Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 12, Number 33, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 11 February 1882 — Page 6

6

THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

THE

Ebony Cross.

A Romance of the Border.

BY DAYTON MULGROVE.

Author of "Redno the Dwarf,""Mad Blun don," "Dehraven's Crime, Cripple of Gondau," etc, etc.

CHAPTER XII.

A STRUGGLE ON THE RIVER. Anson Vancleve and his fair compan ion sped rapidly toward the river, Their flight might be discovered at any moment, and the youth knew that the villain, Barfoot, would hold no^ scruples against shedding blood to regain possession of Eilen Dale.

In the course of twenty minutes they reached the river. Braden's canoe was still where that worthy had left it, for Vaneleve's use.

The yonth assisted his fair companion to a seat in the canoe^ then loosened the rope and sprang in himself.

They were floating slowly down the river. Vancleve felt about for the paddle. "Is there a paddle in that end of the canoe, Ellen?" "No, I can feel none."

A brief investigation revealed the fact that the paddle was gone. Vancleve bit his lip in vexation.

Have you found the paddle, Anson?" "No. There's no paddle in the canoe!" "You must have left it on the shore." "No, Braden brought the canoe here, and ho said he loft two paddles in it." "What can we do now?" "That's the question," muttered the youth. "Some person has been to the river since Tom loft "And carried off the paddles.

Yes."

"It was Burl Brvan," assorted Ellen. Just then tholight craft floated against an overhanging bush.

Seizing it, Vancleve drew the boat ashore. "What will you do now, Anson? questioned tho maiden, anxiously. "I must cut a small sapling with my knife." "Why not return for the paddles? "It would be both useless and dangerous," returned Vancleve. "Whoever took the paddles has secreted them effectually. I can cut a sapling and use it for polo. The river Is not very deep most of tho way."

Suiting actions to words, the young man leaped ashore, and felt about in tho darkness for a sapling of suitable size.

He was not long in finding one, but outting the tough timber with a smallbladed knite occupied considerable valuable time.

Tho pole was socured at last, however, and the canoe was once more floating down tho stroam.

An hour passed, and the moon ap-

rrodshadowsthe

above horizon, raising the which had hung thus far

over tho river. "We will soon bo out of danger," said Vancleve, as ho thrust his pole into tho sandy bottom of tho stroam. "What WHS that?" suddenly exclaimed tho maiden.

Tho youth allowed his pole to rest across the canoe* while he bent his head tolistKii. "I hear nothing but the sighing of the wind, Ellen!"' "1 do, though," cried Ellen, quickly. "There it is again!" "Tho dip of paddles!" exclaimed Vanclove. "There's another boat on the river, surely." "It is Bryan and the Oaliforman!" cried Ellen, in a husky whisper. "Halt, or I tiro!" shouted a voice from tho pursuing craft.. "That was Burl Bryan

w0

*re

lo8t!

moaned Ellen, in terror. Turning the bow of his canoe toward tho shore, Vancleve pressed his pole down with all his might. "Hush, Ellen wo will escape them yet!" he cried. "1 will dofend you with •iy life." "Halt!" again camo the voice.

Vancleve paid no heed to tho sura-

Th'o next minute his canoe touched the lmnk. The vouth sprang to his feet just as the pursuing canoe surged alongside. "To land. Ellen, quick!" shouted Van-

Tim maiden was rooted to her seat with

10Vancleve

had drawn his revolver—he

always carried one—and leveled it at the head "of Hurl Brvan, who was also clutching a heavy pistol, standing upright in tho bow of liis canoe.

Harcrafl was also on his feet, ready for spring. There was a momont of awful sus-

^Varicleve gritted his teeth and pulled .•Art tj For once, and at the most critical moment of his life, tho youth's weapon failed him.

There was a sharp cllok, but no re-

^*The cap had not exploded. A life hung in the balance. A crv of fiendish exultation gurgled from tho lips of the borderer. His fincer drew the trigger of his own weapon.

