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1

 

 

Sin le PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, _
VOL  Nun! er- No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents- NO“ 

 

DUSKY DARRELL,Trapper; or,  Gréen Ranger of the Yelllowstone.

BY EDWIN EMERSON.

5

 

 

 

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" HANGNATION! HOW ('AN I EVER GET THAT WATCH BACK?” “TAKE DAT TOO ’7 GRUNTED THE INDIAN, POIN‘I‘ING
9 )
TO THE DIAMOND PIN ON HIS BREAST.

 

2

‘ Dusky Darrell. Trapper.

 

 

 

:Dusky Darrell, Trapper:

The Green Banger of the Yellowstone

BY EDWIN EMERSON.

CHAPTER I.
A rainivn IN scan is A FRIEND INDEED.

“HANGNATION! I guess it wasn’t a. camp-
fire, after all.”

“ But I am sure it was. I saw it too plainly
to be mistaken. Look! there it is again.

It was a dark night. and two horsemen were
' moving slowly across a wide stretch of prairie
not far from the Oregon Trail. Had it been
light it could have been seen that these night
riders were right from the heart of civilization,
as their dress, manners and untanned faces bore
testimony that they had but recently entered
the wilds of the great North-west, and had not
as yet experienced its dangers and hardships.
Ill‘ personal appearance they were very unli 'e.
One w a young man of good figure and hand—
some eatui‘es, who sat his horse like a knight-
errant, and rode, with an ease and skill that
showed he had long practiced the art. He was
modest in his dress and bearing, and there was
somethin peculiarly attractive in his face—a
look of b ended candor, enerosit and lain
truthfulness, that won t e g -will 0 all
whom he met.

The other was a Person whose age was about
the same as that o the first one, but smaller of
stature, slim and wiry. His clothes were fop-
pish in their cut, and clung to him with the con-
stancy of a brother, while amid the linen ruffles
of his shirt a canine diamond sparkled in the
starlight. In ne, he bore every appearance of
a city exquisite, acoustomed to crowded. thor-
oughfares, ladies’ smiles. the glitter of fashion,
an full-length mirrors by which to view and
admire his image. He seemed sadly out of place
in this unsettled region, hundreds of miles from
any human habitation, except, perhaps, those
of murderous Indians. He wore gold-rimmed
, eye- lasses, a profusion of rings on his fingers,
and lght, flowing mutton-cho whiskers that
were sipparently his six cial pri e. He held the
end 0 a fragrant cigar in his month, which
he pufled leisurely and mechanically. Both
were well armed; each carried, besides smaller
weapons, a valuable rifle resting horizontally
across the pommel of his saddle.

It had not been dark an hour, but there was
no moon to assist the feeble stars in lighting the
lower world, and the gloom of midnight
rel ed. The two men Were riding in a wester-
lye irection. both eagerly leaning forward on
th irdhorses’ necks, as if gazing at some point
a an .

“ Do you see it aiainl” asked the dandyish
individual, straining is eyes through the dark-

ness. .
, “ To be sure I do,” said the other, in a soft,
clear tone; “ I see it plainly. Where are your
eyes. Perkins?” .
“Behind my lassea—ah! I do see it, by the
Dutch! Why, t iat’s as lain as the nose on a
man’s face, isn’t it, Bath urn? Do you thinkit
is a fire!"
“Certainl ; whatelse can it be?”
“Jack-o'- tern. maybe. If it’s a fire, what
the deuce makes it disappear so many times!”
“ The simple fact that it is not on the open
Don’t you remember seeing a small
patch of timber on in this direction just be!
flghtfall’l It must be in that the fire has ha

ndled.

“ That’s it ” said the exquisite, b htening
n‘p; “ that’s it sure as on live. It inthe
t mber, and the trees hi 9 itonce in a while. I
wonder how far awa it is?” .

“ The ’grove canno be more than a half~mile
distant. '

“ And must we keep right on? Hangnationl
this don’t suit me, Rathburn. I’m not afraid—
l'm not afraid of anything, as far as that is
concerned—but I’m not mnicularly pleased
311th the idea of marching to a squad of red-

”. .
The man addressed as Rathburn smiled, but
in the darkness the smile was not observed by
his companion.
“I think they are not Indians," he rejoined,
“ but some friendly white men who are better
%uainted with the country than we, and who
guide us to the verge of civilization. In
my opinion we run little risk in going forward,
though, probably, if I were more e rio-nced,
I would not think of such a thing. a will see

’ dians than to remain lon

 

‘ : lwho has made that fire, at all hazards, for per-

hips it would be even better to meet with In-
r on the illimitable
prairie, alone and lost. f course you are not
afraid to go with me Perkins?” -

“ Certainly not—what an idea I” said Perkins,
with a few vigorous puffs of smoke. “ What
put such a thing in your head? Dem it! haven’t

just been telling you that I am afraid of noth-
ing? No enemy values his life that will deliber-
ately cross my path when I’m the least bit out
of humor." .

Rathburn did not reply to this, and the two
horsemen rode a short distance in silence.

As they neared the grove, to which thev were
attracted by the tiny, starlike point of light
mentioned in their conversation they became
more circumspect in their moviiments. The
advanced as slowly as they could compel the r
animals to walk, each looking intentl at the
light, but unable to learn more from t a sharp
look-out than they had at first realized. Noth—
ing. exce t the light itself, was visible, and ea-
gerly as t ey listened to catch the sound of hu-
man voices, nothing reached their ears save the
far-distant bark of the prairie-wolf. They
went nearer and nearer; still, to all appear-
ance, they were the only human beings in the
vicinity, and the fire was fed b spirit hands.
They turned about and rode bac ward and for-
ward, makin a few circles near the edge of the
timber, in or or to reconnoiter the spot before
venturing to approach nearer.

When some time had been spent in such
maneuvers, Rathburn gave the word, and they
rode boldl into the grove. The drew rein
near the this, and sat motionless n their sad-

- dles gazing about in a state of perglexity and

uneasiness. There was the fire at t eiighorses’
feet, crackling merrily and showing by its
p 'rtly consumed fuel that it had been recently
replenished. Nothing else, betokening the re-
sence of human beings, was seen or heard. he

rson who had started the flames, had evident-
l); fled at their ap roach. This was conclusive
evidence, in the minds of our adventurers, that
the rson was an enemy.

“ ang it! I move we t out of this at our
earliest convenience," sa .1 Perkins, grpwi
nervous. t‘ I’m gettings entirely too warm, si -
ting here so close to th fire, and I wouldn t be
purprisgd if I should-should melt, if I stay here

on er.

“ he motion is a sound one,” returned Rath-

burn, as he darted piercing glances through the

trees in every direction. “There were, un-
doubtedly, one or more Indians here ten min-
utes a o, and theycan not be far awa now.
Probab y it were better to leave at once, nstead
of waiting to be attacked.”

They took a partin look at the fire and its
surroundings, and ga hered the reins prepara-
tor to start away. But just then there was a
rus is and a bound near by, and.a. shadowy,
crouching figure darted through the air direct-
ly toward hem! It landed in front of the
horses like a rubber ball—a strong band seized
the rein of each—the alarmed steeds reared and
plunged, in vain eflort to break loose from the
stranger’s grasp, and for a moment the riders
were ob to put forth their skill in order to
has the seats! When the trembling ani-

were partially quieted, the form of a man
was seen standing beth their heads/ The
alarmed horsemen leaned forward and smnned
the form closely.

Atfirst adafihuman she was
could be discerned. but, as the
mmfromthecurhsand took a ,back-
w , 6 light from the fire fell “upon
his face. Greatly to their relief, they observed
thathe was a man of their own color 
tidal“? abo’ flail?" m 3121, b.-

v e was 1: years possess-
21% ablrindlyface, d hscarred,weather-beaten

roused; an every appearance pro-
claimed him a resident of the mountains, prairie
and forest, and of all that wild country lying
west of the civilised world. Beyond a doubt
he was a raving hunter and trapper. He wore
the veritable coon-skin cap, drawn down to the
in front, with the barred

tail roooyi: almost to his shoulders behind;
and his nn ng-ehirt, l gs and moccasins

were com entirely o buckskin. He was
of medium size, neither burly nor tall, but for
all that, a good type of the ph cal man. Rolls
of muscle stood out like ban of steel on arms
and legs, showing that there was much more
strength in the frame than its size indicated.
His countenance was decidedly pleasant. The
revailing expressions were mildness and -
umor, but, to the close observer, those b ght,
gleaming eyes revealed a temper that was un-

I.

 

governable when aroused. The, strange being
ste back folded his arms our the 
of a long, black rifle, and steadily” the
twain that had ridden so.bo diy into him" ' mp.

“ Good-evening, sir,” ventured Ba arm,
when it became apparent that no else
would break the silence. " 1

“ Who be you, and what you prowlin’gmund
hyur fur?” fily demanded the trapper. .

“ Why, sir, you do not an we are here
for any improper purpose? e have been lost
on the prairie since esterday morning. and sec-
ing this fire to-ni t, we were naturally at-
tracted to it, with the hope of finding friends."

“To be sure—to be sure,” put in Perkins,
tremulousl . “ There’s no necessity for getting
scared. e—we age not going to hurt you-—
’pon my word we are not." ~

The stranger eyed the speaker curiously for
some moments, and then a broad smile illu-
mined his visa e.

“ See yer, pider,” he said; “you can’t
blame a feller fur gittin’ a little skeered at sight
0’ you! I hain’t meta dangerouser—lookin’ chap
fur ni h onto some time.”

“ 0 course—yes—that is a sumcient excuse,”
and the conceited fellow straightened his
ele ant figure and put on a most ferocious look.

t this the stranger’s whole frame shock in a
fit of noiseless but unrestrained lau hter.
. “ are you laughing ati” as ed Perkins,
indignantly, be 'nning to suspect that he was
making sport 0 him.

The in uirg'awas not heeded, but when his
mifith h ted, the trapper looked up and
am : ‘

“Yer handles, ef yer please?" .

“Mine, sir, is Henr Rathburn,” answered
that entleman, “an that of my friend is
Adolp us Perkins. We are cousins, and are
fresh from the States.”

“That’s plain as the nose on yer face; but
what part of the States do you hail from?”

“Boston, Massachusetts. ’

The hunter’s eyes opened to their widest ex-
tent, and he indulged in a prolonged whistle of

surprise.

‘ Cl’ar from the Atlantic ocean, be you?
’Taia’t often we see chaps from them , out
in this kentry. War you travelin’ cross the
plains?”

“ Yes; we were traveling with a wagon-train
until yesterday.”

“After 0] , I take it?"

“ There list where you are mistaken, my
friend. Neit er myself nor cousin have been
afflicted with the gold mania. We started on a
trip to Oregon in pursuit of health and pleasure,
but we already see our mistake in choosing this
region to obtain the latter .”

“ You’re lost I believe you said?”

“We are. Testerday morning we became
separajted from thevé‘ariiyan With which we
were ourneying. e ad purposely fallen
behind, to convorse on a subject that concerned
us alone, and we unwittingl allowed‘the dis-
tance between us and the em grants to increase,
until the latter were several miles ahead. Em-
bracing this opportunity four wling In-
dians, well mounted an arm , cut us of!
from the company, and made for us in a ven y
warlike manner. They chased us nearly the

whole day in an easterly direction. We suc-
ceeded in , one and woundin another.
and um} e,  horse of a thi tumbled

M and was unable to rise.
m, % '

_ t9” .

‘w  niounted Indian, and he, of
 d up. sch leavin us to go our
way . . But, our ht, we had
at from the trail so far that we could
u find it again, add in our efforts to do so to-
day we described a complete circle on the
fights About an hour a we d your
it ",and eagerly turned our orses’ heads

The trapper looked from one to the other
several times, with an exprenion. of blended
wopger rind ampsementérf l n An bod

. l oure pow u  .
ought atg kngw better nor to n e u to a Killer};
blaze ’ithout knowin’ whose ’tis. f thar’d n
a dozen or so reds squattin’ round it, you
never know’d what become o’_ yer ha’r."

“ Will you give us your name?”

-“I aint ashamed on’t. I answers to the
handle of Dusky Darrell, and the him and
mountains have been my home twenty
years. Now on my way to the trappin-
grounds ”

“ Where do you trap?”

“Up ’mong the beaver-runs of the Yaller-
stone. But, see yer. fellers, ef you’re goin’ to

 

)

stay with me to-night, why the buflers don’t ‘

you come down of! your bosses?”

» --—a. ._c._._., a

T

+-—-—n ~+

Dusky Darrell, Trapper.

3'

 

 

Our two friends did not wait for a second in-
vitation, but at once slid out of their saddles,
and hitched their animals to the nearest trees.
Having, for over twenty-four hours, experi-
enced the horror of being lost on the prairie
when the sky was so overcast that they ha
been unable to tell one direction from another,
it was by no means unpleasant to come across
such a man as this they had met with. It was
evident that he had his whims and odd fancies,
but they knew he possessed an equal share of
kindness, candor and good-humor, and, being a
trapper who had tramped the wilderness or
rrtiany a year, he could easily guide them out of
i .
The three men seated themselves around the
fire. Dusky Darrell proceeded to broil some fresh
meat, which his two companiom helped him to
devour with a , and then, fillin and
lighting his pipe, e began tesmoke an stare
vacantly into the fire, with as much composure
andheedlessness as if he were entirely alone.
Adolphué Perkins lopked suspicious! at him
through his glasses, trots a  ctfm distsnce,
and ought him too savage a taking being to
put any faith in.

Rathhurn saw that it would require close
questioning to obtain any information from the
ecceln‘tric trapper, and after a brief silence, he

‘ You say you are on your way to the trap-
pigi-grounds of the Ye110wstone?’

“ e trapper nodded, without looking up.

-“ Itis a long distance to travel afoot.”

Hyur’s what don’t travel afoot when he
knows hisself. Thar’s a hoes out on the prairie
thar’, croppin’ the grass.”

“ Ah! you set him free of nights? I presume,
from the appearance of the sky at present,”
added the youn man, looking up, “that the
sun will shine c early tomorrow. In such a
case we will have no further difficulty in find-
ing the Oregon trail. Do you know how far
away it is?"

“ ’Bout ten mile, or thar’abouts. It’s on the
north bank of the Platte river, which it follers

' to the mountains, and I crossed the Platte some

time this afternoon.”

“ It lies southward from this spot, of course?”

“Exactly.”

“ And that way is south ” spoke up Adolphus,
pointing directly toward the arctic regions.

“No tain’t,” growled the trapper; “the op-

ite d’rection are south.”

“ We will ride down to the Oregon trail to-
morrow,” said Rathburn, turnin to his cousin,
“ and, if you are willing“ we wi go on to Ore—
gon, or California, alone.

“ Demnitionl ain’t you afraid to do that?” ex-
claimed Perkins, horrified.

“Not in the least—are out”

“Mei—preposterous! ou might know my
only anxiety is for on. The fact is, our
mother told me to ta e care of you, and eep
you out of danger as much as gamble.”

“ Oh, you rascal I” laughed thburn.

The conversation came to an abrupt termin-
ation here and for awhile Rathburn
thoughtfully into the fire. Then he looked
alternately at his companions, and, at length,
he turned to the hunter and said:

“Darrell, as we are aiming at no_particular
point in our travels, will you permit us to ac-
company you to the north!’

There was a short silence, and then the reply:

“Ef you wants to o with me I reckon you
kin, but you’re not to at your infernal greenness
interfere with my business.”

“By no means. We will cheerfully comply
with all your reasonable wishes.”

“ You mought as well b’ar in mind that I’m
goin’ to stay up that till next spring—onless a
sartin thing happens.”

“ And what is that certain thing?” “had
Adol hus. .

Bu no answer was vouchsafed to this inqury,
and the interrogator had not the courage to

t it.
it was decided that they should accom-
pany the tra per to his wilderness home, and
gets taste 0 wild life before returning to the
tatee' and with this decision to dream about,
they all lay down to sleep.

CHAPTER II.
A warm nacamon arm a com BATH.

THEY were astir at an early hour in the
morning, a fire kindled and breakfast hastily
prepared.

