Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 8, Number 49, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 1 June 1878 — Page 6

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ME MAIL

FOR THE PEOPLE.

BKA VTJFOL THINGS.

Beautiful face# art* those that wmr-. It mHtu-r» *UU* I' Jiu or fair— Whole-souled honesty printed Ibere.^?-

Beautiful eyes are iho that show, Like crystal pntit-s where hearth-fires glow, Beautiful thoughts that burn tx-low.

Beautiful llpM are those whose words I^eap frem the heart like BOOKS of birds, Yet whose utterances pradeace girds,

f-if

Beautiful hands are those that do vjs Work that is earnest and brave and true. Moment by moment, the long day through. 4 Beautiful feet are those that go On kindly ministries to and fro— Down lowliest ways if God wills It so.

Beautiful shoulders are those that bear 5 Ceaseless burdens of homely care With patient grace and daily prayer.' '1

Beautiful lives are those that bless— Hllent rivers of happiness, Whose hidden fountains bat few may guess.

Seatitlfal twilight, at set of sun. Beautiful goal with race well won, .. Beautiful rest, with work well done.

Beautiful graves, where gra*sfs creep *'1 Where brown leaves fall, where drifts lie deep Over worn-cut hands—oh, beautiful sleep!

The Witch of, the Dakotas.

A STORY OF WESTERN LIFE.,

BY C. LEON MEREDITH.

CHAPTER V.

,v% ABACK FOR LIFE.,

When Mr. Hampton left his wife and daughter with the little boat to return to the subterranean passage, he felt so certain that he coald go and return unobserved, that his gun was left with tho women.

He gained the passway to the cellar without trouble, and having obtained what he sought, emerged, and making the entrance secure, crept out from his obscurity jutt as the Annies burst forth Irom the burning building. Drawing back into the shadow of the rock for a moment, a hundred thoughts crowded upon his mind in less time than he could have given expression to one.

To creep back would be attended with too much delay, and resolving to spring forth and reach the panoe in- which be had left the mother and Alletta,be drew himself up for a start, when a yell that sent his blood coursing like fire to his heart, fell upon bis ear. He had been discovered.

It was too late now to carry out his plan. Anew thought flashed through pis brain he would lead the Sioux from •his family, and at the same time gain all the advantage possible.

Tho pioneer farmer, being a well built, cordy man, and fully accustomed to the chase, the half dozen Sioux who gave pursuit soon found that they had a lull match for the speed of the best runners among them.

Hampton had both the advantage of ti.M (Uikness and a perlect knowledge of £hj lay of the land along the bunk of the river, over which he was passing.

Down through the little glen he rushed.the savages in full sight of the fleeing in, sanding out hideous yells at every bound. A mile was passed in a few minutes' time, and then they came to a change in the surface of the land, and Hampton lost his advantage in part, as be

found

it diffloult to keep his feet in

imking his way so rapidly over the rooky, uneven earth, while tho Sioux appeared to experience no difficulty in scaling the rugged points.

His wits were now of more benefit than his logs. Watching tho lirst opportunity that offered, he slipped into a deep shadow where the foliage of clustered trees shut out the moonlight, then springing to the right, passed into a dark recess and let the howling imps pass.

He held his revolver as one alter anotbor of the dusky forms hastened by, and could hardly keep his lingers from pressing tho trigger. His better judgment kept him silent, but he ground his teeth in rage at the thought of being placed upoq tho defensive by such merciless wretches as were in pursuit.

In one minute the Sioux bad passed him ami disappeared now was the time for action again. Coming out of his hid ln place lie took the back track as rapidly "as he bad come, but before a dozen a'te[w hai been taken, he ran square into tliH arms ot a stalwart ravage, who was bringing up the rear of the posse. The Sioux clutched the farmer with a grip like tb it of au iron vise, and Hampton at thvsame time placed his hand upon the throat of the copper-oolored demon to pre *ont his giving the alarm. The meeting had been so sudden, violent, and unexpected, that at first both parties were to inuph surprised to act only by intuition.

