Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 10, Number 22, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 29 November 1879 — Page 6

THE MAIL

A PAPER

FOR THE

breast.

PEOPLE

A BABY OIBL,

A litUe one climbed in my lap last nigbt— A fair little creature with rhlning eyes. That seemed to have taken their radiant light From the fairest hue of the summer skies— And dawn on my shoulder she laid her bead, And settled herself with a quaint little twirl And then, looking up in my face, she said, "Now, sing me a song of a baby girL" "Of a baby girl I" How' my thoughts flew back 4 To another time and another scene, Far, Car adown on my memory's track, With many a Joy and sorrow between— To another time, when at e'vnings close. Tired oat with the long day'sbnsy whirl, I, too, climbed np ?or a sweet repose On my mother's lap—a baby girl! How we change, now we change, as the years go on! There are silver threads in ray hair to-day And the loving and cherishing mother is gone To the pleasant lands where angels stay. O, I wonder, I wonder, If she e'er looks down From "the beautiful city with gates of pearl," From "the sounding harp and the gleaming crown," To follow the fste of her baby girl? What is this, little one Ah! her head droors low, And her Angers have loosened their clinging clasp, For the innocent slumber but children know Holds her baby brain In its soothing grasp. And I gather more closely her lorm

10

my

And 1 tenderly toy with each clust'ring curl. When our labor is done, may our final rest Be as sweet as the sleep of ray baby girl! —M. E. HAKHOK.

From the Novelist.

The Skeleton Horseman

—OR,—

OUTLAWS OF THE CUMBERLAND [Thisstory was begun in The Mall, Sept. aOtli, Back numbers can be bad of news Agents, or by sending five cents for each oopy to the office of the Saturday Evening Mafl.j

CHAPTER VII. IXJST ON THE PLAINS.

Tbe Indians followed Winnie in close pursuit, but their horses were no match for hers, and she soon saw that she was gaining distance.

Mile after utile was passed, while tbe soand of pursuit grew fainter and fainter, and finally ceased altogether.

Thankful for her escape, Winnie drew rein to determine on her future coarse.

Like tbe night before. tb9 clouds obscured tbe sky, rendering both the stars and moon invisible, and spreading a thick darkness over forest and plain.

Sbe bad come several miles toward the prairie in her flight, and sbe judged sbe was somewhere near its immediate vicinity.

Tbe rocks and rough ground hau now almost entirely disappeared, and this, with tbe clumps of artemisia growing about, argued that tbe vast plains were near.

Timber was plenty yet, however, and the c.umps and groves, interspersed with tracts of open ground, confused her so that she found it difficult to keep a direct oourse. •'If I could only reach the prairie," she thought, trying in vain to pierce the darkness that surrounded her, "I am certain that I should be better off than I am here. As it is. I am sure that 1 bave not kept in a direct oourse and even if I have, it is takiug me in a direction the very opposite of the one iu which I wish to go."

The horse was not loth to breathe brief moment after his bard run, and Wlnnio sat motionless in the saddle, the cool night breeze blowing against her, trying to decide upon her course of Action.

She was not as hopeful as sbe had been a few minutes before, out it was not owing altogether to herself, but to hiui who had rhked his life solely lor liersake.

Unconsciously she sat there till her jhorse began to grow uneasy and restless, and then tbe long, wailing howl of a wolf awoke her From her unpleasant

She determined to keep on in tbe direction she had come, aud, providing •he could keep upon a straight oourse, •he was certain it would lead to the open

Kalrie,

which, she decided, would be iter thau th* Umbered country where she was.

For a half hour she rode forward, and then suddenly the timber disappeared, and a long, black line stretched before lier, and she knew that she was fairly on the prairie.

Out here tbe wlud waa steady, but dight, and blew a most directly in her ffcce. Taking that for a guide, there was no difficulty in keeping in one direction, and ahe rode forward at a brisk *ace.

Sbe was getting very tired, from want of food and sleep, and she was just trying to determine how sbe should procore the former, when there was a fluttering of wings iu the grass, and a flock of prairie chickens started from under her horse's feet, and scurried away in the darkness.