There was a stunning report, a wild, aeomxrd scream, as Vancleve threw up his hands and plunged headlong into the

The borcain came from Ellen, as she B»W her lover fall under the bullet of his

Burl Bryan was at her side in an in-

**"The girl's fainted, Mr. Harcraft." "So much the better for us,' the CaliJornian answered, grimly. "Shall we return to the tavern? "No." "Where, then?" "To the settlement of Browhill. 1 was intending to leave the country in the rooming, anyhow. You shall bo *o» naid for vonr assistance in securing mj

funawav

daughter, Mr. Bryan, when we

TOtch Hrowhlll, where I will dispense with your further services." "You are verv kind." retorted the borderer with a covert sneer. To himself ho muttered.

"You

won't be rid of me

BO easily, old roan. Burl Bryan hain't risked his lift? for your money nor goodwill, by a long ways."

A comfortable couch was arranged of Iwishws in the bow of one of the canow, jft.r the in.^msible maiden, her shawl being lined for a pillow.

The second canoe was fastened to the ah«m\ and then the two villains seated themselves in the one 'n ,v?n had l*en placed, and paddled rapidly down the stream.

CHAPTER XIII. DODO I'KRKlStS.

Browhill was a considerable town. It fead grown raplily. and the building* were all uopalmed, rough structure®, yet

some of them were large and roomy the "Empire Hotel," for instance, -which stood on an eminence overlooking the rest of the village.

Bob Williams, the proprietor, was a fat, good-natured man, ana fond of spinning a yarn to the good people who patronized the Empire."

It was near the middle of the forenoon. Bob Williams sat on the low-roofed veranda in front of the hotel office, quiietly smoking a cigar, his ohair tilted back, a look of restful ease pervading his rubicund face.

He seemed at peace with all the world, as he puffed blue clouds up to the ceiling.

A single buggy came rapidly down the street, turned the corner, ana drew up in front of the Empire Hotel.

Two men and a woman occupied the so&tBob's listless attitude changed sudden ly to one of activity.

Down came the chair with a thump, The stump of a cigar flew into the street, and Bob's good-natured face was beaming benignantly upon the travelers, from the side of the buggy

One of the men sprang ont, and lifted the muffled form of the female to the

She seemed limp and helpless. "The lady is ill/' said Bob, offering to assist the man. "Never mind," returned the Btranger. "Show me a room at once. My daughter has had an ill turn, and needs quiet and rest''

Exactly," muttered Boh. "Thiaway, sir. I'll show you the best room in the house."

The stranger raised the muffled figure of the girl in his arms, and followed the footsteps of the landlord.

There were few people on tho street at the time. There was one person, however, whose keen black eyes watched the two men and their charge with keen intentne8s.

A man stood by the office window as the strangers drove up. A man rather tall, clad in along, blue, gown-like coat, which reached below his knees. His face was almost hidden by the profuse gray beard that bristled all over it, like tho quills of a hedge-hog. A close-fit-ting skullcap was drawn over the head to tho eyes, from under which hair of almost snowy whiteness fell to his shoulders.

A pair of glasses usually rested on the man nose. Now, however, they were held iu his hand, while his tall form was bent eagerly forward, his keen black eyes peering curiously out at the new arrivals.

As the stranger came up the steps be hind Williams, the old man drew back suddenly, with alow exclamation.

He had caught sight of the man's face, full and square, for the first time. Williams and his guest passed into the hall and up the stairs.

The white-haired old man walked up and down the room with short, nervous strides.

He was the only occupant of the room just then. Ten minutes later Williams entered the office, closely followed by the tall stranger.

Walking up to the desk, he took the pen and registered his name in the hotel aook. 'I shall remain with you, Mr. Williams, until my daughter, is able to travel. She received a nervous shock a few days since, which has quite prostrated her."

While the man was speaking, a pair of keen black eyes were peering over hia shoulder, reading on the register:

Richard Harcraft and Daughter Silver Gulch, Cal." The black eyes of the old man seemed to glow with a concentrated flre as lie read the words.