The white man's right arm was pinioned so that he could not reach his weapon, which had been placed in the pocket ofi hh coat, and the enemy had both hrs arms occupied in holding the muscular farmer from action or escape but matters could not long remain thus. The Sioux \v» gaspim for breath, and the thumb and tinkers of two heavy hand were pressing his throat firmer and firmer. He eudeavorod to thlhw ti)e pioneer up the earth to make htm .loose bis hoi i, but Hampton kept bis feet in spite of the almost superhuman efforts of the ioreat giant, aud settled his fingers still closer upon the wind pipe of the ravage, jeeling the nails cut tbroc^ the weather hardened skin, and work amid the cords and tl-'sh of the neck. lite R&vag« could endure it no longer the grip was like that of a mastiff's jaws and could not be shaken off. Half a m.nute more and he would bo senseless, for breath was ntfw cut off entirely. He dropped tho burden from his embrace, and canght tho arm from which the tenuous stood eut like whipoords, and Pureed it from bis throat. aunplon lost no ad vantage hem As soon as bis right arm was liberated the revolver was seised, and before the savage c*uld regain bin breatk there came a flash of lignt before his eye*, followed by a sharp report,and the

Sioux fell dead

!iu his tracks. Not more than a minute and a half bad elapsed between the farmer's leaving the retreat and the discbarge of ibel pistol, and the Indians who had passe| vrero not far away, and the wbooking

now set up showed that they were hastening back. No time was to be lost. Takiag a course at a right angle with that pursued before, the defender soon found himself out of harm's way.

Cautiously working baek to the place where bis house had stood, by a circuitous route, he secreted himself where be conld watoh the return of ttf» enemy. The Sioux who had not joifted In the march were gone, and ail was still about the premises. He crept around to the spot where his wife and daughter

bad been left, found the boat waa gone, as he had expected it would be* and be felt hopeful of their safety.

Presently he was gratified to see the scalpers who bad dogged bis tracks return, bearing the body of the dead warrior. Alter a abort delay they took to their canoes and rowed away up stroftio* 'I can dispense with your company now as well as not,' the man murmured to himself, as the barks disappeared from sight 'but you go to your wigwams with three less than you came with, while we have—' He stopped short in his soliloquy, for he waa probably going to say,'while we have all escaped,' but be thought again of Mrs. Hampton and Alletta. Wbere were tbey lie had not heard the cry of his daughter in bis flight, and it was reasonable for him to bblieve tbat be had diverted attention from his family, and tbat they bad escaped.

He lingered about the spot until the dawn bad nearly come, hoping that they bad secreted themselves, and would return in quest of him, alter the departure of

t..~

enemy.

Tbey came uot. He hallooed to the full strength of bis lungs, but his voice died away upon the heavy air, and no ap.swer came. 'They Lave gone down the river,' he said aloud, *and I will follow.'

Going to the 'Ueud,' as the place wbere the horses had been nee re ted was familiarly called, be mounted the fleetest animal and rode away at a rapid gait. .. jjr a

CHAPTER VI. AN HOUR OF TERROR.

The mother of Alletta sat trembling with fear as she saw her daughter creep out from the hiding place and glide along under the shadow of the bank to hasten tht return of her father.

The mental sufferings of the poor woman were beyond description. She knew that were a discovery made of their escape from the burning bouse, death certainly followed, for two of the savages bad been killed, and this would incense them to terrible deeds of revenge.

Mrs. Hampton covered her face with hands as if to shut out the dread thought or what might come, and bowed her throbbing head prayerfully.

The first minute pasaseri silently, save the orai-kiing of the fire finnd tbat was d#'vi.iTing her home, and the gibber of thi merciless imps who were gloating over the destruction then came a wild agonizing cry that pierced the heart of the matron like a dagger.

Sbe beard the words of the terrified girl distinctly Sbe lifted her face, and casting a glance through the willows, saw tbe retreating form of her husband, aud Alletta, pale and anxious, in tbe broad fiood of light, looking up imploringly into tbe lace of the wretch who held the tomahawk lifted above tbe lair head.

Instinctively she lifted her gun to-de-fend the child, but when sbe saw tbe weapon of the savage lowered without a blow, ber better judgment told her how utterly useless sucb a move would be. She would only sacrifice ber own life by revealing ber presence, and perhaps increase tbe peril of Alletta.