She halted abruptly. Why not try to jclll one of these with her revolver? There was a chance, certainly, that tbe (report of her revolver might reach some of her enemies but It was a bare chance And food sbe must have, in some manner. 6T.~ Jld she rl*k it?

S: decided in the affirmative. Drawing her revolver from the bolster •ahs withdrew the shell or the cartridge, iwhloh had been there since her skir«ml*h with lite Indiana, and patio anew •one.

This done* ahe cautiously slipped from Iter saddle, and, leading the horse by the rein, advanced through the rustling grass.

JV-'ng r~*r tbe gronnd, ah** *ould nee mt bei' and as p*»'i a clump of sage brush, a half down birds flaw •OB**

She fired sever*) shots rar ity, and was rejoiced to tttid that she had killed a fowl

This was in fluent ncn-- x« her m: eal And, t*-."-~ to rv* Preston had given --tie* r: able to cork It when ahe found a suitable pitce to encamp.

Sbe swept along over tbe prairie at a rapid gallop. A grove of Umber would be very acceptable now, since abe had determined to atop and give both her borne and herself macfe-needed res* and

::i As abe advanced, a dark line rose before her, which lumped In slse as abe Approached, which abe made oat to be tun bar.

A few minute* more, and ahe entered

It, bat Joefore going far, her progress was checked by a narrow stream, flowing sluggishly along.

Dense thickets of willow grew on ita banks, and was joined by a strip of timber on each side. "Fortune has favored me this time, at least." the thought. "I think I can build afire here without being discovered."

She dismounted from her horse, and, picking oat a suitable place, well covered with grass, undid the lariat from the saddle, and, fastening one end into tbe ring at tbe bit, made the other fast to a little tree.

Then, slipping the bit from his month, she readjusted tbe bridle over his head, buckled the throat strap, and had made a baiter which answered tbe purpoee admirably.

The spot sbe had selected was a little grassy glade, surrounded and overhang with trees. Sbe soon had afire kindled and the chicken broiling before it. Then she went down to tbe stream, washed herself, and arranged her hair as well as her limited means would permit. MThe broiled fowl tasted exquisitely after her recent fast, and she did ample justice to it, and then carefully wrapped tbe remainder in -.some pieces of birch bark that she had stripped for that parpose.

Tbe tiny hands of her watch pointed to eleven, and she decided that she woald endeavor to get some sleep.

Sbe approached her horse, and, unbuckling the girth, started to remove the saddle.

It was of peculiar construction, and somewhat complicared. Numerous straps and flaps of leather adorned It, for which she could see no earthly ase, except for ornament.

In attempting to remove it, one of the leather flaps was lirted, and, under the rear end of tbe saddle, sbe discovered a roll of something, tbe nature of which tbe darkness hindered her from ascertaining.

Undoing the strap that held it, she discovered that it was a blanket. It was tbe very thing sbe wanted, and, after satisfying herself that tbe horse was secure for tbe night, sbe spread it upon tbe ground in a sheltered spot and, extinguishing the fire, sbe placed her revolver in reach of her hand, and prepared herself for rest.

Tbe night was warm, and with tbe closely fitting sacque of brown cloth which she wore, together with the heavy brown traveling dress, she need not fear anything from tbe coolness of tbe weather.

She fell into a reverie as she lay there in tbe darkness. Tbe constant and continued "munching" of her horse as he cropped the grass, or an occasional stamp from bis feet, seemed to add a sense of security to her in ber lonely situation.

Her thoughts reverted to Madge Elverson, ana she wondered how she felt about ber disappearance, and whether sbe would ever safely rejoin ber.

She reviewed the events that bad been crowded so closely into tbe last day and night, aud her thoughts constantly reverted to Dick Preston and her anxiety concerning him k,ept sleep long from her eyes.

She tried in vain to arrive at some conclusion concerning the report of the firearms sbe had heard in the direction of where sbe bad left him.

She could arrive at no satisfactory conclusion, except that, under oover ef tbe darkness, tbe road agents bad made a sudden rush upon Preston, hoping to overpower him before be could make any telling resistance but although she knew he possessed bravery and great physical strength, and was well armed, tbe odds were against him, and this solution of the affair was a very unsatisfactory one.