When Harcraft turned, the glasses were again restiug on the old man's nose, quite changing his appearance. "You are from the Golden State?" said the old man, quickly. "I am from California," returned Harcraft, eyeing bis questioner curieus]y. "I've been there myBelf," said the old man. "Indeed!" "I have a young friend livin Perhaps you have met him is Vancleve." "Who are you, old man?" exclaimed the Californian, starting suddenly.

18

there,

is name

The old man pointed to the register. "That's my name above yours." "l)odd Perkins, Now York, eh?" "Yes." The two men regarded each other fixedly.

A strange uneasiness suddenly possessed the Californian. Without speaking again, he walked into tho wine-room, just off from the otllce, and called for a glass of brandy. "Who is that odd-looking old chapout there?" throwing his thumb toward the office. "A Mr. Perkins, from New York," returned the bartender. "When did he ooine?" "Last night. He was inquiring the way to Martin Dale's tavern this morning"." "Indeed!" with a nervous start. other glass of brandy, please."

'An

Swallowing this, Harcraft returned to the offioe.

The old man was gone. The Californian bit a cigar, and sauntered ont upon the street.

Burl Bryan had disappeared with

horse and buggy. He had not left town, however, as the Californian well knew. "I must see Burl," muttered Harcraft. "I may need his help a little a

The past twelve hours had been hours oflntense mental suffering to Ellen Dale. Anson Vancleve was dead, ana with his death went out all desire for life on Ellen's part. For hours she lay unconscious. Even when her senses returned, she was very weak, and utterly powerto re is do pi

After being placed in a comfortable room in the hotel, and being left to herself, the maiden grew stronger, and a sudden desire to escape possessed her.

She had prayed for death onoe, but a new resolve bad come to her of a sudden.

To live for a purpose. Anson Vaneleve's assassin should not go unpunished.

Gradually her old strength returned, and Ellen walked to the door, and tried to open it.

It was locked! She was a prisoner, it seemed. By placing her eye to the keyhole, she aaw that the key was in the lock at the outside.

Ellen "walked to the window which overlooked the street. She waa in the front room over the ^office.

Her resolution was taken. She would appeal to the landlord for protection she would never go from here with the dark-browed man who claimed to be her father.

While she stood with her face pressed against the window, she caught sight of a queer-looking man standing in the street.

It was Dodd Perkins.

THREE HAUTE SATURDAY JTVnc^TTsrn' if

Ellen, at any other time, would have smiled at the odd-looking draw and queer face.

The old man looked up suddenly. An instant he gazed at the white faee at the window, then turned and disappeared in the hotel.

It seemed scarcely a minute liter when a step sounded in the hall pausing at the girl's door.

It was the landlord, perhaps. Eljen turned quickly from the window.

The key grated in the lock. When the door swung open, the queer looking old man of the stwet crossed the threshold.

Ellen was startled at the sudden appearance of the old man. "Be not alarmed, young woman," sai Perkins. "I am yoar friend. You ai the yonng lady who arrived here? but short time since, in company with tw gentleman?" si.

Ellen bowed assent. *t

Excuse me. miss, if I seem over cu

rsasisssssa1JSSXS? "is?

At last he paused before the bowed form of Bllen Dale, and laid a kindly hand on her head.

My precious child, you shall not be sacrificed," he said, in a tone of solemn earnestness.' "Great Heaven! what a villain Giles Barfoot is. Where was Martin Dale during all this time? Surely he would not countenance this villainous outrage."

Ellen looked up through her tears "Oh, sir, that is the strangest part. Mr. Dale, who has always been a kind father to me, was deceived. He believed this Californian to be Richard Harcraft, an old-time friend, and my own father "But you do not believe this," cried the old man, eagerly. "No, no, I could not. Anson dedounced Harcraft as an impostor. I believed him. I would rather die than go with that man." "He wan impostor," cried Perkins,in deep undertone. "Rest easy for a few hours, my dear Miss Dale. I know this man claiming to be yout father. His true name is Giles Barfoot, a spendthrift, gambler, and murderer. Bis race iB run. Before night he viill be in the hands of the officers, an* you will be free*'' w'ith these words, the airangoeld man left the room, meeting the Californian on the stairs as be was going down.

