Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 10, Number 21, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 22 November 1879 — Page 6

:W9M

mm in

ITdts'story

«u

15th.

Winnie watched Praaton with a sort of fascination he lowered his riflrt from its resting place, and turnod around. Ills f*oa was set and llrm every action cool and calm, but the determined ilght in his eyes was only a forerunner of the storm that, should -eome, would be terrible in Its fury "They brought it upon themselves/he said, In l»w tone, as he met her

Sate.blood

'1 am as much averse to sheding as anyone, but there does not seem to beanv other wsy to stop them." "I know," she replied with a slight •shudder, "and they deserve it all, too. It see ins horrible, but I should have done the same bad I been in your place. This is no place to thank you for all that you are risking and doing for me, but I* appreciate your kindness all the same." "It Is no more than I would do for anyoue," he replied, In his quiet way, taking his eyes from his worn a moment to fix them on her face. "And besides, I do not reel any great scruples about killing them. There is not one in the band but what has deserved death many times." "Htello, you, up there?" name a rough "Voice. "Hello back," responded Preston, "Sa^ou're there, are yon?" oontinued

the

voice, which was evidently that of Captain Roger. '•Perhaps you had better come up and

A mattered oath reached their ears, and then all was silent for a moment or

say, yon fellow, I'll tell you what we'll do. WeMl give you five minutes to surrender the girl, and if you li do it at the end nr that time, you shall go free if you don't, we will come up and *ake the girl, and yon won't go free, either."

A silence of live or ten minutes followed this, then the voice continued: "Time's up! Will you surrender or not?" ••See here," called Dick, "will yr.u unaware question?"

Tbeoaptaln thought he detected tear In Dick's voice, and he answered read-

ll^Yer,

Are away."

"How many men have yon got down thATif1' "That isn't to the point. We've got enough to take yon. and that's all that's newwary^ have, have y™** Tfjj® don't £ou come up and do It? I am you going to surrender, old f«l

"Not any.* It was a very terse answer, and fnlly characteristic of Dick Pree*on. Winnie* with her revolver in bsxhand, hadnow taken her stand by his aide, and ha but she would not hear to

From the Novelist.

BY ARCHIE C. IRONS.

began Ib The Mali Nov.

Back

Bombers

agents,

eaa be had of news

by sending Ave cents for each

copy to the office of Tae Saturday Evening Mall.]

CHAPTER IV. SEPARATED.

It vu evident that the road agents mistrusted the fugutivee bad made a stand behind the rocks, and were wary about venturing closer until ascertaining whether or not such was really the ease.

Presion's bands closed over his rifle nervously, and bis face grew stern and set. An instsnt he remained thus, then he pointed the shining tube over a projecting corner of the rock, and took deliberate aim.

The report rang out sharply, and. the right arm of one of the foremost of the road agents dropped limp and lifeless to bis side. A howl of pain followed, and then tbey hastily took cover behind the rocks. "They were in doubt about us being here, Miss Maxwell/' Preston said, as he slipped a catridge into the barrel, "but now they have proof ol it beyend any doubts. I wish I knew whether or not we could get out by going up the canon. I have never been at farther than here, but happening along one day I noticed what a cbpnce there was here for a party who were pursued to make a stand, and I thought of it to-day as I saw the odds against us. There may be an outlet to it, but from the looks, the chances are about as good for there not being."

He glanoed up the cannon as he spoke. Dark, frowning walls of rock, nearly perpendicular, arose on either side, their summits crowned with pine and cedar. The ground between was broken and uneven, with an occasional stunted tree growing in the crevices of the rock8.

Winnie had tethered the horses and approached the bowlder where Dick Stood.

The road agents took care not to show themselves, but now and then sent bullet, which whistled harmlessly over their beads, or flattened itself against the rock.

And thus a half hour passed. Neither had partaken of any breakfast, and Dick bethought himself of some dried venison steaks in his saddle bags, which be at once proceeded to bring out, and al though it was not extra fare, tbey managed to make a tolerable meal.

He bad returned the remainder of the meat to us place for future use, and bad taken bis stand near the rock, when there waa a clattering of hoofs below, and the robbers came toward them at a full gallop.

