From the Depths.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXI, Issue 12480, 17 September 1904, Page 2 (Supplement)

From the Depths.

(Bv Mis Edna H. Bull en.) Along the narrow trail, at a tremendous pace, rode a young man in cowboy costume, mounted on his tough little mustang. Arriving at a narrow ledge, he slowed the horse to a walk and allowed that trained animal to pick its way over the treacherous pass. This pass was known as " Devil's Ledge," one of the most dangerous places for miles around, for on one side was the almost perpendicular wall, on the other the deep chasm. Once across he was about to start the horse into a gallop, when a slight noise in the bushes caused him to stop. Ever alert for danger, the man grasped his revolver. Soon he heard ft sleepy ebb, and then a childish voice cried: " Papa 1 Papa!" " What the devil is the matter now ? muttered the man, as he strode into the bushes. And well might he say it, for there, with two chubby fists covering her eyes, sat a little girl. " Papa, papa," sobbed the little one again. "Wall, what's the matter?'' growled the man. " I'se afraid I'se losted,' >he replied. "Oh, please take me to my papa." "Who is yer pa, and what's yer name?" " Papa's my farver, and I'se FlossyBrown. Papa's a policeman," she added, with great importance. Accustomed as he was to surprises, the man was hardly prepared for this. Here he was, flying for nis life, only to be stopped by the daughter of the man hunting liim. To take her home meant the rope for liini, for horse stealing is considered a crime in those parts. With an oath, as he thought of the delay, Watson turned to go, when the little one spoke. " You swored. you did, an' it's bad to swore. Please find papa ; I'se all he's dot, 'cause mamma's dead." All that was good in the man onme to help him at the sound of the pitiful voice. Without more hesitation he lifted the girl to the horse's back, and mounting behind her, went back down the trail. On the little ojoe prattled, but. he heard not a word; on, till the curly head of the child finally neetled on his arm and the little one fell asleep. About two hours they travelled thus, and tlieu came, upon the men hunting for him. At the sight of the fellow calmly riding toward them, the sheriff's amazement knew no bounds. But at the sight of his child that amazement turned to wrath.: " You scoundrel!" he shrieked, " couldn't you be content stealing horses? Do you think to buy yer liberty with my child? By heavens! you shall pay for this, Ben Watson."

The loud voice awakened the child, who, seeing her father, shouted joyously. With the aid of Watson she slipped to the ground and ran to her father. " He's dood, papa," she cried, "he briuged me back whon I was losted. He's dood."

Then spoke Ben Watson as lie calmly eyed the three men : " I found yer little gal up beyond ' devil's ledge,' but I don't return her to ask for my liberty, nor for love of you " —he smiled grimly—" but because I once had a little sister like her." The sheriff's voice was husky. " Ben, you've been a hard ticket, but there must be some good in ye. nnd I ain't- without a heart. Ye kin go, but for her sake be a better fellow."

Lifting his hat. Watson turned and once again went up the trail,-but this time not a hunted horse thief, instead—a man.