Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 February 1892 — ROYAL RANGER RALPH; OR He Waif of the Western Prairies. [ARTICLE]

ROYAL RANGER RALPH; OR He Waif of the Western Prairies.

BY WELDON J. COBB.

CHAPTER XXVl—Continued. It was fully two hours before the bandit band reached the ravine. The rain was now falling in torrents; the situation was a most gloomy and uncomfortable one. Before them ran the river, broad and deep, and with a swift current. “Ha! What is this?” Danton’s words announced that he had found a canoe. It was quite large, and evidently belonged to the Indians. Where it lay there were marks on the bank as if a second canoe had recently been there. “The girl must have escape i by way of the river,” remarked Despard. , “Yes, and she had help.” ■ “How do you know that?” “There are the footprints of two persons here. ” “Ha!" “Both small and apparently those of women. ” “Then she had a companion?” “Undoub'edly. One of them wore moccasins. ” “An Indian?” “The Modoc princess. ” “Impossible!” “It must be White Fawn.” Despard turned pale. He dreaded the vengeance of Shadow Snake and his daughter. ■ “Let ns hasten, ”he said. “And take the canoe?” “Yes. ” “It will not hold more than half of * us. ” “Then let the others cross over and get away from the Indians as best they can. ” This plan was consummated. A portion of the band were rowed across the river. Despard, Danton and the others then directed the canoe to midstream and allowed it to proceed down the stream. They passed the cliff and the ravine in safety and soon left it far behind. Apparently they were safe from pursuit, and would not be followed in time to be overtaken. The Modocs, in *tho ravine bevond their foe in the fort, had not witnessed their departure. Somewhere down the river, in advance of them, they theorized, was the canoe containing the Modoc princess and their escaped captive, Inez Tracey.

CHAPTER XXVII. THE MODOCS. The plots and movements of Dyke Despard, the bandit leader, were fast apprc aching a climax, as he was soon to learn in a tragic and unexpected manner. The Indians whom his spy had discovered in the ravine were indeed members of Shadow Snake’s tribe, and he had avoided a deadly conflict by his timely escape. The savages had located his recent camp, had trailed him to the ravine, and later explored the cliff, but found no trace of him. Darrel Grey had remained faithfully at his post in the fort. When the rain and mist obscured the outlaws he did not retreat from the intrenchment, but endeavored to watch the cliff as best he could. Thus hidden by the gloom, the outlaws escaped without his knowledge. He was amazed when at last the mists were dispersed and ho saw no trace of his enemies in the vicinity. Instead, a score of dusky warriors were ascending the winding mountain paths. What did it mean? He was perplexed and somewhat alarmed at the discovery. The savages seemed to be following a trail and were coming directly to the summit of the cliff. Sooner or later he must be discovered, and resistance against such superior numbers would be folly. Besides, by this time White Fawp and Inez must have eflected'their escape. He could not explain the mysterious disappearance of the bandits, but he observed that there was a possibility of leaving tno fort and retreating before the Indians reached the summit of the cliff. Darrel began to creep behind the rocks in the direction the Modoc princess and Inez had gone. He saw, some distance away, a place where he might essay a descent to the valley, and hastened to reach it. Suddenly he started in dismay. As if by magic, two stalwart savages had darted across his path. Before he could retreat or advance they had seized him securely. They gave utterance to a triumphant yell, and began to lead him toward the ravine where their chief was. Darrel faced his enemies boldly as they gathered around him. . Shadow Snake listened to the rapid words of Darrel’s captors, in explanation of their researches. Then he turned to the prisoner. “Ugh!” he ejaculated; “who is the paleface?” Shadow Snake did not evidently recognize Darrel as the man he had liberated at White Fawn’s request at the outlaws’ stronghold in Lone ( anyon. In his new disguise, the Mcdoc chief did not suppose his present prisoner and his daughter’s friend to be the same person. “I am the friend of the White Fawn,” he sard, simply. The chief started. “Ugh! The pale-face knows the princess?" “Yes.” “Yon have seen her of late?” “A few hours since. ” “Where?” Briefly Darrel related how he had met the White Fawn. He told the Snake that he had once saved his daughter’s life. He related how he had rescued Inez from Despard, and detailed the pursuit and the attack on the mountain hut The old chief’s eyes blazed fiercely as Darrel spoke Bespard'sname. “Ugh!” he uttered savagely. “The Black Crow shall be trailed. Whither has he gone?” “I db not know. ” “And the Fawn?” “Escaped by the ravine to the river. ” Shadow Snake held a brief conference with his braves. “The Eagle shall be the friend of the Snake," said the Modoc chief to Darrel. “Together we will find and punish the Crow. ” Darrel showed the rattlesnake chain White Fawn had given him, and this cemented the confidence and friendship of the Modoc braves. Shadow Snake at once went around the cliff, and reached the ravine on tho other side. “The canoes are gone!” he uttered angrily, as they came to the spot where Despard had reached the river. Indian sagacity soon formed a theory as to their theft, which proved to be the correct one. The canoes they learned had evidently been taken at intervals. “The Fawn went first with the paleface maiden,” explained Shadow Snake. “Why do you think so?” Darrel ventured to inquire. “Because the boat was pushed into the water as an Indian would do it, and the