Quick a* thought Dick had leveled his rifle, and one or the foremost horses went down, bis rider barely savins himself from being crushed under him as he fell. "It is better to kill a horse than a mati," Preston said, "but as that don't halt thorn, we must have recourse to the ment. I have already given them fair •warning, and they know what to expect."

The robbers continued at full spee.l, the dismounted uian running behind but an instant after there was a second sharp report, and this time one of the foremost men tumbled from his saddle headlong.

T-te Hoe swerved for an instant, and then, at the command of their leader, dashed on.

But again and again the sharp report rang out, and esch time a man tumbled from Uls saddle till »t la't, when wlttyn a dnz -n rods of tin bowlder they halted, threw themselves irorn their horses, and took shelter behind the scattering rocks •gain.

braced himself for sn encounter, but none came. A half hour passed, then the robber "broke oat" afresh: "I suppose you know wbst kind of a position you're in, don't you? You're there, and you can't get away, and we can starve yon out if we choose. I hope you enjoy the prospect?" "Perhaps we do," Dick promptly answered. "I see nothing to get discouraged at. As to starving us out, that is out of the question. We can leave whenever we see fit But I am sorry to say you are not so happily situated. You are where you can neither advance nor retreat, and perhaps when I tell you that the first man who shows himself will be accommodated with a half ounce of lead, yon will no doubt enjoy the prospect also."

There was a confused sound of voices st this. The road agents were well aware that be spoke the truth.

In their last charge they bad advanced upon an open piece of ground, strewn with bowlders of all sizes, behind which they had taken shelter, bat it was im-

gv"Wt,

possible for them to move in any direction without exposing themselves, and they were confident that the man be hind the rock was not a poor marksman. Altogether the road agents were getting rather tho worst of the bargain, so far. "We ain't afraid of your load," called tlie outlaw, at last. "I'm captain of this band, and we'll chase you a month but what we'll get the girl, and you too. We'll see how you like a dance on nothing, with a hemp rope to keep you in position!"

Dick made uo reply to this. Scare material in his composition was a scarce article.

Had it not been for Winnie he would have fought them all single handed, even knowing, as "be did, that it would have been almost aertaln death. But Winnie claimed bis protection, and it was a claim not to bedisregardeid.

Silence reigned after this. From bis

Eept

osition, behind the bowlder, Preston close watch upon the rocks behind which the road agents were hidden, but none ventured to show themselves, and slowly the hours dragged along.

Tbey had eaten for their dinner all that remained of the meat which Preston had in his saddle bags, and at six o'clock he turned to Winnie. She wss looking tired with her sleepless night and day of watching, together with the insufficient food, but there wss no traoe of fear, discontent, or discouragement in her face. "Well," she said. "I know you are thinking of something by your look. If it is anything I can assist about, you must tell me."

Dick almost worshipped her at that moment, short as their acquaintance had been, as be looked into the pure, pale face, and clear eyes that shone with a patient and heroic light as tbey met his own.

Several ttmee she had offered to take bis place, and bad even insisted o« it, but he would not think of allowing

was

it.

But now something suggested itself to him. He had been revolving it in hia mind for some time and at last he determined to broach the subject to his companion, bnt was doubtful whether he wo«ld obtain her consent to the plan he bad In his mind. "I

thinking of something," he an

swered. "It i» nearly night sow, and when the darkness doe* come* the road agents will have the advantage, because they can leave their present position. I should have advised that we mount and continue on up the canon before this, had I been certain of tindinx an outlet, but if we ooold not, the robbers would have greatly the advantage in point of numbers and security of position, and consequently we would stand a poor chance. •«I care nothing for myself I conld easily give them the slip when thedarknesa shuts down, but I dislike to riak It now on your account. But we cannot stav here: you are sadly in want of food and rest, and what I think the best plan is this:

wYou

mount your horse, and follow

along up the canon, and if you can find an outlet, goto where met you this morning—yon think yon can find the place?—ana wait there until I come. I have a socket oompesa here, which I .ve a pocket oompesa here, will give yon. and with that, if anything should happen that I could not meet you there, you fin a eoltylnl a*!

will have no dlffia southern direction,

TERRE HAUTE SATURDAY EVEOTNGMALJL

which will eventually bring yon cat upon the overland trail. Once upon this, and you cannot fail to reach the settlements but this is merely a proviso for I think there is no danger but I will be able to meet you at the place mentioned.