Sbe bad never meta man wbo impressed ber with such a sense of nobleness, such quiet, unobtrusive bravery, but firm and determined as fate, and yet seemed so little aware of it, as Dick Preston.

Sbe remembered how cool be bad appeared that day in his encounter with the road agents, but tbe light that had shcne in his blue-gray eyes was not to be mistaken. It was alight that nothing could daunt, or that any danger, however great, could quail for a single instant.

The thought that he might be wounded—dying all alone in that dark defile, or what would be nearly as bad, a prisoner in the hands of the robbers, who would not fail to wreak a terrible vengeance upon bim, tortured ber, and Kept her from the rest she so much needed but at last tired nature asserted itself, and she fell asleep.

It was broad day when she awoke. Tbe sky was clear at last, and tbe sun was shining brightly, but coming from a direction whence sbe least expected it, so completely was she bewildered concerning tbe course sbe had traveled dorthe night, ler horse was feeding contented^

ing tbe nigbt. Her horse was feeding contentedly, and after performing ber ablutions in tbe stream, she ascended tbe little rise of ground, the summit of which marked tbe line of timber, and cast a glance over tbe plain.

Sbe was not prepared for the beaatifal scenery which broke on her view. Far to the north arose tbe tall peaks marking the Wind River chain, their white tops glittering and glistening in the san, while before nerstretcbe4 the vast sea of prairie, away and away, till it met the horison, dimly seen through the quivering beat.

To the right appeared the timber that marked tbe course of the stream on which she was encamped, and farther back, the mountains she bad left tbe previous day.

She looked searcbingly aloug ber trail, but no signs of pursuers were visible, and sati»fied that no enemy was near, she returned to where sbe had left her horse,

As she glanced toward tbe stream she saw half a dozen ducks floating upon ita surface, and tbe idea occurred to ber to secure one of them against tbe time of need.

It was no sooner thought of than acted ttpon, Taking her revolver, abe crept cautiously down to tbe water's edge. The fowls were very close, and sbe took aim at a large, fine one, as it arose, and bad the satisfaction of seeing it fail into tbe watar at the crack of ber weapon, while the others quickly flew away.

By following down the stream a abort distance, she had no difficulty in getting biin, as be drifted near the bank.

She decided to cook it before going far iter, thus saving the trouble of doing mitt a future time. A fire waa toon bn'lt, and the dock, picked and dressed, sputtered before it, and sent oat an appetising odor.

She made a substantial breakfast of tbe remains of the prairie chicken, and the dock ahe wrapped in bark, depositing it in one of tbe pockets of tbe saddle.

It took bat a short time to place the latter article upon tbe back of ber horse, buckle the gi rib, and restore tbe blanket to ita original place and tfoen untying tbe lasso, abe fastened it to tbe pommel, rearranged tbe head-stall, and after stroking tbe horse's neck caressingly, led him to a eonretiietti piaee, and mounted.

Sbe had determined to return to tbe canon, now that the daylight woald assist her in finding It, and she descended the rise of ground that led to the prairie, for that purpose.

What was that which met her gaze, as she again came in sight of the rolling plain?

It was a sight that, brave as she was, caused the blackest of despair to settle upon her a sight that for an instant left her face as colorless as marble, and sent the blood rushing back upon her heart.

CHAPXER VIII. THE SEARCH.

At break of day the trappers were sstir. A hasty breakfast was eaten, and then they commenced an exploration of the canon.

Hammond, wbo was leading bis horse by the rein, with bis rifle at a trail, had stopped suddenly on a little open spot, and was examining the groana closely. Dick dismounted and joined him. "There's her track, or rather tbe track of her horse," he said, as Preston came np. You see it was so dark last night we oouldnt tell whero to go, and that's the reason we had to pull up. It's my opinion that she got out a piece, and the dark comin' on, she couldn't find the way back and if sech is the case, all we've got to do is ter foller on an' find her." "It looks reasonable," responded Dick "and it's the same conclusion that I had arrived at. I hope it will turn out as we expect."

They mounted their horses, and continued on the trail. Both Rex and Mat were experienced trailers, and found no difficulty in moving forward at fair speed. The tracks of a single shod horse were plainly indented in tbe earth, and were without doubt made by tbe horse which Winnie had ridden.

