Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 November 1891 — ROYAL RANGER RALPH or The Waif of the Western Prairies. [ARTICLE]

ROYAL RANGER RALPH or The Waif of the Western Prairies.

BY WELDON J. COBB.

CHAPTER VU_r<»ntinn*4. Their hands and eyes met One glance at their resolute faces told that Dyke Despard need have a care for himself when these two men started upon his trail. “Remember,” spoke the scout, “tins is no ordinary venture ” ‘T realize and am ready for it,” replied Darrel sturdily “Already Despaid has crossed the dead line of civilization and is among the bad lands to the oast.” “Chen we can follow him there.” “Yes; only he is at home and among friends, whgro the white renegade and the red warrior will a'ike ba banded against us. Pat’ence. con age, and craft can alone overcome t>ur enemies ” “I will dare it all for the sake of ihe imperilled girl we seek to sate,” cried Darrel, enthusiastically. “But you are ill from the wound you received—unable to proceed on the trail until you are recovered. ” “Not so, Darrel,” replied the scout. “The herbs I have taken have restored my streng h.” “Then we start; ” , “At once.” One hour later, mounted on two superb steeds and fully armed and e nipped for the expedition, the old scout and his young companion set forth upon the most perilous and momentous adventure of all the r eventful lives.

CHAPTER VIII, ON THU TRAIL. The night was bright as day as Darrel and hanger Ralph rede from the little town at Miners Gulch toward the hills to the east in the near distance. As nearly as possible, the former informed the scout of the course Despard had taken in carrying away the recaptured maiden, Inez Tracey. They soon found themselves threading a rocky defile, along which the practical eye of the scout discovered evidences of recent travel. “They have come this way,” he said to Darrel. “Then we may overtake them ” “Not so easi y as you think ” “Why .not?” “They have a fair start of us, and -opce in the mountains it will bo difficult ■to follow their trail.” The landscape became wild, and at times almost impassable, as they proceeded on their way. At midnight the fleout came to a halt, utterly at fault. “We are in a quandary now,” he remarked. “How?” asked Darrel. “Here the course diverges. The outlaws may have gone down the valley to the wilderness beyond, pa-sed through the gulch yonder to the outlaw country, or struck direct through the hills for the Indians. ” For nearly an hour they reconnoitered -a short distance in each direction. The scout’s face showed a satisfied sion as he returned to the head of Cue ■canyon. “Have you learned anything?” asked Darrel, eagerly. “Yes?” “What is it?” “This. ”

The sccut showed a ribbon, which Darrel recognized as belonging to the dress worn by Inez Tracey. “Do you recognize it?” asked Ralph. “Yes. ” “Then the Ind an country is our destination. They are carrying the girl to their old-time allies, the Modocs. ” Darrel looked deeply concerned, but the scout seemed more encouraged and vigilant than ever, and urged his horse to a more rapid rate of speed. The morning light brought them encouraging traces of the persons they sought. They were toiling up a steep ascent, when Darrel found a piece of bridle rein. It evidently belonged to Despard’s band, and they pressed on, confident that they were on the right trail. “Beyond here the mountains come to a stop,” remarked the scout “And beyond that?” “Prairie and forest, and the camping -grounds of the marauding bands of savages. Ha! smoke!” As Ranger Kalph spoke, his companion discerned a slight volume of smoke emanating from some rocks beyond them. They drove a’ong as rapidly as the broken roadway would admit At a tarn a scene of wondrous beauty and ■extent held them momentarily spellbound. The mountain of stone shot down sheer a thousand feet perfectly perpendicular, and beyond it stretched a wooded plain far as the eye'could reach. There seemed no means of reaching it except by a toilsome ride to where there was a more gradual descent “Look,” spoke the scout suddenly.

Darrel thrilled to keen excitement as he glanced at a point some distance below them. A body of horsemen were just disappearing into a dense stretch of timber. “Despard and his men!” he cried. “It must be them. ” “Then they have escaped us. ” “Not necessarily, the trail will be better on the lowlands than here. I think 1 know Despard’s plans.” “What are they?” “To rejoin one of his old allies in stage robbery and war on the sett emeats. “An Indian?” “Yes. ” “Who is he?” “Shadow Snake, the Modoc Warrior. What is that?” Directly before them, emanating from a rocky defile, smoke ascended—the same they had observed a few minutes previ; •ously. “Can it be a party of Indians?” asked Darrel. “I think not It is probably the deserted camp-fire of Despard’s band. ” Both men halted perp exed and bewildered, as they traced the Smoke to its source. At a cave-like aperture in the rocks, a large amount of bushes and reeds and leaves were piled. These had been recently ignited, and dense volumes of smoke issued from the heap. The two men gazed at one another in the profoundest wonder. “What does it mean?” asked the mystified Darrel. “I do not know.” “You think Despard's men built the fire?” “Yes: for they must have recently! passed this spot ” “For what purpose?” “That I cannot tell.” “Then let us ascertain.” They dismounted and approached the cave. Both started as a low wail, like that of a person exhausted by pain, seemed to emanate from the Sinoking cave. “Do you hear that?” cried Darrel, excitedly. “Yes.” “Some one is in there!” “Probably a wild beast that they tried Co smoke out!”