“Thar’s no use wastin’ time,” said Dusky
Darrell, as he ate. “I likes to travel of mom-
in’s better’n at any other part of the day. Ef
an goes with me, reckon as how you’ll have to

as i does.”

 

 

The repast over. Darrell gave ventvto a shrill
whistle, and a fine black horse came gallop-
ing into the grove. Without delay they all
mounted, and the next minute were cantering
fiany over the prairie in a northerly course.

usky Darrell proved himself a pleasant com-
panion, and grew in one’s favor as his oddities
became less puzzlin . He wasevidently pleased
with the plain fran ness and manly bearing of
Henry Rathburn, and was more communica-
tive than at first; and the latter looked for-
ward with a thrill of pleasurable anticipation
to the life of excitement he was entering upon.

Adol hus Perkins, however, who was less
fond 0 adventure than his cousin, almost turned
pole at the bare thought of tarrying so long in
the Indian country. He was not afraid—of
course notl—but he had not so much as the
shadow of a razor in his possession, and what
would his favorite mutton-chop whiskers come
to without one?

At noon the halted; 13de their hunger
and rested an our; after which they continued
their journey more leisurely. chertly after
sunset they dismounted and struck camp on the
bank of a creek, and cooked their evening meal.
After partaking to their satisfaction of the
choicest portions of a youn buffalo, which the
trapper-’5 deadly rifle had rought down, they
whiled away an hour or two in smoking and
conversation, before turning in for the night.
The trap r thought they would not be safe if
all closed their eyes at once. Durin the after-
noon they had met a small party of awnee 1n—
dians who had approached them with every
sign of friendship, and with whom they had
conversed some time throu h the medium of
one who s ke broken Englis . Although they
had spar no efforts to appear friendly to the
whites, the observant eyes of Darrell had de-
tected something in their looks that made him
suspect them of deceit.

It fell to the lot of Adol bus to stand guard
first as there was thought be little or no dan-
ger before midnight, and so Rathburn and the
trapper consigned themselves to the comfort-
ing embrace of Morpheus. Adolphus took his

and began to walk in a circ e around his
s eeping companions, feeling the importance of
his position, and believing, after some reflection,
that no one could fill it quite as well as be. It
wasacalm starry night, and the awful still-
ness soon egan to tell on the sentinel. He
grew very nervous and wished a storm would
come up, or an thin to make a noise, and cre—
atedas much istur nce as possible himself.
At length he heard the quick, sharp bark of a
wolf not far away, and the answerin bark of
another in the opposite direction. ven this
was a relief, although his hair felt as if it were
rising on end as he thoxht of being attacked
by those ravenous anim

“Han nation! I wish I’d never come to the
West,” e exclaimed. “I can’t see why I
wanted to leave home. anyway.”

He paused suddenly, and stood petrified in
his tracks. His gun fell from his hands, his
eyes flew open, his face assumed an ashen hue
an a cold chill crept over him, as he saw a

body rise above the ed e of the river-
bankl He could not make out e shape of the
body, but he thought it looked like some sort of
an an' It came up from the water’s edge
with the utmost caution, and then crept
stealthil along the ground toward an ad scent
clugnap o bushes. Perkins watched it wit hor-
rifl consternation until it disappeared, and
then threwin himself on the ground he cov-
ered himself ead and feet with his blanket!
After lyin thus a minute or two, he cautious]
threw 03 t e blanket and raised his head. _ l
was quiet. His two friends were sleeping‘
placidly beside him and nothifig of a suspicious
nature was seen or heard. e seized his rifle
and sprung to his feet, determined to show no
such weakness again, nor hide from any threat
ened peril.

What was his su rise and horror when he
saw another dark 0 ject come slowly up the
bank of the creek, precisel in the same man-
neras the first! This one, a so, moved norselessly
toward the bushes behind which the other
had disappeared, but Adolphus grew brave all
at once, and resolved that it. should not pass
from view unmolested.

“It’s only a wolf,” he thought “ and I’ll
teach it to provoke the anger of so ngerous a
man as I am. I’ll just shoot it, and show them
fellows I’m some.”

He cocked his rifle. and brought it to bear on
the dark, movin object. He took aim, closed
his eyes, aver his face and fired.\ Strangely
enough the ball went straight to the mark.
There was a wild, fearful sound—a. horrid,

 

crazing scream, as of a human being in the
agonies of death—so long, loud and unearthly
that Ado] bus was paralyzed with terrorl Then
rose anot er yell, or series of yells, as if a score
of demons had joined their voices to make the
night hideous with their cries. It was the war.
whoop of the Indians!

As it by magic a haltdozen shadowy figures
appeared, lea ing about in the darkness. Then
Perkins hear the sound of a rushing body, and
something heavy came against him with such
violence as to almost throw him of! his feet.
He was grappled b strong hands—sinewy
fingers clutched his t oat—«a dark. demomacal
face was thrust close to his—a knife glittered
before his eyes, and for a moment the r
fellow thought his last breath was drawn. ut
'ust then, a rifle was discharged near by, and

erkins was at once release from ‘the iron
grasp. He saw an Indian writhing in mo
pain at his feet, and heard the stentonan v0i°9
of Dusky Darrell shout: _

“ Down with ’em, boys! Don’t leave a grease.
spot of.the impel”

Perkins waited to see as more. Scarcely
conscious of what he did, he wheeled and
dashed headlong toward the creek his coat~
tails flying like banners u the wind. Wild
with fright, he leaped own the bank, and
plunged recklessly into the water, sinking from
view on the instant!

Meanwhile Darrell and Rathburn were singing
the Indians, fighting for their lives. Each
discharged his ri e, with good elect, and
clubbed them. The trapper brained a brawny
wretch with a single blow of his n-stock. and
then sprung u 11 another with his knife. Rath-
burn, in a li e manner, broke the arm of a
savage, who wisely took to his heels with his
wounded member, and was soon swallowed n
by the darkness. The trapper made short wor
of his man. There was a brief struggle—a
glitter of steel—a quick thrust and a groan, and
another enemy lay stretched out in death. This
left but one to contend with. The solitary
savage, observin how matters stood, set up a

howl and dar away with the of the
wind, leaving the whites nndispu masters of -
the field. The conflict was as blood as it was
short. While Rat-hburn was flush and pant-

ing with excitement, Dusky Darrell coolly be-
gan to tear the scalps from the heads of the
victims.

“ Why do you do that?” exclaimed the young
man, turning sick at the sight.

“’Cause its my l’arnin’, I s’pose,” was the
quiet response. “You don’t often ketch this
griz‘la' passin’ by such top knots as these.”

“ hy, the Indians could do no worse than
that themselves?”

“I don’t want ’em to do as bad, with me.
Dusky Darrell have got to turn up his toes one
of these days, and I reckon the reds ’ll git his
ha’r, so I mought as well be takin’ the worth
on’t while I can. Waghl"
girAdlild be fastened the reeking trophies to his

a.

“ I say, are they all one?”

It was every fam’ ar voice that gave ut-
terance to these words, and turning toward it
tggy saw Adolphus Perkins approaching with
h tating steps, his garments saturated and
clinging closer to his limbs than ever. Rathburn
burst into a hearty laugh, and the hunter’s eyes
twinkled.

“ Whar’ ou been, Spider?”

“ Me? O , I’ve been taking a cold bath,” he
carelessly replied.

“Smash me, I believe you’re afeard of red-

skins.”

“Me afraid! Surely, on don’t know what
you are talking about. it possible on have
taken n that strain? There’s Rath urn, he
hasn’t to d me I’m a coward less than a dozen
times since leaving home, and I’m getting sick
of it. If I had not known that he was jasting,
I should have shot him full of holes long ago,
andI t I should anyway had I not re-
membe the relationshi existing between us.
Why, confound it, didn’t kill the first Indian
that was killed to-ni ht! Certainlyl did, while
you were asleep, an after you awoke I con-
cluded to take a little swim while you were fin-
ishing the rest.” '

Considering that Adolphus really had done
retty good service, his tormentors ceased their
aughing, and Adolphus believed he had gained

a int by his able remarks.

one of them slept any more that night,
though Darrell said they might with safety.
The party that had attacked them was the same
they had met during the day, and as on] two
survived, further molestation was not to u-
pected that night.

 
   

4

Dusky Darrell, Trapper.

 

were
were
y sunrise,
ng before

About two hours before daylight the
in their saddles and on the mov an;
some distance further on their wa
when they halted for breakfast.
noon they crossed Lou Fork, or Pawnee river,
a tributary of the latte, and leaving this
dream, they turned their horses’ heads toward
the north-west, aiming at the northern spur of
the Black Hills. This course they followed un-
til their destination was reached.

It is not worth while to enter into the partic-
ulars of that long journey to the trapping-
grounds of the North-west. It was Wearisome
at times it had its pleasures and excitement,
and Rathburn rather enjoyed it than otherwise.
Concerning Perkins there is a doubt, for he
often looked as thou h he would much rather
bennder the roof 0 his city home than in a
country where he was in constant terror from
rovng Inlians. After traveling for many days
over broad, level prairies, and wild mountain-
ous regions—through storm and calm, and per-
sls innumerable—our three friends drew rein
one glorious afternoon on the bank of the Yel-
' lowstone. They struck the river in the center
of a vast wilderness. where the foot of advanc-
ing civilization was not to be set for years to
come, and where the scenery was so imposing
in its grandeur as to strike the looker-on with
awe. On the opposite side of the stream was a

forest, coming down to the ver of the
low banks and stretching far away to t e north,
south and west. With its contrasted hues of
green, yellow and brown, it presented a picture
of rare beauty.

“Wal, hyur we are,” said Darrell, as they
rained in their horses and looked about.

“At last,” added Adolphus, with a deep-
drawn breath. “I’m confounded glad we have
no more riding to do, for I’ll be hanged if I
ain’t sick of it.

“ Where is your home '5” answered Rathburn,
glancing about in vain endeavor to catch a
glim of some sort of a habitation.

, “ y home’s on t’other side of the water,
’bout a half-mile down-stream, but we’ll jist
dismount hyur and turn the bosses loose.”

“.Turn the horses loose?”

“Sart’inly. We won’t. need ’em ag’in till
spring. This is rich bottom-land, and we can’t
find a better place to leave ’em.”

“But I’m afraid we’ll wake up some fine
morning and find no horses here."

“Like ‘8 not. Mine won’t wander away.
though, and I reckon yourn won’t leave mine.
If lnjuns steal ’em, or wolves run ’em away,
will have to foot it back to the States; that‘s
a

As he spoke the trapper slid out of his saddle,
and began to gaze sharply in every direction,
as though he were looking for something. The
object of his search was soon es ied, and he
walked straight toward a large hol ow tree that
stooda short distance away. From an orifice
in the base of the tree he drew to light a small
birchen canoe, which he at once shoved into the
water. The others understood this movement,
and quickly jumped to the ound.

“The red-skins hain’t disturbed nothin’ on
this side,” said Darrell, “and we’ll see how ‘tis
on t’other side in a minute.”

The horses were now stripped of their appur-
tenances and set free. The saddles bridles. etc.,
were placed in the canoe and then the trio
ate pad in, sinking the light craft to its gun-
w es. The trapper took up the ddle, and
they moved cautiously out nto t e current.
They headed down-stream, but, at the same
time, graduallyr neared the Western shore. It
was near the c 089 of the afternoon, and half of
the broad river was shaded by the trees that
lined its margin.
dows, the partial loom and the stillness were
impressive in the solemnity, and Adolphus
began to think of a great many startling

thing

A r awhile the put in to shore, and ran the
canoe under the t ick undergrowth that figsw
along the brink. As they leaped up the nk
they found themselves in front of a huge, gray
roc about fifteen feet in hight, and much
greater in diameter. It rose sheer up from the
level ground, presenting a smooth perpendicu—
lar front, and all around it grew a dense thicket,
so low and tangled that it could only be passed
through with difilculty.

“ Hyur’s whar we’re oin’ to lod e this
winter,” said Darrell, making his way t rough
the thicket.

l‘ulling aside the bushes, be disclosed a recess
in the face of the rock. large enough to admit
tuc body of a man. He entered in astooping

Lure, signifying by a slight jerk of the hand
that the others were to fol ow him. They did

As they glided into the sha-,

 

so with some hesitanc , cree ing into the dark
recess behind their gui e, For ins holding to his
cousin’s coat-tail with a nervous grasp. In a
moment they emerged into a cious cavern.
Here the sto , and Darrel struck a light.
As the b med up from the inc-knot he
held in his hand, it lighted up the c amber, and
revealed every rent and fissure in the gloomy
walls. It showed unmistakably that it had
formerly been occupied. A few worthless furs,
a buffalo-robe, a pair of elk’s horns and several
such trophies were to be seen. while other and
different things gave evidence that human hands
had been at Work there lon before. A few
fragments of half—burned w lay in the center
of the apartment, and just above them, in the
ceiling, were a number of small crevices, which
had served, no doubt, to give the smoke egress.

“ Good gracious! are we oing to live inrthis
miserable hole!” asked Perkins, after surveying
the cave through his eye—glasses.

{1‘ This is whar we’re to lodge,” replied Dar-

re .

“ Indeed, I rather like it,” said Rathburn.
“It is a better shelter than I expected to find
in this region, and will at least be comfortable
during the bitter cold days that areto come.
Were you here last year, Darrell?”

“ No; I hain’t stop d hyur fur a spell—five
seasons, I reckon. ince quittin’ this spot I’ve
been carryin’ on my business in the employ of
the Hudson Bay Company, furder up country.
Don’t know that I’d ever have come back to
these grounds, ef it hadn’t been fur a little sar-
cum stance that tuck place.”

k.“ What was that circumstance .4” asked Per-
ins.

“ I ain’t tellin’ jist now. Wait till night, and
ma 'be I’ll tell you all ’bout it then, of you want
to now. I must go out now and set the traps
afore it its dark, and I counts on a purty good
haul in t e mornin’. I’ve see’d plenty of beaver-
sign to-day. Come with me, ef you wants to
see how the thing’s done.”

The light was extinguished, and they all left
the cave as they had entered.

Once more seating themselves in the canoe,
Darrell took up the paddle and thrust its blade
beneath the water. Rowing with his usual
caution, he ke t the canoe close to the shore for
some time, an then turned into a small stream
that flowed into the Yellowstone. Running up
this a. little distance, he proceeded to set his
traps, somewhat to the amusement and edifice-
tion - of his companions. This accomplished,
they turned about and rowed back to the cave.

CHAPTER III.
THE STORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL CAPTIVE.

ALTHOUGH yet early autumn, the night was
chilly, and as the three men re-entercd the wide,
gloomy cave. Darrell gathered some fuel and
stunted a fire. The flames roared and crackled
on the rocky floor, casting fantastic shadows on
the walls, and making the yawning rents and
recesses look darker and more forbidding than
ever, in the contrast. The smoke ascended in
spiral wreaths, and escaped at the numerous
crevices above. Thev prepared and ate their
evening meal, and then, reclining round the
comfortable blaze, they passed away the time
in smoking and talking. Darrell, bein in one
of his communicative moods, recoun many
of the thrilling events of his life, and vs the
inexperienced twain a few instructions in hunt-
in . trappin and Indian-fighting.

ter muc fid eting and chewin the end of
his cigar to a p p, Adolphus ven ured to re-
mark:

“ You said this evening, Darrell—heml—that
you would tell us the cause of your coming here
this season.”

The trapper smoked awhile in silence, staring
vacant] into the fire, and then replied:

“ Wa , it ain’t much of a story, but sich as it
is you can hear it.* I mought as well tell you
now as at any other time, s’pose, ’cause you’ll
have to know it ’fore we leave these ' s—no
two ways ‘bout it. Five years ago I iskivered
this lodge, and seein’ a heap of good sign I de-
tarmined to squat yer a season, and see what
luck thar war in this section. Beaver and
otter warn’t skeerce by a long shot, and I
hauled in one or t‘other nearly every day fur
awhile, but in ood fortune soon had an inter-
ruption that {hadn’t counted on very strong.
One day, in goin’ the rounds, I found every

*The story of the captive is here recorded re-
cisely as it was related to the writer by the lad er-
self. She is still living, honored and esteemed by all
who know her and today there is not a more be-
nevolent or active lady in society than she whose
early life was spent among the savages of the great
nort -Western wilderness.