She lowered the gun, and as she did so there came tbe sound of moccasined feet upon the bank close to tbe spot wbere tbe little bark was moored. Loosing tbe cord tbat stayed tbe boat, sbe silently lifted a paddle and shoved into deeper water, but not beyond the shadow of tbe tall bushes tbat (ringed the bank, fehe knew very well that thus far her presence had not been discovered, but-tbere were those among the Sioux wbo could understand English, and bad heard the warning words of Alletta. The hurrying feet along the river also iudicated that search was being made.

Several hundred yards were passed in safety, and as soon as tbe immediate danger to herself was over, the mother's heart reached out again to ber child. Could she go.away and leave Alletta to the mercy of her captors, while means of defent-e lay at her leet? She resolved to go back, and would have done so had not ber attention just at tbat moment been attracted to an object that rustled tbe willcws close to tbe canoe, which was lving passively beneath the bending boughs.

A grim face protruded from the foliage, that sent tbe cold ohilis over the lady, and for a little lime so benumbed ber sensibilities that she knew not bow to act Tbe ugly vit-iige disappeared aa quickly as it bad come, and rapidly retreating steps told plainly that a Sioux bad been there, and, believing be bad made a discovery without being seen himself, bad gone for aid to make tbe capture sure.

But ono coursa remained for her to pursue that was flight. Her strength and reason seemed to return again with their wonted power. Picking up the paddle, sbe turned into tbe current and glided rapidly down tbe broad water course.

Her worst expectations were soon realised. Glancing over her shoulder, sbe saw three or four canoes, by the glowing firelight, burdened with two savages each, go out and begin tbe pursalt.

Mrs. Hampton was now where the rays of the moon fell upon her, which would soon 1»-ad to her discovery: but she needed thd aid of tbe current, and resolved iut to leave it so long as ber strength could be sustained.

Alter half an hour ot rowing, our rriend found, to berinfini edelight, tbat she could prevent tbe distanoe.between herself and her pursuers being lessened. The Sioux, with their dug-outs, could not cope with the Chippewa birch bark canoo which Mrs. Hampton possessed and was well experienced in managing. Tbey were ouly superior in strength and skill, and this superiority made equal the advantage of the first so the rapo was about even.

Tbe hope of the struggling woman lay in tbe savages' becoming discouraged and giving up tbe chase. But time wore on, and still tbey followed, and still so far behifid that only now and then a glimpse of tbe murderous wretches could be obtained but this lend could uot be maintained much longer. The woman's strength began to fail. Hours of constant pulling at tbe paddle had almost reached tbe limit of physical enduraneo. Only ene hope waa left—the moon was nearly down, and, abould the dawn not oome too quickly, (he darknee* might aid ber.

Sbe struggled oa, mustering all tbe strength that remained in ber trembling frame, and, as if in answer to ber petition to Heaven far ber deliverance, a cloud rose up in the west and covered up tbe nice of the goddess ot tbe night and abut out from tins view ot tbe savages tbe flying fugitive.

Thank nil lor this relief, Mrs. Hampton turned tbe canoe from the current, and hastily pressed for tbe nearest bank. A hundred leet were passed-, and the, bow ef tbe bark struck some object that checked tbe progress and gave back a rustling, grathag sound. It was too dark to see anything, but, on putting out ber band, ft came in contact with" the leaves of flags or rushes, and, parting tbe yielding stalks, tbe little craf.

-cjr ir -rdI f.., La

rERRE HXUTE SATITEDAY iEV ENIIS MAIL.

waa forced among them until completely buried amid tbe dense waving blades. Tbs ex ha a ted woman,with throbbing heart and aching bones, ttoew herself back, and feeling in comparative securi ty, became oblivious all around. How long she remained in a iawal-eon-sciou* condition she knew not, bat when ber eyes opened again to reaAsit waa broad daylight.

Her first thought was of tbe Sioux. Sbe hoped they bad turned back and that tbe Would see no more of tbem. Rising up carefully and looking out through the topfc of tt.e flags, a pallor up road over ber f-ce on aeeing tbe Indians a few rods i.r*lw, on a return op stream, examining tbe banka on either aide as tbey cam*.