No word passed between them, however. Ten minutes later, Ptrkins drew the landlord aside, and heli a few hurried words of conversation.

The result of the con vtrsation was that the old man hastened away to secure a warrant for the arrest o' one Giles Barfoot, alias Harcraft.

Tho proper officer was absent, and it was evening before Dodd Perkins arrived at the Empire Hotel with the officer and warrant.

Bob Williams seemed a little nervous when Perkins entered the office, accompanied by the county sheriff. "Is Harcraft in?" questioned Perkins, eagerlj'. »No—that is—he was, but "What are you stammering about, sir?" cried Perkins, sternly. "Mr. Harcraft left an hour ago." "Left an hour ago! And the girl "Accompanied him, Mr. Perkins."

This announcement fell like a thunderbolt upon the senses of the old. man.

CHAPTER XIV. FLIGHT AND PURSUIT.

The eyes of the strange old man, Dodd Perkins, haunted the soul of the Californian, rendering him nervous and troubled.

Why this was so, Harcraft could not explain. He certainly had never met Perkins before, yet there was something in the sound of his voice strangely familiar. "That old rascal knows more than he ought," mused the Californian, as he went out to tind Burl Brvan. "Ho may know something of that little scrape I ^ot into at 'Dead-man's Run.' I think prudent for me to be on the move before long. I'll use young Bryan a little longer, then drop him."

The villain found the young borderer in a small tavern near the outskirts of the town, where he had gone immediateafter leaving Ellen at the Empire otel.

if.

I have more work for you vet, my friend," said the Californian, as he drew the borderer aside. "You may command me then, Mr. Harcraft." "We must leave Browhill to-night. You can secure a span of horses and light wagon." "Yes." "Then do so at dark to-night, and them in the edge of the woods, on the road leading south. I will meet yoa therewith Ellen." "All right. Havo something to drink before you go." "No. thanks. I have no time to waste in such frivolity."

the^:have

The two men separated. It was nearly dark when Harcraft appeared at Ellen's room with a tray loaded with edibles for her supper. "You must be hungry by this time, my child." said the villain, as he placed the tray on the stand at her side. "I am not," sbo answered. "I find that I am a prisoner in this room. Is this tho act of a father to bis child "It's tho act of one who has your best interests at stake, Ellen," said Harcraft, gently. "When you find yourself mistress of one of the finest homes in California, you will thank me for what I have done." "Before that time, I hope to see you punished for the murder ot

The dark-browed Californian had slipped quietly from the room, and she •sras alone.

There were hot rolls, a liberal slice of toast, some cranberry sauoe, and a steaming cup of coffee on the tray.

The delicate aroma of the coffee was enticing, and in smite of her sorrow, the maiden drank the coffee and tasted the toast.

Ten minntes later a sense drowsiness oppressed her. A lamp burned on the stand, but the light grew suddenly indistinct. Objects faded away, a sweet sense of rest stealing through erery fiber of her being.

The white lids drooped lower and lower. ,, A moment they trembled as she made one last effort to'rouse from the strange lethargy, then they closed over the eyes,

It

and her low breathing proclaimed that the maiden slept. The door opened cautiously. ^taU form glided into the room.

mT me room.

muttered the man, as he wrapped sleeping girl in her shawl, and raW in his arms.

A few minutes later he was street. .. But few people were stir*--^

deeper shadows withhi^e° He was soon off froj:„ threading a narrow/®?

0fFor

that lod to the

^nwL anhour^tbat

and the

Dodd Perkins

sheii*aPPeared

in the hotel

a minr*the

old man stood

6tariu8

^Then^hr'i^ked his glasses from his note anc' pierced the very soul of Bob Wmla^ with his black eyes. "Bo Williams, are you aware that

1

me to escape from here, I will ever rej true Which wav did the man member you with gratitude.