 

 

cussed trap empty, jist as they had been fur
two or three days afore. The. suddint end of
my success war summit surprisin’, and I growed
desprit suspicibus. When the next da come
round, and still no game, I swore I’d out
what it meant. So I began to s’arch around,
and soon found a moccasin track in the snow.
To own up, I felt kinder oneasy when I made
this diskivery, ’cause it proved that the thief
was an Injun, and I thou ht the imps must have
found out whar I was 1 in’ afore that time.
In sich a case they’d sartin y be down on me in
a twinklin’, and even then t ey mought he lay—
in’ in wait fur me round my home. These
thoughts didn’t please me the greatest, but I
made In way back yer ’bout as quick as I
could. was on the p’lnt of walkin’ into the
cave, when I was stopped by the purtiest crit—
ter I ever set eyes on! It was a little al ’bout
fourteen years old, With dark-brown ar, and
eyes that looked ri ht through a feller. She
was dressed like an jun, but I could see thar
wasn’ta drap of red blood in her veins. I hain’t
sce’d a werful s' ht of females in my day
but of a l I ever di see I sw’ar that little gal
was the purtiest. I thought she war a speerit
when I first see’d her.

“Wal, as 1 said, I war jist goin’ to come in
here when this little angel stepped in front of
me, and told me she wanted to ak a word or
twofur in own . She to] me the lnjuns
had foun out was thar, and war oin’ to
come down on me that very night! e said
the varmints had suspicioned fur over a week
that a white man was around, and now that
th knowed it to a sartinty they war bent on
takin’ possession of my be r and traps. She
begged me to go away at once, and not brave
thar fur . I promised to do as she said,and
then I fe to axin’ the child some questions. I
l’arnt that she had been captur’d by the In-
juns four years before—that her arents had
been murdered at the same time—t at she was
toler’ble well treated by her captors, and a good
deal more. I axed her what her handle was,
and she said it war Myrtle Forrest.”

“ Demnitionl what a pretty name!” muttered
Adolphus. “Maybe it isn’t goin to beso bad,
after all, this so'ourn in the Widerness. If
there is to be a autiful maiden in the mix,
I’m willing to take up my abode here.”

“I tuck a like to the gal,” resumed the trap-
per, “ and when she began to cry _’bout her dead

arents I’m blowed ef Dusk Darrell could
iardly keep from cryin’ too. Iwa‘nted her to
go with me to the States, and live with her own
pie, but she wouldn’t do it. She said the In-
ms war the only friends she had in this world.
and she’d end her days with ’em. After beg—
gin’ me over and over to cut sticks as quick as
possible, she left me. -

“The warnin’ war a timely one, fur I had no
inore’n packed my pelts and sloped when the
imps swarmed around this rock like a lot of bees
gein’ into Winter-quarters. But I got away
cl‘ar as a whistle, though I’s pursued halfa day.
I Went down to Independence, Massouri, to
barter awa m furs, and while I was thar I
told sev’raIV fe ers ’bout the white gal up
among the Blackfeet. Some of ’em got in-
terested in the story, and I told ’em all that had

ssed ‘twixt her and me, not omittin’ to tell

er handle. After that I came north, and some-
how or other got among them Hudson Ba fel-
lers, and sta ed with em fur a long spe . I
thought of t 0 little captive a good deal, and
war sorry I hadn’t urged her harder to go with
me when I left fur the settlements.

“Last'spring I found myself down in Mas-
souri ag’in. I l’arnt that the story hadn’t died out
thar’ in fivo years, but had made sorter of a
sensation. It had been blowed around puny
extensively that I’d seen one of the handsomm
gals in the univarse, up among the Blackfeet,
and a rich woman that lives in St. some-
how got Wind of the tale. It was said that
she was awfully excited when she heard it and
found out the name of the child, and that she
wanted to see me mighty bad. The cha as
told me all this, sent a message to the Eidy
informin’ her as h0w I’d arrove, and may I be
shot ef she didn‘t come cl’ar' from St. Louis to
independence fur an mterv1ew with me. She
wasascorchin’flne woman. She was dresSed
in black, and she looked like a queen, but thar
warn’t no stuck-upedness ‘bout her that’s said.
She looked pale and sadlike, and knowed at
onc’t that she’d seen a heap of trouble in her
day, and she had ha’r and eyes that reminded
me of the little captive.

“ Her name was Forrest, she said. and she‘d
once had a child named Myrtle. Her husbnnd

had been killed, and her child carried away by
lnjuns while they was with an emigrant party

 

 

Dusky Darrell, Trapper.

5

-._. n-.. ..__...._.___- . ,

 

 

among the mountains, long time ago. Her and
two others in to make thar sees in
some mirac’lous way, and all the rest had go
under. The woman had never s’posed her
daughter was livin’, till she heard ’bout what
Pd seen. She wascr in’ all the time she was
talkin’ to me and I to ti her as well as I knowed
how, everything the gal had told me. Thar
warn't no doubt 'bout it—the captive was Mrs.
Forrest’s daughter! It war nine ears ago that
she war taken prisoner by the lackfeet, and
she war ten years old at the time of her ca tur’.
4 “ Mrs. Forrest said she would give me a 1 she
owned of Pd restore the lost one to her arms. I
wouldn’t take a cent. I’d been thinkin’ fur
some time ’bout takin’ another tramp up in
these parts, to see of in little friend was still
ahVe, so I told the mo her I’d be 03 without
delay. wanted me to take a big reward in
advance, but I told her when Dusky Darrell
needed money so bad that he must be paid fur
kind omcea he’d let her know. She took my
hand and kissed it, and said God would reward
me, and then I swore b heaven and ’arth that
I would bring her da ter home, or leave my
carcass on the banks 0 the Yallerstone. That s
the talk I used, and I’ll keep my word of the

gal’s livin’.”

“ Perha the tribe that holds her is not now
in this vi nity,” said Rathburn.

“ Ef not, I l hunt till 1 finds it. She’s got to
turn 11 some time or other, or this grizzly don’t
go bac to the settlement.”

“ Thunderation! I’ve a mind to marry her if
she is found," said Adol hus. “It wouldn’t be
so bad, after all to go ack home with a bean-
tiful Wife and a thousand or so ,dollarsi Why,
demme, I think I shall have to do it.”

“Yes; do it, Spider, all means," advised
the trapper, with a sly loo at Rathbnrn.

“ in and win, cousin mine,” added the lat-
ter. assuming an air of gravity.

Perkins accepted these remarks seriously and
in good faith and began to stroke his yellowish
whiskers with a wonderfully profound air.
After conversin on various unimportant topics
for some time onger, Darrell replenished the
fire and said:

“ Let’s snoom.”

The proposition was 9. 00d one, and in a few
moments all were soun asleep, enjoying the
rest they so greatly needed. -

Before dawn, the trapper rose and went out,
leaviii his friends still asleep. Visiting his
tra ‘, e found that his succem was as good as
con d have been expected for a beginning, and
shouldering his game, he returned homeward.

On re-entering the cave, he found Rathburn
and Perkins astir. A fire was started, and a
breakfast of fresh beaver-meat prepared. In
the afternoon they all sallied out, and strolled
up and down the river, Adol hus succeeding in
catching quite a number of no fish, and Bath-
burn bringing down several grouse with his

gun.

Three weeks passed away, and nothing
worthy of note occurred within that time. The
approach of an early and rigorous winter was
making itself felt, and already somerof the
smaller streams were frozen over. The weather
grew intense] cold; the fierce, cutting wind

owled disma ly throu h the vast forest, and
whistled shrilly arount the trappcr’s abode;
but the three adventurers had provided them—
selves with food and fuel enough to last through
the winter, and wanted for nothing.”

Not a sign of an Indian had as yet been seen,
and it was concluded there were none near. This
displeased Darrell, and one day he announced a
determination to go out upon a sort of scouting
expedition, for. the urpose of ascertaining
wnether the Indian vii age was in the vicinity
(il' not. He started at an early hour of the
morning, and returned late in the evening. As
he so iped into the cave, Rathburn inquired:

“ W hat success, Darrell?”

“Good ’iiouo'li success, I reckon, but I didn’t
find things asl’d like to haVe found ’em,” was
the graft response. “ “'hile 1’s wanderin’
about I come onto the spot whar the red-skins
Fake been s uattin‘ through the summer. It’s
in a deep va ey, two or three miles away, and
I could see as how thev hadn’t been gone more
nor a week or two. But they’ve up sta es and
g0i‘i%vand it don’t matter when they we t.”

‘ here do you suppose they are now?”

“I s’pose they're goin’ to winter fin-der up
country.”

“ Ithall we fqlgow them?”

“ ot a shot. Smash me u
wouldn’tbgnd a Efm deal of fun 16337533“
over the country when the coldest weather
comm. Thar’d be times when comfortable
quarters ’d be the most desirable thing you

 

could think of, fur sich places as this ain’t
found everywhar'.”

“ Then, what shall we do?”

“Stay whar we are, in course. I makes no
doubt the in uns ’ll be back this way in the
aging, and a. that’s left fur us to do is to wait

’em. Then we’ll see what can be done fur
that white captive, Myrtle Forrest.”

“Poor girl—I fear she is dead,” murmured
Rathburn. “I pray Heaven she is not, for it
would be a terrible blow to the fond mother
whose hopes were raised so high by your story.”

CHAPTER IV.
A BEAR-HUNT, AND WHAT CAME or rr.

Tm: winter set in, and a more severe one had
never beene rienced in that latitude. Win-
ter there is 0 six months’ duration, and so sel-
dom do thaws relieve the bitter coldness of the
long season, that it is no uncommon thing for a
deep snow to remain on the ground from
October until April. This time a terrific thun-
der-storm was the close of the warm season
and a heavy snow-storm the opening of the cold
one.

For two or three days the air was white with
snow, sometimes whirling in blinding eddies
through the forest recesses, and at others fall-
ing thick and heavy, until it lay several feet in
depth around the rock that protected our
friends from the rigor of the weather.

But they were well grepared for the exigenc ,
and reclining on the -‘warm furs around t e
roaring fire, hey passed the days and nights as
comfortably as if it were summer. Sometimes
Darrell crossed the river, to see how the horses

 

were faring, and to provide for them as best he'
could. On such occasions he walked across on,

the ice, the Yellowstone having frozen over'
after the first winter storm, and, consequently,
having but little snow on its surface. Every
day he visited his traps, and was elated at his
unusual success. Beavers, foxes, lynxes and
other animals fell into his hands, and he was
sure of a goodly quantity of furs for the spring
trade. On these trips he generally wore the
huge snow-shoes common among the Indians of
that region, and, possessing but one pair of
these, he was seldom accom nied by Rathburn
and Perkins. There were times that were most
tedious to them, but during the long evenings,
they whiled away the hours in relating experi-
ences of their lives. Most of the story-telling
fell to the lot of Darrell, who seemed to never
tire of giving reminiscences of his eventful
career, and whose stock of yarns seemed inex-
haustible.

One day the trapper returned from his daily
round with an‘ announcement that promised a
little excitement to relieve the monoton of
their lives. He said he had discovered the fair,
or winter- uarters, of a huge grizzly bear, and
he propos a descent upon it that very night.

‘ He s as bi a feller as I ever see’d,” said the
tra per, “an I wouldn’t mind havin’ a tussle
wit him, jist fur ’musement. Thar’s goin’ to be
moonlight to—night, and we couldn’t have a bet-
ter time fur a b'ar-flght. 1 diskivered the var-
mint while I’s settin’ my traps, and‘spotted him
fur this eveniu’, and ef you wants some sport
yer‘s what ’11 take you to it.”

His companions agreed to this, and prepara-
tions were accordingly made for the pro (1
bear-hunt. The rifles of Perkins and Bath urn,
which had Iain idle for some time, underwent a
course of cleaning, and there was a general
whettin of knives, and filling of wder-flasks
and bul et—pouches. Once Adolpms ventured
to offer an objection to the enterprise, but at
a sly hint from his cousin that he was afraid,
he quickly changed his tone and hailed the
coming event with seeming delight.

Shortly after nightfall they sallied forth. It
was a-calm night, but very cold. Extra gar-
ments had been donned, however, and Adolphus
was so iiiufllcd up that nothing but his eyes
were visible. A more suitable time could not
have been selected for their sport: the moon
was almost in its full, and rendered objects dis-
ceniible at quite a distance, while the stars
looked down with a cold twinkle from the cloud-
less heavens. A thick, icy crust formed the
surface of the snow, capable of sustaining
greater weight than theirs, and the only difl‘i-
culty they experienced in walking. was in keep-
ing upon their feet at times. They walked
along the river-bank perhaps a half-mile, then
turned abruptly toward the west and proceeded
up a smaller stream, by the bank 0f Which most
0 the traps were set. In a few minutes the
came upon the first trap. Here 11 pan ,
and turned toward his companions.

“ Thar’s no use goin' further ’thout holdin’ a
short consultation ’bout this thing. That griz-

zly's den ain’t a great wags from this spot, and
we don’t want to run into im too suddint, far I
calc’late he’s a rough customer. ’Tain’t goin’ to
be the easiest thing in the world to drap the
vermin and you ht as well be countin’. on
some sparrin’ afore the job’s did. It am’t
ever day a chap wants to trouble a b’ar like
this an, but I’ve begun to think a tussle a need-
cessity jist now, ’cause I’m sp‘ilin’ fur one.”

“ Let it come, if it will vary the monotony of
our lives for even an hour,” said Rathburn.

“ I say, gentlemen,” spoke Adolphus, in a
weak voice, “ there is no use trying to conceal
the fact—Pm sick.”

“Sick, ’Dolph? What ails you?”

“ Hang it! how should I knew? It is quite
sufficient to kn0w that I am sick, I think. It’s
like taking my heart‘s blood to miss the sport,
but, really, I—I can go no further.”

“Bah! come ’long, growled Darrell.

“I am ill, sir,” perSisted Adolphus, “and I
could not move a step further if it were to save
in life. There’s one of your traps, behind you.
— adn’t I better stay here and—watchiti’”

“ What fur?”

“Wh , maybe some animal will get caught
in it while on are huntinghtx bear.’ ' '

“ S’pose e do—we’d git ' in time.”

“Yes, but perhaps you have never heard of a
fox, or other animal, making oi! with the whole
concern after being caught?’

“ Wa h! yer doesn’t take me fur a fool, does

on? f a varmint wants to take 03 that trap,
he’s t first to draw a heavy weight from un-
der he snow. But you can stay hyur of you
like, Spider, seein’ as how you’d do no by
goin’ with us.”

“ Are you not afraid to remain here alone?”

“ Ohl no—not in the least. If Igetill while
you are absent I will go back to camp, you
know.”

“ Why, how can you walk so far? The
cavern is further away than the bear’s den."

Adol us chose to pa no heed tothis inquiry,
but fel to coughing vio ently instead.

The next moment Darrell and Rathburn
turned their backs upon him, and struck off
across a wide open space. in the direction of the
grizzl ’s haunt. They were soon out of sight,
and t e echoing sound of their footsteps on the
crusted snow gradually died away in the dis-
tance. Finding himself alone, Perkins looked
about him and shuddered, and then he be n
strikin his hands together and walking brie 1y
round t e spot, to keep his blood in circulation.

“ Hangnationl this is what I call rough,” he
muttered, (luite despondentl . "I wish I had
died when was a baby. is is no lace for
me, anyh0w, and Rathburn ought to ve had
more sense than to bring me awa up here.
Thunderation! what would mother t ink if she
could see me to—nighti If Providence permits
me to return safely to Boston, I’ll get desper-
ately sick every time anybod wants me to
outside of thecity. Hello! w at’s that?”

It was a loud, liar cry that fell upon his
ear—a pmlongedgedrililavering howl, so dismal in
its tone that the exquisite thought he felt his
blood freezing in his veins! It was re ated the
next instant, and then that deathli e silence.
again brooded over wood and plain.

