inter.
rupting him.
Anne paused and read the notice
recently nailed to the door of the
sheriffs Office:
500 REWARD
For the capture OF Peter Fmmons
alias pennsylvania Pete, escaped
from Draynor state prison Friday
night. June 4. Height feet 10
inches; fair complexion. blue eyes.
Anne read no further: there was a
scraping of chairs on the boards
within and she flew around to the |
tree where her horse was tied. In
a moment she was galloping down the
trail toward Lost river
Lost river was busy. rushing little
stream. Anne took her sketching block
from the saddle bags and sat down
against a huge bowlder There were
several Of these powders heaped
roughly together and half concealed
by ragged mesquite.
Don't be frightened" said a mans
voice at her ear Il wonder II you
happen to have any whisky or any
thing"
Pale faced. her heart beating like
a triphammer, Anne stared down into
the mesquite beside her.
All she could see was a mans white
/
tainted while speaking to her
With hand on her heart she parted
the bushes and saw that he was fair
haired and sunburned, and-yes-quite
desperate looking.
And In that moment came the clat-
ter OF hOOfs as the posse reached
Lost river in search OF Pennsylvania
Pete.
Her fathers angry voice hailed her
What in blazes are you doing down
here. Amer" he called Get back
home at once. This Is no place for
you"
Very we'll. dad" said Anne calmly.
Have you got your gum" demanded
the sheriff. anxiously.
Anne produced the efficient little au-
tomato weapon.
But she did not rise until the sherif
and his posse had disappeared in Lost
River canyon and all sounds had
stilled Then she looked down at the
face and saw that it was turned to-
ward her. The man had regained con-
sciousness
Il will give you some whisky said
Anne. in a low tone. and she brought
a small flask from her saddle bags.
Il am Anne Hecker. the sheriffs
daughter"
The sherif's daughter! Thank you.
Miss Hecker. And who am /. please?"
Your description is posted all over
the county" said Anne. and l am a
. criminal because am helping you TO
escape"
Who am -" he insisted
Pennsylvania Pete" she replied i'm
patiently.
y Am To- he asked curiously. do
you remember the description"
Some Of five feet ten inches
blue eyes. why. your eyes are brown!'
she exclaimed. excitedly.
Exactly"
Then you can't be Pennsylvania
Pete."
"Hardly-but wish were!"
"Why?"
II wouldn't be lying helpless her
with this ankle"
"Oh. forgot You must think m,
cruel to neglect you. will rub SOM
Of this whisky on it-so-and. hav
you a Observation-Disclosures There
that is an improvised bandage. Nov
will you try to get on my horse?
will lead you to my fathers house"
This was test OF his sincerity.
No outlaw would willingly visI
Sherif Hecker.
There was much excitement whe
Anne came toiling up the trail leadin
her horse, on which sat the droopin
stranger.
The sheriff and his posse had r
turned after a futile chase and the
first glimpse OF Anne and her cor
panion sent them whooping to me-
her.
IT declare II she hasn't caugl
himl" yelled Hen Loper.
Don't be silly" said Anne cooll
Il found this gentlman suffering fro
a sprained ankle. Father, will "
help him into the house? Hen. plea
telephone for the doctor"
Open mouthed they obeyed her col
mands.
Sheriff Hecker had a brief conyers
. ton with the stranger and came gri
ming into the next room. where NJ
was heating a can OF broth for {
newcomer.
who do you suppose that is?'
nodded over his shoulder.
Pennsylvania Pete after all?" s
gasped.
mot on your life. It's the governo
Governor"
Governor OF the state-been ST
- rFns Lost N