The Nevada County picayune., 1918-05-09

l Catherine scarcely spoke to him | during the rest of the walk home. He
 apologized repeatedly. saying a snake
 always gave him "the shivers."
 Its the one thing I'm afraid of" he
 declared. "I'd rather face lion than
 a snake. I've seen two men die from
 snake bites."
 She prepared to enter the house.
 T can't accept your offer" she said
 coldly. "A man must have courage to
 win my affections" Without word he mounted his
 horse and disappeared down the road,
 while she stood and watched him and
 meditated on the cruelty of fate In
 sending that snake into their path. Two weeks later the Odessa bank
 was robbed of $4,000 by lone bandit, l wearing a mask, who appeared sud l denly at noon, held up the employees at the point of gun, seized all the l money in sight and got safely away, | although several bullets were sent
 whizzing about his head. Shortly after that the stage coach | between Odessa and Bay Springs was 1 stopped by the same man and the pas sengers relieved of their valuables. 1 When one old man attempted to se- | crete his few dollars, the bandit shot | him in the leg.
 The next day the Bay Springs post l 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. l One week later Reckless stood amid a clump of trees mile from the Owens ] ranch and smoked a cigarette while l he adjusted his mask. His horse was | tethered to a nearby tree. In the dis | tance could be heard the rumbling of
 the Brento coach on the way to Odes- sa Presently 1t appeared over the
 crest of hill, and Reckless adjusted | his belt so his revolver was in easy | reach.
 His eyes on the stage coach, slowly | drawing near, Reckless was not aware | of the presence of another man,
 creeping stealthily upon him from be- hind, until the newcomer threw him. self at the outlaws shoulders. furi- | ous struggle ensued. Catherine Owens was in the kitchen washing dishes. Her mother had | joined MT. Owens, who was watching his grazing sheep. Suddenly the door at her back was thrown open, and she whirled in | fright. dropping plate to Its doom on the floor. A man wearing a mask stood | before her. From description she had read of the outlaw she recognized his | black gauntlets and his Mexican hat.
 Reckless she exclaimed. stepping | back In terror.
 He nodded.
 But what can you want here?" she
 cried. This is just sheep ranch,
 and there's no money to speak of in
 the house."
 He answered in mild, quiet tones:
 q don't want money; want you" Thereupon he took off his mask.
 Fred !" she screamed. "So you're
 the bandit. What do you want with
 me?"
 Just to marry you," he responded with smile.
 She covered her eyes with her hands.
 "Never!" she cried. Better ten 1 times a man afraid of a snake than | a miserable outlaw who shoots old men,"
 Garland laughed and tossed aside | the gauntlets and hat Reckless is on the way to Odessa l in the stage coach with two men hold | ing guns at his head" he said. II caught him while he was preparing to
 hold up the stage, and I put on these
 things just to fool you. Since I've shown a little courage, will you have
 me?"
 She stared incredulously at him, but | his eyes never fiinched before hers, | and slowly a smile crept across her | face.
 i've got to believe you" she said.
 'because I love you. You don't know | how 1 have regretted sending you
 away the other day for l realize lots
 of bra se2-4aleh---a-ss afraid of snakes. | And about the honeywell, I'll even forget that. Anyhow" she added. you
 have earned the $500 reward offered | by the Odessa bank" Garland shook his head. . 'I can't accept 1t" he replied. You see, I own the Odessa bank. I didn't tell you all my story the other day, | because-well, didn't want to be mar ried just for the cash l had"