At last they approached a place where tbe timber grew thickly, and only a narrow passage was left between, and here, to their surprise, the ground was literally cut up with the tracks of unshod horses, and which Rex Hammond and Carroll at once pronounced to be tbe tracks of Indian mustangs.

Hammond made a circuitof the place. "I'm afraid they's trouble ahead boys," he observed, leaning on his long rifle, and looking at tbe tracks. "This 'ere don't argue good for the gal. If I can read signs right, they's a nest of tbe red skunks pounced out on tbe gal here as she was comin' along, an' then you can see they've all started up this way."

They followed him as he led tbe way, examining tbe ground closely. Suddenly be paused. "Tbey's been a scrimmage here, boys. There's a broken arrer, and there's blood—Ingin blood, too. Looky here!"

He pointed to some dark stains on the grass, which led in a little trail to the bushes. "You can see he made for cover arter he got hit. It's my opinion the gal settled some on 'em."

Dick, with the others, examined the spot closely. The trail led on from here, broad and well defined, showing plainly that a number of horsemen baa gone over it at full gallop. "Yer right about that, Rex," Carroll said, as they mounted and followed. "But they didn't git her, not by along shot."

It was plain that they had not, and tbe party swept along the trail at full speed. Dick felt that his presentiment of the night before bad been fulfilled, in a measure, at least but tbe Btern look upon his face boded no good to the savages, and if tbey bad harmed a hairfof Winnie's head he would have a terrible revenge.

Far two miles after leaving the canon, the trail continued then it eame to an abrupt termination and spread outinall directions.

The remainder of afire was here visible, and it was plainly evident to all that they bad lost tbe trail here, and, the darkness preventing them from finding it, they had encamped to wait for daylight.

They could not, certainly, have been

Sone

over a couple of hours, for the gns were perfectly fresh and the fire was yet smoldering. Rex gave It as bis opinion that the savages numbered two dozen. ,,

From here the trail, after winding about for awhile uncertainly, led directly to the prairie, and they followed it rapidly.

It was nearly noon when they reached the 9tream where Winnie had spent tbe night. Here, also, they discovered the remains of a campfire, and in the soil on tbe river bank Diok saw tbe track of a tiny foot, which he knew belonged to Winnie.

It was a relief to him to know that up to that time, at least, sbe was safe and unharmed. "Wal, boys," said Carroll, as they gathered together, after examining the spot, "what'8 your opinion about the matter?" "I can tell yer mine, straight from the word go," answered Hammond "that gal is too many for any Ingin that ever tramped. The boss she's on can't be ootcbed by any of tbeirold plugs, without along run. But them ar' mustangs Isjestaleetleawful on along run, and they might come up with her arter a while. "But the main difficulty is this* Tbe reds has got their eyes on ber, an' ar* bound to bave her an' what do a gal like her know 'bout tbe plains? Ifothin', of course, an* they'll go at some of their pesky tricks an* deviltry, an' sarcumvent ber that will be the upshot of tbe whole bianess. It'll be easy 'nough to do. As long as there's straight sallln', tbey can't cotch her, an' they'll soon find It out. Four agin twenty-four is a good many, but I've fit worse odds than that, an' kin do it agin an' I reckon you are all of tbe same opinion. We can overhaul them afore night, if I know myself it we don't, I'm afraid the gal will fall Inter their clutches." '*1 am of your opinion," Dick said, and the rest expressed the same "and nothing follows but to push on as rapidly aa possible. Let ua not waste unnecessary time."

From here tbe trail led to tbe water, and everything gave evidence that the Indians had crossed to the opposite side of tbe stream.

The party forded it, and on coming out, struck the trail immediately. It led in a circular direction now, and, in a short time, approached tbe river and recroased.

AM the party galloped along, tbe breese bat had blown lightly heretofore died away, and was succeeded by a dead calm.

Tbe sky began to be overcast with amoky looking clouds, that deepened rapidly, till tbe sun was invisible. Tbe air grew oppressive, and the day dark ana ominous.

