Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 10, Number 20, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 15 November 1879 — Page 2

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CHAPTER

A perrec: silence reigned. All knew that something bad attracted his attention, aDd tbey stood motionless as statpe.» for nearly five minutes. Then Car roll lowered bis band and turned to ".Is companions with a half scared look on his face. "If I ever beerd anything in my life, boys, I beer1 it then. It want no animile, neither, fer—there!"

A wild, unearthly scream was borue to them ou the night wind a scream as of something in mortal agony, that Echoed and re echoed along the gullies, and over tbe hills a scream that seemed to fill tbe whole air, and that died away In such a pro'onged wail that tbe listeners'hair fairly raised from their beads. A shiver ran through Hammond's rrame and unconsciously ue grasped his rlfia

The Skeleton Horseman, boys," he Mid in a low, awed tone. "There It Is aglnl"

A^ala the wierd. terrible scream rang out with startling distinctness, this time nearer than before, and then, in plain, •open sight, and seeming to appear in an

4iost«nt,

From the Novelist.

*""7IL STARTIJ"G APPARITION. Night bad settled down over the great West. A howling wind drove the Mattering clouds scurrying across the sky, biding at intervals the moon which was jnst visible above the mountain tops.

As far as the eye could reach in one direction the prairie at retch od, while range of heavily wooded hills joined running back till they verged into the looming Wind River mountains to the north.

In the shelter of the woods a campfire was burning, and grouped about it were fonr stalwart, h&rdy men.

It needed but a glance to show that tbey were hunters. They were in various attitudes around the fire, and one, leaning against the trunk of a tree, Dick Preston by name, commanded especial attention.

He was perhaps twenty-four years of age, with dark hair and eyes dressed in a trapper's suit, and with a revolver and knife visible in bis belt, while a repeating rifle, which evidently belonged to him, stood against the tree at bis side. He was fully six feet in height, and looked what ne was—a strong and powerful man.

Of his companions, one was a young, frank looking fellow, of nearly Preston's own age, though of a much slighter build, while the other two, reelinlng on the grass with their feet to tbe fire, were middle aged and grizzled looking men —true types of the backwoods borderers.

Tbe elder of the two, Rex Hammond, was of gigantic size, and even a more powerful looking man than Preston. He was a hunter ana free trapper, and bad ained for himself the mbn'ptct of Kovne Rex.

The man beside bim was shorter in stature, bat, like Rex, was of a com pact, wiry build, and bis bronxed, bearded lace indicated a life spent in tbe woods. He was known as Mat Carroll, and be and Rex were inseparable companions In all their hunting expeditions.

Taking the four together tbey were a good illustration of tbe "•free trappers" of tbe West. Ail were dressed alike, and armed with revolvers and repeating rifles the two older men being well versed in Indian matter®, »bey bad little cause for tear, and after a hearty anpper of roast buffalo hump, were enjoying ttiemselves, bunter fashion, aroond tbe blazing Are. At last Hammond arose, and stretched himself like a huge grizzly. A"."Iordee, boys, this wind eotsto tbe tecme wben it gits a rake on a feller, don't ii? Never see it so cold this time o' year as it ar' to-night. Hear »t bowl over tbe prairie! Hollo, Lynne you 'sleeji?"

The young man rolled over, and raised himself to a sitting posture. "No where's Preston—ob, there, keeping that tree warm, e..? I say, Rex, do you think there's any danger from Indians?"

Tbe old scout stroked his chin and readjusted his huge fur cap fiik"Nary danger, I think. Don't b'lfero they'# an Injun in five miles do you, Mit?"

I he man addressed bad turned sudcj«*nly, and be raised his band with a warning gesture.

ARCHIE C. IRONS.

rode a figure that froze their

with horror In the veins of tbe superstitious trappers. A skeleton of gigantic proportions, mouuted on a white horse, a cloak enveloping tbe greater part of it, came slowly toward them.