Two canoea were on tbe opposite aide of the river, and but one on tbe left, wbere she bad taken shelter. A discovery could now Iw scarcely avoided. To attempt to get out of tbe reeds would prove disastrous, sbe thought, and to remain, she fssred, none tbe less so.

As there was no alternative but defense with tbe gnn at ber side, ber nerves became suddenly firm, and, grasping a rifl«, sbe resolved to sell ber life as dearly as possible.

Her can»e bad been driven near to tbe bank in the darkness but a few feet in breadth lay between herself and the pebbly earth so she reHoiv#*d to rt-miin silent until discovery hh certain to take place, then act as reason seemed to dictate.

Five minutes passed in fearful susense. Pale as a ghost »at tbe matron, iut not a tremor was visible. With eyes bent on tbe border of tbe reeds, where the enemy would likely appear, she gazed intently. The low chattering at last told ber tbat tbey bad come, and tbat it was time to act. Lifting tbe gun to her shoulddr, sbe slipped tbe barrel through the stalks, aud as a paddle splashed at the border of tbe clustering flags, caught quick sight and fired.

A yell rent the morning air tbat would have sent terror to tHe strongest heart. Mrs. Hampton caught up the other gun, and, half t«wildered, sprang out and gaiued the bank. Turning with a rapid glance, the whole situation was taken in—the two «iio«s were crossing from the opposite tide. She bad relieved the one next to ber or one of its occupants, but toe other had levelled his gun upon her. Quick as a flash of light she lifted her own weapon, and the stock was shivered in her face as sbe did so.

The Indian bad tired, but tbe echo of bis gun bad not gone out from tbe rocifli beyond, before she returned tbe fire,aud he fell dead from bis canoe.

Mrs. Hampton now stood defenseless. Tbe savages were rapidly crossing tbe river. Efrr head became heavy and confused ber feet refused ber service, and with a sad moan sbe sank senseless upon tbe ground.

I CHAPTER VII. ANEW CHARACTER. -r i. Wbert Mrs. Hampton returned to tbe world of realization again, sbe felt herself being lifted from tbe earth and borne away.

The whole truth came flooding har-k upon ber mind. Tbe last remembrance had been that of the Sionx crossing the river in their canoes, and now ber first thought is that she is a captive in their powtr.

She bad killed two stalwart savages, and could not expect mercy at tbe band of their comrades. Tbe thought was horrifying in tbe extreme, but sbe felt berself helpless.

Dreading to open ber ejes lest the Indians should know of her recovery, sbe remained entirely passive, hoping tbat in some way, sbe knew not bow, there would be an advantage in so doing.

There were stout arms about her, and tbe one who whs conveying tbe apparently lifeless burden stepped rapidly. Tbe'suspensn, however, was not ot long duration. She was laid again upon the earth and a cold hand placed upon her brow. Then a gentle, tremulous voice fell upon her ear: •Oh, my Godl my poor, poor Rachel!'

Tbe lady opened ber eyes now, and with a cry of joy tbat came from the depths of her wearied soul, sbe burst into tears.

Her husband, for it was he who had spoken, claspe^ tbe noble woman to his breast with inexpressible delight to find tbat she lived.

After a short lapse of time, filled with tbe blissful emotion tbat would in tbe very nature or thing follows the terrifying suspense and struggle our friends bad passed through, tbe heroic lady askecl: 'How came you here, Farewell, and wbere are the Sioux?' 'Icame upon the back of "Nell,"' was tho answer, 'and reached you» thanks to One who overrules all things, just in time to save you. I was not a quarter of a mile distant when I heard tbe discharge of fire arms, and Nell appeared to understand tbat there was trouble ahead, for she brought me like an arrow.' 'Had the Indians crossed tbe river from the opposite side when you came?' interrupted tbe wife. 'Yes tbey were near the bank when they heard tbe clank of tbe horse's ieet, and tbey took to their paddles in short order, believing a whole host was after tbem. To stimulate tbe rascals, I turnin my saddle ind beckoned toward tbe bill, as if calling to a whole brigade to follow.' ,, •Did you m*lre an attack?' 'Emptied my revolver chambers bpon tbem, that was all. My gun I left with you and Alletta but—'here tbe speaker stopped short aud casting a glance about him, asked: •Wbere is the girl?' •Gone!' whispered tbe mother, with a painful 8'ruggle, as tbe thought of the scene at the ruined home came back to her in all its distressing reality. 'Have tbe savagea ki.led ber, Rachel?' came in a hoarse voice. •1 pray not so bad—' 'Taken ber captive, then?' interrupted tbe fattier.