The cry was repeated—Agonized, muffled, but still perfectly distinct Darrel Grey turned pale. . “It is a woman’s voice,” he gasped, wildly. “Ah! Ralph, if it should be ” “Who?” “Inez.” The scout started. “No, no; they wouldn't dare to kill the ’ that way. ” * ou do not know than. No crime is too* A ’ e P f° r f!i ese inhuman ghouls. Quiefc!' nje ’ 1 must know who' is in ent were at work tearing and *lrk tgin-r the half-flaming mass th of the cavern. Even adfifeW v. ' hcy had ’ roiaovod the pla e was m'A ' ,ed to choke and bifiadl A ’ el " , , ... . , Stld, Dance ' ot Gelay > but dashed recklessly iorwwrdl . , .-v „ . Aery of lierwaiink ye .t of relief escaped his lips as-lie v human form lying on a pile'of JeavOßj. \ n wa3 that ot a woman., but it was-not .Ea, >z . -iracoy. Instead, the dinv light! 5A “ le cave showed a face dusky; beautiful —t+ie.conntonance < fall IndiamK nia udon. She-was bound hand, and' suffocated by the smoke; e-xlwiiK <i dyins, threatened by su tcrrllFe deOth when Darrel found her; He- lifted hV r hot ly in l.fe arms- and 1 bore her to the out i.le air. \

in profound, amazement Rtrmger Ra ph stared at the strange ftgurd: Darrel re eased the bonds that secured the girl. Her wild, hanintedieyes. swept his face for a moment her bosom heaved, and she grasped his hand in the ceepest emotion. “ihe White Fawn will never forget you!” she uttered, in a gasping cry of gratitude. “Who is she—how came she here?*' asked the bewildered Darrel. “Ask her; she speaks our language, it seems,” suggested the scout. The Indian girl shrank back at thewords; she shook her head vehemently. “The White Fawn has her secrets; and will not tel; them. But when the day comes when the Black Crow stands face to face with her again, let him beware!” “Despard!” ejaculated the scout. “It was he who shut her up in that cave to. die See here, my girl, we’ve helped you out of a difficulty; will you return the favor?” The Indian maiden did not direct attention to the ' ranger, but fixed her eyes with a devoted light on the face of Darrel. “The White Fawn wou’d die to serve the young i ale-face,” she said earnestly. “Then’lead us to the prairies below," spoke Darrel.

She sprang b (fore his horse. “Follow!” she said. They obeyed their dusky guide, who led them from the spot with the swiftness and accuracy of one familiar with the locality. Not a word was spoken until they reached the base of the descent to the plain below. The broad prairie, with its wooded stretches, lay before them. As far as one of these the girl accompanied them- Then she-turned as if to leave them. Suddenly she paused, in a listening attitude. Then she sped lightly through the timber. “She will return,” said Ranger Ralph, “She has discovered something, you think?” asked Darrel A minute later the lithe figure of White Fawn reappeared. “A camp of friendly Sioux,” she said, briefly. “They are on their way to the reservation. They are my friends. They go my way. Come; your horses shall be cared for, and you shall be fed.” She led Darrel’s horse by the bridle until they reached a spot where about twenty Indians sat around a camp-fire. The savages greeted them in a friendly manner, and they remained for an hour with them, securing valuable information as to the country around them. They were informed that the roving bands of Indians were massing their forces under the leadership of a chief of the Nez Forces, who was urging them to a general attack on the settlements of the pale faces. It was as they wore leaving the camp that White Fawn clasped the hand of Darrel Grey in a warm, earnest pressure. '

“You have saved my life,” she said. “White Fawn never forgets friend or foe. Take this, and in your hour of danger, it may serve you, if you ever fall into the hands of Shadow Snake dr his tribe.” She flitted away ere Darrel could ask for'an explanation of her strange words.* He regarded the singular ornament she had given him, as his horse started away. It was a piece of Indian chalkstone, with some strange characters engraved upon it, and bound together by a chain made of the rattles of a snake. Little did either of the men dream df its future value to them, or of the effect upon their future the mystery surrounding White Fawn was destined to exert. They were now compelled to exert caution in their movements, and kept to the timber as'much as possible. The information they had received led them to believe that their enemies had gone to join tne savages, massed in camp at the Pueblo River, forty miles across the country. To reach this they would undoubtedly have to pass through much danger, and it might be impossible to follow Despard’s trail e’osriy. Several times that day they saw vagrant parties of Indians in the distance, but concealed themselves until they were, out of sight. “There are two points for us to remember,” said the scout that evening at