Oat from under the folds of the cloak, a skeleton hand protruded, holding the rein that lay loosely upon the neck of the white steed, while below tbe cloak

faat

irotroded a skeleton leg aud foot, the in the stirrup that dangled at the "horse's aide.

Above the cloak rose the head, a 'ghastly, grinning skull, tbe backside covered cowl fashion. the face toward them, at steed and rider passed slowly

*'w5. directly opposite, it raised one long, skeleton hand, waved it with a warning gesture, and then, as the hand "lowered, the clank, clank of the bones came to their ears.

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Tbey stood speechless with atna*®ment as It slowly passed them, and aa it entered tbe shadow a phosphorescent

light, and then without a sound it disappeared as mysteriously as it bad oome!

For the space of a minute dead silence reigned. Hammond was the first to apeak as he drew along breath of relief. "Wal, boys, the thing has gone," he said in a soared, shaky tone. "Good lack go with It," rejoined Russell Lynne. '"what in all the demons IMI lLlDVhOWf, to" Didn't you never hear of tbe Skele-

Horseman?** Carroll asked. "Never before to-night. Bat what Is W" "That, yonnksr, remains a mystery," aaid ReX, shaking head. "Bat I 'spot* it's some poor devil that tbe Ingins murdered, ajad that can't rest easy In his grave. I «W hat does he do?* Dlok asked.

Wal, I donoo, hardly. Souse aav he warns people wben the]n» danger about* k, Agj dooe It to B»y certain koowl'saember they was an old toller 00*R* from the Slates with bis wife an't#o orvfcfe* little ohUdreo, an* oome unto tbe an' wanted a guide to

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there that could be bad fer love or money jest then, but in spite of all they oould say he war bound to go on, an' be did. "There was a young cbap with bim, some relation or something and three weeks arter that a parcel of hunters come 'cross bim somer up here between the Platte and Sweet water. He was jeet a skeleton, and nlgb about starved to death, an' ravin' like all possessed. Tbey took care of bim, and brought bim round after 'while, and then be told them how he come to be in sech a fix. One night after they'd camped tbey beard an an awful screocbin', an' then 'long comet his skeleton, a ridln' of his white boss, an' waved bis band at 'em jest fer all tbe world like be did tonight. Tbat war a year ago, an' was tbe first tbat Was ever beerd of the Skeleton Horseman. "Wal, tbe woman thought it war a warniiv' o' some kind, aud tried to uit 'em to move on tbat night, .but tbe old man said be want afecrd, an' be jest mounted the young teller on one bide

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it the camp an' be kept guard on t'other. It war somewhere toward mornin* when the young chap heard rumpus in tbe direction o' the camp, an' started out to see what war tbe matter. He hadn't went a rod aforesomethin'struck him on the head, an' that's tbe last be knew till arter daylight in the morning. An' when he cams to be found tbat he had an arrer in bis arm an' a hole in his head.

He couldn't walk, but he managed to crawl to camp, an' there he found the bodies of the children all backed up, tbe woman sculped, and tbe old man all stuck full of arrers—all dead, of course. The reds had robbed the camp of everything, an' all he bad was bis gun an' what little ammunition he bad on bim.

The one* tbat fou^d him didu't see any signs of a camp, but he'd probably orawled away from it in his ravin*. He jined 'em then, but got sculped in a fight afterwards. "That was the first anyone ever knew of the Skeleton Horseman, but sinoe that he's beau seen dozens of times atween the Bla*k Hills an' Wind Rivnr, an'though hain't seen 'em, they's Ingins been found witb their foreheads all mashed in, at tbe skin not even broke, au' they say UN the Skeleton Horseman 'atdid it."

Have you any idea what it is?" asked Preston. "Nary idea, an' I don't hanker arter an acquaintance, neither," said Rex "but ye can jlst depend on it, boys, tbat whatever it is, it ain't flesh an' blood." 'Anyone can certnln'y believe tbat, If they can believe their owu eyes," rejoined Dick "but there is flesh and blood inside of it, or I am greatly mistaken. Do you suppose it oame to warn us of any impending danger?" "Idont know but it might," Rex said, thoughtfully "but I ain't one of tbe kind whAt runs from any reds tbat ever tramped. If any couies nosin' round here 111 create an nneaslness among some of 'em. But I know a place, not a mile from here, where we can spend tbe re*t of the. night, an' be ready for a hundred logins, an' whip 'em all out, too, if you fellers want to."