I am aware (bat you are in danger of falling in with the ravages, but I consider that less thsn staying with me. You have a revolver, and I have an abundance of catridges so that yon can take all you need."

Dick had kept a sharp lookout while speaking, but none of the road agents stirred. There was no doabt, as he had said, that they were waiting for darkness, when they could move without danger, and have a better chance to get at the fugutives. "Your plan is a feasible one," Winnie said, when he bad concluded, "and no doubt I could not get off in safety by following it out. But I could not get any one in trouble, solely on my own aoconnt, and then leave him to get out of it by himself, the best way he oouid. So you see the plan is not feasible in the least."

She looked op at him with a smile on her face. "I do, most emphatically. I hope, even if I am a woman, that I am not such a coward as to desert a friend, when he has done everything for me he could possibly do. But your plan has suggested one to me which I think is an improvement on it. I will ride ont as you suggest, and if I can find an outlet I will return, and we can then go together. We can evade thom in the darkness."

Preston strongly objected to this, en the ground tbat^ it would, additionally

fatigue her but she was firm in her purpose. As she commenced preparations for her departure, adim loreboding, a sort of shadowy presenttment of evil settled down over Preston. It was not for himself, but for the brave girl who was by his side.

Her horse was equipped, ready for starting. Dick had given her his own cartridge box, well filled, and triedi to pross the tiny compass into her hand, took some matches, however, at his request. "I see you are looking for all sorts of evil to befall me," she said,.with one of ber rare sml'os. "But the canon cannot be very extensive, and I shall be- back before dark whether there is an outlet or not." "I bad rather you would go onv" b* answered. "But perhaps this wl« be the safer way." "1 don't care whether it is the-sa/esl way or not, you have risked yourlife to save mine, and I don't intend'to run* away and leave you to meet all the danger." "My life is of no great acoount. 1 would risk it a dozen times to serveyours."

Her little hand rested in his a moment, and her eyes fell, while a slight flush swept over her fsce. Then, she wss in the saddle, and had gathered up the rein. "Be oareful about the savages," said he, "tor tbey are even worse than- the' road agents. They are scattered evesywbere and may come upon you any moment."

She touched her revolver significantly. "This is mv safeguard and thanks to former practice, 1 can use-it if necessary."

She waved her hand in a faeowol* mnHnn. The presentiment of evil waa now very strong upon Preston be laid bis band on her bridle reia and spoke impassively: "Winnie," he said—this one-dey he* made tbem better aequalnted tnan a month of ordinary Intercourse, but It was the first time be hsd called her by ber given name—"promise me that if anything should happen, If fate should ordain that we shstiUd never meet again on earth, you will always remember

She bent over, and laid ber tend In bis. "I promise," she said In a low vokea. "Whatever happens, 1 shall always remember you."

He watched ber as she rode away, and kept his eyss fastened upon her tfll a bend in the canon bUI her from his view. ,n

CHAPTER V.

RSAPFBAKASCB or THE SPKJTRIL In half an boar the sun would eel, and after watching the girl ont of Dick turned hia attention to the agenta.

None of them were In sight, however. Onos Preston had thought he beard the sound of confused shouts, but be coald not tell from which direction tbey came, and he listened in vain for a repetition of tbem.

The time went by slowly, till at lsst (be son had entirely disappeared, and began to settle over the solemn place.

Dick was beginning to feel oneasy about Winnie's absence, and he started

up to go in sesrch of her, when a movement among the robbers caused him to stop.

He listened intently. There was a sound of voices speaking in hurried tones, and a moment after the clatter of hoofs on the rough, rocky ground below,

Cautiously raising himself, he peered over the rock, down along the slope leading from the entrance. There, a couple of hundred yards distant, were his companions, Carroll, Hsmmond and Lynne, galloping at a smart pace up the slope.

At tbaLinstant the robbers poured a scattering fire at the advancing horsemen, which caused them to halt abruptly-

Dick gave a load shout, coupled with his own name, and with an answering yell the hunters gallopped on up the canon.

The road agents sprang to their horses, and commenced a desultory firing while Dick, mounting his own horse, joined the affray.

The two parties came together with a crash. There wssa continual firing of revolvers, bnt their haste and excitement rendered their aim uncertain, and but little damage was done.