“ Now, I wonder if I’m going to be attacked
by wolves? Just in luck, I reckon! l’ll
back to the cave, an stay there till the fe110ws
return from their hunt. No I won’t. either,
because they would call me a coward then, and
besides. I have told them I’m too ill to walk so
far. Never mind; I’ve killed an Indian since
coming out West, and I guess a wolf isn’t--
Hello! what’s that?”

This time it was sight, and not s(und, that
caused the exclamation. About twenty yards
awa he had seen three or four black objects
skul in along the bank of the stream! He
watche them for a moment in silent horror.

“I sup I am in for it now," he mused.
sinking upon his knees. “ 1 do wish they could
leave a fellow alone! I should like to know
what they’ve got against me. I havea presenti-
ment that I am not going to livemore than fifty
years longer— HELLO! WHAT’S mar?”

Just then there was a dull clap near by, fol-
! lowed b a most ap lling scream, that jarred
l hideous y on the stil night air!

Adolphus clutched his rifle, and started back
with a gasp of terror. The' cause of the horri-
ble cry was soon made apparent. A wolf had
been caught in the trap, and with yells of
pain and fright, was tggglng furiously to get
away. The ones of e unfortunate brute
were taken up bya score of threats. and aa-
swered from eve point of the compass, while
several dark, lan bodies were seen slinkin‘

‘ asked Rathburn.

 

 

 
   

6

 

from point to point. Adolphus saw more than
one pair of glowing eyes fastened upon him,
and realized that he was surrounded by the
cadaverous animals: but their slowness of ac-
tion made him believe that they were afraid
of him, and partially dispelled his own fear.

The entrapped wolf continued his noise, and
his frantic endeavors to escape, but in vain. An
idea struck Adolphus as he observed this, and
he stepped forward and cocked his gun.

“ Hangnation! I’m no coward.” be blustered,
going up close to the trap. “I’ll just knock
thunder and lightning out of you, to show you
What a desperate man lam, you skeleton sneak-
thiefl Any one who has the hardihood to
prowl about my premises after sunset must
abide by the consequences. Now don’t pull
your leg 03, but remain quiet till I get my gun
loaded. Maybe it‘s already loaded, butI would-
n’t swear to it, and there’s nothing like cer—
minty.”

Drawing the ramrod he hastily pounded down
an extra charge into his gun.

" Look out for your head now—”

Bang! went his rifl:-, twice as loud as usual,
echoing on the still air like the report of a
small cannon. That the bullet went true to its
aim, was proved by the sharp yelp that fol-
lowed the discharge; bu ’2 Adolphus heard it not.
The first thing that was plain to him after pull—
ing the trigger, was that he was lying flat upon
his back, his heels beating the air and his empty
rifle lying several yards away. The double
load had caused so violent a recoil of his wea—
pon, that he was landed 11 n his back in a
manner more easily imagine than described.

“That was the meanest trick I ever heard
of,” he declared, scrambling to his feet and
picking up his gun. “ Blazes! my nose is bleed—
mg. wonder why it is that I am always more
unfortunate than other people?” he groaned,
proiucing. a handkerchief and wiping the blood
from the injured feature. “I suppose I was
brought into the world to show how unlucky
aperson can be. I’m tired of this. If those
fe lows don’t come back Ipretty shortly I’ll do-
sert my post, that’s all. should like to know
if they— Gmdgracious! whatarethosewolves
doing!”

A confused mass of dark bodies, howling,
growling and sur ing backward and forward
over the trap. h attracted his notice. The
tru:h was self-evident. The wolves were de-
vouring the one he had shot.

, "Oh, thunderl” ejaculated Adolphus, with
“if the wretches are so
pressed with h r that they will eat their
own men, they w‘ be apt to take a fancy to
me next. I believe I won’t remain here longer.
I’ll catch cold if I do.

Without further meditation on the subject he
shouldered his rifle, turned on his heel and
walked briskly away from the spot. He had
gone but a few stops when he became aware
that the wolves were following him. Alarmed
at this, he struck into a run, and gradually
quickened his pace until he was going at the top
of his speed. The wolves were now u hot pur-
suit, creating a terrible din by the clamorous
yelps and howls to which they gave vent inces-
santly Adolphus made for the Yellowstone,
runn ng along the bank of the tributary re-
ferred to. He ran as he had never run before,
and it was a thousand wondem he did not fall,
in his reckless flight over the smooth, glassy
surface of the snow. Yet his progress seemed
painfully slow to him. He was not i orant of
the fact that his life depended on b fleetness
of foot. Little as he knew about the will
beasts of the West, he was sure, from their size
that his pursuers belonged to that dread
species known as the “mountain wolf,” and re-
calling the numerous stories he had heard
Dusky Darrell relate, in which the ferocity of
these animals was mentioned, it is no wonder
he saw the im rtance of exerting eVery effort
to et out of t air way as quickly as ossible.

ut his eflorts were useless. he wolves

were dashing after him in a tumultuous drovo
and no human being could have outstripped,
them. They gained ground at every spring,
but Perkins fled on with unabated velocity, his
muscles strained almost to bursting, his eyes
staring wildly ahead and his coat-tails stream-
ing in the wind.

He soon came in eight of the Yellowstone.
He sped forward with renewed ho , intending,
as he neared the bank, to swerve a ruptly from
his course, and follow the river to the cave.
But, to his surprise and consternation, he ob-
served that the wolves were spreading out on
each side of him and he could turn neither to

increased horror,

the right nor the left! It was a fearful dis-
c vary, but there was no time to meditate upon

1 “Sky banal: Trapper:

it. His retreat to the only place of refuge he
knew of was cut off, and no choice was left
him. He darted strai ht ahead, and bounded
down the snowy emban ment to the ice below.
Then he dashed madly across the frozen water
toward the opposite shore, insanely hoping to
reach some place where he should be 'able to
baffle his carnivorous enemies.

He had reached the middle of the river, when
he was relieved of a small portion of his coat
by the teeth of his pursuers, and at the same
instant he struck his foot against a wolf in
front, and almost fell. He saw the dark mass
of bodies closin around him, and the astound—
ing truth force itself upon his tortured mind.
He must stop and defend himself, or strug le on
and be brought down perforce in a twinfiling.
He chose the former course, though there was
no hope in either. Halting suddenly, he stood
amid the wolves like a bison at bay. He saw
that a desperate conflict on the ice was inevit-
able. His rifle was empty, but clutching it
with both hands close to the muzzle, he began
to lay about him in a manner that promised
death to any coming within its reach. This
had the effect of keeping them off for awhile,
but he knew it could not last long.

“ Help! help! hel l” he shouted at the top of
his voice. “In t 6 name of thunder, can’t
somebody help me? Murder! murderl Hang—
nation! H:-lp! HELP!”

The clubbed weapon swept swiftly around
him in a circle, and he was already nearl ex-
hausted. It struck down two of the assai ants,
and, although it nearlyr stunned them, they
were pounced upon in that state by their rav-
enous companions, and quickly dispatched. The
wolves grew more and more venturesome, and
were evidently becoming aware that the circle
described was not absolutely impassable.

it must soon have gone hard with Adolphus,
but a sin lar incident occurred just as the last
spark of ope died out. The terrible din that
had hitherto filled the air, suddenl ceased, and
some great fear seemed to have fa en upon the
wolves. With a chorus of sharp yelps, they
scampered away (fell-men toward the eastern
shore, leaviu A olphus standing there alone
and unharm i In an instant not a living ob-
ect wasin sight, and the silence of the grave

rooded over the scene.

“Good-by!” yelled Adolphus, “ I’ll try and
be at home next time you call. Demmel it was
lucky for them they left when they did ” he
added, inalower tone. “I had just in e up
m mind to slaughter the whole pack of them.
w on they—"

The sentence was cut short b a deep, threat-
ening growl near by, and wit blanched face
Perkins saw that another wild animal was ap-
proaching. It was a huge, cumbrous body,
coming across the river with heavy, shuffling
tread, and be instantly recognized it as a mon-
strous grizzly bear. It was the ap roach of
this brute that had fri htened the wo ves away,
and the thrill of joy at had pervaded his be-
ing‘ at their departure, was now changed to
sic ly terror.

He grew desperate, and resolved to shoot the
bear. His rifle was emptiy, but he thought he
would have time to loa it; so he hurriedly
proceeded to ram home a heavyc . e-

ore this operation was more than half nished,
the bear halted a few feet away and stood lar-
ing ferociously at him. The outlines 0 his
co ossal form were plainly seen in the moon-
light, and the small glittering eyes resembled
coals of fire. Adolphus commanded him to
stand still until he should complete the loading
of his rifle, and, strangely enough, he was
obe ed. He was soon ready, and aiming full
att e face of the hear, he fired. He heard a
roar of ' , but as the smoke lifted was as-
tonished to see the brute still standing there. his
mouth wide open, and his long red tongue hang-
in out.
he idea of another struggle for life was in-
tolerable, and rather than risk it Adolphus re-
solved to take to his heels. He whirled round
for that purpose but before he could take. a
step, the report of another rifle broke the still-
ness of the night. The bear roared again with
'pain, and gazed about him as if to ascertain
who had fired this second shot.

Adolphus, knowing that hel was at hand,
did the same. His heart boun ed with joy as
he saw the forms of two men coming swiftly to-
ward him, and he shouted:

“ Come on, Darrell! Comeon,_Rathburnl If
you want to take a: hand in this, you’d better
hurry before I kill him!” -

The forms came bounding on, and the infuri-
ated grizzly plunged forward to meet them,
the hood flowing freely from his wounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perkins watched them now in breathless sus-
use. He knew afearful struggle was at hand.
esaw gleaming knives in t 6 hands of the

two men, and saw that they were bent u
killing the bear or suffering themselves.
parties met, an began a lively contest. The
maddened brute flew at his two-leg ed foes,
as if he would tear them to pieces, ut they
leaped nimbly around him, and while they ke t
clear of his teeth and claws, they occasions y
found an opportunity to plunge their knives
into his shaggy sides. For a short time the
fight was carried on in this manner, and then
the combatants mi gled together and rolled
over on the ice. ere was a snapping, and
snarling, and growling from the brute us they
tumbled about, frequently mingled with a yell
from his human adVersaries. In a. few iro-
ments the bear, with a dying, roan ceased his
efforts and lay motionless in eath. The two
men sprung to their feet with shouts of exulta-
tion.

“That’s it, boys—give it to him!” cried Per-
kins, and, now that the den er was over, he
drew his own knife and lea - forward to par—
ticipate in the contest. With ready courage
be buried the long blade twice in the dead body,
and then coolly wiped it on the hairy hide of
his (i) victim.

“That ends his game. He’ll never trouble
me arrain, that’s certain, for I resume he has
found, out by this time that it isn’t safe to prc»
voke my wrath. But, I say, cousin, where the
deuce have you and Darrell been— Hangna-
tion!” .

No wonder this ejaculation burst from his
li s—no wonder he dropped his knife and start-
e3 back, with pallid face and staring eyes. For
the two men standing before him were not
garrell and Rathburn, but two big, painted In-

iaml

n

 

CHAPTER V.

SUBPICIONS AND OBSERVATIONS.

11‘ would be diflicult to describe the emotion
with which Perkins made this startling discov-
ery. He had no other thought than that the
slagers of the grizzly bear were Dusk Darrell
an Henry Rathburn, and their sud en trans
formation into savages was a blow that almost
stunned him. Plainly revealed in the moon-
light, they stood erect, gazing curiously at him,
With their grim, painted visages gaudy head-
dresses and characteristic ap re .

Perkins was a singular in ividual however,
and in less than a minute after the t shock,
be adjusted his eye-glasses and stared at the
dusky twain with all the coolness of a French
coxcomb at a fashionable party.

“ Good-evening, gentlemen, he said, Eiletly.

“ You go ’long With us,” said one of e sav-
ages, in low, guttural tones.

“Me go along with on? Ibeg to be excused,
gentlemen—my home ies in an entire] difler-
out direction, and I have already stay out too
late. The old woman will dress my hair if I am
not in early—indeed she will.”

The Indians looked as though the did not
undegjstand, and the one who spoke glish in-
quir :

“ Who you be!”

“ Lieutenant-General Adolphus Perkins, from
Boston, Massachusetts. Who are you?”

The spokesman seemed more perplexod than
before, and addressed a few words to his com-
panion in his own ton e. Then, espying the
valuable watch-chain t e- white man were, he
laid his hand upon it and remarked:

“ Me take dis.”

“Oh Lord! I couldn’t possibly make you a
presen "

“ Hoohi me take dis.”

“Certainly—certainly. I was only makin
the presentation speech, you know ” and Ado -
phus drew the heavy gold watc from his
pocket and handed it, chain and all, to his ca
tors. “ Now, gentlemen, I don’t deserve than s
for so small an act of benevolence, sodon’t men-
tion it. Hang‘nation! how can 1 ever get
that watch bac i” ,

“ Take dat, too,” grunted the Indian, pointth
to the diamond pin on his breast.

“Yes—of course—I for ot that. Here, take

it with my best wishes, wonder if they are
going to rob me of everything I possess? If

on will examine that pm on will find that I
have not cheated you in t e least. Thnt dia—
mond cost seven million dollars in London, and
I °ve itto you freely. Damnation! would that
I ad died when I was a bah I If there is any-
thing else you want, don’t eel delicate about
“2381‘”;th penkin bru ti and

o phus I very a p y,

hisfacebrightenednp as If bye magictouch.

 

 

i,

,  mu, Trapper.

*7

 

WW

Standing as he was, face to face with the sav-

heof course could see objects that were
not-visible to them. Happening to lance over
their shoulders, be was surprised an del‘ hted
tosee two human figures about ten y be-
hind them, cautiously approaching. There
could be no mistake this time—the were Dusky
Darrell and Henry Ruthhurn. e saw their
features, and reco nized them without the
slightest difficulty. hey were creeping stealth-
ily'toward the save. es in the rear.

Adolphus now 0 rved that Darrell was
making signs to him. He gesticulated, pointed
at his gun and then at the Indians, and then,
stooping, patted the ice with his hand. At first
Ado phus was at a loss to understand what
these signals signified, but he soon saw that his
friends wished him to stoop, so that they could
shoot his enemies. ' , retending that the act
was purely acciden a1, he made an awkward
movement and both feet slipped from under
him at once, landing him s rawling on his back.
Scarcer had he fallen w en there came the
simultaneous report of two rifles, and both of
the savages, with agonizing yells, fell dead in
their tracks.

Perkins made haste to rise, and the trapper
and-Rathburn bounded u on the scene.

“Come on, Spider-quick I” said the trap r.
“ Ef we don’t git away from hyur as quic as
we can, we’ll be s’rounded by wolvos ’i‘ore we
know it. I reckon these carcasses ’1] keep the
varmints busy till we git home, of we’ll be pru-
dent enough to vamoose at onc’t.”

“Yes, yes,” answered Perkins; “but one of
these devils took my watch and breast-pin.
Wait till I et them.’ "

“ Be quic , then.”

He hastily reposessed himself of his valuables
and then the trio hurried awa , as they hear
the howls of the wolves al around them.
They had not ne far when theyY heard the
voracious anima s wrangling over t e bodies of
the Indians and the bear, and the trapper said
the would soon be pursued.

ut they reached the cave-rock in safety, and
crept into its gloomy recesses. They did not
close their eyes that night, but started a fire
and sat by it until morning. Adolphus spent
two or three hours in relatin his wonderful
adventures; how the wolves ha been so unfor-
tunate as to t in his way—how he had chased
them to the river—how he had killed the grizzly
bear, etc, etc. Darrell and Rathburn, on goégg
to the bear’s den, had been somewhat surpr'
to find that the object of their hunt was not
there. They saw signs, however, indicating
that the griml had been driven from his lair
against his w l, and this made them susp ct
that there were other human beings in the
vicinity besides themselves. Attracted to the
river by the shouts of Perkins and the Indians,
they had arrived there, as we have seen, just
in time to save the former from death or cap-

tivit .
“ memorable bear-hunt, trul ,” observed
Rathburn. “But this thing of fin ing red-skins

in the vicinity is more than I looked for at
present. What do you think of it, Darrell?’