A consultation was held, audit was decided to move. It was but a short distance at tbe most aud tbey would then be in a position to r**iat any attacts tbe Indians might make.

Their horses, eorraled near, were soon brought op, and they proceeded to mount.

Lynne and Preston's horses

were beautiful bays, while Carroll and Rex each bestrode one of tbe pure mustang breed.

Tbey had gone but a abort distance when a warning «h" from Dick halted them, and before they could Inquire into tbe reason of It, from braab and brake and tree sprang a acote of savages and poured a scattering volley of shots and arrows among them. But tbe bnltots whlstlsd baraal*»!y by, an! most of the arrows fell abort, one, however, striking the mustang which Rax rode In one of tbe forwent teg*.

With wild whoop* the Indians sprang toward them. but were met by such a withering fire from the ispeatlng rifle* of the hunterx that tbey halted and took to oover. From tb#r* ll»y asntoot a volley of arrows and ballets* taking neat ears to keep behind the uses and hills. "this will never do, bojV' said Dick,

hurriedly, aa tbe balls commenced whistling unpleasantly close "tbey have all tbe advantage of ua. If we retreat to' that open spot Of ground it will draw them from their oover Jn pursuit, and we shall have a cbanoe at them."

Tbe suggestion was immediately acted npon, and in a trloe tbey had whirled and were galloping away.

Tbe ruae was successful. Tbe Indians, thinking they were in full retreat, dashed out from tbelr cover, and, with triumphant yells, followed alter them at a run.

Suddenly Rex gave the word, and,like a meteor flash, tbey bad wheeled, and before tbe astonished savages could realize it they were among aem, firing right and left with their revolvers into their very faces.

Being mounted, tbey bad much tbe advantage but the savages, thinking to overpower them with superior numbers, held their ground.

A etalwart savage approached Rex while be wad engaged with another, and knifed bim in tbe leg. With a he wl of pain he struck down bis adversary, and swung bis long gun around with tremendous force, but at that instant a shot from tbe revolver of Preston dropped tbesavage in his tracks, and tbe force of tbe blow spent itself upon the air and nearly pulled the powerful hunter from his seat.

Meantime Dick bad got into a predicament on-bis own account. Two sava-, zes, taking advantage of his momentary attention to Rex, bad spran? to bim, I neither side, and were making I dear-orate attempts to eet at bim with their tomahawk-", but the borse shied suddenly and brought one of tbe sava

ges within reaching distance, and, quick as thought, Preston had diseneaged his foot from tbe stirrup and dealt bim a stunning kick in tbe face tbat sent him sprawling down upon tbe ground.

In another instant he had brought his revolver to bear upon the other savage, who went down with a yell upon bis lips.

Tbe fight raged witb unabated fury. Preston sat in his saddle as firm ss a rock, his whole attitude one of defiance. Every muscle was in full play, and were strained till they stood put in cordy knots on wrists and arms. Not a trace of excitement was visible, save tbe light blazing in bis eyes, but bis terrible earnestness and precision told upon the savages, and at last, with a wild yell, th«y fled.

Dick jumped from his borse and looked around bim. Hammond was busy doing up the cut upon his leg, and Mat, scot free, except a few scratches, stood over Lynne. The latter lay on bis back, the blood trickling from a wound in his head. Mat examined it as Dick approached. "Not very deep—just a glancing blow but Jehu! wasn't that a tussle, though? I thought wo's goners that time, sure. Hello! he's a wakin' up. How'd you feel?"

Russell arose to a sitting posture, and gazed blankly around for a moment before be could comprehend what had occurred.