Theitory was briefly told, and with it that of ber own struggle for life. Mr. Hampton's frame shook as with a convulsion, and tbe compression of bis colorless lips, and tbe peculiar fire in bis eye told of a determination to avenge these wrongs, ss plainly as wdfcds could have done, but he gave no utterance to tbe thoughts tbat were agitating kit mind ana body. 'Are you strong enough to ride?' be asked at last, turning bis attention again to bis wife,wbo had been watching in sympathy tbe paroxysm of distress. 'Quite able, Farewell.' was the reply 'I have suffered no bodily injury further than exhaustion,and am well recovered.' •Then let us gc at poos to the nearest settkpnent. Alletta mutt be restored If she lives, and if dead—may God bave mercy on tbe brutes wbe killed bert*

Placing his wife upon tbe back of Nell, Hampton atrapped the guns to tbb saddle, save his own, and the couple started away to the eastward at as rapid state as the farmer could endure on foot.

Tbe brave woman had offered, even insisted, on seeking refufee alone, so as allow Farewell to go at onoe In search of Alletta, but b^would not consent to sucb an arrangement. •When you are sate, then I will go for

her, and not before.1 was tbe decided answer, and the anxious mother ktew there was wiadnni in the decision, although ber heart readied out to tbe lost child with that rtwvotion which only a paieut can fevi—a devotion ready for any sacrifice.

A little after midday tbe couple were cheered by the eiabt of a settler's bouse, nestled in a duster of low cotton wood trees, and quickening their steps they soon drew up front of tbe pioneer's bumble cottage.

Tbe door was oeen, and upon tbe threehhold stood a oeing 'that at once riveted the attention of our friends. 'Is it human or an animal?' were the queries that passed through their mindt at first sight.

The object was not more than four feet in height, and although human, a queer specimen of our race. The legs were long, comparatively, and appeared to terminate near the breast bone the head large, with a thin face and cloee upon tbe shoulders, aud covered with a light growth of yellow hair tbe arms reached down to a point below tbe knees,andtbe hand* bad long, bony finger tbat clim-u. .i will Into knots, like tbeclawsot a •Had'you not beu speak to him, Farewelir asked Min. Hampton, after gazing long enough to satisfy curiosity. •Perhaps so,' was tbe reply, 'but I'm afraid I'll get no satisfaction from tbe being.'

Turning to the dwarf he asked, 'Do you live bere, my friend?' Tbe apish looking object opened bis broad mouth, showing two rows of teeth, and with a grin whioh made the hazel eyes twinkle, uttered tbe two words, 'More'n likely,' and turning a double summersault, landed square in front of tbe questioner.

Tbe couple laughed outright in spite of tbe trouble tbat was weighing tbem down. 'Do you live here alone?' the visitor continued. 'Blazes doubtful,' answered the elf, with another grin that sent tbe corners of his mouth back to bis ears. •He more'n likely lives here, and it's blazes doubtful about his living alone, repeated the man, turning to his companion. •Tbat's tbe way I understand it, Farewell, but I wonder if tbe others are like this one.'

Tbe dwarf giggled. Tbe questioning would have been continued, but just at tbat instant tbe attention of tbe party was attracted by a voice calling out: i.r •Here, Zip, oome here!'

The dwarf, with a back handspring, disappeared in tbe bonse, and a middle aged man, with an agreeable bearing, advanced and greeted the new comers with a hearty 'How do you do?'

Mr. Hampton told his story in a few words, and asked if the lady could re main at the bouse a few days, while he went in quest of tbe lost one. •Most assuredly she caa* my dear sir,' tbe husbandman answered, 'and my wife will be delighted with ber company. Here she comes.'

As he spoke a sunny faced woman came toward them with an apron full of spinach she bad bees gathering for the table, and repeated ber husbands offer of hospitality so kindly that our frieuds felt themselves at home at once.

