Year: 1879




al fear could not get back before the
bandits would be there. That dust in the
distance, suppose, is caused by the band.
Perhaps they may not injure the child"


But" cried the mother, frantically,
"they have sworn to kill every man wom-
an and child in the house. If they should
spare her, they would carry her of into
slavery, which would be even worse. Oh,
my child, my child p


al know not what to do" exclaimed the
bewildered father.
| "There is but one thing that can be DONE"
said the young officer. I'll ride back, and
rescue her if it be in my power"


"God bless you, colonel, God bless you
May heaven reward you'll" exclaimed the
mother, her eyes filling with tears as she
saw the noble young fellow turn his horse and
gallop down the road.


The colonel galloped on till he reached
the settlers house. Then riding around to
the back he looked in through the open
window. There lay the child upon the floor
asleep, grasping her doll.


"oh, Colonel Charlie, where's my NAM
ma ?" cried the child when he awakened
her.


"Your mother has gone away but have
come to take you to her. Now, come to the
window, ana will lift you on the horse.
Be quick"


Lifting her up before him, he clasped her
firmly about the waist, and turning his
horses head, plunged up the road.


He could plainly distinguish the bandits
now as they were moving towards the
house.


He had ridden about half mile when the
Mexican bandit caught sight of him. They
Immediately changed their course. Not di-
rectly towards him, but so as to intercept
him about midway between the settlers
home and the camp.


The colonel understood their movement,
and knew they had a shorter distance to
ride. For o moment he hesitated and
looked back; but in that instant he decided
to move forward, for he saw several strag-
glers Of the band had already reached the
| house.


"My horse is faster than any of theirs"
he muttered, "and that is my only hope
Now, Hero" he said to the thoroughbred, as
he patted the horse IS arehed neck, "you have
a hard ride before you. Now, do your level
best, old boy"


The horse seemed to understand for he
pricked up his ears, and shook his head as
eager for the race.


"Now, my little girl, put your arms about
me, and hold on tight. You are not afraid,
are your"


"No; not with you," she replied, as she
looked up into the young fellows handsome
face.


The next moment the thoroughbred was
flying at rapid pace. The bandits saw it,
and with wild yell urged their horses at
full speed.


Rapidly they shortened the distance be-
tween them until they are not more than a
mile and half apart. The colonel saw it
was a critical moment. He glanced toward
the camp; he saw the wagons had already
arrived, and the soldiers were out in front of
the tents eagerly watching the race.


He grasped the little girls waist till he
hurt her, then bracing himself firmly in the
stirrups, he gave wild yell at the horse.
The animal sprang into the air, and the
next moment it was flying over the plains
at such rate that one misstep would have
been fatal.


Each moment they came closer together; /;
the colonel was gaining rapidly on them !;
but he had much longer distance to ride.


The excitement among the soldiers in front
of the tents grew intense as each moment
brought them closer ard closer. A DEATH
like silence fell upon the men as the critical
moment drew near.


"He is lost" said one of the soldiers


A tear stood in many an eye; for the
colonel was favorite with them all.


"Look! look!" shouted several of the
men.


Yes, look When the bandits were al
most upon him, the horse suddenly gave
splendid burst of speed worthy of his blood.
Was he running or hying2 He was down
TO his work at last.


The next moment both parties leaped in
to the hollow that lay between them and
the camp, and were lost tn view.


Silently the soldiers watched the hollow.
They knew it was now question of life and
death, and eagerly, almost breathlessly,the
watched the result.


The next moment the colonel camo full
in view from the hollow. A low cheer al
most involuntarily burst from the men
but it soon subsded, for it was now the para
mount moment. lie was passing the Mexi-
cans at about seventy yards They raised
their gun and fired.


Did he reel or fall MOI hewas still firm
| ly seated in the saddle,


A loud cheer broke from !he soldiers, that
rang far over the plains. The band gave
chase but rapidly he widened the distance
between them.


"The colone's safe, cried the men. But
he was not.


He was rapidly approaching a growth of
willows near a pool Of water, when sudden
ly a mounted Mexican sprang from behind
| him armed with revolver, 1t looked as if
he had escaped one danger but to fall into
another. He had no chance to defend him
self One arm was about the girl, with the
other he had to grasp the bridlei and even
if he could use it, he could not get at his re-
volver. If he laid the child on the ground,
before he could defend himself and get her
again the bandits would be upon him. So
he concluded to press onward.


The villain rushed toward him, exclaim-