He id feels big as a busbel basket, and aohes like It would spilt. Tbe reds haveall taken French leave,eh? Guess If you'll help me up I'll be all rizbt directly."

Mat and Preston assisted bim to regain his feet and steadied bim a moment and he could soon walk about without help.

An examination of tbe wounds proved tbem nothing serious. Dick had escaped without a scratch, and the cut in Rex's leg wasonly a flesh wound.

After taking some wster which Dick brougUt bim, snd having bis bead bandaged, Lynne felt much better, and bringing up the horses, tbey mounted, and for fear of a second skirmish, which they wished to avoid if possible, Rex guided them on to the place they bad started for—a grotto in tbe rocks, where tbey built afire withoat dagger of Its being seen by tbe savages, and taking tbelr blankets from tbelr horses, proceeded to make themselves comfortable for tbe night.

Preston was tbe last one to sleep. He bad pulled from an inner poeketof his cost a small package ol papers, spread tbem upon his knees, ana proceeded to examine them by the flickering firelight.

They were maps and charts, apparently but pat his mind on tbem as he wou.d, the face of a lovely, sweet looking woman was constantly before bim. diverting bis attention from them, until be finally gave up the task, and, folding tbem up, restored them to pocket of bis ooaL "I think I most be taking leave of my sense*," be mattered, as he arose from bis sitting pasture, "to let the memory of pretty fare, seen only once In tbat little railway station, come between me and tbe work I have taken in hand and come thousands of miles to execute, if It is possible tor mortal man to do it. Business before pleasure at all times, bat If lock should favor

TERKE HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

The sentence was finished under bis breath, but the vision o: .the superb looking woman, with tbe sweet, lovely Dice tbat flashed again before him, pointed out plainly tbe unuttered part of his sentence, and, wrapping up in his blanket, his feet to the-fire, he went to deep.

%HAPTER II.

AMONG THE ROAD AGENTS.

The overland stage was rolling over a rough, uneven road, toward Devil's Canon, at good speed.

It contained out three passengers, Miss Winnie Maxwell, her second cousin, Madge Elverson, and A quiet, middle aged man, a protector and servant in on*-, whom they addressed as John.

Tbe ladies were both beautiful, but tbe first one was of that rare type which denotes astrong will, quick perception, and a determination succeed In anything undertaken.

She was of medium size, with brown, wavy hair, brown eyes of liquid depths, tbat glowed and sparkled with tbe least excitement, and was dressed in-a neat fitting habit of rich brown clotb, that extra well became both ber face and figure.

Miss Elverson was nearly of the same size as her companion, and was eminently beautiful, but of a less strong type.

Tbey were both silent now, glancing out through tbe narrow windows on tbe dim, moonlit scenery tbat was rollisg past.

Miss Maxwell produced a handsome gold watch, of beautiful pattern, and glancad at tbe 4ial. Tbe bands pointed a quarter to eight. "Tbe driver said we would reach there

"A MOMENT OF SUSPENBE THEN A WHITE HORSE, SURMOUNTED BY A GIGANTIC FIGURE-THE FIGURE OF A FLESHLESS, GRINtt^NING SKELETON, PARTLY SHROUDED IN A HUGE CLOAK—SEEMED TO RISE FROM THE GROUND