The robbers outnumbered the hunters two to one, and it is doubtful which way the combat would have terminated bad it not been for an unlooked-for interruption.

"HER HORSE WAS EQUIPPED, READY FOR STARTING-. DICK HAD GIVEN HER HIS OWN CAROTKBDGE-BOX, WELL FILLED, AND' HAD TRIED TO PRESS THE TINY COMPASS- INTO HER HAND, BUT SHE WOULD NO® HEAR TO THAT."

Lynne was engaged hand to hand

laugh, wierd and terrible in its intensity echoed with terrible distinctness along the ascent.

Instinctively every man paused and gazed around him then there wasa dull thud, and Lynne's adversary imeaediately went down as if stricken with a thunderbolt.

For the second time that wierdy hollow laugh rang out, this time nearer than before, and then the combatants saw approaching them the figure of the Skeleton Horseman.

The animal bearing its terrible rider was walking slowly, and comingdirectly toward them, while from the ftesh less bones of the skeleton the same phosphorescent glow radiated which, they bad before noticed, and which showed plainly In the darkness.

The road agents were now panie stricken. Preston and Lynne, seeing this, recommenced the fight, and wlbl* shouts of "The Skeleton Horseman!" the robbers galloped away in the gathering darkness.

One, however, more brave than, the Feet, raised his rifle and took deliberate aim at the ghostly figure, but only a low, mocking laugh answered his shot, and then, thoroughly frightened, tbe man galloped away to join nis companions.

As the party turned their gaze from tbe retreating robbers to where tbe Skeleton Horseman was, a cry of astonishment came from every lip. Not a trace of the apparition was visible—it bad disappeared completely! "Follow me, boys!" commanded Preston, hurriedly. "We'll see if we can't Ana out wbst this demon is. Theses no plsce that he can hide, and we can aee him if be rides away."

He spurred his horse forward ts tbe very spot where tbey bad laat seen the Skeleton Horseman followed by Ikynne, Hammond and Carroll bringing op tbe rear.

They made a thorough search, of tbe vicinity, but it restated in nothing. There was no timber-on the slope nothing bnt a few stunted bushes, sod innumerable bowlders, and fragments of rock no place for anything to bide, aud tbey satisfied themselves that nothing was among them before giving up tbe sesrch.

The whole matter did not consume five minutes, but, just as they gathered together, a terrible scream—the very counterpart of tbe one they had heard the previous night on tbe siavent of tbe Skeleton Horseman among tbem—waa borne to their eara. It came from directly ap tte canon, and all jadged it to be at least half mile away. "It's no use, boys," Hammond said, shaking his head. "It'a a sperrit, an' I know it. We might jeet as well not 'a' banted. They ain't nothin' livin'that can harm it."

Each of tbe party was Ment for a minute, and then, as if by mutual consent, they commenced an examination of their wounds.

Tbure were none of a serious naturenothing bat a few scratcbea. Taking It all in all, tbey had come out remarkably well.

Tbe banters, after waiting a reasonable length of time for Preston's reappearance in camp that morning, had set ont in search of him, and bad accidentally ran afoul of tho road agents, with the result already shown.

In as few words as possible, Dick told tbem all that had occurred, giving It as

hisopininn that some misfortane had befallen Winnie. He had decided to go up the canon, and see if any traces of her could be found, and they were all eager to accompany him, when he made known his determination.

Night had now fully set in, but,ander Preston's guidance, they pushed on up the canon.

Though Mat and Bex had trapped and hunted several seasons in and around this vicinity, they bad never explored the cannon, and were in donbt whether or not there was a passable outlet. Carroll gave it as his opinion that there was one.

The way became more rough as they advanced. Huge bowlders, jagged fragments of rocs, and the trunks of large trees, which bad fallen down into the canon from the heights above, were everywhere, and made their progress necessarily slow,

mond mesB? What's the matter?"