dusk. | “What are they?” asked Darrel. “First, to attempt the rescue of Inez and remove her to a place of safety.” “And the other?" “To reach Walford the Recluse, to whom Inez’s father left her fortune, before Despard learns where he is. We are> likely to encounter many dangers ere we accomplish it, and must be Wary, for we, may come upon our enemies at any mo-' ment.” “Hist!” 5 They had come to the banks of the river and were waiting while the horses drank. Sheltered by a little clump of trees they cou'd scan the stream without being observed. Darrel had uttered the warning word as he saw a canoe coming down the stream. “An Indian,” breathed the scout “Silence, till he passes.” ■ They remained perfectly still ,as the canoe neared them. Just as the boat, came opposite them one of the horses hoofs gave way under the soft turf fringing the stream.’ His foot came down with a splash into the water. The Indian in the canoe started, glanced toward the thicket and evidently saw his ambushed foes. With one wild yell he abandoned the canoe and sprang into the water. Instantly the cry was answered bv a score of voices both up and down tne stream. They seemed to accompany their owners toward the very spot where Darrel and the scout were at that moment. , “Cross the stream,” spoke Ranger Ralph quickly. “We are surrounded and that is our only means of escape. ”

CHAPTER I X. I TBS MODOCS. Ranger Ralph directed his horse across the river and Darrel Grey followed closely after him. The stream was very deep at its center, but the hones breasted

the swift current and landed them safety on the opposite bank. “Dash straight ahead," shouted thq scout; “it is our only chance. ” “No, no! look, Ralph; there is a camps fire in our path,.!!.. ; . I The ranger brought his horse to its haunches and glanced quickly and con-1 corned y Aljput jiim. Behind them and both s 'des th j woods seemed filled with ycilmg Indians. ■ They had been attracted to the spot by the warning cry of the Indian in the canoe. I Immediately after discovering thoj strangers, the savage had disappeared,' and doubtless reached his companions who were hastening to the thicket. “Dismount!” ordered the scout, in a low tone. 41Wfi are in a scrape and must make thebest of 11." “Shall we abandon the horses?" queried Darrel. ; •jFor the time being, replied the scout! “TES Indians an? coming. We had better separate." . Ranger Ralph suddenly swung" Minself up by the branches of an immense tree .under which the horses stcod. j Tlarrel Grey sought to follow his example\but, bewildered by the excitement of thft occasion,xdeiayed a moment too kmg. • ,

savages suddenly came into view , That they Jtad discovered Mm, the , yellte of th^Jndians instantly informed \lm. He started, for the river and ran 'dbwnMts banks swdftly. A cn’ of concern\brok» from Darrel's 1 lips asuie glanced dheadi GSeverail ether Indians'were running in air opposite direction. i' He was completely' hemTified inv and' 1 there seeuied no meannof escfcpevexwept a wild dash inland, which acttpn vwnrld expose him to the fire oft his enctnies He cast one quick glance at the tree 4 lined stream, and determined'' to- trust; himself to the water. Their. Darrah dropped out of view and began to'wadet out into the swift central current off the’ river.

He could hear the savages talking excitedly, and apparently making their , way toward 1 him. Near the shore drooping willows afforded a shelter fromtheir prying eyes, but that he would nothing be safe there“he fully realized. He thrilled to a new idea off safety as he saw an object floating near him. It was- the canoe that the Indian had abandoned, and it was upside down. Distantly Darrel conceived a daring plan, of eluding his enemies, at least temporarily. He. dodged'down and came up with his head under the canoe. Then he stood' in the water perfectly motionless. Tlie savages came down to the edge of the stream, and began searching for him.

He could, discern, that they were making a thorough quest, and that finally' they divided and proceeded up and down the stream. When all was oilent he ventured Towithdraw his head from the canoe and, glance about him. No one was in sight in his near vicinity. 1 “if I could locate tho tree where Ralph hid himself I would rejoin him,” he soliloquized. Just then, however, as he glanced at the opposite shore, his eyes met a vision that startled and enchained him. A camp-fire had been built, and a large number of Indians were busy putting up some tents. Near the fire stood a savage, evidently their chief, directing their movements. There were two white men near him; and they were ednversing with him. Darrel started as he recognized them!! One was Dyke Despard; the other was his accomplice, Jim Danton. Even as he watched them, he saw their two com-i rades of the previous day pass, leading their horses. On one was seated a girlish form. The heart of the young scout thrilled to wild emotion as he caught sight of the beloved face of Inez Tracey. “She is in the camp, a prisoner, ” he breathed “I will rescue her, or die in the attempt. ” He dodged down again as, against the the light, he made out a savage form coming down the banks of the stream.: In. a moment Darrel was in his old posir tion under the boat. He believed he was as safe as before, but ho learned his error a moment later. t The boat was suddenly pulled toward the shore, and he knew that the Indian; he had seen was its former occupant Darrel quickly comprehended the situation. Dodging down under the water, he remained there for a moment. Then ho raised himself slowly. The savage was adjusting the canoe a few feet away. Darrel crept cautiously toward him. A brilliant idea, to enter the Indian camp in disguise, had entered his mind. < Seizing a heavy stone, be dealt the savage a terrific blow The latter felt to the ground with a groan. “Victory!” muttered Darrel, excitedly. “I will yet rescue the imperilled Inez!" ]TO BE CONTINUED. |