Ihavenoj

a friend'in the world new. since the murdered poor Anson"Anson!" cried the old man, with •tart. "Yes. Anson Vancleve,'|_said Ellen choking with emotion.

"No.

lg with emotion. "He was myj «How do you know then how long he friend he would have helped me but theykja8 gone?" murdered him, and tore me from myr »«jje settled his bill an hour ago and home." Laid he was about to leave me. I was

The maiden bowed her head, her slightaway just then. When I beform convulsed with emotions stirred up

by the memory of the past night's hor-

"0t »""re °f

Its true. »nicn way uiu "I can't say!" "Did he not tell vou?" "No." "Button saw him depart?"

a,,y

Thought myself I ran up to the young

|romgQig

rors. iiTk/i foiinw min'f. hn.vA crone far. said Dodd Perkins paced the room with nervous strides.

room and found it empty."

The fellow can't have gone far," said ihe sheriff. "We'll catch him before norning. I'll just drop down to the ivery stiable and see if Jim's let any earns to-night."

The sheriff soon returned, and drew ld Perkins quickly aside. "Jim Woods let his best span to a roung man by the name of Bryan this ifternoon. No other teams are out. Che man wanted the team for the nigbt. Che team was taken just at dark, and Tim thinks they went south. It may be hat this young chap is an accomplice of Sarfoot's."

It's forty miles to the railroad," oused Perkins. "The south leads to he station. I came through on the taflji yesterday that must be the course akon. We will take the south road. 3an yeu get a couple of swift horses, Mr, Sokels?" "Yes. I own one, and Jim will let us ave another. Perhaps we may need "NOTI can take Barfoot alone," Perkins interrupted. "Too many men will only interfere with each other. Let us mount and away at once."

To this the sheriff agreed, and together the two men left the house. Half an hour later two horsemen dashed down the village street and entered the forest on the road leading south.

Not ten minutes after the departure^of the two men, a horseman dashed up to the door of the Empire Hotel and dismounted.

Hitching his horse, the man hurried into the office. "Hello!" exclaimed Bob Williams, as the man ^approached the desk behind which he was standing. "Where'd you drop from at this hour, Mart Dale?" "Prom home Since five o'clock," returned the old tavern-keeper, for he it was.

You came in a hurry, it seems to me. "Yes. 1 was a little anxious." "Indeed What's the trouble "I wish to see you alone a minute, Bob," returned Dale.

Th® landlord led the way into another room and closed the door. "Now then, what's the trouble, Mart?" "I can trust you to keep quiet about this, Bob?" "Of couise you can." "A strange thing happened last night, Bob." "So?" "Yes. My daughter Ellen disappeared rather mysteriously," continued Dale. "I have reason to believe that she has eloped with a graceless scamp named Vancleve. Have you seen anything of such a couple "I have not." "Yon would know Ellen if you should see her?" "I think so." "There was another man mixed up in the case, a Mr. Harcraft "Harcraft!" exclaimed the landlord. "Why, bless me! a gentleman by that name registered at the office to-day. He came here in alight buggy. Burl Bryan came with him, and a woman also. She was so muffled up I did not see her face plainly. I never saw Miss Ellen but once, anyhow, and might fail to recognize her."

Bob rubbed his hands vigorously, his rubicund visage glowing like a garden beet of the blood variety. "Is the man here now "No."

The landlord then related all that had happened in connection with the coming of the old Californian, including the strange actions of old Dodd Perkins. "And the sheriff is after Harcraft, you sav "Yes, on a warrant sworn out by old Perkins."

After partaking of a hasty supper, the old tavern-keeper mounted hia horse and rode away on the same road taken by old Perkins and the sheriff.

CHAPTER XV. A WOMAN'S SCREAM.

Half way from Browhill to the railroad station stood a small frame tavern called the "Half-way House," kept by a man named Perl Johnson. The triweekly stage from Browhill to the station always stopped here for a change of horses, and refreshments for the inner man at noon each day.

It was in the neighborhood of midnight when two men and a young woman drove to the tavern steps.