Hammond had been looking around, and shifting uneasily in his seat. Finally be spoke. "See here, boys, we want to git to cover, it It's a possible thing. Tbey's tola' to be a storm such as you don't see every day. I hain't spent twenty years on tbe prairie far nothin', an* I ean tell -ver it wont be no child's play to breast •ucb a riptearer as thlsll be, out here.

You see that dump of timber? 'Taln't more'n two mile off, and the trail leada straight to it. We wont have more'n time to reach it if we let our hosses do tbolr

None of the party felt inclined to dispute the old hunter, and, loosening the reins, tbey swept forward at a run.

Long before tbey reached tbe timber, a dull, heavy roar filled the air, having a wierd and supernatural sound, ana the rumbling of thunder reached tbeir ears.

Tbey entered tbe timber with a rush, just as the storm broke. It was bat a poor shelter, but it waa vastly superior to the open plain, and they dismounted hurriedly, eaoh picking out a tree for himself.

For an hour the rain literally poured down. The wind blew furiously, the tall trees writhing ruthlessly, occasionally snapping or twisting them off, and hurling them crashing below. The lightning flashed incessantly, and the roar of the thunder was almost deafening.

A dozen miniature rivers were formed on the prairie, and tbey swept along till they emptied themselves into a gully or stream.

But the storm passed almost as quick-ly-as it had come, though the sky still remained thickly overcast. Tbe party remounted and endeavored to discover tbe trail, but not a trace of it could be found. "It's uouse, boys," observed Hammond "we've got to go it by guess now. That rain would have washed out the trail of Old Nick himself."

They held a consultation to decide upon their next course. Carroll was in lavor of dividing the party, two and two but Diok decided to go alone, and Hammond also, as tbey hau no fear of danger, and were familiar with the plains.

As Lynne was entirely inexperienced they all agreed that he should go with Mat.

A point that all were familiar with was settled upon as a place of meeting, and that all should endeavor to be there by daylight on the following morning, if possible and with this tbey separated.

Preston had marked out no course of action for himself. He would decide that according to circumstances.

He rode in an eastern direction till about three o'clock, but not a sight of anything human met his eye. He had left tbe prairie, and gone through a traot of timbered country, and, as he came out under the shadow of the mountains, he baited beside an overhanging rock to think upon his future oourse.

He was silting in the saddle silently, when, chancing to look down-, something attracteabis attention.

It waa tbe impress of a horse's foot. He dismounted to examine it. It was a horse's track, plain enough, but there was nothing particular in that to attract attention. But this was not the track of a wild horse, neither of one ridden by am Indian.

Preston felt sure of this before he had dismounted now be was certain of it, for as he bent over it he saw that it was the impress of a foot, wearing a shoe.

It was partly obliterated, but being under the shelter of the rock, it retained enough of its freshness to show plainly tbe mark of the circular rib of iron.

Farther along, and still under cover ef tbe rock, he discovered others, and before he ceased hiB examination be was confident that at least a dozen horsemen had passed along the very spot where he was now standing.

Once clear of the sheltering rock, tbe tracks became invisible washed out by tbe rain.

He could eome to no conclusion concerning them, without tbey were made by tbe band of road agents.

He had looked closely for the track of Winniw% horse, but it was not among them he had marked it too well not to know It again should he see it.

But there was no use of tarrying any longer, and having concluded on a southern course, he mounted and set off in that direction. —,

•. CHAPTER IX.' AC SWUNFT

UP.

I

The afternoon passed, and tbe shadows began to fall. To bis right be had delected timber, and be knew by its winding course that it marked a stream.

There was a bare possibility that he might find some trace of Winnie there he determined to go there and see, at least, and accordingly changed his

he determined to go there and »ee, at least, and accordingly cbanf course to one leading toward it.

As he entered tbe scattering trees on tbe outskirts, be looked searcbingly for any signs of any enemy lying in ambush, but there was nothing to denote that other than himself was about.

Before reaching tbe stream he descended into a little glade, completely shut in by tbe woods.

He kept a sharp lookout in crossing this, and when near the opposite side, chancing to look down, be saw the perfectly fresh track of a shod horse in the soft turf.

He pulled up abruptly, and then dismounted to better examine tbe footprint.