paddles were used at the side to aid its progress. The Crow has gone in pursuit. Some of his men were taken across the river. ” “Why?” “Because there was not room enough for them in the canoe.” Shadow Snake gave rapid orders as he arrived at these conclusions. He divided his band, and sent half of them in pursuit of the outlaws who had crossed the river. With the others and Darrel Grey ho started down the banks of the Stream. Meanwhile the objects of Darrel’s solicitude, White Fawn and Inez, had met with some exciting adventures. The Indian maiden and her charge had managed to reach the ravine in safety after leaving Darrel Grey. They had observed the canoes, and White Fawn selected one of them. She knew that the river led to some settlements, and for the present her only thought was to place Inez in a position of safety. The rain made their situation extremely uncomfortable, but White Fawn resolutely plied the paddles, and they made swift progress. It was not until after noon that any incident occurred that Id any way tended to alarm them. At a point where the river divided, as she looked back, the Fawn saw a canoe coming down the stream about a mile distant. This caused her to hasten the progress of their own boat An hour later, in the distance, she heard the sound of shooting, and she determined to abandon the canoe Then followed a weary tramp through the forests. At last, towards nightfall,, they reached what looked like a mining settlement Then a small village came into view, and on its outskirts they camb across a rather pretentious inn, designated by a large sign-board as the Fair Play Tavern. “We have reached a place of safety, ” said the Modoc princess, as she designated the tavern. “You are wearied and pale. See; yonder is a white squaw. Speak to her. ” A woman, apparently the landlord's wife, was visible at the rear door ofYho inn. Inez approached and addressed her. She told her briefly that she and her companion had lost the'r way, met with bandits, and wished to remain at the inn all night The sight of money influenced the woman to agree to give them shelter. A sigh of relief escaped the lips of Inez as she found herself with White Fawn in a comfortable room of the tavern. She, howevor, expressed a deep anxiety for hor lover's safety. White Fawn stated that with the morning she would return to the scene of their r. cent adventures. A meal was served in their room, and Inez sat at the window gazing out at tho front of the tavern. She started and uttered a cry of dread as the lights from the bar-room showed two now arrivals. At a glance she recognized them as Dauton and Dyae Despard.

CHAPTER XXVIII. AT THE TAVEIIN. The two men who had just entered the Fair Play tavern were indeed Dyke Despard and his evil accomplice, Danton. At the sight of them new terror and apprehension seized the timid Inez, and even White Fawn looked anxious and concerned. Had they, however, known the true condition of affairs with the outlaws they would have been less fearful of their l ower to injure them. For retribution, swift and terrible, seemed to* have followed tho bandits, and the arrival oE their leaders at the tavern was in the nature of a flight from their enemies. The canoe containing ' the outlaws had nearly overtaken the fugitives. The Modocs had pursued the bandits. Despard and his men I ad beon attacked by tho Indians at a bend in the river." Shadow Snake was their leader and Darrel Grey was among them. Befote the startled outlaws could prepare tor a defense, a deadly hail of leaden bullets was poured into their midst. Instantly the river became the scene of the greatest confusion and excitement The canoe, penetrated by the bullets, sank in midstream, and those not killed or wounded tried to swim to the opposite shore. Of their number only two escaped— Despard and Danton—and they were both slightly wounded. Of the others not one escaped the dread vengeance of the Modocs. The bandit leaders gained the shore, evaded pursuit, and, as has been seen, reached the Fair Play Tavern shortly after the arrival of the fugitives. They entered the bar-room, seeking to evade notice, and passed into the anteroom behind the bar. The landlord, who was the banker, merchant and magistrate of the place, followed them with no sign of recognition on his face. “Well, gentlemen ” he began. “What! you don’t know us?" said Danton. “Despard!” he finally ejaculated, after staring at them for some moments.