Preston had halted before a great mass of rooks snd timber, that seemed to bid defianoe to further progress in tbst direction. A footman might have worked his way through, but to mounted men it was utterly Impassible. "I don't see as we can get any further to-night," Dick said, as he reined up. "What de you say to oamping here? It is as good a place as we will find. Anxious as I am, I dont't see as we can for-

with a brawny fellow, and owing to the ward matters in this intense darkness." wound on his bead, which had greatly "Jest my idea, exactly," answered weakened him, he was getting the worst Rex. "These pesky walls of rock, with of the bargain. the timber on top, shot out all the light,

Suddenly a horrible, demoniacal which ain't nothin' to brag on at the 'f# I

--.-r

m'm .ft iff

liitlHlil

ryr(,

Accordingly, they set about Sliding a place. This they did with hut little trouble a hole among the socks was found, where they could have a small fire without its being visible from anv direction.

Carroll brought out a liberal supply ef meat from somewhere among tbe numerous leather flaps on tbe back of his saddle, and they were soon regaling themselves upon it.

To Dick it tasted remarkably good, and he did ample justice to it. Winnie had related to him the particulars concerning the stage robbery, and be, In turn, related it to his companions.

All knew of this band of robbers, and bad beard at different times- of their depredations but none of the parties which had been sent in search of tbem had succeeded in discovering their stronghold, though they wene confident that it was somewhere among the mountains, as they had traced tbem that direction.

This, with the repeated aopeai«i.*ee of the Skeleton Horseman ana the conjectures concerning tbe whereabouts of Winnie, furniahed abundant matter for conversation till a late hour.

Hex Hammond and Mint Carroll bad rolled themselves in their blankets, and Lynne and Dick were about to follow their example, when tbe latter bethought himself of hia papers-and put his band in his pocketo to asoevtaln if tbey were safe, TO bis astonishment, tbey were not in tbe pocket in which he felt certain he had put them, and be hurriedly looked through his-other garments, but without suocess. "Have you lost anything," asked Lynne. "Yes, a package of papers answered Dick "and of considerable valne, too."

Russell jumped uy "Here I'll bet two to one that I've got tbem! Wbata blockhead I waa not to think of them before! I pioked tbem ap to-night, just as-Mat caught sight of tbe road agents, and, as 1 endn't have time to examine them then, I stuck tbem In my pocket, and, to the excitement, I hadn't thought of tbem from that time to this. Are theee the ones?"

Dick took tbe papers he extended toward him. A single glance sofBced to show him they were tbe ones he bad lost. "Yes, theee are tbe ones thanks to tbe luck which directed yoa where tbey were. I wouldn't have lost tbem for any consideration. I pot tbem in my poeket harriedly, this morning, and I suppose they worked oat In some manner."

He sat down upon a stone and examined tbem to see that none were missing, and was gratified to find them all right. And now a thought, which had suggested iteelf to him some time before, but one to which he bad given bat little attention, again occurred to blm. Why not take Lynne Into his confidence and make him a partner in his undertaking? He bad known him some time wss satisfied that he was upright, honest and brave and, moreover, they bad formed a mutual attachment for each other from the first, and be was sore Lynne would enter with spirit into tbe matter be bad undertaken.

He decided to do so at once. Lynne waa spreading his blanket on tbe opposite side of the fire, preparatory to rolling himself therein, bnt he left it ss Preston beckoned to him, and went over to where he eat.

"Bussell," he said, as the young man took a seat beside him, "you have no donbt wondered why those papers covered with dots and zigzag lines, could be of any value to me. But I am hunting for buried treasure, and these are all tbe guides I have to assist me in finding it and, when I tell you that if I do succeed in finding it, it will probably make me Independent for life, as far as money goes, yeu will see thst they possess considerable value. And now, before I tell you about it, I want to know if you will join me in my search, and take a liberal supply of the 'filthy lucre,' should we succeed in finding it?"

