The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-06-12
The GIRL
BY IzoLA FORESTER.

wedge another one in here. We're
packed like sardines. now"
Claire gave her skirts a little shake
to fill in every last available inch of
space on the back seat OF the. coach.
"Oh, nonsense" laughed Lewis.
Here, Miss Richard, Just swing up
beside me. There's room for you be-
tween Ben and me-"
Old Ben made room for her gra-
ciously, and picked up his reins, whip
in one hand, waiting the starters
signal in front Of the Mountain View
hotel. Gwen was to sit there, Lew
is," complained Claire anxiously.
Gwen wants to ride inside" re-
piled Lewis quietly. Everybody
ready? We're OFT"
do you know her-Miss Richard %
asked the girl next to Claire.
81 know she's perfectly impossible"
returned Claire. Wonder what Gwen
thinks? She's been dropping poor Old
Lewis over the edge of emotional
chasms for days, and 1t serves her
right. They're Just as good as en-
gagged, and she's been absolutely hyp-
Noticed by Wayne Ivesson."
Inside the coach Gwen Arnold sat
with Ivesson. For FIVE weeks he had
been guest at the hotel, slender.
scholarly looking youngster who spent
most Of his time reading on the broad
porches or riding the mountain paths.
"It is wonderful to have you all to
myself" Ivesson said as the coach
swung down into the first gully.
you call this alone?" laughed
Gwen teasingly. wondering who the
girl was up on the box.
who is she?" asked Ivesson, al
most as If he had caught her thought.
She was not guest at the hotel, and
seemed more like a mountain type.
Lewis knows her Odd, isn't it,"
Lewis has lived up here for three
years." she answered, resentfully.
Ever heard this trip was danger
ous?'' piped up an old gentleman.
Used to be ten years ago. Almost
sure to find bandit"
Really" Gwen leaned forward
eagerly.
Il haven't carried gun in years"
went on the old gentleman cheerfully,
but I've got one along today. That
boy on the box is carrying money over
to the Cuddyhoe outfit to pay OF the
men their quarterly wages. Got 1t
from the express office. And it's some
risk to get it through even today"
Who has 1.-THE driver or-or Mr..
Stevens?" asked Gwen.
Stevens. He's a friend Of the su.
perintendent down here and the fore
man over there. Haven't got any valu.
ables along, have your
Wayne laughed and took out his
watch and purse.
Shall we take an inventory to helr
along the highwayman when we
meet himT he asked. Let us give
everything to Miss Crandall, and nj
one would ever be brave enough Il
hold her up"
Up on the box, Lewis and his two
companions watched the gulch as 4
dipped and widened, narrowed VI
again and plunged ahead, a cash IL
the heart OF the mountain. When tn,
coach swung down into the Dewitt
Kettle, 1t seemed to rock alarmingly
and stopped with jerk that sent th.
horses almost on their launches.
Inside the coach, the people startet
to rise. but found themselves neatl.
covered by revolver held by Wayn,
Ivesson. His face, usually rather pale
was flushed and his eyes were keen.
Stay where you are. all Of you," b.
commanded. miss Crandall, may
trouble you for the handbag, please?
Everything Of value had been oblia
lngly slipped into Ovens brown sea
handbag, and she hesitated. her eye
flashing into his. Outside, an olde
man on horseback stood with LEVELS
rife by the coach.
Hands up, all Of you," he callet
Come on, kid. It's all right"
And Wayne slipped down from tn
coach, but stopped, for the old ger
tleman held a revolver at his head.
Got you this trip" he said plea
antly. sit still, ladies. All RICH
Lewisl"
Lewis suddenly felt the touch {
steel in his hand. Old Ben had som
, how crumpled down at the bandit
firrt warning shot, but the girl was
his place, holding the reins. At Il
voice from the rear of the coach, Il
, | man on horseback wheeled his hort
and started on headlong gallop dow
. the gulch road. but Lewis fred aft,
| him, bringing the horse to his knee
! and he lay motionless with his rid
Z under him
1t had all happened 80 suddenly tn
!. the girls and women had watched Il
scene in silent horror. Claire W,
D first to note the surprising change
a the girl on the box. Her hat was o
1 She was short-haired and boyish, al
b was on the ground laughing and tai
n ing while Wayne was bound hand al
/. foot.
Gwen waited. white faced and trC
q bled. Finally Lewis came to her 81
e and she laid her hand impulsively
q his coat sleeve-such little motto
e but it betrayed to him all of
thoughts. He laid one hand over
d closely.
v Well. grille, I'm sorry. you ran in
b, this. We've been expecting it
months. We came prepared. The
d were two of the sheriff's men W
me, Baker on the inside. as the
sr man, and young Carter outside W
p me, dressed as the girl. Were y