The lady dismounted and was led by tbe hostess into tbe humble dwellln 'I cannot tarry,' Hampton said, 'I must take the back track, so as to reach the river before night.' 'Neither man nor beast can do good work when hungry,' was tbe reply •you must have some food and—bere, Zip, take this horse and give it some grain, quick.'

With a series of evolutions tbe dwarf came whirling out, and with a single bound landed in the saddle, and rode away to the barn at the rear of tbe house. •Queer boy, that,' said the host, as be BOticed a smile curl tbe lip of the stranger, 'but be is as wonderful in his agility as in bis deformity.' 'And a little more so,* Hampton answered. 'He is not our child,' tbe first continued, 'bat has lived in the family for nearly a score ot years—his-age being o\er twenty. We adopted bim a waif* By the way, bow would you like to bave him accompany you on your expedition against the Sioux?' •I am fearful—' 'Metbinks I know what you would say, sir,' the first interrupted, 'but you cannot find a more artful Indian fighter in all Minnesota—better tban myself, sir, sr I would offer to go in bis stead.' 'Indeed!' 'Yes, sir, be is tbe queerest combination of grit and timidity I ever saw. He is a dead shot, as sly as a fox, as bold as a lion in some respects, and as timid as a rabbit in others.' 'Cau be be depended upon?' 'Exactly tbat he'll turn up just when you need him and least expect bis aid, and is worse tban any sharp shooter you ever read of. By the way, he's uot the idiot you may think him to be he's as keen as a briar, but eccentric, and his looks are against bim.'

Tbe listener bowed and smiled.

awRmw •mp*

Tbe two men passed into the bouse, and Zip came around the corner rolling like a rimless wagon wheel, on the ends of bis Angel's and toss, bis head representing tbe bub.

Tbe dwarf entered tbe room and received a formal inttoduction by Mr. Sidney, the host, to tbe new coiners, and was told of the arrangement made for bim to go with Mr. Hampton against the Sioux. 'I suppose you will like that, Zip?' Sidney added, with a signifidant nod at tbe elf. 'More'n likely,' was tbe quick response, and Zip sprang into a chair, and with a leap upward caught the joist above, and disappeared in the loft. •He don't stop for a ladder,'laughed Mrs. Hampton. 'He stops for nothing,' was tbe reply, and just then tbe dwarf came down spat upon the floor, with a light, well finished rifle in bis hand. •Point out tbe redskins,' said Zip, with another of bis broad grins. 'You'll get all tbe pointing oat yoa want, before you return, if you are not pointed out enough now,' put in the master, with a bftmorons IOOK. 'Put up your gun until after dinner, my boy, and then away.'

Zip obeyed, and an hour latqr they were ready for a start. Mrs. Hampton eame out, pale and trembling, as ber husband led Nell to the door. 'Ob, Farewell, this Is drsadfhl!' sbe eobbed, laying her head opon bis shoulder. 'While in my heart of hearts I would bid you go, I realise the peril before you, and the tiioaght pieroes my sickened soul like a knile!' •I will return to you, in theprovidenoe of God, my darling.' tbe stoat man said, in a taenralous whisper, 'and I hope to bring Alletta with me,' he added gently alter a moment's struggle to master his •else. •I shall pray maesatf ngty for your __jety and tbat er our cfeild,' aadHfan lifting ber tear-flooded eyes continued, with a hopeful smile: 'Perhaps Arthur will hire returned from tbe Yellow Medicine, and will join you*'

'I bop* to And the boy there. Be brave, ble*s«-d.' And kissing ber brow tenderly, be gently pot her from him, and, mosnting Nell, waved an adieu to tbe kind iriends, and galloped 'away, with tbe dwarf, mounted on a sleek pony, at hie side.

Before tbe evening shadows gathered tbe travelers reached tbe ruins of tbe farmer's home.

After providing for tbe horses, Hampton and Zip went into the subterranean passage. A light was struck, snd almost tbe first tbtag that met their gaze waa tbe fly leaf of a book, pinned »pon tbe wall, penciled in Arthur's handwriting. Hampton grasped it eagerly and read: "DEAR ONES If any of you have survived the comiug of the Sioux, and find this, it will inform yoothat I bave gone, in company with a hunter, Reuben Stanton, on tbe back of Flash, in pursuit of the savages. The hunter has taken Dave. ARTHUR." 'Reuben Stanton!' murmured tbe farmer, rubbing bis forehead as if recalling the past 'Reuben Stanton!' be said again, as if forgetting tbe presence of tbe dwarf. 'There may be tbe hand of Providence in all this yet. 'Reuben Stanton! Tbat's tbe name, truly!'