by ten o'olock if we hid no bad luck," sbe said, and she put tae tima piece in her pocket. "Winnie," said ber companion suddenly, "what do you propose doing whea you reach California? Do you suppose you will bave any success in this undertaking of yours? 1 am with you wherever you go or whatever you do, but I am atraid we sbali find back* ward work." "I know we shall, Marge, but we bave always wanted to come off to tbe western country, and this has aflorded us a chance, and if I can only find my uncle, scd restore bis property to bim, I shall consider myself well repaid for tbe trouble. "The papers tbat my half uncle, John Wintbrop, put in my hands on bis deathbed, gave me all the necessary in-, fcrmation. It seems that seven or eight years ago this half uncle and my own uncle, Percy Maxwell, were somewhere in Cali'ornia working a mine together. I aui not certain wbere, bpt tbe papers give tbe locality. Tbey were in company, and tbe mine proved rich beyond tbeir highest expectations, aid at last my half uncle conceived tbe plan of defrauding his partner out ol bis share of ha nrrvAAAnB "It took him a year to arrange everything to his satisfanion, bat at the end of that time be had managed to get whole control of tbe mine without my uncle suspecting tbnt anything was wrong, made It over to a San Francisco firm for tbe sum of one hundred thou* sand dollars, and took city property in part payment, which be sold afterward at a large profit, and tbeu left the country. -'He settled down in tbe East, and after papa and mamma died be offered me a home as long as I wished it, and seemed so determined on my eomiog that I finally went. It always seemed to me from bis actions tbat something weighed on bis mind, and on bis deathbed he made a full confession, and willed me the whole of bis property— not far from two hundred tboosand dollars. "I bad always supposed my own tincle dead, Vavlrg beard so, and my balf ancle helped me to tbe belief. I know some would consider this trip a wild one, and I acknowledge myself thst if successful it will be almost miraculous, and if not, we shall have a chance to see theoountry about which we have beard so much."

Before the girl oould reply, there was ths sound of confused voices outside, an 1 then tbe stage suddenly oame to a halt.

Winnie was tired riding, snd opening the door sbe sprang out to get a breath of fresh air. Sbe retxriled witn a little gasp of aatonlsbmeoi aha did so, for abe bad struck not bail a dozau feet from a tall, cloaked figure, wearing a mask, and the little shining tube of a revolver b? held In bis band was pointed directly at her. "Hello there! it's a woman, hain't It? Meat if I didn't think you was oomin' right on to me No t»e in makin' a fuss. Better hand over what money ye got."

Sbe remained motionless sa instant looking at him, and then glaneed toward tbe driver.

Tbe truth fleshed npon her in a moment. A band of robbers bad slopped tne Mage. One stvod on either side of the driver, who was shivering in abject terror at the two revolvers tbat covered

bim, while on tbe opposite side of the vehicle she caught sight of two or three masked men, all clad in the long flowing cloaks.

What oeuld she do? Madge was standing behind In the coach, pale as death, and their servant had no arms of any kind.

The man bad lowered bis weapon wben he saw tbat it was only a woman who confronted bim, but he still kept it in readiness for Instant use.

Winnie

saw she oould do nothing.

The greater part of her money was concealed about ber person, but she drew out her pocketbook, containing a considerable quantity of gold coin, and threw it at bis feet. "There it is." she said, eyeing him coolly, "and I wish you much joy of It." "The friendly shadows bid from him tbe rich gold cbain that encircled her neck, and tblnkiug there was nothing more ot value be ordered her to get into tbe coach. "Hold! I want a word with you!"

Winnie's band was in ber pocket resting on a little seven chambered Colt, but sbe turned at sound of tbe voice and saw a mau step from tbe back oftbe coach. "I have the honor of being captain of this band," be said, taking her by the arm, 'Sand I have taken a notion to have you go witb us. Tell tbe driver to go on"—to tbe man standing near—"we want nothing more of them."

Tbe time for action bad come. With a quick movement Winnie wrenched away from bim, and before he could diand vert h«?r iutention sbe drew her revolver and tir-d

H*r aim wa«« uncertain, and tbej&ttllet only crazed bis t*«nple.

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Witb a savage oath be sprang forward, and wrenobing tbe weapon from ber band lifted ber by main strength, and carried ber to a borse tbat was standing near.

She beard Madge scream ss the coach dashed on, and then she was lifted to the borse, and witb tbe man behind her, and with half a dozen others they galloped •away.

She tried to release herself, but sbe was beld in such a position that her arms were firmly pinioned to her sides, and sbe finally gave up tbe attempt as useless "Tbat's right always adapt yourself to circumstsnces, if they are not over snd above pleasant," the man said, bad no idea," witb a diabolical laugh, "tbat I should find such a prize to-night. I was looking after money—nothing more, but your face captivated me com pletely. You're a little tiger cat—just tbe sort for tbe wife of a roober captain. Do you enjoy the prospect?"

