The log cabin Democrat., 1916-05-03
THE GIRL By !ZOLA FORESTER.

q don't see how on earth you can wedge another one in here. We're packed like sardines, now
 Claire gave her skirts little shake to fill in every last available inch of mace on the back seat of the coach.
 "Oh. nonsense" laughed Lewis. Here, Miss Rickard, 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 off"
 Do you know her-Miss Rickard?" asked the girl next to Claire.
 "I 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 it serves her right. They're just as good as en- gagged, and she's been absolutely hyp- notized by Wayne Ivesson."
 Inside the coach Gwen Arnold sat with Ivesson. For five weeks he had been a guest at the hotel, a slender, scholarly looking youngster who spent most of his time reading on the broad porches or riding the mountain paths.
 Tt 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.
 T 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 off 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 Mir 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 you?"
 Wayne laughed and took out his watch and purse.
 Shall we take an inventory to help along the highwayman when we meet him?' he asked. Let us give everything to Miss Crandall, and no one would ever be brave enough to hold her up."
 Up on the box, Lewis and his two companions watched the gulch as it dipped and widened, narrowed up again and plunged ahead, a gash in the heart Of the mountain. When the coach swung down into the Devils Kettle, 1t seemed to rock alarmingly, and stopped with jerk that sent the horses almost on their launches.
 Inside the coach, the people started to rise. but found themselves neatly covered by revolver held by Wayne lvesson. His face, usually rather pale, was flushed and his eyes were keen.
 Stay where you are. all of you" he commanded. Miss Crandan, may I trouble you for the handbag, please?"
 Everything of value had been oblig- ingly slipped into Gwen's brown seal handbag, and she hesi.ated. her eyes flashing into his. Outside, an older man on horseback stood with leveled rife by the coach.
 Hands up. all of you,' he called. Come on, kid. It's all right"
 And Wayne slipped down from the coach. but stopped, for the old gen. tleman held revolver at his head.
 Got you this trip" he said pleas antly. "Si: still, ladies. All right, Lewis!"
 Lewis suddenly felt the touch of steel in his hand. Old Ben had some how crumplcd down at the bandits first warning shot. but the girl was in his place, holding the reins. At the voice from the rear of the coach, the man on horseback wheeled his horse and started on headlong gallop down the gulch road. but Lewis fired after him, bringing the horse to his knees. and he lay motionless with his rider under him
 It had all happened so suddenly that the girls and women had watched the scene in silent horror. Claire was first to note the surprising change , the girl on the box. Her hat was She was short-haired and boyish, and was on the ground laughing and talk | H.