“Exactly, and in trouble. See here, Marvin, we’re in a bad box, and we’ve got to leave the country. ” “How is that?” “Close the door and we will tell you.” The landlord did so, and Despard began speaking in a rapid, confidential tone. His words Indicated that in the past the now presumably respectable- landlord of the tavern had been a man as unprincipled and criminal as himself. He narrated his recent adventures, and. informed Marvin that he must shel-’ ter them for a day or two, and then provide them with horses to leave the country. “It's lucky you were disguised when you came in here,” said Marvin, “for the community are terribly aroused about your helping the Modocs in the attack on the wagon train.” Despard scpwled and looked disturbed. “Well, well, ” he said, impatiently; “can you stow us away in a place of safety?” «Yes. n “Where?” “There’s a room yonder that no one can get to except through here. ” “But if the vigilantes knew we were here and should search for us?”

“There’s a trap in the floor leading to the cellar and thence to the stables. How are the vigilantes going to know it?” “Because we have many enemies on our trail, and will undoubtedly be closely pursued. Bring us something to eat and drink, wiil you? We are nearly famished.” Despard and Danton retired to the room beyond the one they were in. “We’re safe enough here,” remarked the latter with a complacent glance at their comfortable surroundings. Despard surveyed the apartment critically. “Not If Ranger Ralph and that young scout Grey trace us,” replied Despard. “Where does this door lead to?” “To the outside hall, I suppose. But It’s bolted heavily on this side. ” “I’m going to see. ” Despard was some time operating the bolt, which apparently had not been used for years. He finally slid it back in its socket and opened it cautiously It led, as Danton had suggested, to a hall that ran from the upper to the rear portion of the house. Despard seemed determined to understand his surroundings, and to be prepared for an escape under all • contingencies. He stepped Into the hall, which was In complete darkness, and closed the door after him. He saw that to attempt to leave by the rear of the

house would bo folly if the place was surrounded. He cautiously ascended the stair a few steps. “If it comes to the worst we can retreat, ” he muttered. “Pa! Wha» was that?” Distinctly from the hall above he caught the sound of voice*. He thrilled wildly as he recognized them, for they were tho ; e of Inez and White Fawn. “Return to the room, ” the latter was saying. “But every moment we delay is fatal, with that man in the house. “The Black Crow can not know that we are here,” responded the Indian maiden. “He will soon learn of it. Let us fly. * “And bo pursued and overtaken by him? No, we are safer here. Return to the room, and I will find out our truo peril. ” v “Then see the landlady,” urged Inez. “If she will provide us with horses we will leave at once ” “Be it so. I will return soon.” The eyes of the outlaw chief gleamed triumphantly. The fugitives he had abandoned as effectually escaped were under tho same roof. Ho must devise a plan to secure Inez and the diamonds at once. The Modoc princess was about to descend t»o stairs. She must not discover him.yet Despard silently rotreated and cautiously re-entered-tho room where Danton wa*. He started as he did so. Danton stood by a table pale and alarmed. Confronting him with drawn revolver were two men. Their backs were to Despard, and they had not noticed his entrance. The outlaw stood spellbound as he recognized one of them as Darrel Grey. The other revealed himself by spe&king at that moment. “Jim Danton,” he was saying, in a low, determined tone, “if you do not instantly tell us where Dyke Despard is I will kill you!” It was the outlaw’s bitterest enemy who spoke—Ranger Ralph. CHAPTER XXyt. A VILLAIN’S TRIUMPH. The toils were fast closing in upon the heartless persecutors of tho beautiful and innocent Inez Tracey, and (n a flash Dyke Despard realized that a vital moment in all his plots had arrived. He knew that a word to the rough but honest throng in the bar-room of the tavern would lead to his arrest, and a trial in which Judge Lynch would award him the fate of death by hanging. How these two men happened to meet at the tavern —how they had managed to penetrate to this room—he could not surmise. Even Danton, terrified at tneir sadden appearance, did not notice Despard s return to the apartment. For a moment the outlaw chief seemed about to draw a weapon and spring upon his unsuspecting foos. Then his eye flashed fiercely, as a surer and more silent means of disposing of them came to his mind. Marvin had told him of the trap-door leading to the cellar. As his eye fell upon the floor, he noted that both of the newcomers stood upon that portion of it which comprised the trap. Sunk in the floor at the extrome edge was a small bolt. To draw this back meant to release the trap-door, Despard doubted not