Minnie did notroply., Sbe sat quietly thinking ss tbey jolted along over a rough, uneven road.

They bad been riding something like an bour wben a halt was made, a handkerchief tied around ber bead, completely bliudfoldiDg her, and then tbey continued on for a half mile, when another bait was made.

Tbe man slid from bis borse, and tbe next instant had placed her upon her feet. "Leave tbe equipments in tbe outer cavern," oommauded tbe captain, to one of tbe men, "and put mine on tbe black. I bave got to be away in half an bour. Yon will follow us, my girl. Keep behind, Kansas, and see tbat sbe don't to escape."

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Winnie soon found that tbey were in a cavern of some sort, and then tbe bandage *as removed from over ber eyes, and she was allowed to look about her.

Sbe saw a room perhaps a dozen feet wide, by doable tbat in length. It con tsined a few boxeti and traps of various kinds. Passing through this, they emerged into another of macb larger size. In this was a rude table and a profusion of stools, benches, and boxes guns, revolvers, and powder flasks were hanging sroand, and some saddles and bridles were stocked in oue corner.

Tbe captain lifted a curtain, formed of a buffalo robe, at one side, disclosing ano*ber apartment, and told Winnie to enter. "This will be yonr room for the present. But I forgot to inouire your nsme*, what might it be?" "It might be almost anything, bat it Isn't, and what it is, cannot ooooern you in tbe least." Winnie replied So calm, even tones.

The captain laughed. "Very good! Shall I tell yon what it will be, in less than three day's time? I ean, very easily! It will be Mrs. Roger! I am Captain Roger, oommand verv interesting liule band. isn't my oame, it's tbe one I which is all tbe same. I suppose, course, yju would like a look at your future husband, so I will remove this."

trs. xioger: idlng this If Roger

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He lilted his mask as be spoke, and Winnie saw a man of thirty, or thereabouts, witb sharp grav eyea, a heavy mustache, and a small tuft of ehln whiskers. Winnie regarded him coolly. Sbe was not to be scared by am** threats. "A very remarkable looking man yon are, Captain Roger —remarkable

for a hang-dog expression, especially.. So you are quite sure that I shall be* Mrs. "Certainly I am! Unfortunately I am obliged to be absent for a couple ot dsy—" "Oh, well, never mind," said Winnie,, unconcernedly, "I can wait."

Tbe captain regarded her in astonishment. He was not altogether deceived) by ber apparent carelessness. ,'You can, eh? so much the better! AsI was saying, if it wasn't for tbat we would bave the Gordian knot tied immediately. There is a member of our band, who was formerly a clergyman, aud, supposing tbe ceremony la not exactly according to church regulation? It will be all the same, a hundred yearshence."

He watched her keenly, as be spoke, and stroked his chin whiskers thoughtfully. ber

illy. Did a slight pallor overspread face, or did he only Imagine it? could not tell for a certainty, but if

Si

ine it? He

tbere did, it was gone in an iastant. Ton cannot escape," he said, laying aside bis bantering tone. "Ther6 is but one entrance, and a man guards tbat constantly, night and day. A negro who cooks for us will fetch you yeur meals."

Winnie maintained silence. It was* useless bandying words with him, and site was airaid if sbe allowed herself to say anything more it would be something sharp, and to tbe point, and if ho got the impression that she was a not too unwilling captive she might have a better chance to escape.

Seeing that she made no replv, he lifted the curtain that separated 'them, from the outer room, and left ber.

Once alone, she commenced a reconnoissance, but sbe discovered no weapons.

Tbe place was but a few feet square— a cavity in tbe solid rock, connected with the larger room by a neck or passage way. There was a couch of robes and blankets in one corner, and she concluded to avail herself of it, and rest until the occupants of the outer room had retired for tbe night.

The tin dish of melted fat tbat served for a light, she left burning, knowing that she should want it in time.

