The Prairie Detective: Secret Service Series No. 24 — page 93: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE PRAIRIE DETECTIVE. - 91 ‘desperate struggle to retain it. The din and clash of arms told plainer than words that the fight was determined and plucky, but the men were losing steadily. As the storm came nearer and nearer, the were unconsciously rose to their feet, still standing with their arms entwining each other in a fond embrace. Their faces were pale, but not with fear. They did not quail or shrink. ‘‘Dear sister,’’ said Esther, quietly, ‘‘our position now is a dangerous one. A flying, random bullet may at any moment come tearing through this frail covering and strike one or both of us to the earth.” _ “T am not afraid, darling Esther,’’ responded the younger, with evidences of undaunted courage. “We will put our trust in Heaven, and if God has so. decreed it, we will die togethér. But for ourselves | have no fear. My heart goes out in anxiety for the lives of those who are fighting so bravely for us. ~ Let us hope that no harm shall come to them.”’ “Yes. Our father is among that brave band. Pray Heaven he may escape unhurt.”’ “That Ido. But I will not be selfish in my wishes. There are others—many of them—who are, in my mind, equally entitled to our prayers. They are, indeed, brave and generous men to risk their lives for us.”’ “True, sister, true. Let us go down on our knees and beg our Father in heaven to watch oyer and prsxcel them. Surely He will listen to our voices at such a time as this.”’ And there in the murky darkness, alone with their God, who rules the battles, the winds, and the floods, those two virgin hearts were lifted up in earnest supplication. Long and tearfully the innocent girls SS) (ele) comicbhoo a