Ho determined to boldly risk all on operating it, to the disaster of his foea He stepped forward cautiously. His hand reached the bolt. There was a creaking sound. Ranger Ralph turned quickly, but too late to avert the disaster. The door fell with a crash. Both men were precipitated into the gloom and darkness of the cellar. A low cry of malignant tiiumph escaped Despard's lips. “Baffled!” he cried. “Quick, Danton, the lamp!” His companion brought the light to the tra;o. Despard peered eagerly Into the dark void. Fully fifteen feet below, upon a rocky, unoven floor, lay two forms. Apparently the fall had robbed their enemies of sensibility. A ladder led from the trap downward. This Despard pulled t up into the room. Then he closed and locked the trap-door just as tho landlord entered the room. The latter seemed somewhat excited. “I guess you were right about being pursued, ” he said. “Why so?” asked Despard. “Two men came into the bar-room a few minutes since who acted Very suspiciously. ” “Where are they now?” “I don’t know. They disappeared very mysteriously. ” “They came here. ” “What?” ejaculated Marvin, incredulously. “Yes, they came here.” “You knew them?” “As our deadliest foes. ” “And they are gone?” “Into yonder trap. ” In graphic language Despard detailed what had occurred. “Can they escape readily?” he asked as he concluded his recital. “Not unless they know the way to a secret door to the stables. ” “Then let us act. Marvin, do you wish to make a few thou and dollars. ” “Of course I do. ” “Very well. In this house now there are two girls. ” Marvin started. “How did you know that?” he asked surprisedly. “I do know it One of them—tho white love. The other, an Indian girl, has her fortune in diamonds in her possession. ” The landlord's eyes gleamed avariciously as Despard unfcflded his plan. Marvin was ti act in immediate collusion with them. “The men in the cellar will be insensible till we are away,” said Despatd, “You get your wife to pretend to befriend the girls.” “I’ll fix all that, only I must not appear as being in your plot. It would hurt mo -among my customers.” “We’ll manage all that. ” Thus it was when, half an hour later, Inez and White Fawn stole from the tavern. The landlady had pretended to aid them, but was only acting under orders from her husband. She told them to go to an old hut a few rods from the house, where she would bring them horses a little latter. She had left a lantern with them, and the two girls stood silent and alone, watching its flickering rays and anxiously awaiting the woman’s return. A wild cry of dismay arose from Inez Tracey’s lips, as the doorway suddenly framed' two forms. In a moment Despard and Danton came into view. The •latter seized the Indian girL Despite her struggles, her arms were quickly bound behind her. “You have not escaped us yet,” hissed Despard, as he grasped Inez’ arm. “Make no outcry if you value your safety.” Paralyzed with terror, poor Inez stood pale and mute, shrinking in horror from the triumphant face of her enemy. “Danton," spoke the outlaw chief, “you know your part. Search the Indian girl for the diamonds. ” White Fawn did not speak, but her dark eyes flashed fiercely on the man who had so wronged her. Danton uU tered a cry of delight as he drew from the dress of the Indian girl a small box, which he examined hastily. “The jewels?” asked Despard, eagerly. “Yes. ” “Very well. Secure them safely and watch your captive.” There was a mocking smile on the face