“it don’t .oller that they live hyuraboute,”
laid Darrell. “I’ll wager my ha'r thar homes
ain’t lash nor ten miles away, ’cause they often
go furder‘n that on a huntin’ tramp.”

“ But suppose some of their friends should
hmn down this way, and find their corpses—
w they not me icion who did the work,
and be down 11 ' 113%,

“’Tain’t like y thar bodies ’11 be found. Ef
they be. the imps ’ll suppose the wolves done
the mischief.”

The next day Adolphus was marcer able to
move about, owing to his immense exertions of
the night before, and the bruises he had re-
ceived from his falls. Where his un had
'" kicked” him his nose was swelled to ice its
usual sine, and somewhat resembled a half-ripe
toniato. In a day or two, h0wever, he was
himself again, but it was many days before he
leftof! borin his com 'ons by repeated re-
citals of his t rilling a venture.

. a winter passed slowly enough to our
friends. Little of excitement, besides what we
have recorded, took place during the cold sea-
son. Ind no moreTIndians, nor moredtrapes (I):
“Y. were seen. he tra r a lie mse
amiduously to his vocatiogfeandpghe did not
Mutter 00d: and the fuel with w lch thev
had stored their cavern was sufficient until
more could be procured. Around their evening
fire as conversation was much of ca. time
about Myrtle For-lest, the captive, and mu
were laid to rescue her when the Indiana

“at last the indium winter were my,
my

 

and the spring thaw set in. The ice-bound Yel-
low’stone and adjoining rivers broke up with a
thundering shock like the crash of artillery,
and for awhile all was slush and dripping
water. The broken ice went booming past the
cavern-home for several day s, and then all was
swept away, and not a vestige of snow or ice
was anywhere to be seen. Bright, genial
spring has come once more, and the sudden
transformation was like the Working of magic.
The forest donned its winter arb, and echoed
with the glad notes of myriacs of birds. The
earth teemed with ve etation, the streams were
alive with flashing sh, while vast droves of
buffaloes and horses darkened the prairies.

One clear, warm morning Rathhurn ste
forth from the cave, to stroll along the river-
bank and enjoy the exhilaratin atmosphere.
Adolphus was asleep, and Darrel was out on
his daily visit to his traps, so he embraced the
opportunity of taking an early and solitary
walk. At starting he did not intend to be
away more than an hour, but, as much to his
own surprise as that of his companions, he did
not return until high noon. As he once more
entered the subterranean abode, the trapper
looked at him steadily, and inquired:

“ Whar you been, youngster!”

“Only taking a morning walk,” he replied,
han 'ng his gun on the wrll.

“ urty long walk, warn’t it?”

“ Rather longer than I intended it should be
when I went out. I was so delighted with the
prospect that I wandered on and on like one in
a. beautiful dream, fascinated b the grandeur
of scenery, etc. Thus I unconscmusly went far
beyond my purposed goal.”

he trapper again bent his keen gaze upon
the young man.

“ Did you see any thing?” he asked.

Rathburn gave a slight start. '

“ Why do you ask .1”

“Wu, you look sorter flurried, like, as if
you’d seen sumthin’, or sumthin had seen you.”

“Yes, I have seen something,” said th-
burn, after some hesitation, “but I sdspect I
will only lay myself open to ridicule by disclos-
ing what I saw. bout a quarter of a mile
from here I was slowly followin the course of
the river, when, happening to g ance across, I
saw a horse standing u n the opposite bank.
That is all I saw, but watched him full ten
minutes, and during all that time he was as
motionless as a statue. excepting an occasional
twitch of his tail. He stood with his sideto—
ward me, and turned his head neither tothe
right nor the left, and once I thou ht I saw a
ram near his mouth, but it might ave been a
delusion. I hardly know why my suspicions
were aroused, but the circumstance seemed
very stran to me, and it has not been 08 my
mind since witnessed it. I thought you would
deem my ideas ridiculous, and so etermined to
say nothing of what I had seen.”

‘ Was the boss that when on come back?”
asked Darrell with a vacant, t oughtful look.

“ No; he had disappeared”

“ Ma be’twar one of our own bosses?”

“ I should have known it, had it been. This
was a powerful, milk-white animal, and you
know none of ours answers to that description.”

The trapper offered no reply to this, and no
more was said on the subject all that da .
Bathburn concluded that his words had in a
little or no impression upon his friend, and that
they were already forgotten.

I hen the two young men awoke the next
mornm' DuakLDarrellhaddisappeared. There
was nothin s gular in this, as it was a com-
mon thing or him to leave while they were yet
asleep, but, when hour after hour sli ped by
and he did not return, it was plain to t em that
something unusual had occurred to detain him.
Noon came, and still the two were alone. They
were not uneasy on his account, for they knew
he was capable of taking care of himself, but
they- could not helg believing that something
unlocked for, even y him, was the cause of his
absence.

About the middle of the afternoon he made
his appearance. He stepped into their presence
as suddenly and quietl as a spirit, and. as he
stopped before them, row a deep breath and
dho pad the butt of his rifle on the rec floor
wit a metallic ring. Then, produdlli! 1' 8 Pipe.
he filled and lighted it, and seated himself on a
bundle of furs without a word. Observing by
m Wadi“: “Wm” "°° hamster“
some ng o m :

“What have you seen. Darrell?”

“ Heep.” was the mi! nee.

“ Where have on beensi‘nce morning!” '

“Beontin’ ro 'd d trifle. Bee natal“?
he laid, taking his pipe from his mouth '

a

\

\

 

and, and

j?

looking at them, “ this place are goin’ to be too
hot fur us in less nor a week i”

“ Oh, Lord! what’s the matter now!” ex-
claimed Adolphus.

“ Injuns,” was the brief but expressive reply.
h “ Good gracious! you haven’t seen Indians, I

o !’

“Jist put a stop on that provision-hole of
yourn and listen. The long and shortof the
whole thing are jist this: the Blackfeet have
come back to this neighborhood to spend the
summer.
I expected to find it, in the same valley I men-
tioned last fall, you remember. I reckon it
numbered ’bout seventy-five lodges, or nearly
that many, and the Injuns war swarmin’ around
’em like a lot of bees. Once a party of the imps,
comin’ in from a hunt, passed within a rod of
whar I was hid, but the ' didn’tsee nie "

“Did dyou see the w ite captive?” eagerly

olphus. '

“ See’d a good many squaws strollin’ around,
but I warn’t near enough to tell whether thar
was a white one among ’em. 1 don’t count
much on findin’ the gel among the chaps around
hyar, ’cause in five years she mought have
passed through the hands of half a dozen tribe 8,
and like as not she’s on t’other side of the
Rocky Mountains now.” v

“ Thunderation! narrow chance of getting
her, I should say.”

“ Nevertheleast, h 'ur’s what’s goin’ to t
her, ef she hain’t kic ed the bucket. But, he (I
on; I hain’t told you all I Print. After leavin’
here this’ mornin’, I walked straight toward the
spot whar you’d see’d the mysterious “lite
boss, Rathburn, kinder thinkiii’ ef your s’iiii-
ons war well founded he’d be thar ag’in 10-day.
When I reached the place I St( pped and looked
acrost the river. Sure’s I’m settin’ on these
pelts, thar stood the critter on t’other hank {Let
as ou had descn'bed him. I was somew t
too en aback at this. and I dodged ahind a tree
to watch. The whole case was soon made cl‘ar
tome. I see’d sumthin’ small ard dark rigl‘t
on the hos‘s back. not fur from the root of his
tail. and I knowed in a minute that it was
nothin’ less than a red-skin’s foot. The (us
war clingin’ to the other side of the animal
and waichin’ this side of the iiver from unmi-
his neck. In a few minutes the lrjun ii: 11 on
the critter’s back and rode an ay. I cn’t
know whether he laid his peepers on meornot,
but I reckon you didn’t escape ’em yesterday.
The varmints s’picion we‘re in these parta, of
they don’t know it, and ’tain’t goin’ to be a
great while store they come on us.”

" Then. something should be done,” mid
Adol us, nervously.

“ er right thar, ef you never war afore,
Spider. Sumthin’ mmthe did, and that party
suddint.”

“ Have you formed any plans!” asked Rath-

proceed—

“ We], I’ve sorter hit on a course of
goin’ round this evenin’ and take in

in’. I’m
the tra
one of hem, they wouldn’t neg any more evi-
dence that we’re around. o~morrow we’ll
occupy ourselves spayin’ round the villa e,
’cause the first p’int to find out if the u i. to
gel are with this tribe, and togit an inuiview
with her ef she be. Ef fortune favors us, may-
be tw’e’ll be ready to tramp by to—morrow
ni .

6‘ Why need we remain here longer, cousin!”
ventured Adolphus, turning to Rat burn.

“ Ef you fel ers wants to go now, while you
can, Dusky Darrell offers no jections. I stated.
after that female alone, and I reckon I don’t
need an help, though you mought be of sane
service me at you <1 stay. Howsumever, ‘00
run the risk of leavin’ yer to knots in t eae

rte of you stays another a‘i, and I can‘t

lame you ef you cut sticks fur e States this
very hour. _

“ I shall remain here as long as you do,” said
Rathburn, firmly, “and I trust my cousinis not
Weak enough to decide diflerently.”

“Pshaw! what’s the use talking that we i"
said Adolphus. “ You should have known t at

I was not in earnest. Of course I want toeee’

this white captive before I leave this section.”

“Wal, that settles it. then. E! you’re bound '

to see the game through Dusky Darrell’s what's
in’ to stick to you as long as you don’t show
e white feather.
Thetrapperpropoaed that both of his 00.-
gpe. Shortly sunset they
the congenial!!! rowed aboquamong the“
rum. V 0: trap "
intothehoat. EL law no Mocha-gt ‘
returned to the care.

i

E

, for of the skunks should Itumble onto ‘

ould accompanth onhistripahuv

I come onto thar village right whar _

 

 
   

8

Dusky Darrell, Trapper.

 

Then the saddles, bridles and furs were
brought forth and laced in the canoe. These,
under cover of dar ness, were taken across the
river. They found their horses undisturbed,
saddled them and hitched them in a deep ravine,
ready for use at a moment’s notice.

Having thus made every preparation for
fli ht, they went back to the- cave to’ obtain
w t sleep and rest they could, before braving
the dangers the morrow would bring forth.

“Slee well to-night,boys,” said Darrell, as
he stretc ed himself on the floor, “ ’cause, of I
ain‘t powerful mistook, we’ll never sleep in this
place ag’in. Something is going to he did to-
morrow, that’s sartin.”

CHAPTER VI.
ADOLPHUS SEES A VISION AND PERFORMS A
FEAT.

IN the morning the three adventurers equip-

ped themselves for a general scouting expedi-
ion, and set out brig t and early. They left
nothing of value at the cave, for it was not
their intention to return thither, since Darrell
asserted that it would be dangerous to do so.
After proceeding a little distance thsy sepa-
rated, each choosing his direction, and l shap-
ing their courses toward the Indian village, so
as to approach it from opposite points.

This proceeding did not lease Adolphus.
Solitude, at such a time and pliice, was not the
pleasantest thin he could think of, and he
watched after is friends longing] as they
walked away on each side of him. en they
had disappeared, and he found himself really
alone, he dropped into a leisurely gait, deter-
mined not to go very near the village, but let
the others do what reconnoitering was neces-
sary. It was a clear, radiant mornin ; the air
was filled with the music of numberess birds
and purling streams, and the country seemed
converted into a Paradise. The atmosphere
was pure and exhilarating, and there was a
soothing influence in Nature that made Adol-
phus forgetful of all around. He wandered on-
ward like one in a dream for a full half-hour,
when he was considerably startled by a shadow
falling upon the ground in front 0 him. He
stopped suddenly and looked back. Not a liv-
ing thing was to be seen, but there was a slight
commotion in the under owth, and he knew it
was caused by a human ing stealthin making
OR. The discovery that his footsteps were
do ged by enemies was not decidedly leasant
toiim and in his alarm he unconsciou yquick-
ened his pace. But no more signs of Indians
were seen or heard, and his fear soon died out.

Presently he came u n a scene that caused
him to halt, and broug t from him an exclama-
tion of delight. It was a large, bubbling spring
of cold limpid water, resting like a mirror un-
der a low, mossy embankment, and overshad—
owed by the Wide-spreading branches of a tree.
On one side of the spring was a curiously
shaped stone, somewhat resembling a chair, cut
by the hand of Nature. It promised comfort to
any one seekin its embrace and it looked so
inviting that olphus could not resist the
temptation of resting awhile before going fur-
ther on his way. Dropping1 into the natural
chair, be him his hat on is knee and ave
himself up to elightful repose. With his end
restin in such a position that his face was
turn toward the bright blue sky, he dreamily
watched the white clouds that ecked it, and
the many birds that floated before his Vision.
The soft breeze fanned his brow, and toyed
with his hair and cheek-whiskers, and two or
three times he caught himself sinkin into a
light slumber. Once he was aroused y hear-
ing something that sounded like a footstep near
by. He raised his head and listened, but as the
sound was not repeated, and nobody was seen,
he concluded that his fancy had been at Work.
But he would not resume his recumbent sture
for fear he should commit the mistake o falling

asleep.
Al at once Adolphus dropped upon his knees
by the 3 ring.

“th un erl why didn’t I think of that be-
fore?” he muttered. “I haven’t seen m self
since coming to the western cuuntr , and am
sure this is a splendid chance. by, this is
nearly as good as a looking-glass, I declare. It
reflects nicely.”

He bent over the water as Narcissus bent over
the crystal fountain, but, unlike that fabled
mth, was not enamored of his own image.

 

contrary, jud ' from the of an-
guishthat escaped.l m,onew suppose he
was hi hly disp eased.

“ at a picture !” he cried, despondentlz.
“ I declare I look like the devil before day! 0 ,

for a razor, or a pair of scissors, or anything

 

 

with which to remove this superfluous heard.
It’s rfectly awful. Isn’t this a pretty plight
in w 'ch to meet that Myrtle Forrest?

For several minutes he gazed at his image, as
reflected in the spring, examining every feature
separately, mutterin to himself and lamenting
the disfigurement of is beard. All of a sudden
a bush fell upon his tongue; his efis expanded,
his hands flew wide open, and '8 lower jaw
dro ped as if a weight were on it. The cause
of this was no more nor less than another face
appearing in the water within a foot or two of
his own! He could .hardly believe his e es—
and yet for a minute he could not remove hem
from the apparition. It was plainly reflected
in the other side of the spring—a face that
might have been compared to that of an angel
—white, glowing, beautiful!

With a cry of amazement, Adolphus sprung
u and looked about in search of the intruder.

ot a soul was visible in an direction.
What could it mean? Certainly he seen the
reflection of some ison’s visage. Where could
the person be? e dropped his gaze to the
water again. The mysterious face was no
longer to be seen; it, too, had vanished.

“Now, this beats any thin I ever saw,”
Said the exquisite, in a col whisper. “I
wonder if that was a spirit I saw? Good
gracious! I he I am not haunted. Maybe
somebody has en killed on this spot, and his

host has returned to see if his bonesare buried.

trange, passing strange. I think I could not
make a more prudent move than that of etting
awayblfrom this confounded place as quic ly as
poss1 e.

At that instant there was a slight rustle in the
bushes on the opposite side of the spring. The
next moment he recoiled in astonishment, as a
human form step d from behind the bushes
and stood reveal before him. He dashed his
hand across his face, as if to clear his sight, and
then took a closer look at the ap arition.
What a vision met his gaze! It was so

unlit/25,
- so radiantly beautiful, and withal so unexpec ,

that he at once became motionless, speechless
and almost breathless.

On the margin of the sprin stood a_ being
who, at such a place, was tru y wonderful to
behold. She was arra ed in thewild, fanciful
garb worn by the ndians of that reigon,
adorned by a glittering profusion of beads,
trinkets and fringe. A crown of eagle-feathers
gave her the appearance of a princess, and a
ight scarlet mantle, o n in front and thrown
back, revealed a dress hat had been made with
rare taste and neatness. Hair dark and lux-
uriant fell loosely about her shoulders and
shapely form, and the eyes 'were deep black and
burning in their gaze. The cheeks were soft
and smoothas velvet, and tinged with richest
hue of the rose, while the lips resembled twin
cherries in their crimson beauty.