It was getting dask in tbe glade, abut in by tall trees as it was, but the patch of sky directly overhead let In so facie nt light to enable bim to examine tbe ground, and half a dozen other tracks of different slaes were added to the one he bad already seen.

He bad walked a few steps from bis horse, when he waa suddenly brought to a staud by tbe sound or a voice, speaking in a peremptory tone: "Ease up, mister, and pass in your checks! I reckon we hold tbe winning card in this little game, now!"

Preston looked up quickly. There, within a doaen feet of bim, stood a couple of men, whom he at once recognized as two of the road agents, with tbeir rifles cocked and leveled at bim.

Before he could make a movement, a heavy band was laid on either shoulder and be was jerked violently backward upon the ground.

He struggled desperately, but to no purpose, ana in three minutes hie bands were bound behind him and be was lifted to his feet. "You do us great honor, my young friend," said Captain Roger, as he removed the revolvers and knife from Dick's belt. "Didn't expect you'd cell on us so soon after tbe little unpleasantness of yesterday. However, we shall try and make you comfortable. How large a rope do you think It will take to bold you?" "How do yon think you can Hand that?"

Tbe captain doubled up like a jack knife, and shot backward on tbe ground. Dick had raised bis foot, and planted as powerful a kick aa be waa capable of lving, in the stomach of tbe domineerng road agent.

A volley of oaths eame from thaf worthy's lips, as he picked himself up. He snatched a revolver from his belt, and leveled it at Preston, tbe lire of a demon blazing in his eye*.

Dick faced bim calmly. He expected nothing but instant death but the in* censed captain thought better of it, and returned tbe weapon to Its place. "Why didn't you do It?" asked Preeton, contemptuously.

"Because I thought of something better. Oh, you needn't think you can scare us. We know you. It ain't the first time you've interfered with this girl business, but It's tbe last, do you understand tbst Shooting is too for you we'll see how you like a little hanging. But we've got something to do with you first. Bind his legs, boys, and you, Barney, stand over bim with a cocked revolver, and if he says 'boo,' blow his.brains out."

Dick's feet were bound with a lariat, and be was thrown roughly to the ground.

Barney took his seat on a convenient log, and with a cocked revolver in his hand was prepared to carry out his captain's orders. Preston rolled over on his back and regarded him ooolly. "So you are Barney, are you Ain't you afiuid I shall get away from you Better take a revolver in the other hand."

Barney closed the one eye that he pos- ~, and leered at Dick with his tongue out of tbe oorner of his mouth. "Captain's orders, you know. Git away! I ain't much afeard. But tbe captain thinks you're uncommonly plucky, and you can't most always tell what them kind '11 do. Lord! but you can fight, an' no mistake I you rubbed out some of our best fellers, besides woundin' a lot more that bad to be sent back. But we'll make it square with you arter supper. We hain't got no minister, but I guess you can say your prayers 'thout one."

Preston made no reply to this, but lay and watched the road agents. He was not insensible to his own danger, but he was as cool as though n«t the remotest thought of death was near.

Afire was kindled in the glade aud the robbers proceeded to cook their own supper.

Several hours had passed before the drinking and smoking that had followed the supper was finished.

Tbe fire shone out raddv and strong, lighting up the rough, evil faces of the men, and rendering tbe blackness outside the little glade blacker than ever.

Dick had not ohanged his position. His thoughts had been busy endeavoring to find some way in which he oould escape but at last the utter Improbability of tbe matter, bound band and foot as be was, and with a cooked revolver keeping guard over him, caused him to discard it from his mind. He bad no great preparation to make for death as be lived be would die.

At last tbe robbers commenced their preparations. The glade was a couple of rods across a little open spot in the thick woods, carpeted with erass. Preston was carried to one side of this where a large tree, with arched branches, stood.

Under this be was placed then a lariat was produced and thrown over one of tbe projecting limbs. "How does the prospect of a dance on nothing effect your nerves, eh?" asked the captain tauntingly, pushing Preston with his foot.

aIf

The order was complied with then a noose was made and dropped over Dick's head, and two of the roobers seized tbe other end of the rope, ready to do their part of the work when tbe word should be given.

But it was not tbe captain's intention to hang PreBton immediately. Tbe idea bad occurred to rim that he could tell him where tbe girl was and tbe last thing before be was hoisted into the air, be intended to offer bim bis life if he would agree to tell tbem where she was, and conduct them to ber.