Openiug a little box which lay among tbe other effects, he drew forth a dingy paper, that bad become yellow with age, and concealed it in an inner coatpocket.

Tbe dwarf had been watching bim intently during the proceeding, but he turned away now as if uncouscious of it all.

After partaking of a little food, th?y prepared quarters for the night, as they would make an early start on the morrow.

CHAPTER VIII. GETTING INTO TROUBLE.

Rube had been so confident the night before that the horses left upon tbe plateau would remain undisturbed, that be was entirely taken aback upon discovering, the next morning, that tbey were gone.

Arthur was the first to break the silence. 'Have they broken loose and wandered away, or been Btolen?'

To answer this question, the borderer asked another: 'We removed the saddles, did we not, and laid tbem upon the rock yonder?' •Yes, by hookey!' the boy exclaimed, bringing bis hantl down upon his knee with emphasis, 'and they are gone, too!' •We have been outwitted in some way,' tbe ranger murmured, half to himself, 'and I hardly know what to think of it.' •You said tbe Sioux would not dare come bere at night,' the lad put in, reprovingly. •A fact, too but there have beeu two full hours of daylight.' •Then you think tbe Sioux bave Dave and Flash?' •I have no opinion yet, further than tbat the beasts are missing,' Rube replied, a little curtly, not relishing very well the point Arthur was making against him.

The two had been, during this time, passing down tbe side of the blnff. Reaching the level, they found that tbe lariats had, in all probability, been untied by human hands, and yet no foot-

firintsany

were visible, no trace of the ooiung of party. Rube made a little circuit and returned, shaking bis bead doubtfully. •There bas beeu sly work done here,' be grumbled. •No signs of the redskins?' •None at all, so far as I can see.' 'What are we to do?' 'I know of no better plan tban to follow tbe trail of tbe horses it may lead us into me nest of thieves we are in search oi.'

With this suggestion agreed upon, Rube ami Arthur then passed across the base of the bluff, where the hoof prints of Dave aud Flash were plainly visible.

Fifty yards beyond the starting point, and there were two narrow cots through the bluff*, leaving an immense tower of rock between, perpendicular on three sides, with a rugged slope on the fourth. The hoof prints of the horses led to the base of the incline, und then appeared to go in all directioas. There were tracks toward the opening of tbe two cu s, besides a dozen leading out upou tbe plateau. •Must have meta whole drove here,' Arthur said, with a wondering look. 'Not any these marks are all from the hoofs of the two horses, but there's mischief in tbe manipulation tbat I cannot divine.'

Arthur bad begun to speak again, when Rube suddenly caught bim by the arm and pulled bim behind a clump of bushes, and pointed back to tbe place, tbey bad left. •Heavens!' the boy exclaimed, 'Sioux!'

Rube nodded without speaking. Six or eight savages were busy scanning the ground wbere Dave and Flash bad grazed. 'Which is it, a retreat, or a skirmish?' asked the boy. 'To retreat will be to leave tbe scalpers te hunt the horses. They are apparently as ignorant of their wbeMaboats at present as ourselves, but will soon take up the trail. See. they are coming now.'

Our friends believing they could, perhaps, discover the lost steeds by scanning tbe surrounding country from an elevated point, and aim bave an advantage if required to defend themselves, crept carefully up tbe aide of the stony tower, keeping themselves under cover ar much as possible. The Sioux came on with rapid steps, and halted at tbe very spot where the borderer and bis companion had stood before making the asodnt.

Rube peered from behind a projecting1 cragg for a little time in silence, then turning to Arthur said, in a loff tone: 'That large, bare breasted beatbea down there is Red Eye, tbe worst enemy I bave on eartb. If he discovers me there will be fight to the death. I bave met two ef bis brothers and tbey bayo never fought since, and never will—' 'Dead?' whispered the boy.