No wonder Adolphus was transfixed with
amazement and fascination. He thought this
was the brightest vision that had ever crossed
his path, and if there was rudeness in the stare
he bestowed u n it, he was not blamable. He
noticed the aultless symmetry of the full,
swelling form, and was enchanted by the ex-
traordinary beauty of the fine, glowing face.

“ tho are you?” slowly asked the strange

being.

A olphns [started as if struck, as the low,
clear voice fell like a strain of music upon his
ear. The next moment he was ashamed of the
act and with a forced cough he replied:

‘ Me?—ah!—aheml—I’m Governor Adolphus
Perkins, of the State of Massachusetts, at your
service. You will please pardon m impolite-
ness in starin at you so rudely, but I, was really
so astounded y your sudden and unexpected
ap ai‘ance—J’

e paused as he observed a look of perplexity
on the irl’s countenance. It was ev1dent that
she di not comprehend. In a more distinct
voice he resumed:

“ It is truly astonishing, madam, to meet
one of our color in this outlandish re 'on.
gince I ave given you my name, will you ave

e kindness to favor me with yours?”

“ I am M

“Just as
was you.”

The dark eyes dilated at this, and became
fixed upon the speaker with a look that seemed
to burn into his very soul.

“ You speak as if you know me,” she said, in

tle Forrest,” she re lied, simply.
supposed. I might ave known it

astonishment. “ You are a stranger to me.
negarbesaw nornheard your name until this
in u

“ I do not claim to know you. I have merely
heard of ou.”
“ Hea of me? When, and from what

 

 

source? I have no friends among the

faces, and nobody except the Indians knows of

my existence.”

“That is just, where you _ ,
lady. I guess on have more friends than on
ima e, and t ere are a number of w “to
pee e who know of lv‘our existence.”

yrtle Forrest loo ed incredulous and stared
at Adolphus as though she thought  insane.
Then she pressed her hand to her forehead, and
seemed to doubt her own sanity.

“ This is marvelous,” she murmured. “ You
heard of me before coming here—I do not know

ou—many peogle know that such a person as
live among t e Indians of the North-west—
E lain, if you can, how it is so?”
dolphus stepped around the edge of the
spring, to the side on Which the girl stood, and
rejoined:

“Myrtle, I did not expect to‘meet you here
today, but, having previousl been assured
that you were in this part of t e country, my

leasure now is greater than my surprise. Be-
ieve me, fair M le, my sole 0 ject in braving
the dangers of t is wilderness, is to rescue you
from the heathens and take you home.”

“Oh! why have you done this? I can. not
go with you! I have no friend nor relatives—"

“Stop, fair one, and hear me through. Do
y)ou remember an individual named, Dusky

arrelli”

The girl seemed to reflect.

“A tra per, who was here five years ago,"
added Per 3.

Her face instantly brightened up.

“I remember him,” she said. “ He was a

ood, kind man, and the savages found out that
fie was on their grounds. Dusky Darrell— es,
that was his name. The of the Indians
was great when they found im out, and he
was such a good man that I thank Heaven that
I was instrumental in saving his life.”

“Well,” continued Perkins trying to stand
in a graceful attitude, “ he’s e individual who
3 read the story of you and your captivity.

e went down to Missouri after eflecting his
escape, and I guess he told everybod he met
about you. Somehow or other, a la y living
in St. Louis ot wind of the—”

“First to me,” interrupted the beautiful
girl, “if you are alone here! Did not this

are wrong fair

Duski Darrell accom ny you i”
“ , yes! Darre and another fellow are
hereabouts.

_ I prevailed on them to come with
me, you know.’
She clasped her hands with a look of intense

pain.

“ I charged him never to venture back here.
Oh! I fear you will all be killed. I told him
besides that I could never consent to leave my
captors. Among them I will live and die.”

“But, look here, my fair friend; I can im-
part to you something that will cause you to
change your mind—”

it  5

Myrtle Forrest raised one small, white hand
asa token of silence, and bent her head as if
listening. Then, in a hurried, excited way, she
grasped his arm and whispered: . .

“ must leave you—somebody is coming this
way. Go, get your companions, and fly for
your lives. for the Indians have found you out
and will murder you. They .know where your
cave is, and will surround it .to-nightl I can
not go with gen—I am a wilhng captive, and
will end an ays here_._ I thank you more than
Ican tell, or your disinterested efforts in my
behalf, but I can not otherwise reward you.
Go! and as you value your lives don’t let the
grass row underfyour feet. If you fail, I shall
ever b ame mysel for it.”

With this, and a slight wave of the hand, she
turned suddenly and vanished in the woods.

Left alone Adolphus stood motionless in his
tracks, half bewildered and wholly Vexed. The
fair being was gone—in all (probability would
not be seen again—and he he not told her that
her mother was living. Should he pursue her?
No; b doing that he might run into danger, as
be h reason to believe he Indian village was
not far away. .

While thus cogltating he was startled by a
crashing in the woods above him. He now re-
membered that the girl had said some one was
coming that way, and a sense of his peril rush-

ed upon him. The remembrance came too
late. Before he could move a ste the bushes
at the of the knoll a an Indian

parted,
bounded own into the hollow landing direct-
ly in front of Adolphus! At sight of each
other both recoiled, and stood for a minute
gazing in silence. Adolphus saw that he had a
huge, muscular enem to deal with, and he felt
his blood growing co (3, as he noticed the bale-

 

 

 

 

 

e .
as. the small, snakyeyes. fie saw
them Eager: slin close arbund the horn
handle of a formidable— ooking knife. He saw
the knife slyli drawn from the belt. and he
die ime comhqswlliien hedmust " do or
.” He oompremed ' ps an prepared to
make an effort for life. Drawin back a step
or two, he made asudden plunge orward, duck-
ing his head low and thrusting it between the
le of the savage. Then, encircling both legs
with his arms, he exerted all his stre h and
lifted his adversarylsfrom the ground, urling
him headlong over ' back!
mbling with excitement, and the exertion
he had been compelled toundergo to accomplish
this feat, Adolphus turned to observe the result.
He beheld a spectacle so unlooked for and
sickening, that he recoiled in surprise and
horror. The savage, in tumbling ever, had
fallen head-first into the. spring,  his
skull upon the sparp edge of a stone in the bot-
tom, and reuderi him at once insensible!

There he la on '3 breast. his head and
shoulders in the water, the crimson-tinted
bubbles comin to the surface, and the whole

m ra idly miug dyed with the wretch’s
ith a shudder Perkins turned away,
cked up his rifle and hurriedly left the spot.
naccustomed as he was, to the presence of
death, es ially in so revolting a form, he was
sickened y the sight of his victim- but he did
not forget to render up thanks for his own for-
tunate escape.

He did not proceed in the direction of the
village but struck OH in another course,
ho ing to come across his friends, that he might
tel them there was no' further necessity oflook-
infifor the white ca tive.

9 had walked a ut a half-mile, and was
moving on still, when he heard a rustle in some
bushes near b . Before he could look around a
hand was lai upon his shoulder, and Dusky
Darrell stood bede hinf.

“Hello, S ider! Whar you goiu’!” he de-
manded, gru y.

“ Han ation! what’s the use of scaring a
feller to eath?" faltered Perkins, looking up in-
his face. “ Ithought you were an Indian, or
so

me hing else.”
“What you trampin’ to?” asked the trapper
n.

e

“ Nowhere, particularly; I am trying to find
you, that’s all. The fact is, I met with a little
adventure about a half-mile or so from here,
by which I became assured that no rood would
come of spying around the valley. ut, where
isRathburn?”

“ Hain’t see’d him since we parted. You said
sumthin’ ’bout an adventure—what war it?”

“See here, Darrell; dem’d if I haven’t seen
the beautiful maiden we’re hunting for, and
had an interview with her.”

“ Hey '1 You don’t mean it, Spider l”

The trap clutched his arm, and looked
sha ly at im.

“ eas the sun shines above us!” asseverated
Perkins, and thereupon he hurriedly related
the particulars of his interview wit Myrtle
Forrest. Darrell’s brow darkened.

“ And you didn’t tell her as how her mother
war alive, after all! Now, why didn’t 'ou!
Ef you’d done that we’d be miles away rom
hyur before ni htfall."

“I didn’t ge a chance to tell her. The
<words were on m tongue when a big Indian
came along, an .she run like blazes so he
wouldn’t see us talking. I killed the Indian,
too, after she had gone. I flung him into a
spring head-foremost, and dashed his brains out
on the stones.”

“Did you leave his body layin‘ thal'l"

“ Certainly.” "

“' His friends ’11 see it, and know who done it.
But, I reckon it’s all the same of they does,
’cause they knows we’re cn‘c’latin’ in this
district anyway, and l s’pose they’re countiu’
on havin’ some tall times this very night. Did
‘the gal say any thing ‘bout our presence here
bein diskivcredi” _ r

“Oh Lord, yes. She said the red-skins were
going to come down on us to-night. while we’re
aslee in the cave, and scalp all of us.’

. other they won t,” chuckled Darrell,
“fur theuy won’t find us thar. A good lot of the
im wi jine in the attack on our home, and
w is they’re awe; I’ll jist step over to thar
lodges pad 900 e I can’t git hold of that

e.
" I’m uneasy about my cousin,” said Perkins.
“His mothertoldmetotake care of Lim,and_

i’é fraid‘h isin bk.”
,p...sghl    tar him.
' ctxwas'tomegdown byntho 

 

whar the big elm leans over the water, ’bout
the hour of noon. It’s nigh onto that time now,
and I can we’d betterbe totin’ of! in thatd‘rec-
tioa’, we want to see the boy.”

ithout more words, they shouldered heir
rifles and made their wairtoward the appointed
place of meeting, on the ellowstone. :

CHAPTER VII.
IN THE RAVINE.

UPON arriving at the river they found Rath-
burn sitting under a large elm tree, awaiting
them. He reported his success, or rather fail-
ure, in a few words. He had learned noth ,
and on three several occasions had well-hi
been discovered by arties of Indian hunters.
He was speedily mags a uainted with the ex-
perience of Perkins, and t e chagrin he felt at

is own disappointment was dispelled by the
pleasure of knowing that one of he party had
actuw seen and conversed with the fair cap-
tive om they were there to find.

“I am glad she is found at last,” he said,
“but am sorry on let her slip out of your
hands. The peri of our 'tion is momen-
tarily rowing greater, an if we tarry much
lonfir fear we will be unable to escape the
fires 58. Is she a very good-looking gir , Per-

ms

“ Good looking!” echoed Perkins. “ Thunder-
a(.iou! she’s a perfect beauty. Did you ever
see an angel! She’s one! She looked like a
queen, in her dress of many colors and abund-
ance of flashing adornments. I have decided
irrevocabl to marry her.”

“Indeed? I fear your are counting your
chickens before they are hatched.”

“ What! do you think we shall fail to rescue
her from the heatheus? Why, bless you man,
I’ll wade throggh blood knee-deep but I’ll get
her. I’ve kill two Indians since coming into
this part of the country, and that isn’t a pre
face of what I intend to do before‘leavmg.
They will soon know that Mr. Perkins is
around.”

“ Well, Darrell, what shall we do now?" in-
quired Rathburn, turnin to the trapper, who
was staring thoughtfully into the water.

“The first thing to do,” he replied, slowly,
“ are to cross the river and see to our bosses.
Ef they hain’t been disturbed by the cussed
Blackfeet we may jist consider ourselves lucky,
fur the imps are roamin’ everywhar, and the
probability is that they’ll run afoul of the
animals.”

- “ What shall we do over there .1”

“La thar till night, and watch the bosses.
I calc’ ate it’s the sa est side of the river fur us,
an we .”

‘ Shall you do any thing to-night?”

“ I’m gom’ todo sumthin , or try it sohard that
we'll have to up stakes and git, tosavh ourha’r\.
Thar’s no use tryin’ to do any thing now afore
dark, but with the darkness canes business.
We’ll cross the river, hide ourselves in the
ravine whar the critters are, and when the

toper time comes I’ll leave you thar and sail

orth. A big gang of the red~skins will be
prowlin’ round the cave ’bout that time, tryin’
to ketch us nappiu’, and while they’re at that
PM he sneakin’ round thar village after the gal.
J ist wait hyur till I come back.’

Darrell wheeled abruptly and glided away as
norselessly as a serpent, soon vanishin amid
the thick undergrowth that lined thes ore at
this point. Ten minutes later he reap ,
coming down the river in the canoe, running
along as close to the land as possible, and using
his paddle cautiously. As he shot up alongside
the s t where his companions were awaiting
him, ehastilyinquired:

“ See’d anybody since I left?"

“No signs of anybody,” answered Rathburu.

“Then jump in yer—~quick. Our lives ain’t
worth shucks as long as we stay on this side of
the water. I’ve seen more’n twenty trails to-
day, leadin’ in every direction, and it’s plain as
the nose on yer face that they’re huntin’ fur
us. ‘

Rathburn and Perkins took their places in
the canoe, and it was headed across the stream.
Darrell swept his eyes in a circle around him,
before venturiu out into the middle of the

 

river and then th powerful swee of the d-
dle. he made the light vessel dart e a b‘ to.
ward the opposite side.

a few moments the canoe ted on the

low sand shore and itsoccupan sprun out.

It was the); drawn out of the water, andgcare-

fnll concealedinthe mcessesofarockto pre-

cl  of its affording a clew to

H “irrepa' 'Mg: don’tlet ' thing escape
one, .

yer peepers,” admonished thong-upper, as they

C,

/

 

hurriedacros thesandyhelttowardthe
timber

DamhllledthewaymintothemodJeav-
ingnotrail whatever, cautioning his com-
panions tobeas careful as popibleinthatn-

Sp'(I‘Lhtey had proceeded thus but a short distance
when they cam to the ravine where their horses
were hid. They found the latter just as they
had left them on the preceding evenin , secure-
ly hitched to trees, and equipped for home-
ward ' urne . Entering the ravine,and find-
ing uie there, they arrived at the cou-
clusiont tno enemy had stumbled upon that
spot, and so they seated themselves on a fallen
tree near their horses, and held a long and
earnest consultation.

Rathburn expressed a desire to accompany
Darrell upon his intended visit to the Indian
village, but the latter thought the chances of
succeaswould he betterif heshould go alone.
Two men were not required to do the contem-
plated work, he said, and besides, a per-
son, b some unforeseen accident, de-
stroy be whole plan before any thing could be
accomplished. oo much depended on a favor-
able termination of the project to risk any
thing unnecessarily. Darrell thought it wore
better to go alone, and leave Rathburn and
Perkins in charge of the animals, that they
might have them ready for flight the instant
he should return.

While they were conversing, Adol us con-
sidei-ably startled the others by jum g up all
at once with the exclamdtion: .

“ Hello! what’s that?”

“ What’s what?” asked the trapper, looking '

up.

“What did on see?” inquired Rathburn ob-
serving that is cousin was staring hard at
some int directly in front.

“ I idn’t see any thing,” he replied, “but I
heard something. Just as you were a
remark, Darrell, I heard a splash in the water
right behind that thicket.” .

A shallow ' stream, about five feet wide,
coursed through the ravine a few
where the men were sitting; but a of it
was hidden from view b a dense th that
grew between them and it. It was this 811mm
andYthicket thlathAdolphus fifgrgedheto.

‘ es, sir eard a 8p s , repeated,
firmly, “and I believe it was caused by Some-
bod stepping into the water.” ‘

“ onsense; it was nothing more than a twig
droxipeing from a tree,” observed Rathburn.

mnition! do you mistake me for a fool?”

demanded Adel us.
“ Wal, don’t
said Darrell. “Thar mought be an Injun on
t’other side of the thicket and I s’ we done
a keerless trick by settin’ down yer out s’arch-
in’ close all round. Go see what it isimflpider.”
Adolphus hesitated whether to o ythe in-

junction or not. But his hesitation was but of ‘

a moment’s duration, for he reflected that he
was the only one in the party who held that
somebody besides themselves was in the
vicinity, and he would be stamped as a coward
if he refused to rove it. So he put on a fear-
less air and we 8d boldly toward the brook,
approaching the point from which the one
name had come. He disappeared be the
thicket, and the next minute his vooe was
heard crying out, in excited tones:

“Come here, fellows; come here! I’ll show
a: conclusive evidence that somebody has

n here!”