It was only an offer, however, and one be bad not tbe remotest idea ol fulfilling.

Once be found out her whereabouts, tbe hanging would go on without delay. Preston bad done too much injury to his band and was altogether too dangerous a man to go free.

Tbe captain pulled out his watch and held it so tbe firelight shone upon tbe dial. "If you've got any message to send your friends about us or anything to say.say it, for in just two minutes you'll swing," he said. "I haven't got anything to say, so the sooner you haul away tbe better," replied Dick, fearlessly. "As for my friends—you'll probably bear from tbem without any message being sent by me." "Bsb!" said tbe captain, contemptuously. "If any of your long legged trappers interfere with us they'll get tbe same chance that you have now. Tbe two minutes are up, boys. Haul away!"

Tbe rope was drawn taut suddenly, and Dick was nearly lifted from his feet. Now, if ever, was the captain's time. "Hold on, boys," he said, with a wave of his hand.

r'Let

the cuss down a

minute I've got something to say to him," Tbe rope was slackened reluctantly. Dick had given up all hopes be knew that bis time bad come and his thoughts reverted to Winnie and to tbe promise sbe bad made. Woold sbe ever know tbe manner in which he bad met bis death? He was sure that sbe would. Waa she alive, sbe would certainly endeavor to learn bis fate perhaps, would find his bones bleaching by the little stream, picked clean by tbe coyotes and birds. But-bls friends would bave revenge for his death he felt assured of this. "I've got a little offer to make you," continued the capuin. "There's nothing like giving a poor devil a chance for bis life. You know where that girl is if you've a mind to tell us and lead us to the spot, we'll let you free. Otherwise, up you go."

Preston regarded him unflinchingly. He was about to reply that he did not know, and would not tell tbem if be did, when tbe thought occurred to bim that if tbe captain got a suspicion that abe was still abroad upon tbe plains, he would spare no pains to find her. If, on the contrary, he supposed her safe, ber chances for reaching a safe place, bad she not already done so, would be better. "Sbe Is out of your read}," be replied, telling the truth in the letter, if not in tbe spirit. "That ain't what Tasked you," said the robber, beginning to grow ted in the face. #1 asked yon where abe waa." "I believe you did," responded Dick, it if

you are mistaken. So you can go on wltb your ceremony as eoon as you see lit." "Swing bim up, boya," cried tbe csptain in a rage. "Well see bow much choking this miserable cur can staud! Hani him up!"

Tbe men grasped tbe rope afresh, gave It a steady poll, and the next instant Preston waa lifted from his feet. [to

BE

oosmwoBD.]

A Werld or cmhmi.

One of the most popular medicines now before the American public, is Hop Bitters. You see It every where. People take it with good effect. It builds tbem up. It is not as pleasant to tbe taste as some other Bitters as it is not a whiskey drink. It is more like the old fashioned bone set tea that has done a world of good. If you don't feel just right try! Hop Bitters.—N unda News. «, a?i: The Greatest Remedy Kuown.

DR. KISOS NSW DISCOVERY

for con-:

sumption is certainly the greatest medical remedy ever placed witlun the reach of sufTerlug humanity. Thousands of hopelees sufferers, now loudly proclaim their praise for this wonderml discovery to which they owe th*ir llvee. Not only does

relieve Catarrh, this cures at any stage before Consumption sets in.

TUTT'S

iZi-

8§§?

•I

which they owe their llvee. jxoionij uoes it positively cure consumption, but coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis, hay fever, h^pseness, and ati affections of the throat,* oh est and tangs yield at onoe to Its wonderful curative powers as If by magic. We do not ask you to buy a large bolt le until vou know what you are getting. We therefore earnestly request you to call on your druggist Gultck Berry and get a trial bottle for ten cents, which wUl convince the most.skeptical of its wonderful merits, and show'you what a regular one dollar size bottle.^ will do. Forsaleby Gultck & Berry, Terre: Haute. Ind. (4)

