Democratic Press, Volume 2, Number 68, Decatur, Adams County, 30 January 1896 — Page 8

JJMvat'eJrom Br<APTAltf ffltl XU&Xm “ (qimuomt 1894. Bv Ike AuthOA. AdßiChtj Attmvto

XVII. It wax high noon when Brown reached the wvne of the capture, end, taking the plain trull left by the Indian*. lie followed it to the river bank. Poshing forward, he forded the stream, regained the trail <>u the opposite aide nnd dashed away into the sandhill* In eager pumiit of the captor* of her whom he uo dearly loved. lie formed no definite plan of action. His every effort wua lictit in the direction of locating the Indiana where they would er.tnp for the night before darknew* shoo I I blind the trail. He was thoroughly familiar with the country, having often wouted it with hi* troop, ami knew that at the Dripping Springs, about forty miles from the river, a favorite camping ground of the tribe was located. There he hoped to find the camp of the band, of which the captor* of Alice were but a fragment. On un<l on he sped through the hills which border the river, and out into the great Jornadodel Muerto. or "Journey to Death.” that great desert once a terror to those who were obliged to traverse it* dreary, waterless waste* beneath the burning suns of summer. Far ahead in the distance the San ■ Andreas range loomed up before him. < the eastern side of the great frame of mountain* which inclosed the desert. ! The shades of evening were rapidly eclipsing the light of dav as he entered the first range of foothills and sped along the trail into the bosom of the mountains. Dark, threatening clouds began to gather over the towering peaks as he neared the Dripping Springs, ami distant growlings of thunder presrged a coming storm. Dismounting from his horse he crawled to the brow of a hill from which a view of the spring could be secured, amt his heart gave a great throb of satisfaction when the smoke from a number of camp fires met his; eyes. <1 rouped about near the springs was a village of about twenty lodges, and near by a herd of ponies roamed over the hillside cropping the sparse gras* which sprouted out from between the rocks. His searching eyes failed U> discover ' the pr< -nee of a guard on any of the surrounding hills, and he rightly 'interpreted this to mean that the Indians. having traveled with great speed to their present eamp, knew that they need fear no pursuing party liefore the follow ing day. Even had the capture been discovered shortly after the poor girl was seized, the cavalry horses' could never carry their equipment laden rider* more than half the distance from the fort to the mountains before darkness came upon them, and, not being able to follow the trail, the troops would vamp until daybreak. Fully satisfied that there were no sentinels to disc* >ver his presence, his hope of being able to gain an entry in the 'village was greatly strengthened. • He must now wait until darkness should come to conceal his movements. Lying down upon the brow of the hill, he eagerly scanned the distant camp. Dusky forms moved to and fro about the flickering tires, but the one lieloved form for which he sought with aching eyes appeared not. Although the ajs proaehing storm materially aided in driving back the gray light of day, to his anxious, impatient soul the nightfall came with all too tardy footsteps. The great black clouds rolled rapidly toward him. at times spitting out vivid flashes of lightning followed by peals of angry thunder. These premo-, nitions of the coming storm filled his breast with unspeakable satisfaction,, and he almost shouted with joy when the storm burst upon him in all its I fury. The inky darkness whieh ac- . coiui>anied it would hide his move- \ ments. nnd the rain twating down upon the lodges of the Indians would drown the sound of his stealthy footsteps. As he lay there, his brain was busy formulating a plan of action. He must enter the village, a perilous venture, an<l when once there how could he determine in whieh one of the twenty or more lodges his loved one was confined? He could but go ahead and trust to Providence for guidance. Not one man in a thousand would undertake such a hazardous task; but the light of his life—all he cared to live for —was in that village of deadly, treacherous t es, and if he could not effect her rescue it was his desire that he might die with her. VVhen the storm struck the village the Indians hastily sought shelter in their lodgi . and the drenching rain •non extinguished the camp fires. Being driven to shelter, the waiting soldi* r knew the .savages would soon seek comfort in their blanket beds, and after waiting about an hour, that to hi* impatient spirit seemed an age. he remounted his horse and rode toward the village. Securing his horse to a bush behind nn embankment whieh marked the bed of an old creek near the village, the soldier took the pistols from the holsters and thrust them through the belt above his waist, and taking a hunting knife from one of the saddle pockets moved stealthily into the camp. All was quiet, save the beating of the rain und the occasional volleys from heaven's artillery overhead. Even the snarling, half-starved curs with which every Indian village is infested had crawled into the lodges for shelter from the storm, and did not discover his presence. How would he ever be able to locate the object of his search? His lips moved in prayer to Heaven for aid, as he