Perl Johnson was up, waiting on some customers, shingle-weavers, who had come in late, and were spending their money freely at the bar.

Buri Bryan sprang to the ground and entered the low barroom. Johnson recognized the young borderer at once, and shook his hand warmly.

After the first greetings, Burl called the tavern-keeper aside. "You've got a parcel of drunken nnisances here, Perl." "Yes, bot there's money in 'em, Ban

_____ ft

«Of course but see here, Perl. I wish to engage a room for a gentleman and his daughter for the remainder of the night. Can you give me one *fk "Yee. "Where's the couple?" ''Outside, in my buggy." "Call 'em right in." "Look here, Perl," said the borderer, don't seem to understand. It's _.ble some inquiries may be made, arcraft and his daughter must remain concealed for the present." ,, »0h!" "Y«. If any one asks after them or Inquires about a team passing here tonight, vou must say that no one has

tsX

[Nothing criminal, 1 hepe,

"I

Boo only a little scrape I've get into, lean depend on you?" 'Of course, Ten dollars will pay the

A\\

£md®-eJt8workl*ui* "You shall have double that amount

th

a 1

hour. .. The tall man hurried ru-den*1

6

if you perform your part well," returned Bryan. "These loafers in the bar-room must know nothing of this."

Of course not. Just drive around to the back of the house. Them chaps are too boozy to notice anything. 111 have your friends cooped in less than no time."

The two men then left the room. Burl did not drive to the back of the house, as suggested by the tavern-keep-er, but Harcraft lifted the insensible form of the girl and carried her in his arms to the back of the tavern.

The landlord led the way up to the back of the stairs to a small room above. Striking a match, Johnson lit a small oil lamp that stood on a pine table near the head of a low straw bed.

The key is in the door, sir," said Johnson. "You will be safe here as long as you have a mind to stay."

The (Californian deposited his burden on the bed, and then turned to Johnson. "My daughter is quite ill. Mr. Johnson, and it is necessary that I should be near her "Certainly, certainly," interrupted the landlord "you cau have the room next to this one. I will send to the station for a doctor "That is unnecessary," returned Harcraft. "Ellen is subject to these spells. No doctor can help the case."

The landlord bowed low, and departed. "Now, then, if any one should be following, I have thrown them off the track lor tho present, at least," muttered the Californian, as he passed into the narrow hall. "It's well enough to move with caution. 1 didn't like the looks of that old chap at Williams'. I've seen bim somewhere before before yesterday, and I believe he means mischief."

While musing thus the villain was startled at the sound of hoof-beats up the road.

He ran along the hall to the front end, whore a small window looked out upon the road, and peered out.

Johnson was on the steps with a lantern, the light of which fell on two horsemen, who had just drawn rein at the door.

Harcraft recognized ono of them as old Perkins, whom he had seen at tho Empire Hotel the day before. The other horseman was a stranger to the Californian.

They were making hurried inquiries of the tavern-keeper. After a short interchange of words, the two men galloped on, and Johnson re-entered the house. "'Tis lucky I thought to stop here mnttered Harcraft, as he walked slowly from the window. "That old devil means mischief, but he's on the wrong track for once, at least."

With a low chuckle, the Californian entered the room assigned him by Johnson, struck a light, and examined his revolver to see that it waa in order. "No two men can take Giles Barfoot they may as well set that down," he growled, showing his teeth iu the lampfig"-

A mile beyond $he tavern the two horsemen overtook Burl Bryan, driving at a leisurely pace. "Halt!" thundered old Perkins, as his horse came alongside the open buggy.

Burl drew rein at once. "Hello! What's tho row now?" exclaimed Burl.