At a quarter to eleven by her tiny timepiece, silence reigned in the cavern, and she crept carefully to the curtain,, and peered out.

A dim light was burning near the other end of the apartment, and a man, with a brace of revolvers in bis belt, stood near it. A glance about tbe cavern showed the recumbent forms of half a dozen men, all wrapped iu slumber.

There was no chance for escape at present that was decided at a glance, for It would be Impossible to pa«s theguard at the entrance.

She had no weapons, and even if she had, It would avail her little. Suddenly an idea, heretofore un-. thought of, crossed her mind. She bad noticed several revolvers hauglug by their guards on pegs driven in tbe crevices of tbe rocky wall. What was to hinder her from stealing guard's back was turned ating one of tbem?

out when theand appropri-

tbe risk, and the entrance,

Sbe decided to run crouching down near awaited a favorable opportunity. It' came at last. The guard, after walking about a few minutes, seated himself, witb bis back toward tbe grotto wbero tbe girl was, and began polishing his gun.

Now, if ever, was the time tor action,, and drawing tbe certain aside, sbe followed, with cautious footsteps, along^ tbe wall, till she reached the covetecU prize.

Sbe cast a hurried glance at the guard,, but he was busy, and reaching up, she' grasped a revolver and crept back to her)' apartment.

Sbe was elated witb her success, and examined ber prize eagerly by the* light.

Every chamber contained a catrldge,. and tbe lock proved to be in trim workIng order.

Sbe felt secure now, from any personal violence, and concealing tbe weapon among the blankets, sbe extinguished tbe light, and throwing herself upon the couch, soon slumbered.

Sbe was awakened next morning by tbe entrance of a repulsive looking negro* carrying some bread and meat upon a platter, and a light.

Letting these down he passed out, but^ returned in a minute with a dish of water, and after depositing this by th*: side of tbe tray, immediately left theroom.

In spite of ber troubles she possessed a keen appetite for breakfast, and after washing, helped herself to the bread and meat.

Time passed on slowly till the even*. Ing of the next day, and still no chanco to escape.

It was nearly time for tbe return of the captain, and Winnie firmly resolved' tbat on this night sbe would make an. effort, be tbe circumstances ever so unfavorable,

Midnight oame. The guard had stretched himself on a beach, near tho entrance, and with his Uat crusbed down over bis eyes, was apparently asleep.

Which tbe revolver in her had, Winnie crept cautiously from her apartment.

If sbe conld bo*, succeed in passing him, sbe felt confident that sbe could find her way from the cavern without difficulty. It was worth the attempt at any rate. she gained tbe edge of the entrance tbat lea to the outer cavern at last.

She would have to pass within half dozen feet of tbe man, but sbe only clutched ber revolver more firmly, and stepped witb a slow and cat-Uke.move-ment.

Her heart fairly stopped beating a» the man tamed on bis bard bed, and sbe crouched in tbe shadow, and held ber breath.

One—two minutes passed, and then she arose silently, and gliding along, in three minutes more sbe bad passed tbe outer cavern and stood outside in th& open air. .. "I am safely out of that, at least, she said, as sbe looked around, "and witb, this trusty revolver tbere are not men enough inside tbe cave to take me alive. Death would be far preferable to going back. Bnt tbe first consideration is, "bow ami to get any further away?**

Sbe stood a moment, apparently undecided. If it were a possible thing she most bave a borse. The animals moat be oerraled near sbe remembered tbe dl-

hta bead, and bail tanoe when sbe

It soonded a little to ber right,lsnd witb hurried steps she proceeded in that direction, aad in the space of aminate stood In tbe midst of half a doz»nJ oor[Oontinued on Third Page.]

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reetlonsbe had seen them taken on tbe night sbe first came and in all proba- "1 bllity it was wbere tbey were regularly tbe determination to find one if poasibie, she prooeeded along tbe rocky wall tbat rose perpendicularly above If! id gone but a snort diebeard tbe stamp of a bone.