moved'along like a dark apeeter aml*l the hslges. Anon he would pause and listen intently, hoping to hear a cough or a sigh or a spoken word to tell him of the presence of his loved one. As he cautiously moved onward n vivid flash of lightning revealed to his eye* an object like a crouching form near a bulge in the center of the village. Dropping prtmtratc upon the wet ground he peered through the darkness toward the object, and eagerly awaited the next flash. It came, and seated upon the ground near the door of a lodge he saw the form of an Indian, his blanket thrown over his head to protect him from the storm. The heart of the young soldier beat with renewed hope as the truth burst upon him that the Indian was a gilurd, and that the object of his search must l>e in that lodge. The guard must be disposed of. Much a* he dreaded the shedding of human blood except in the line of duty on the field of battle, he felt that he must allow nothing to stand between I himself and the success of his mission. I Making a detour in order to approach ■’W* Sa ■ I BROWS ENTEHEIt THE LOI»t the crouching sentinel from the rear.' he grasped his hunting knife firmly in his hand and stole toward the unsuspecting savage. In the darkness he could see the silent form but a few feet distant, and gliding noiselessly as a serpent he in a moment stood over his intended victim. Not a sound, not a groan escaped the red man as he passed , from sleep into death, and raising the flap over the entrance Brown entered the lodge. He could see nothing in the inky darkness, and crouching low upon the ground he waited for a light-1 ning flash When it came it revealed to him several fortns lying wrapped in blankets about the lodge. Moving \ softly toward where three forms were lying under the same blanket, he again crouched down and waited for j the fitful torches of heaven to further guide him. The rain beat with a low, sullen roar on the lodge of skins, and the ground trembled as the thunders bellowed their way through the heavens It seemed an age ere the lightning again lit up the rain-soaked earth and j created a sickly glare within the lodge, j but by the dim light he saw the pale face of his love. She had raised hpe ! head from its pillow of skins, and tl.e ' soft blue eyes were gazing directly, upon him. In an instant he was beside her, and | as he bent his head to assure her that it was himself and to caution her against making any noise, her arms glided about his neck and she softly whispered: •‘Ned, darling, I knew you would •ome. While praying to Heaven that you might come to my rescue a great peace filled my soul, and I felt that my prayer had been heard and would be answeied, and when the lightning came I saw your dear face in the gloom of the lodge.” He pressed a kiss on her lips and whispered: “We must not lose a moment, darl- \ ing. Arise softly that you may not; wake those who sleep near you, and let us away.” “I am secured here. Ned. A rope is passed about my body and the squaw who lies next to me is lying upon it." With his hunting knife he severed ! the rope and they passed from the ; lodge. Moving silent as specters they j traversed the village and soon reached the horse in its place of concealment. As they approached the animAl gave j utterance to a low whinny of recogni-1 tion, and it seemed to come as a token of cheer to their anxious hearts. “We must use all haste, darling, for discovery of your absence will lead to; immediate pursuit. It is terrible that | von must bear exposure to this storm and the long fatiguing ride, but you must be brave.” "Do not worry about my comfort, dear,” she replied. “I am strong, and the exposure will not harm me in the least." Unloosing the horse he assisted the girl to a seat behind the saddle, and mounting in front of her turned the animal's head toward the fort. Throwing her arms about him to secure herself in her position, she said: "Now, Ned, this is a splendid seat and you know I am an expert rider, so push ahead as fast as the noble horse can travel with its double burden.” "Then away tq home nnd liberty," he said, as he touched the animal with the spurs.