Lynne got up suddenly and reached out his hand. "Count me in 'till death do us part,' for anything in the money line. By Jove! it's as good as a story from the lost novel. Buried treasure, en? That sounds romantic to the last. But, seriously, Dick, not being blessed with an overabundance of this world's goods, I shall be more than willing. But I should help yon, all the same, if I didn't get a cent." "I don't doubt it," said Preston, "but as far as the means with whioh to enjoy this world's luxuries go, I am not over and above provided, myself, else I should not be so anxious concerning this. But the way it came about was this: About a year ago I became acquainted with a man, a western one at that, and who had just come from this country to see hi^ wife. She was sick when be arrived, and, after a lingering illness, died. He had no children, nor relations of sny kind, and he told me that as soon as he oould straighten up what little business he bad, he should return to this western country. Tbe days sped by. "It was getting close on the time when he would leave, when an accident happened that put a stop to all his plans. We had been out iqto tbe country a short distance, and were returning in company to the city, when tho train ran off tbe track down an embankment, but the merest ohanoe in tbe world I escaped unhurt. "I commenced to look for him immediately, and soon found him mangled and bleeding, and not long for this world. He was conscious, and when he found he could not live, he told me the particulars concerning tbe buried money, and it was his wish, knowing that I was poor, and that I had been one of his best friends, that I should find and use the money in other words be willed it to me. "He had been mining with another man. Tbey had had extra luck, and foynd several rich 'pockets,' which yielded them a large quantity of nuggets, and tbe dust they had accumulated they had exchanged for Ingots, and in company with a small party, with their treasure in a strong box, they had commenced their journey toward the frontier. "On their way they were attacked by a band of Indians, and the entire party, with the exception of this man, was murdered, sna he barely escaped. He lay in the vicinity until tbe ssvages had left, and then crept into oamp. By tbn merest chance in the world,, they had left the box of treasure unharmed, but everything else was gone. "He hsd his rifle left, and a very •mall supply of ammunition, but it was impossible for bim to carry tbe money so he made a 'oache,' and, oarefulJy covering up all traces of it, be made some maps and charts of tbe plaoe, aud, after burying his companions, set out for the settlements. Once here, ne made up his mind, so long as bis cache was safe, that he would make a trip to the states before returning for it. The man whom be bad been in company with had neither kith nor kin, and so tbe whole of the money fell to him. "He instructed me as to where I would find the maps—in an old valise at his boarding place—and before he died he signed a paper, giving me full control of the balance of his property—a few hundreds in all. "I determined then and there, that as soon as circumstances would permit I would make a trip to tbis country, and, if possible, discover tbe buried treasure. Owing to the fact that he supposed he would come in person to regain tbe money he did not make ss detailed a map of the plaoe as he weuld otherwise have done but this morning I found a place that answers the description, and we will make our first investlgatioo there. But the matter now in hand is of more importance than a dozen sueh treasures, and we will attend to it and resume our hunt for that afterward. "I shall never rest untH Winnie Maxwell is safe, or until I know what has become of ber. I am in great hopes of finding ber in the morning, for I have thought that perhaps she might have got lost In some of the branches of tbe canon, and failed to find ber way out."

There was silence for a few minutes, then Lynne looked up suddenly. "Dick," be said, "if you have found what you think is tbe right locality, I don't see how I can assist you in searehing for the treasure,, and I more than suspect that it is out or pure generosity ana friendship that yoa have proposed it to me." "Nonsence, Russell don't let yonr conscience interfere with your busisiees, and back out of abetter chance than

fou

may ever have offered you again. think we understand each other, and, as you area man of your word, there is no chance now for backing down. And beeidee there will beenougb for uo both, If we succeed in Snding it. don't know what the amount is he never told me, but I have an idea that it is a considerable sum-" y,

Tbe fire burned low while tbey discussed their plans for tbe future, but at last, with a friendly band-shake, tbey rolled themselves In their blankets, and prepfped for sleep.

,ri

CHAPTER VI. Wr#

-3*U WINN US IK TROUBLE. Taking everything into consideration, it was vmb a light heart that Winnie rode away from Dick Preston, on ber cploring expedition op tbe canon.

She did not share in Dick's presentiment of some misfortune befalling her. With the revolver within reach of ber hand, and well mounted ss she was, she

passage

SH&Rmm

however, as she advanced. Huge piles of rock and debris constantly obstructed tbe wsy, but she picked her road carefully, and at last succeeded in reaching more open ground.

She judged that she bad come nearly half a mile, and was In hopea of soon finding an outlet to tbe defile. As she passed along, the sides became less steep, tbe open space between widened oat and thick patches of timber appeared. •'It must be that I am approaching an folly. Bui outlet," she thought hopefully. But it is already growing dusk and tbe ground here will permit of

ing." She urged ber horse into a gallop and kept a close watch upon the shadowy groves of timber aa she swept along.

As she rounded a point suddenly, a •art track of country spread out before Oontinued on Seventh Page.

JUtt

iff

0**1$

a little faster travel

Mrmm