Darrell and Rathburn hastened to his side.
They found him bending over the stream, az-
ing into the limpid water with eyes dilated
their utmost extent.

“Look at that, will you?” he said, with an air
of triumph. '

There, sure enough, was a huge moccasin-
track in the fine graVel that formed the bed of
the stream. .
of the impression, and at a single quick glance
Dusky Darrell pronounced it the footp t of
an Indian. , .

“Didn’t I tell you so?” said Adolphus, exnm

l .
m‘g‘ifter all, you might have been mishken,”
remarked his cousin. “Probablny that track
wa‘sfide iiwenty-fcgr hours ‘ '
thong you
Dar-re

yards from,

low so much about it, but go i
and see what sort of a critter made the noise,” I

to'

There was no mistaking the cause '-

 
 

 

10

Dusky Darrell, Trapper.

 

 

denly shouted Darrell; and before the could
obey him be seized an arm of each and rought
them to the ground with more expedition than
politeness.

At the same instant the report of a rifle rung
out clear and loud, and a bullet whistled by
within an inch of Rathburn’s face. All looked
about to ascertain from what direction the shot
had come.. They caught sight of a bluish wreath
of smoke slowly risin from a clump of bushes
on the o posite side 0 the ravine.

“ Goo gracious! we are attacked,” cried
Adolphus, turning pale and crouching behind
his friends.

“Look!” exclaimed Darrell, pointing at the
bushes mentioned.

An Indian was seen slinking away in a stoop-
ing posture, trying in vain to conceal his body.
The trapper threw up his rifle, and leveled it
at the spot, but before he could cover his mark,
the sav e darted forward with the uickness
of lightning and began to clamber up t e steep
embankment with the agilit of a cat. In a
few secOnds he disappeared ' e a flash over the
top, and was gone.

‘By the everlastin’ heaven, that imp mustn’t
leave hyur alive!" thundered Darrell, through
his clinched teeth.

And before the others could guess his inten-
tion, he had whipped out his knife and cleared
the stream with a sin le stride! They saw him
bounding across the intervening space like an
antelope, in hot ursuit of the savage, his body
bent down and is huge knife flashing in the
sunlight at every jump. They saw him s ring
up the acclivity wit even more niinb eness
than the Indian had shown, his wiry figure
bending and twisting like that of a panther.
He reached the summit of the ascent, and
darted out of sight in a twinkling.

“ There’s a. race for life,” muttered Rathburn.

“Sure as you live,” rejoined Perkins; “but I
fear he won t catch the rascal. ] was about to
give chase myself when he started. I wonder
why he wants to kill the fellow, anyway?”

“That’s‘very plain. Suppose we should let
him esca and return tohis brethren; he would
inform t em of our whereabouts, and a band of
them would be upon us before nightfall. That
is why he wishes to slay this one, and for that
reason I hope he’ll succeed.

“ I wonder if that red villain was here when
we came?"

“ I have no doubt he was concealed in the
thicket when we entered the ravine. He had
stumbled upon our horses, and was bent on
stealing them I suspect. While we were con-
versing he en savored to steal away but in do-
ing so, stepped in this brook and made the noise
that on heard.”

“ o be sure—to be sure! Haven’t I ears?
By George! they can‘t be beaten. I can hear a
bed-bugezslking on feathers.”

h “ l” exclaimed Rathburn, raising his
an

As he uttered the word there came a cry,
faint and far away, yet fearfully distinct—a
chilling, unearthly cry like the wail of a spirit
con ed to eternal m .

Per ins and Rathburn looked inquirineg at
each other.

“Somebody’s kicked the bucket,” whispered
Perkins.

“Yes,” rejoined Rathburn, “ and it is either
Darrell’or the Blackfoot, for it came from that
direction.”

After several minutes of patient waiting,
however, all uncertainty was dispelled by the
reappearance of Darrell on the opposite side of
the g . He coolly descended the bank and
approac ed them, chewing his tobacco as un-
concernedly as if nothing of a serious character
had taken place. But, as he came near, the
saw blood on his hand and a gory scalp at h

e.

“You killed him, I presume?’ said Adolphus.

“He’ll never draw bead on another white
man,” was the quiet reply. “ Hyur’s his skul
lock, and his carcass is vin’ under a 10 up n
the woods, kivered with leaves. Bee on he
' thought he was a li htnin’ runner, and I allow
he could run somew at, but he stood no chance
with this beaver at his heels.”

“ He was a Blackfoo of course?"

“Bartinly; and of e had got back home

th his knowledge of our lurkintplace, we
would have been obliged to t Rand git,
without waitin’ fur the gal. e'll ve to be
more keerful now, of we don’t wan

t our plan
nipped in the and I calc’late that’s {list
w twe don’t. e’ll lead the bosses into e
thicket, whar the eye of a eagle can’tsee 'un,
and then we’ll climb a tree."

This was accordingly done. They first looked

 

carefully about, and made sure that no enemies
were secreted near, and then they secured their
horses in the densest part of the thicket. After
this they ascended a tree. and ensconced them-
selves in the impenetrable foliafig, where they
could watch and wait unseen. usky Darre 1
made all the preparations necessary for his
night expedition, and he waited anxiously for
the time when he was to set out.

Two hours after stationing themselves in the
tree, the sun went down, and darkness gathered
over the scene. The stars were shut out by
black, inky clouds, and a night such as the
anxilpus watchers had longed for, was upon the
cart .

As soon as it was fairly dark, Dusky Darrell
slid down from his lofty seat, first giving his
companions a few directions. He told them
particularly that if he did not return before
noon of the following day, they were to mount
their horses and get out of that part of the
country as quickly as possible.

With this he g ided away in the direction of
the river.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
THE TRAPPER TO THE RESCUE.

THE trapper entered his canoe, and addled it
swiftly across the Yellowstone. The lackfoot
village was a long distance away, and he knew
time was too precious. to be wasted. it was a
dark night, and a more suitable one for the
perilous undertaking in view could not have
oil‘ered. With his eye bent on the western
shore, which was dimly outlined againsta tch
of gray sky, the trapper rowed rapidly in the
direction of it, his trained ear on the alert for
sounds of a suspicious nature. Nothing could
be heard but the measured di of his paddle,
the rush of the night-wind, an dull roar of the
river. The fire of youth leaped to his eyes as
he thought of the anger connected with his
errand for danger was something he had
reveled in for many years, and to him there was
a sort of wild pleasure in being surrounded by
it. He loved to steal into the enemy’s camp
before their very faces, and outwit t em, an
the excitement of a hand-to—hand encounter
was relished at any time.

At his swift rate of speed, he had hardly
thought he was half across the river when the
dark, wooded shore loomed up a few yards in
front of him. He ran the canoe into a small
bayou, and sprung ashore. Without a second’s
hesitation he then turned his face toward the
Indian village, and plunged into the loomy
forest, trailing his rifle and moving wi those
long, noiseless strides which the hunter or scout
unconsciously acquires. The village was not
less than two miles awa , and fully understand-
ing that much was to accomplished before
morniiig, he allowed no grass to egrow under his
feet. ut he had not proceed far when the
clear notes of a night bird fell upon his ears,

causin him to pause and listen. The call was
imme ate] answered b a similar , com-
ing from t e direction 0 the cavern. arrell

put on a broad smile, and moved forward
“ So they’re out on the path a’read , be they?
Wal they re at liberty to do all the arm they
can to the cave, but I reckon the varmints don t
s’ icion that I’ll be prowlin’ round thar lodges
mg] 3 they’re raisin’ thunder about my domi-
c 8.

About a half-mile further on he sto red
again. This time he jumped backward as? he
had stepped on an adder, and quickl crouched
down be ind a tree. It was well t at he did
this‘ for he was scarcely hidden when anumber
of b ack figures flitted across his path, so close
that he could almost have touched them with
his hand. A moment later they had vanished
like so many phantoms, and the hunter rose to
his feet.

“ Let ’em go.” he chuckled, “ and I’ll
t’other way. The ’11 find out thar m e
sometime or other, at not till they go through
a bee sight of strata ems, and maybe they
won’t ’arn that we ain t in that hole afore to-
morrow.”

Swiftly, stealthin he went on his way, the
wood seeming to grow darker as he proceeded.
The moanin of t e wind in the tree-tops, and
the cries 0 wild animals, were all that dis-
turbed the n ht, except a faint al now and
than coming rem the direction 0 the cavern.
No more Indians were seen, but several times
he halted at the rustle of a leaf, only to discover
that it was caused by the wind.

At last the wood grew thinner and he em
into a broad, open stgaoe on the summit o a
hill. Below him, in e valley, he caught si ht
of several fires, blazing brightly and sending

 

their volumes of smoke and sparks high into the
air. Human flgures could be seen movin
about them, and gliding swiftly hither an
thither, while occaswnally the sound of voices
drifted up the slope to the ears of the tra r.
He knew it was the Blackfpot village nest 'ng
there at his feet, and that he had arrived at the
scene where the most perilous part of his enter-
prise was to be enacted.

He did not pause a minute, but stooping till
his head was nearly on a level with his knees,
he began to move down the slope with all the
circumspection possible. He was not ignorant
of the hazard he incurred by approaching the
village at this time, when few of the lndians
had retired to rest, but the very danger involved
in the act possessed an attraction for him. He
cregt nearer to the lodges moving inch by inch
wit the greatest stealth and patience. At
length he crawled into a deep copse just with-
out the confines of the village, and once under
its shelter he paused to watch.

From this point he had a good view of the
whole place. A dozen or more fires lighted up
the picturesque scene, revealing the rude huts
and skin tents that formed the habitations of
the savages. Old men and .5 news were moving
about, and occasionally a lit e, graceful young
warrior would appear with a smiling, bright-
eyed maiden by his side. A little distance awa
a number of wrinkled old women were at wor
overa boiling caldron, and further on was a
party of youths, indulging in numerous re-
creative sports on a wite grass—plot. All of
these Darrell saw, but he looked in vain for a
white face among those dusky, inted ones.
The loud hum of voices, ming c with an oc—
casional shout or pcal of laughter, filled the air,
but these sounds were unheeded in his search for
the captive. She was nowhere in sight. At this
time of the evening the entrance to many of the
wigwams Were open, and the scout was afforded
a view of the interior of some of the nearest
ones. He saw males and females sitting, re-
clining, or standin within them; but they were
all savages. Not iin disheartened, he was
about to creep out of t e co se, and steal round
tothe other side of the vi age, when an inci-
dent occurred that caused him to settle back in
his sition and resume his watch.

T e lod e nearest his covert'had hitherto
been cl ,so that no part of the interior could
be seen from the outside, and for this reason
he had id little attention to it. But justas
he deci ed to leave the spot, the blanket door
of this abode was swept aside, and somebody
came'out. He glanced eagerly at the won,
with aho that it was she for whom e was
hunting, ut he was disappointed. It was onl
a withered, weazen- faced old ha , bent sit
age and leaning upon a stout ste to support
her feeble frame. She hobbled out into the
open air, and at the same time seemed talkin
to somebody inside. The next moment a secon
person appeared in the entrance, wheie she
stood conversing with the old s new. Darrell
leaned forward and gazed sba y at this new
arrival. His heart throbbed aster than its
wont and the cloud lifted from his countenance,
as he ined her. It was Myrtle Forrest—he
knew it was no other, and yet this was the first
time he had seen her for five years! He re-
membered how lovely he had thought her at
the age of fourteen, but the ripened beauty
that he now looked upon was greater than that
of her childhood. He saw her standing there
in the opening with the light from one of the
fires outside falling upon her and he would
have sworn she was related to the fine lady he
had seen in Missouri.

He watched the two women as they stood in

the doorway conversing until the parted.
The old hag imped awa ,and the ir turnedon
her heel and disappeared within. ow was the

time to act. With a Lrightening visage, Darrell
wormed himself out of the co an crept to
ward the lodge. He suppose the captive and
the hag lived there toget er, and as the lattg
had 'ust gone away, it was to be hoped that
WO (1 find the girl alone. There was necessity
of haste, as it was already growmg late, and
the aw would, in all robability, soon re—
turn. e made a sl ht detfmr, and a reached
the rear of the l ge. Upon reach ng it, he
paused and listened. for a few moments, and
then drawin his knife he cautiously cut a hole
in the thick gear-hide. Placing his eyes to this
he looked in. There was a fire in the center of
theapartment, and b its light he was
to see the ca tive reciinin on a couch of furs.
Bhewasaone. His mnd was made up on
the instant. He quickly applied his knife again
to the skin, making the amire large enough
teadmit his bodytand he fearlsmly but

 

 

A

   

1.1..

 

 

 

cautiously stepped within. Myrtle raised her
head and saw him. She started to her feet at
sight of his strange face, ands scream trembled
on her lips. But it did not escape her; he
raised his hand to enjoin silence, and she in-
stantly seemed .to master her fright. Still it
was evident that she was not free from surprise
and alarm.

"Who are you, and why are you here?” she
asked, softly.

“Don’t you know me?” he asked, in turn,
with a fpleasant smile.

She xed those dark, burning eyes upon him,
and was apparently studying his countenance.
Then she gave a slight start, and clasped her

.hands.

“ You are Darrell, the trapper,” she ex-
claimed.

“ That’s jist who I am, little ’un,” he replied.
“I’m the very chap that you once warned of
danger, ’bout five years back.”

“Oh! why are you here?"

" l’m hyur after you.”

An expression of ain and vexation appeared
on the girl’s face. hen she glanced uneasily
toward the entrance, as though she feared the
approach of some one.

“Leave me—fiy for your life!” she cried,
hurried) , laying her hand on his arm and look-
ing upa him beseechigily. “Go, before you
are discovered and kill Do nfiask me to go
with you, for I told you when fl . we met that
I should never return to my 0 1e. This morn-
ing I told one of your friendgetfie same thing,
and on risk your life unnecessarily by ventur-
ing ere tonight. The Indians have discov-
ered our retreat, and if the find you they
Will kill you. Go, or you wil be seen. Me-
tango-we, the squaw who occupies this lodge
with me, will return in a minute. If she sees

on, you are lost. If you would live, you must
eave the country at once.” .

“ See yer, my little beaver, you must go with
m "’ said Darrell, firmly.

‘ 1 cannot,” she ex tulsted. “You will
not force me to leave a l the friends I have on
earth-ryou are too good to do that. I have no
acquaintances among the pale-faces—”

‘ Stop, and listen to me,” interposed Darrell.
“ Ef I ain’t mistook, you used to have a
mother?”

“ Yes, yes,” she answered, in a voice of

touching sadness; “and a father, t00' but they
are both gone now. They were killed at the
time I was taken captive. I told you the story
at our first meeting, I think.”

“Ain’t it likely that thar lives war saved
somehow?” '

The irl looked at him steadily. .

"W y do you ask?” she demanded, huskily.

“Child, your mother warn’t killed—she’s liv-
in' now I”

3 ammn“ifii'n'hii “in! “if.”

, c an e . r. tl .

“ I've seen yer mother. She lives St.% y.
and as fine a woman as I ever see’d. When I
went down to Massouripfive years ago, I told a
lot of obs ’bout you, and how you saved me
from the njuns, and somehow the story reached
the ear of yer mother. I met her last year,
and she axed me a heap of questions ’bout you,
and cried all the time she war talkin’. She
told me of the massakree—how she had ’scaped,
how her husband had gone under, and how she
thouight you was dead, too. She said she could-
n’t! ve without you, now that she knowed on
was alive, and god me come up hyur ter
{vou- Wfil. I dl n’t refuse, and hyur I am.

ill ou‘leave the In uns now.”