CHAPTER RVUL The horse did not Mvm to feel the weight of hl» double load, ami aped over the ground ala rapid pace. "How noble of you, Ned, to risk your own precious life for me," she suld, as they flew along. "An eternity of love and devotion could not repay you for your work of to-night." "One smile from my darling one, one r* rd of love from her lips wonld amply <-»|Hiy me for any undertaking, no •natter what dangers it might present," he fondly replied, "Did the In dians treat you harshly, Allee?" “No, Ned, but O, I shudder to think of the fate they held in store for me ami which I would have met to-night hud not thia storm come on. There is in the band a young half-breed Indian who speaks lairly good English, nnd he explained to mo that many of the Indians' horses have died lately from some epidemic, ami the medicineman of the tribe told them that the Great Spirit was angry with the people und demanded a sacrifice to appease his wrath. He told them that they must make captive a paleface girl, nnd out in an open camp must luiild a grout circle of tires, and that in the circle amid dancing and rejoicing the maiden must l>e bound und trampled to death by horses ridden by those whose animals' hud died. The band which captured me were on the way to the ranch of a settler near the liuse of the .San Mateo mountains west of the fort to curry off his daughter for the sacrifice when they heard my pony's footsteps coming down the gulch, und. concealing themselves near the trail, they awaited my coming. They believed the Groat Spirit had thrown me into their hands, and their rojoicing was great. The wood for the fore-circle hail all been collected when the storm approached, and as the thunders rolled in the distance the medicine man told them the Great Spirit was speaking to them commanding them to take me to the reservation where the entire tribe could take part in the ceremonies. (I, Ned. in their blind, ignorant superstition they will be frantic over my escape, and will us' desperate efforts to recapture me. Do you not fear pursuit?"

"Your absence may not be discovered until daybreak, my darling, and even should you be missed to-night, they could not discover our trail in the darkness. Even noxv I am depending entirely on the instinct of the hozse to keep our direction, for not a landmark can he seen in this pitchy darkness.” “But thej - will know that tny rescuer came from the fort, or that if 1 escaped unaided I would start back toward the fort, and should I be missed in the night would they not at once come iu this direction in search of me?” “You are right. Alice. I had not thought of that. Then, in a reassuring tone, he added: "But do not feel the least fear, dear one, for we are mounted on a magnificent horse, and he is making splendid progress. We will surely reach the river by daybreak. and I think the Indians would not go far without some sign to show them that they were on our trail. Rest assured that we will reach the fort in safety in time for a good breakfast." “I pray that you may be right, Ned, yet I have a presentiment that peril awaits us before we reach our home. I will try to banish the fear, which is no doubt a foolish one.” “Y’ou will laugh at your fears, little one. when you are again safe in your home. But see. darling, the rain has almost ceased, and it grows lighter." The clouds were indeed passing away, and soon the stars glimmered dimly through the hazy atmosphere. On and on they sped across the desert, every beat of the horse’s hoofs making an increased distance between themselves and their Indian f<>es. On through the gloom of night into tne gray dawn of morning they rode, and just as the first streak of sunlight kissed the damp earth over the eastern hills they came upon the bluffs overlooking the Rio Grande at the point where they had crossed it, four miles below the fort. "Here is the dear old river again," he joyfully cried. “Now to ford it, and in an hour you will be safely back in your father’s arms.” “DiQ father know you started after me, Ned?” she asked, as the horse

THE HACK FOB LIFE. moved down the slope toward the river. “You have not yet told me how you happened to come alone to my rescue.” "Yes, darling," I came witli his knowle<lße and consent.” He then related to her all that had transpired at the fort after the discovery that the Indians had carried her away. The affectionate girl gave him a hug that almost lifted him from the saddle und lovingly said: "Oh! you dear, brave, noble fellow. Perhaps your action in coming upon such a perilous mission to rescue his daughter may have great weight in breaking down papa's prejudice, and wlien he realizes that it was you who restored me to his arms he may look upon you with favor and no longer oppose our hearts’ fondest desires." "That has been the uppermost subject of my thoughts during the entire trip, anil I pray God that it may be as we hope." Happening to cast his eyes back over