Itching Piles, Mew Haven Testimony "WOVLD NOT TAKE flOrOR HALF A BOX." Dr. Swayne E Sons, Dear Sirs:—I have suffered for twenty-five years from Itching Plies and consulted many physicians aud used many remedies, but 1 tonud no permanent relief until procured your AllHealing Olntmet, as also a neighbor of mine has used It with the same happy resuit, and says that he has got half a box left, and tor fear It might trouble him again he wouid not take 310 for It, if he could not get more, deem it mv duty to give this testimonial, notsomuch tor your benefit as for the

Yours

.sy

Swayne's Ointment, is also specific for tetter, itch, salt rheum, scald heail, erysipe. las, barber's itch, blotches, all scaly, crusty, cutaneous eruptions. Price 6oc. three boxes $1.25. Bent by mall to auy address on receipt of price, in currency or 8c stamps. Prepared by Dr. Swayne Son. Phiiadel

gaute.Sold

hia. by Buntln & Armstrong, Terre

4

k-

-i

you bad minded

your business and not Interfered with that which didn't concern you, you wouldn't have been where you are now. The only trouble was you didn't know what was good for you. But its better on tbe whole: I can get the girl now, and live in peace without any danger of interference from you. Lift him up, boys, and untie his legs. We want to see him kick a little."

always Cores and never Disappoints The world's great Pain-Reliever for Man. and Beast. Cheap, quick and reliaible.

PITCHER'S CASTOKXA not Narcotic. Children grow fat upon, Mothers like, and Physicians recommend CASTORIA. It regulates the Bowels* cures Wind Colic, allays Feverishncss, and destroys Worms.

CsAr

a, -a

WEI DE MEYERS CATARRH Cure, a Constitutional Antidote for terrible malady, by Absorption. Tbe most Important Discovery sinoe Vaooination. Other remedies may

INDORSED BY

PHYSICIAN!, CLEMYMEN AND «THE AFFUCTEIiVEtYWNERE.

"THE MUTEST MEDICAL THBMHI OF THE ME. TUTTS' PILLS

CURE FEVEIMND AQUE.

TUTT'S PILLS

Csrs KIDNEY Complaint

TUTrTPILLS

CURE TORPID LIVER.

T07T"* ILLS

1

Da. TTTTT has soo* ceeded In combining In these pills ths heretofore antagonistic qatli* tiesof a »TB*K»rHnjo, PcseATivx, and a Puuirrixa TOHIC.

CURE SICK HEADACHE.

TUTT'S PILLS

CURE DYSPEPSIA.

Tbeir first sppareot effect is to increase the appetite by caostog the tood to properly aa•imUsto. Thai the «y»temia nourished, and by their tonic actio tbe digestivo

TUTT'S PILLS

CUBE CONSTIPATION.

YMTT'S PILLS

their tonic action oa

CURE PILES.

TUTT'S PILLS

JSSPt

regular and bcalt racaations sro pro* dacad.

wuu

TAKE under

ON FLWWUKIIM the Infltteme of these pills, indicates tbeir sdsptsWllty to nourish the body, brace tbeir efficacy in caring nervous debility, melancholy. dyspepsia, wasting tf the orasc&fllaggishaeas U*0 UTer» chronic constipation, and I tnpsrtlng health fc strength to fncnyatca. gold ererywhere, price 85 ceata.

TUTT'S PILLS

CURE IIUSUS COUC.

Offic*

89 Jrtnrray fltreet*:

:T Kfn

NltVf YOUEL

JXJLAME HACK.

WEAK BACK.

CNMMes'aC'aprise Poront Plaster. CNenrbefmla*evl!«««* lc»rlty ov«all ottw: i: whtr* reComraea'i"-. by pinslciaun, rlrogglsts aud itets The mamifrc torn* received a special award and the only medal given for porons plasters at the Centennial Exposition, 187ft, at the I'jwisExposition, i»s. TUHr great merli He* in tbe fact that tbey are the only (ilscter* which relieve pain at once.

Every one suffering from Rheumatism

I^ime

Back or

WCSK

iicst,

Back, cold OH tin-

COOKIM,

or

auy

iocjU pain or ach«-

should useBmsoo'sCapelne Porous PI as and be relieved at once. Price 2$ cts sold by ftti rtrotsrt'*"'

gganura, Ct