The moon was shining brightly now, and revealed only one person on the seat to the two horsemen. "Where aro the man and woman who rode out of Browhill with you last night, young man demanded Eckels, sharply. "Man and woman?' "Yes. No nonsense, now, or it 11 be worse for you," thundered Perkins, leveling a revolver at the borderer's head. "Well, I'm blowed if I take your meaning, old chap," returned Bryan. "You were seen to leave Browhill in company with one Giles Barfoot and Ellen Dale. Where are they now? We know they were with you in the fore part of the evening, so you needn't prevaricate." "Well, well! a pretty mesa you are making of this, gentleman," returned Bryan, in simulated Vronder. "I have been alone since leaving the settlement

The man and girl you speak of were intending to take the stage in the morning for the station. They certainly have not been with me."

The two men were nonplussed. "Young man, this lie won't go down with us," said the sheriff, sternly. "Eh D'ye mean to pick a quarrel with me?" cried Brj*an, in evident anger. "I won't stand everything, mind that.'

The two horsemen consulted aside. \Vithout speaking ugain to Bryan they wbeoled their horses, and galloped rapidly on their return.

Ten minutes later they wore again at Johnson's tavern. Tho roystering shingle weavers were still making morry in the dingy barroom.

Leaping to ground, the two men secured their tired animals, and entered the bar-room.

Perl Johnson was behind the bar, dealing out liquor to several of the weavers. ., "Ah! back again, gentlemen? said Johnson, with a suave smile. "Shall I put out your horses?"

Eckles leaned over the low bar, and peered into the face of the landlord. "You needn't mind the horses, Perl, he said, sharply. "We want to see the stranger you took in to-night the one who came with young Bryan." "I took no one in, Mr. Eckels. "Be careful, PerL" "It's the truth Mr. Eckels," asserted the tavern-keeper, stoutly. "I appeal to these gentlemen here. If any stranger had put up here to-night they would have seen him." "That's a fact," said ono of the weavers. No one's been here but us fellers since dark till you'n that old chap come in just now."

The sheriff looked disappointed. He plucked Perkins' sleeve and led him outside in the moonlight. "What do you make of it, Mr. Perkins?" "The man Johnson is lying. "You think so?" "I am sure of it. I believe Barfoot is in the house somewhere."

Scarcely bad the words left the old man's lipe, when a piercing scream reached their ears, coming from the rear of the old house. "What was that?"

"A

woman's scream!" eried Perkins. •They listened. The scream was not repeated. "Come, this way we must investigate this," cried Perkins, drawing his revolver, and darting around toward the rear of the house.

The sheriff followed elosely in the stepe of his companion.

At the back of the house they found stairs leading to a door on the upper floor. "Come on, Mr. Eckels," whispered "Perkins, "I think we are on the right trftck now."

Noiselessly the two men climbed the stairs.

'f 4*1

vm^pf

On the landing they paused. The sound of a struggle, followed ey deep curses, reached their ears.

Springing forward, the two men burst the door and rushed into the narrow hall.

CHAPTER XVI. A STRUGGLE FOR LIFK.

The deep lethargic sleep that held Ellen Dale for long hours in its embrace was slowly leaving her, when she was borne from the buggy to the dining bed-room of tho "Half-way House.

She heard the voice of Harcraft, like one in a troubled dream, while he talked to the landlord.

Several minutes passed before she could move however. When she had so far recovered as to be able to sit up, she found herself alone.

Rising to a sitting posture, the maiden pressed her hand to her aching brow, and listened.

The sound of revelry from the barroom reached his ears in a muffled jar. She was again a prisoner.

This

was

what she believed, and this

time further from friends than ever. She thought ot all the horrors she had passed through, and nearly fainted from he a

Ellen Dale was a brave girl, howevei. If she hoped to escape, she must bo strong. Where she was she had n© means of knowing, but the sounds fr®m the bar-room told plainly that some one was not far away.

With a mightv effort of will, Ellen slipped from the low couch and stood upright on the floor.

She gazed about the room, to note its appearance and the chances for escape. She walked to the window and peered out.

The moon was just rising. She saw that this room was on the upper floor. •Then she walked to the door and lifted the latch. ..

4

To her joy, it swung open at her touch. Swintring wide the door, she passed into the narrow hall. The moonlight touched the wall from a window beyond. 1 he maiden crept softly to tho dingy panes.

