The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1918-06-14

= rnahe I've zen Two men Ole from
snake bites"
She prepared 70 enter the house.
Il can't accept your onfer." she said
coldiy. "A hi must have courage 10
win my affections"
without a word he mounted his
horse ana disappeared down the road.
while she stood and watched him and
medltated on tho cruelty Of fate IN
sending that snake into their path.
Two weeks later the Odessa bank
was robbed Of $4,000 by a lone bandit.
wearing a mask. who appeared sud.
denly NJ noon, held up the employees
at the point Of n gun. seized all the
money In sight and got safely away,
although several bullets were sent
whizzlng about his head.
Shortly after that the stage coach
between Odessa and bay Springs was
stopped by the same man and the pas.
scngers relieved OF their valuables.
When one old man attempted ito Sc
crete his few dollars, the bandit shot
him In the leg.
The ncx day the Hay Springs post
office was visited by the outlaw. who.
on account Of his daring, had earned
the cognomen Of "Reckless." The post
office paid him a forced toll OF $500.
One week later Reckless stood amid
a clump Of trees q mile from the Owens
ranch and smoked n cigarette while
he adjusted his mask. His horse was
tethered TO a nearby tree. In the dis
lance could be heard the rumbllng OF
the Brento coach on the way TO odes.
"a. Presently u appeared over the
crest Of a hill, and Reckless adjusted
his belt 10 his revolver was IN easy
reach.
His yes on the stage coach, slowly
drawing near, Reckless wal not aware
OF the presence OF another man,
creeping stealthily upon him from be-
hind. until the threw him.
self at the outlaws shoulders. A furi.
u struggle ensued.
Catherine Owens was IN the kitchen
washing dishes. Her mother had
Joined Mr.. Owens. who was watching
his grazing sheep.
suddenly the door at her back was
thrown open, and she whlrled In
fright. dropping a plate TO lie doom on
the floor. A man wearing a mask stood
before her. From description she had
read Of the outlaw she recognised his
black gnuntlets and his Mexican hat.
"RecklessT she exclaimed. stepping
back In terror.
He nodded.
But what can you want heref" shs
cried. This IL Just a sheep ranch.
and there's no money to speak Of In
the house"
He answered In mild. quiet tones:
II don't van money I want you"
Thereupon he took on his mask.
"fredl" she screamed. 80 you're
the bandit. What do you want with
meT'
Just to marry you" he responded
with n smile.
She covered her Eyes with her
hands.
"NeyerT' she cried. Better ten
times IA nan afraid OF a snake than
a miserable outlaw who shoots old
men"
Garland laughed and tossed aside
the gauntlets aud hat
Reckless il on the way 10 Odessa
In the stage coach with two men hold.
Ing guns at his head" he said. II
caught him while he was preparing 20
hold up the stage, and I put on these
things Just 10 fool you. Since I've
shown a little courage, will you have
met"
She stared incredulously nj him. but
his eyes never finehed before hers.
and slowly . smile crept across her
face.
"rve got to believe you" she said.
because l love you. You don't know
how ! have regretted sending you
away the other day for l realize lots
OF brave men are afraid OF snakes.
And about the money-well. III even
forget that. Anyhow" she added. you
earned the $500 reward offered
by the Odessa bank"
Garland shook his head.
II can't accept H." he replied. "You
see. | own the Odessa bank. I didn't
tell you all my story the other day.
becnuse-well, | didn't want 10 be mar
ricd just for the cash I had"