The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-11-01
]|HN BRECKENRIDGE. ELLIS
Copyright, 1918, by the Bobbs Merrill
 


 Tie evening shadows were stretching far toward the east from the few trees that marked the dried bed of a stream Rhen the coach stopped among a col lection of novels and tents. As the horses were led away the passengers 1ismounted and both Wflfred and Red KimbaIi hurriedly drew close to La homa.
 Lahoma, however, appeared unaware of their presence. The sisters, who had taken great fancy to Lahoma, had been met by the husband of the n1dar- and they gathered about the big wagon I4ahoma was urged to gc home with them to supper. l Were only 2 little ways out" she was told, "and we'll sure get you back before the stage leaves. The victuals at the station ain't fit to eat.''
 A very little insistence induced La homa to comply, and both the young man and the former highwayman saw her go with disappointment. Kimban and his friends went into the dining hal'' to gulp down a hasty meal, and Wilfred entered with them. He re mained only a moment, however, just long enough to purchase a number of andwiches, which he stored away, as if meaning to eat them in the coach.
 As soon as he was in the single street with the door closed behind him be darted toward the stage barn and by means of a handsome deposit obtained two horses. Springing upon one, he rode rapidly from the settlement, lead ing the other, and in a short time came in sight of a cabin, which, with its out houses, was the only building in all the wide expanse. From it's appear ance he knew it to be the one described to Lahoma, and he ygalloped up to the door with the certainty of finding her within.
 "Oh, Wilfred,'' she reproached him "they'u miss you and know you've come to consult with me About warn ing Brick!''-
 Quick, Lahomav' said Wilfred, as if she had not spoken. You can ride horse. I stipposeg" He smiled, but his eyes were sparkling with impa- tience
 In flash Lahoma's face was glow ing with enthusiasm. She looked back into the room and cried, ''Goodbyi'' Then Wilfred swung her to the back ! of the led horse. ssWe'lI beat emp cried Lahoma as he sprang upon his horse. 'sFast as you please. I've nev- CT been left behind yet
 The young man noted with sudden relief that she was dressed for the hardships of the prairie
 cup fthere,'' she said, noddins her head toward the east, q dressed for people, but out here for wind and sand.''
 Looking back, she saw the family running out of the cottage, waving handkerchiefs and bonnets as in the mad joy of congratulation.
 'aThey think we're running away to- getherw shouted Wilfred, with exulta- tion. 1How happy they are at the idea !''
 s.They don't know there's nobody to object if we don't, '2returned I.ahoma gayly as she urged on her steed. Come along, Wilfred,'' she taunted as his horse fell neck behind hers. What are you staying back there for? Tired If we get into the trail before that coach starts we'll have to put on all speed"
 Doing my best,'' he called, 'sbut I made bad bargain when got this beast. This is his best lick, and it doesn't promise to last long. However. it was the only one left at the barn. AauoAAd S11SHly cHockeu Ter dA11nd1. ''That's a good thing, anyway-if there's none left those horrible men can't follow
 Wi1fred did not answer. He was sure the stage would be driven in pur- suit at breakneck speed, and from the breathing of his horse he feared ii could not long endure the contest. To be sure, Red Kimba11 and his men had no lawful excuse to offer the stage driver for an attempt to stop them, but