his shoulder hl* heart ceased for a a moment t > beat ami hl* bl.i.si run i cold In his veins, A band of mounted Indians cninc I sweeping down the bluff but half a tulle behind them "My God, wo uro pursued," he cried, i striking the spurs deeply into the sides of the horae. “Cling closely, my loved one. for it will now be a desperate ride for life." “May God in Heaven protect us," she murmured, as the fierce yells of the pursuing Indians reached their cars. The noble horse heard the savage , cries of the pursuers, nnd seemed to realize the grout ilunger that threatened his riders. Across the grassy valley be dew with almost incredible s|h-vil, and a thrill of hope flashed through the young soldier's breast as he noted that each bound of the animal Increased the distance In'tween themselves and the savage* "We gained on them. Courage, my beloved, courage, anti we will yet esca|M- them. If we can but reach the other side ami gain the high ground, they may almndon the chase before ■ getting too near the fort." "God grant that they may! Oh, th*»se frightful, unearthly yells! They seem to chill my bltnal,” she said, clinging yet more closely to her lover. Without slackening his pace the horse dashed into the stream, but the water Impeded his progress and the Indians gained rapidly upon them. Nobly the strong beast plunged against the swift water* which rose to his breast in the center of the stream, but the current was strong and his progress was slow. At last he reached the other side and dashed up the bank as the Indians were urging their ponies into the water on the opposite side. Across the wooded bottom which intervened between the river and the western bluff they flew, and began the ascent of the gulch which led to the mesa. The steepness of the hill again impeded the horse's speed, and when they reached the summit the Indians could be seen flying across the bottom, still in mad pursuit. "Courage, my darling!" he again cried in an assuring tone. “Do not despair, for we may yet escape them. The fort can now almost l>e seen." “God will aid us. Ned, my beloved," she responded. “My lips are moving in constant prayer for our deliverance." Up from the gulch came the Indians, but half a mile behind, and again their blood-curdling yells rang out upon the air. On they flew, pursued and pursuers, and Brown's heart sank within him when he noted that the Indians were rapidly closing the gap between them. Spurring his horse to its greatest exertions a groan escaped from the soldier's now bloodless lips, for the animal l>egan to [x-rceptibly slacken its speed. His powers of endurance were almost exhausted, and it was evident that he could go but little further. The fort was yet two miles distant, and escape now seemed impossible. “Zip! Zip! Zip!” The bullets from the rifles of the Indians began to fly by them. Tulling the jaded horse behind a barricade of rocks which rose by the trail Brown sprung to the ground and cried: “Get into the saddle. Alice, and push on toward the fort. For the love of God hasten, and 1 may be able to hold them at bay until you escape. Fly. my darling, fly, for not an instant must be lost.” To his utter amazement the brave girl slid from the horse’s back and. with pale but determined face, replied: "No. Ned, I will not leave you. You risked your precious life for me! and it would l»ecowardly forme to desert you now. If you must die here, I will die with you." There was no time for further urging, for the yells of the Indians now came to them with startling distinctness as they rapidly came on. Gaining a position from which he could see over the rocks, the soldier leveled his repeating riile and begun to discharge it with deadly effect. So unexpected was the fire that the Indians recoiled, and, springing from their ponies in confusion, sought for shelter behind the rocks which dotted the mesa. From their cover they kept up a scattering but their bullets flew harmlessly overhead, or were flattened against the rocky breastwork which natured had provided. (7b be Continued Next B7el)

Subscribe for The Press Esq. Bryan of Berne, was in town today. For fresh oysters, see Coffee & Baker. Coffee & Baker for a square meal and lunch and fruits. John Webber will ship a car load if horses east today. Just received several bags fresh and new Timothy seed. J. I). Hale. Coffee & Baker keep the best crackers, XXXX. Don’t buy any other. Bluffton papers say that J. M. Blakej' of this city, will open up a notion store at that place. For warm ineal or lunch the Union Bakery is headquarters. Everything fresh and up to date. Just received several bags of choice medium or small clover seed for sale at a reasonable price by J. I>. Hale. DeWitt’s Little Early Hisers for biliousness, indigestion, constipation. A small pill, a prompt cure. W. H. Nachtrieb. Piles of people have piles, but DeWitt’s Witch Hazel Salve will cure them. When promptly applied it cures scalds and burns without the slightest pain. W. H. Nachtrieb.