Two horses were pawing the ground in front of tho house. She noted this much, then turned to explore the other end of tho hall, when she folt a heavy hand ^clutching her

"So you are up and cantoring about at this hour eh?" cried the grutt voice of the Californian in her ear.

Then it was that the captive uttored a piercing scream that reached tho ears ol our two friends below. "Shut up you jade!" growled Harcraft, with an oath. "You will scare every ono out of the house."

He clapped one hand over her mouth,and attempted to drag her to the room Bhe had just vacated.

4

,,

With a quick wrench, she tore herself loose and darted down the hall. Before she reached the door, he was upon her. ... ...

Seizing her waving masses of hair with one hand, be pressed the othor over her face, and dragged her bodily along the

h,She

moaned in anguish, while tho

brute uttered curses, not loud but deep as he drew the struggling girl along. Just then there came a loud crash.

The door burst open, allowing the moonlight to stream into tho dark hall. Two stout men rushed forward. "Help! Mercy!" gasped Ellen, as her captor dropped his hand from hei face and whipped out his revolver. "Back!" shouted the Californian, leveling his weapon. "Release that girl!" criod old I orkins^ gripping his revolver, and leveling it on a lino with the villain's head.

Harcraft still clutched tho maiden hair with one hand, while ho stood at bay. "This girl is my daughter—"

You utter a base lie now, Giles Barfoot," cried old Perkins. "You murdered her father in California. Your race is run. Throw down your revolver and surrender."

The face of the Californian blanched to the hue of death. His hand dropped from the girl's head, while his black eyes emitted a gleam of defiance. There was a sharp click as he drew tho hammer of his revolver.

In watching the old man, the villain had failed to notice Sheriff Eckles, who had crop forward almost to his side.

Just as the villain was pressing the trigger, the sheriff sprang upon him, knocking the revolver from his hand, hurling him backward almost to the

The revolver exploded as it fell, the ball passing harmlessly into the night. Tho Californian was a powerful man, and quickly righted himself and clutched the sheriff for tho mastery.

Ellen, meantime, crouched shivering on the floor, almost at tho foet of old Perkins.

The old man assisted her to rise, and led her out to the head of the stairs, "Remain here a moment," he cried hurriedly, then, with an agile bound, be reached the struggling combatants.

The sheriff was on his knees, and would have been worsted, but for the sudden appearance of old Perkins, who belabored the Californian over the head with the butt of hia revolver until be weakened and tumbled to the floor.

Then iu the twinkling of an eye, the sheriff slipped a pair of handcuffs over the wrist of the baffled villain.

About an hour later Martin Dale drew rein at the tavern. From the sheriff ho learned all that occurred. Ellen had retired to her room, and Dale saw nothing of her that night. The aid backwoodsman was really ashamed to face his daughter, and was glad to postpone meeting her for a time.

The roystering shingle-weavers left the tavern at a late hour, and quiet reigned at last at the roadside inn.

Ellen Dale did not sleep dnring tho remainder of the night. The scene of horror through which she had passed haunted her soul, driving all sleep from

She'was continually thinking of Anson Vancleve, and of the cruel fate he had met whilo defending her from her enemies. [TO BE CONTINUED.]

ASHBURNHAM, Mass., Jan. 14,1880. I have been very sick over two years. They all gave me up as past cure. I tried the most skilful physicians, but they do not reach the worst part. I he lungs and heart would fill up every night and distress roe, and ™y throat was very bad. 1 told my children I never should die in peace until I bad tried Hop Bitters. I have taken two bottles. They have helped me veiy much indeed. I am now well. There was a lot of sick folks here who have seen how they helped me, and they used them and are.cured, and feel as thankful as I do that there is so valuable a medicine made.

MRS. JCUA G. CUBHING.

W HEN we reflect that a power of endurance can be imparted to the brain, and that weak minds have been restored to strength by Fellows' Compound Syrup of Hypopbospbites, we cannot but conclude that the subtle power is really ponderable matter. Persona who study hard should use the Syrup.