.of White Fawn, despite her perilous situation. “Now, then,” spoke Despard qnicki’y to the shrinking Inez, I have only a few words to speak to you. ” “Miscreant! Will your evil plots and persecutions never cease?" “Not until you are my wife. ” “That will be never. ” “We shall see. I have your fortune, in the jewels and the deeds to the lands your father left you." “I care not ” “But I covet your love. If you wed mo and go with me, yonder girl shall live. Your lover Darrel Grey and your friend Ranger Ralph are lying insensible in the rear of the tavern." Inez uttered a frantic cry of grief. “All shall die, unless you wed mo. Outside the hut Is a magistrate. Agree?” Poor Inez sobbed bitterly. “Danton, kill the Indian!” Danton raised a gleaming knife. “No, no!" shrieked Inez, frantically. “I agree!!* Almost at the same moment Marvin entered the but. It was a strange scene—a dread mockery—a delirium of emotion—in which Inez only knew that she heard the words that made her Dyke Despard’s wife to save her friends. Almost in a swoon, she was led from the hut and placed on a horse. Despard held tho bridle and mounted another steed. “You shall hear from ns soon, Marvin,” he said. “Come, Danton.” They had left the Indian girl bound in the hut.- Ten minutes later utter silence reigned over tho sceno. And in the near distance, Dyke Despard was bearing away the beautiiul Inez —his wife—successful, apparently, at last in securing tho fortune for which ho had so long and deftly plotted. CHAPTER XXX. CONCLUSION. “Hold!” Like a shock the word sounded upon the hearing of Danton. It was less than an hour after the departure from the hut, and he and his companion had gained a moonlit mountain path, and were rapidly making their way from the vicinity of the tavern. Inez, weeping bitterly, allowed Despard to lead her horse as he would, and he did not annoy her by speaking to her, although he kept a clise surveillance over her every movement. Danton had lagged behind, his horse having loosened a shoo. Ho had dismounted and was about to hasten to rejoin ills companion, when he became conscious that two men blocked his way. One of them flashed quickly by him, and he thrilled as he seemed to recognize in him his dreaded enemy, Ranger Ralph. The other had gained his side so quickly that they were faco to face “Draw a woaponand I fire,” spoke tho ominous voice of Darrel Grey. He held a gleaming revolver in his hand, before which the craven Danton quailed in terror. “Fling your weapons in the road—quick!” There was no mistaking the stern menace In the young scout's voice. Danton sullenly complied with his demand. “You are my prisoner, ” spoke Darrel. “In a few moments I shall take you back, a bound captive, to the settlement \Vo escaped from the cellar—we saw your victim, White Fawn. Return at once tie tox of jewels you took from her. ” Danton drew the box from his coat Then suddenly ho flung it far over the edge of the cliff. Darrel uttered a cry of dismay. “Kill me if you will. I have robbed you of half your triumph,” cried Danton. “Ha! lam not beaten yet!” Taking advantage of Darrel’s dismay at the loss of the jewels he had sprung towards him. It was a fatal movement, for it startled the horse, and Danton's foot became entangled Jn tho drooping reins With a cry of terror, Darrel saw the horse drag him a few feet, and then send him crashing over tho edge of the precipica Danton had met his doom in the rockchoked river below! A series of shots some distance ahead warned Darrel that his friend, Ranger Ralph, had probably met Despard. A few minutes later he came upon them. The ranger had indeed overtaken Despard, had torn liis grasp from tho bridlerein of Inez’s horse, and then a deadly conflict had ensued. They had emptied their revolvers at short range. Neither had been seriously injured. Just as Darrel reached the’spot, the outlaw had darted up a steep Incline. “We shall meet again!” he cried. “You 'have triumphed this time—help!” The word gurgled In his throat. As he reached the summit of the eminence, a deafening detonation rang forth. Pierced by a hundred bullets, Dyke Despard fell dead. Ho had run directly into an ambush of the very Indians who had accompanied Darrel to the vicinity of Fair Play. A moment -later Shadow Snake appeared. His vengeance was complete—his foe was dead, and the outlaw band of Despard was swept from the face of the earth. Two hours later affairs had resumed a quiet aspect. Inez, enraptuied at again meeting Darrel, was conveyed by the Modocs to a settlement farther down the river. Here White Fawn met her father, and here there was a tearful parting, for she started forth with her father's tribe to find some trace of the husband of whom she had been robbed by the villain Despard. One month later her grateful friends were happy to know that she had found him—a prisoner In a hostile tribe. They were reunited, and returned with Shadow Snake to their old camping ground, peace being declared with the white inhabitants of the district. Ranger Ralph related a long story of bis search for Inez, and the next day a visit was made to the valley where Danton was killed, resulting in the finding of the box jewels. Mftryin was not punished for his share in Despard's _ plot, as nothing definite could be proven against him. Walford, the hermit, was found and a month later was present at the marriage of Inez and Darrel. ‘ The happy pair removed to California, and both their old friends accompanied them. Often they soe the brave Indian girl who so befriended them. Amid their happiness they never forgot these stanch friends of the past. And among them all, they reckon none more highly than tho Intrepid scout who followed all their reverse fortunes In the days when they sought to secure the treasure of Lone Canyon—the King of border detectives. Ranger Ralph. [the end.] The application of the talc or French chalk to textile fabrics is a French invention. It is used in the proportion of about 6 per cent of the weight of the fabric, which it gives a beautiful luster and softness. A veteran hunter says that there are twice as many large game animals in Maine now as there were ten years ago, and attributes this fact to the faithful enforcement of the game laws. “I am closing out my entire stock,” said the farmer, as he put up a wire fence