8080 A COFFIK ATTORNEYS AT LAW, Room, over P. O. 1-1 Decater. Ind *. F, BBATTV d. F.MAFB MANN A BEATTY. ATTORNEYS AT LAW And Notaries Public. Pension claims nrosecuted. Odd Evllow, bulldltm. • j. v. fimsc*- A* mootr***. a. P France a mehrvman. ATTORNEYS AT LAW, DECATUR. IND. ofllca—Nos. 1. 8 and A over Adams Co. Bui it. We refer, by permlzatoa, to Adams * o. liank. John Miunrer. W. 11, Xml. Itave E,Smith HUIII'RGER, REED A SMITH. ATTORNEYS AT LAW. Monkt toLoax st lowest rates of Interest. Abstract* Os title. real estate and collections. Rooms 1. < and 4 Welth-y block. R. S. PETERSON. ATTORNEY AT LAW, DECATUR. INDIANA. Riuims 1 and A In the Anthony llolthouiw Block. UKORGE R. DICKERSON. ATTORNEY AT LAW. AND NOTARY Pl ltLtU. Pensions nnd Collections a specialty Office In the John C. Hale Bulldlnz GENEVA. ... - INDIANA J. ID. HALE DEALER IN Grain, Seed, Wool, Salt, Oil, Coal, Lime, Fertilizers. Elevators on the Chicago A Erie and Clover Leaf railroads. Offlro and retail store southeast corner of Second and Jefferson Streets. 5 W* Your patronage solicited. 1 Capital 1120,00). Established I THE OLD ADAMS COUNTY BANK Decatur. Indiana. Does a general banking business, makes collections In all parts of the country. Buys town, township and county or - Foreign and domestic exchange bought Isold. Interest paid on time deposits. Officera-W.ll.Niblick. Pr,-*i<l* ; i> *lu>iebaker. Vice President; IL K. Allison, ashler, and 0. 8. Niblick. Assistant Cashier

P. W. Smith. Pres. C. A. Dugan* <’ashirr J. B. Holtboofle, V-P. E. X. Ehingvr. A»<t C. The Decatur National Bank Decatur, Ind. CAPITAL STOCK: SIOO,OOO 00 SURPLUS: 4.000 00 Directors: J. B. HOLTHOUSE, J. H. HOBROCK J. COLTER. P. W. SMITH. C. A. DUGAN. H. R. MoLTZ, JOHN D. HALE. Interest Elven on time deposits. A. L. DEVILBIFS, DENTIST ■CXX3® I. O. O. F. BLOCK. Professional DeniM. Teeth extracted without pain. Especial attention given to bridge work like lllum • »n uUive. Terma reasonable. » • < ond street, over Kusenthaira clothing D.orv. gb-lj Dr. 0. V. CONNELL, kewy Siigsso iti Ml. Decatur, Ind. Office I. 0.0. F. Block. Graduate of »he Ontario Veterinary College and I’oroidti Veterinary Dental School. Tr» i s all diseases of domesticated anima* <’n lUn Mended to nr night. IH