Rube nodded assent withoat taking his eyes from tbe Sioux below. 'Tbey will. be likely to discover our trades,' Arthur continued. 'I think they've done it already, by their actions. 8ee, tbey are all looking in this direction.'

I think we're enough for tbem if they choose to follow as.' perhaps so, Hht it will be best to avert an engagement if possible. Vfe bave the weinireofyoor family, my boy, tp look after at least I think so, and we must work at a greater advantage than two to eight to make success a certainty.' •What suggestions?' 'None at present.' •Well, I Aoce,' Arthur said, firmly they do not know me, aad I am going to Interview tbem, and put tbem on the xong scent.'

Rube at first protested, but the lad was determined, aad, taking Ma rifle, he went leisurely down and boldly osnftoitfed Red fiye, who bad watched him

"B&lsye Saw*a cold 'ngb!' as Arthur ttim, and asked is toleraole JEng•UabT •What do yoa want?'

'To have you go up on to tbe bluff with me'to where Canoe Bird has taken my horse.' 'Two horses,' the Sioux said, holding up his fingers. A •Yes, two.' 'Where is White Snake, wbo rode the other?' •I know of no such person.' •Stanton/' said tbe savage, straightening op bis huge form, and fixing his deep set eye upon the vouth.

Arthur did not quail before the gaze. Just then he noticed upon the breast of* tbe savage his own pocket mirror, and on tbe persons of several of Red Eye's clan other trinket's from bis father's bouse. The sight enraged the boy to almost indtecretton. 'Who burned my father's house at the Great Bend on the river, one night before the last? Answer me that, you blackeyed thief!' •Was you there?' asked the Sioux. •I was not.' 'You lie!1 R'Jd Eyo said, without changing his gaze. 'If you repeat tbat I'll blow tbe whole top of your head off wbere you stand!' yelled Arthur, lifting his gun and cock«"g it.' 'Brave boy,' was the cold reply 'too brave to die, and I will not hurt you. White Snake is up there among the rocks. His track is here, for I know it as wett as I know my own. I saw him before you came down with a lie on your irps.' •What are you going to do about it?', 'Yoikcan have choice of three,' the savage continued, without noticing Arthur's remark 'you .can go your way, stay with us and be great, or go back to tho roeks where you have left White Snake, but he bas got to die! If you go back you must die with him. Dakota's word is-true,'

Our bravo little hero saw that his ruse was ap,. tbat he could not work upon the proud Indian's super3titiou so as to drive him away in fear of tbe mysterious gtol'ijand be at once resolved to return to Rube and figbt at bis side to the very death, if need be. •fsbail go back to tbe place I came from, but before I go tell mo one thing: were any of my people at tbe Big Bend killed or taken away captives?' •Don't know,' was tbe answer, 'but heap Dakota die.'

While the savage told the truth, the boy believed to the contrary. This company was among the maraudeis, but tbe same tbat bad followed Hampton in bis flight, returning to tbe scene of desolation after the other portiou of the posse bad left.

Arthur's proud lips curled with indignation he could hardly restrain himself from shooting tbe dusky monster dead.

Red Eye, with his koen perception, read tbe face, and could but admire the unflinching intrepidity, but be b*d come to the end of the parley.

The Sioux bent his monster form forward, and pointing to tbe rocky bluff, while his ugly eye burned witb'unnatural fire, said 'Go back to wbere White Snake is skulking yonder, and die with bim! Go now!' •It shall be as von say, but I shall go with my face toward you, for they who will burn a peaceful man's home for blood and plunder are none too good to shoot a boy in the back. If one of you attempts to lift a gun from the earth as I go, ho will die at tbe same instant.'

With this parting injunction, Arthur scrambled up the rocky ascent, tbe Sioux watching him closely, and when be bad reached the stated point tbey followed, but cautiously, skulking under cover of tbe rugged projections. [TO BB CONTINUED.]

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1 1

Jy*

ffeSi til'

Is entirely Vtgotahle Compound. Its main ingredient is the medicinal principle of Dandelion In a cln mical solution. It Is no compound of bad whisky, bat a medicine. The most delicate person can take It. i{ •. i-sf •. i,

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TABAXINE,

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TARAXINE

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