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FOR SALE DRAIN TILE, ALL SIZES. From 3] to 18 inches. AtltlreNsor I call on uh ut our factory und see the tile nnd get our prices before purchasing. Hjieeial shipping i; t t e . .Satisfaction G name teed, lanship on 0. A E., G. 11. & I, anti T.,Bt. L. & K. 0. Railroads. KRICK, MEYERS & COMPANY. Decatur, Indiana, The Clover Ueaf. T., St. L. AK.C,R. R. In effect May a*. I**s EAST. Passenger *:Wp. m Express .'•:l«a.m Local l:Up.m WEST. Passenger B:tO a. tn Express sset p. m Local *:<toa m E A. Whixbky. Agent. ./\ Erie Uines. \ - hi-dnl. ■ 5,,. vs -Je veniber l-'A Trains leave Is , .Uuras follows: WEST. No. X. vestibule limited, daily for ( Cb’cauo t 12: wp. m. No. S Pacific express, dally for i Cbicago, 1:31a.m. No. I. express, dally except Sun- > day for Chicago I 12:10 p. tn. No. 81. local, daily except Suu-1 day f 10:85 a. m. EAST No. fi. vestibule limited, dally for i New Yo -k and Boston ( 8:00 p. tn. No. 2. express, dad* except Suu- < day for New York ...I 2:00 p.m. No. I.'. express, dally for New i York 1 1:33 a.m. No. 30. loca!. daily except Sun-( day. I 10:35 a. m. I Thruu.-h coacltes and sleeping t-.,>s to New I York and Boston. T ains 1 and 3stop at all stations on the C. & E. Division. Train No. IS cr-r ; e<* th.or- t, steept'-x car* toColuuuius < i- e, 'le. Ci- <:o,.<e Waverly. PO'-omocte 1 >ntui>. s.-d Keuova, v.a Cotrmous boc-r ng Val'ey A Toledo, and Norfolk A Western lines J. V . DeLomo. Agent W. O. MxcEowahds. T P. A- Huntington The G. R. fit 1. (Effect Nov. 24. 18054 TRAINS NORTH. •No. 3. *No. 5. ’No. 1. ! Richmond U:ooam 11.33 pm 3:Wpn» Parry U:lo " 3 W " Votaw “ I Harley .. Fountain City. 11:25 " 3:5. Johnson 11:35 " Lynn 11 :W “ 12:02 am 4:15 Snow Hill 11:48 “ Wwals 11:40 " Winchester.... 12:00 " 12:20a nr 4:34 Stone I2:'O p m Ridgeville 12:10 " 12::Mam 4:5.1 Cxxllet 12:® “ 3 0-J “ Portland 12:42 " 12:51 atn s:l* ' Jay 12:52 “ '. Briant 12:.W ” S:M Geneva 1:07 “ 1:10am 5:41 “ Ceylon Berne 1:M “ Munroe 1:® “ DECATUR 1:45 “ 1:37 am 0:12 _ Monmouth Williams 2:01 “ 0:28 Hoagland 2:08 “ 8:31 „ Fdam* .. Fort Wayne. 2:35 “ 2:loam 0:55 •Daily, except Sunday. fDally to Grand Rapids. TRAINS SOUTH •No. 2. tNo.«. »No- <• Fort Wayne.... I:lspm 11:45pm 5 : 45a, m Adams „ Hoagland 1:40 “ 1«:14 pm 8:18 Williams 1:45 " 12:80 T ‘ «=!* .. Monmouth . „ DECATUR.... 1:50 “ lfi:36 6:30 Monroe 2:13 “ 10:40 “ 8:44 u Berne 2:25 “ 12:38 ” gi-JJ ~ Ceylon „ . ~ Geneva 2:35 ” 1 ;10 ■ <:on u Briant 2:44 " 1:20 •• 7:15 _ jay *••• „ Portland 3:00 “ 1:40 " * : -*J ~ Co’lett 2 : ’J .. Ridgeville... . 3:24 “ 2:03 “ 7:50 u Stone ~ winchester.... 3:44 “ 2:05 “ 8:0» ~ Woods t Snow Hill.. _.. 0:->8 8 : -J ~ Lynn 4:05 “ 8:43 ‘ 8 : -*- .. Johnson *••*! .. Fountain City. 4:21 “ 2:5* “ .. Haley .. Parry ~ .. Richmond 4:45 " 3:20 0:15 ♦Dally Grand Rapids. »DaUy ex. Sunday. Jgrr Bbysos, Agent C. L. Lockwood. Gen. Pas. Agent. Decatur Markets. Wheat, No. 2 new Corn. No. Oats, No. 2 new J, Clover, red prime Clover 4 Timothy Butter ESS* 1 Potatoes Hams Shoulders 1 Bacon Wool, unwashed 10,0 1 Wool, washed 17 1 10 ‘ Cattle..* .....8 00 to 8 5u Hogs 3 23 to 8 W Sheep... 300 to 500 H tt y 12 00 to 15 00 One Minute Cough Cure is» popular remedy for croup. Safe for children and adults' W. "• Nachtrieb.