“0 l i]  true Myrtle, 
one of his hands in be of hers, and turning
pale as death with her sudden and terrible
emotion. _

“ True as preachin’, every word on’t,” he re-
joined. .

“Then I will return With you. I already
feel a loathing of this place, knowing that
my dearest relative lives! Mother—dear, dear
mother—I will fly to thee! But I fear for you,
my friend. If you are seen by the save es,
you will surely be killed. Is this reek?! es
"'0'" yes—I have heard you aright, an I know
you TIMI . Hist! Me—tan-go-we is com-
m ” I 0 ad in a startled whispler.

 True enough t e irregular

f u “"0" masqfiaw soundedioutsailieh
" . n e P-
per toward the rear of m
seen here silislost. '
nitin .. and ya:

, v» . '

 

 

ht, and it was evident that he had not been
d vered in his bold enterprise. He observed
that the firesweremgrowing low, and that most
of the Indians h retired within their wig-
wams. it was‘growing late. , V

Well satisfied with his success thus far, Dar-
rell only ho that his good fortune would
continue till '5 purpose was gained. He found
a suitable hiding-place near the lodge, and
there lay in wait for the 'rl. His greatest
anxiety now was concerning thburn and Per-
kins. He believed there were Indians on the
other side of the river, and he knew if his com-
panions and the horses were found by them, all
was lost.

He was allowed little time to reflect on this
topic. Searcer five minutes had elapsed after
he left the lodge, when he heard voices, and
saw two fi ures ap roaching. One of them
was Myrtle orrest, ut he was somewhat sur-
prised when he saw that she was accom nied

y the aged squaw. They came slowy for-
ward, and passed within a. dozen feet of where
he lay, conversing linsily as they went. He
concluded that the girl had mentioned her in-
tention of walking out, that the Indian woman
had insisted upon going with her, and that she
had not absolutely refused for fear of excitin
suspicion. They left the village entirely, an
soon began to ascend the long slope that led out
of the valley. Darrell rose to his feet and stole
after them, determined to separate them, if to
do so he should be. compelled to knock the hag
down. He followed them stealthily, keeping
at a proper distance, yet near enough to dis-
tinguish their forms. No one seemed to have
noticed their departure from the village; if it
had been observed, it was regarded as nothing
unusual. ‘

Presently the two women paused on the side
of the hill. 1 The hunter did the same, stoopin
quickly lest he be seen. He saw that the he
come upon alar e ring, from which the lack-
feet procured a! t- e water that was used by
them, and it was at once lainto him why they
had taken this course. hey had come after
water, or pretended to do so.

The bad no sooner stopped, than the old hag
turn about and began to retrace her stefis,
leaving the young girl alone. No Darrell t is
was a singular proceeding, and he was at a
loss to understand its meaning. He saw the
woman coming directly toward him, and half-
believed he was discovered; but he cautiously
crept out of her way, and hugged the ground
closely, to let her pass. She came straight
on, and hobbled by within arm’s length of
himé‘rinoving on down the hillside after she had

pas .

He waited until she was well gone. and then
leaping to his feet he hastened to the spring,
where Myrtle was awaiting him.

“ Is that you, my friend ’1” she faltered, as he
approached. .

“ It’s me, little ’un—don’t be afeard,” be an-
:geged, cheerfully; “and I am ready to be 01!,

“Come, then, and in the name of Heaven let
us waste no time! I have dispatched Me-tan-
go—we to the lodge after a cup, in order to get
rid of her. She will be back here soon and
finding me missing, will give the alarm. Time
was never more precious. Here; take my hand
and letusrun and do not be afraid of. tiring
me, for I shall not get tired.”

Darrell took the proffered hand, and together
they started off on a rapid run toward the dis-
tant river. \

“But what on cryin’ ’bout?” he asked in
astonishment, eeling her hand trembling in his,
and observin that she was quietly weeping.

“ Oh, I can t help it!” she sobbed. ,

“ But what‘s the matter?” 

“Nothing, nothing—only the anticipation of
meeting my dear mother once more on earth!
God grant that it may be so!”

Darrell said no more. He understood that
her mingled joy and fear Were overwheming,
and he knew no harm could come of lettm her
weep; so he did not attempt to uiet her. fter
a while, however, she maste her emotion,
and was again calm. _

As they entered the forest they abated their
pace, but kept steadily on. They dashed
tthrough bushes and briers, across streams and
swamps, over hillspnd through dales—constant-
ly, hastily on through the doc gloom that
enshrouded them. Myrtle was mble Of foot',
and ran with such untiring elasticity and swift-
ness that her stalwart companion was sur-
prised. The momentabri‘lg expected to hear
the cries of savages ind them, but none

was ssyet.
May. they Were startled by hosting

 

other footsteps besides their own! At first they
thought this the work of their imagine ion,
but, as the sound w more and mom distinct,
there could be no oubt that some one was run-
ning in the same direction they were. The
footsteps were not behind them, but oil to one
side, and seemed gradually getting ahead of
them. The unseen pursuer seemed bent upon
gettin in front, so as to intercept them, and
from t e rate at which he was oi it was easy
to guess that he would accomp ish is purpose.
Darrell drew his' knife from his belt, and
clutched it firmly. Then he gave the girl a sig-
nal, and they both halted suddenly and stood
still in their tracks, faintly hoping their invisi-
ble foe would run on and leave them unmo-
lested.

But as soon as they stopped a suppressed
“ugh!” was heard, and the next instant an In-
dian glided like a shadow before their eyes, and
stood in front of them! Darrell did not wait an
instant. ‘With set teeth and gleaming orbs, he
sprung upon the Indian like an infuriated tiger.
There was a brief struggle, and the combatants
fell to the ground locke. in a deadly embrace.
Then there arose a prolonged, howling shriek,
so loud that it might have been heard miles
awa . and springing to his feet, Darrell thrust -
his gripping knife into his belt.

“ Come on, Myrtle,” he said, seizing her b
the arm and leading her. “The time fur ta l
runnin’ has come.” .

They leaped over the dead body of the Black.
foot, and continued their flight. The death-yell
of the red-skin was answered b a serieaof
wild whoops, far away toward t e cave; and
then yell upon yell, and bowl upon howl, came .
from the direction of the village!

“ Now comes the pursuit, murmured the

irl.
g “ No doubt on’t,” answered the tra r.
“That varmint’s screech war more’n I -
ained far. I don’t see how he happened to be
ollerin’ us alone, onless he see’d us start and
thought he’d take the honor of capturin’ us all
by hisself.”

“ Listen!” she interrupted; “ isn’t that the
roar of the river?”

“ It is—we’re almost thar.”

They dashed on, and in a few minutes reached
the river. They emerged from the wood and
saw the glistening water in front of them, and
the hunter glanced quickly about to see where
thgy were.

hey turned and ran along th bank about a
furlon . and found the canoe in e little bayou
where rrell had left it. Here the latter hesi—
tated ion enou h to give vent to a shrill whit»
tle, as a gnal or Rathburn to, get the horses
in readiness for fii ht. Then, seizing the girl in
his arms, he pl her in the canoe, jumped in
behind her, snatched up the paddle and pushed
out upon the river. '

CHAPTER IX.
m main AND PURSUIT.

Tm: first cries of the Indians had reached the-
ears of Ratbe and Perkins iii the ravine, and
they had instinctiver guessed that the were
caused by the flight o the captive with 
They knew what was expected of them,
acted accordingly. ‘

The led the hor¢s out of the ravine down to i
the river, where they held them ready to he.
used as soon as their friends should appear.
They had stationed themselves at a. point where.
they knew Darrell would land. A low, sandy
tract formed the shore here, and the dark, lis-
§ening water swept by close to their feet. 

ore they had been there five minutes the trap-
per’s shrill whistle came from the Opposite shore
echoing and re-echoing through the forest, as
at last dying away like a faint wall in the dis-
tance. They knew the meaning of this, but the
signal was not needed. The animals were ready
to be mounted at any moment, and no further
pre tions were to be made.

e whoops and bowls of the sa could
still be heard behind the fa tives, ad and
clamorous, and escape seem almost an im-

possibility.
In an incredibly short space of time after the \
trapper’s whistle had sounded, the two adven-
turers heard thé maid dip—dip—dip, of a pad-
dle in the water. i. urprised at the wonderful
speed with which he had crossed the river they
bent forward, half doubting, to catch a gig-:59
of the vessel. A canoe loomed up in the —
ness, coming swiftl toward them.
theireyes rough gloom, they saw that
had three mats, nstead of two,
Wit have. 'Rathb fits not a
e astonished at ails, but  m * hi

V
i

_ . _.__._. wwm

 

  

 

12

anal short- htedneu, regarded it as nothing
singular; he tlessl called out:

Come on, D , right this way—”
Rathburn cla his hand over his cousin’s
mouth before another word could escape it.

“Fool!” he whispered, close to the startled
fellow’s ear. “That is not our friend, but
three Indium I”

Such was really the case. The occu ts of
the canoe were now so near that their shorn
heads and Waving lumes were detected, and
there could not be t e shadow of a doubt that
they were savages. In all robability they
were a part of the pursuers, w 0 had got ahead
of Barton, and whose design was to intercept
him on this side.

But Rathburn’s warnin came too late. The
. voice of Adolphus was p ‘nly heard by the
savages, who quickly reversed the paddle and

the progress of the canoe. They did
no back into the darkness, but remained
stationary where they stopped, and sat as si-
lently as smote appearing at a loss to com-
prehend w nce t e voice had come.
“Then-font see us,” whis red Rathburn.
“The k background ren ers us invisible.
~ .We must fire into them—there is no alterna-
tive. They are only three, and we can kill
two. Select your man, and as you value your
life don’t miss him. Now 2”

Both rifles were raised, and aimed at the
shadowy trio. Adolphus was growing accus-
tomed to fire and as he could already
boast of having kil ed two Indians, he was de-
lighted at the rospect of sending a third into
eternity. Rat bum gave the word—there were
two jets of flame, two reports, one followin
close upon the other, and two Indians tumble
headlong out of the canoe, both dead. The
third, terrified by the death of his brethren,
leaped overboard and began to swim for life,
soon vanishing from si ht in the darkness.

It had all transp' in a minute. Fearing
the sound of firearms would cause the trap r
to change his course, Rathburn ran to the
water’s ed , and shouted:

“ Come, ell! The coast is clear i”

The words were scarcely out of his mouth
when the dip of a paddle was again heard, and
the shadowy outlines of another canoe came in
sight. This had only two occupants and as
they neared the shore it was seen that they
was a male and a female. The two men
spi'u‘ifimiorw~ to meet them.

“ t you n doin’ hyur?” inquired Dar-
rell, jumping out and pulling the craft up on
the sand.

“ We shot a couple of red-skins, who were try-
ing to intercept you in a canoe," answered

burn, leading the animals forward.

“ Oh, Lord, yes!" put in Adolphus. “We
knocked them head-over-heels clean out of the
boat. I tell you it was fun to see the rascals
topple over. I hit my man fair in the heart,
but cousin isn’t so good a marksman as I, and
consequently I suppose he didn’t— Ah! par-
don me -let me assist you.”

The exquisite stepped nimbly forward, and

tel assisted Myrtle to st out on land.

“ Th s is no time to talk,’ said Darrell, speak-
ing rapidly. “See yer, youngster ”-turnin
to Rathburii—“you’ve got the biggest an
most powerful boss in the party, so I reckon as
how ou’ll have to take the gal on with you.
She n’t got no animal and in course we
can’t git her one now. We must start putt
suddint, or I’m afeard We won’t start at 9.].
Jump on, youn ster, and I’ll put the little

beauty on behin you. Come this way, Myrtle

ck!”
flaky Darrell lifted the maiden in his stron
-. laced her upon the bay horse behin
Rathburn

“ Hold tight to him now, my little beaver.
Don’t be afeard to put yer arms around him,
for he won’t hurt you. ”

“ I say ” whispered Adolphus, putting his
mouth c ose to the trappers ear, “ don t you
think my horse is the strongest r”

“ Bah! it’s all yer critter can do to carr you,
and thar ain’t no more heft in you than t ar is
in a s ider.”

Wi h this the trapper vaulted into the die,
and Adolphus was not slow in following h ex-

am is.

I moment after, the littéz‘farty were canter-
.ingawayou , fleet-foo steeds, and for the
flat time their minds were comparatively at
out. They were compelled to move more
slowly than suited their fancy, while

way dark ood. but the

‘ new awe , ' once 33“
Mgrfimfiifi

‘ Dam Darrell. ‘

but a faint whoop was heard now and then on
the other side of the river, andnumerous
calla, such as bird-w wolf-barks and
panther-cries, showed that {ihad not given
up the ursuit. But the w tes were well
moun , and had strong ho of efiecting
their esca , although Darrells bundle of furs,
and Bath urn’s beautiful burden might render
it impossible to do so, if the pursuit should be
keg:l up day after day.

ey soon reached the edge of the timber. A
wide stretch of prairie was in front of them,
dimly lighted by the newly-risen moon, whose
light struggled hrough the clouds at intervals.

They were about to gallop out 11 n the plain,
when a sheet of fire flashed from he forest on
each side, dispelling the gloom like a gleam of
11 htning, and accom nied by a crash that
m ghtbecom red tot under! Bullets whizned
in unpleasan proximity to their perso one
plowing its way through Adolphus's whis ers,
and another passing through the mantle worn
by Myrtle Forrest.

In a second all was confusion. The horses
reared and plunged, and it was with difficulty
that the riders kept their seats. Troops of
Indians ured from their court and swarmed
around t e whites, raising a yell that made the
welkin rin witha noise most hideous to hear!
One fierce- ookin wretch asped the rein of
Darrell’s anima and ra sed his tomahawk

reparato to sinking it into the trapper’s

rain. Bu the latter was never to be caught
napping. Drawing a huge istol from his belt,
and placing it within an inc of his enemy’s face,
he discharged it. The savage went down with-
out a groan.

“Dash ri ht through ’em, boys,” shouted
Darrell. “ ' har shooters are empty. and they
can’t ketch us afoot! Now—whoop I”

Simultaneously the three horses sprung for-
ward, and dashed madly through the crowd of
Indians, scatterin them right and left! Dar-
rell swung his clu bed rifle round his head, deal-
ing tremendous blows on each side of him and
striking two of the assailants to the earth. The
next moment they burst out of the wood like a
meteor, and found themselves on the open plain
with the savages behind them.

Of course the fugitives felt no more fear, for
they knew the speed of which their horses were
capable could not be equaled by the unmounted
savages. Nevertheless, the latter came bound-
ing after them in hot pursuit, as if determined
to run down the burdened animals. Their dark
forms could be seen coming on at the to of
their speed, and their yells of demoniac ury
were answered continually by faint whoops in
the distance.

“ 0h thunder! I can’t stand this,” cried
Adolphus, and giving his pony the rein he
darted ahead like an arrow.

“Sto , Perkins!” called Rathburn. “There’s

no fool!” he shouted back,

no 1) of hurryin .” 4'

“Demnition! 1’
without abating a jot of the furious rate at
w 'ch he was going.

t this terrific d, the affrighted fellow
was soon far ahea , and in less time than it
takes to tell it swallowed up in the darkness.
The clatter of his horse’s hoofs grew fainter,
and Dusk Darrell indulged in several hearty
laughs as e listened to the receding sound.

“ Let him go,” he said; “ he’ll fetch up some-
whar, purty soon, and we’ll be sartin to find
him. As urme, I’m goin’ to knock over an-
other red-skin ’fore I go any furder."

He half turned in his saddle, and looked back.
The savages were gaining ground, and could be
distinctly seen in the increasing light. Drop—
pin r the reins, he raised his rifle to his shoulder,
too ick but sure aim, and fired. The fore-
most ndian threw u his hands with a shriek
of agony, and reeled ck'ward into the arms of
his companions. Darrell then took Rathburn’s

un and re eated the act, sending another
eathen to his eternal rest.

“ Come on, youn fer; I guess we mought as
well put, now,” sai the trapper, chirruping to
his black char er. ‘

The now lowed their horses free rein, and
dashe forward at a speed that soon decided
the race. The Indians saw that they were
gpeili‘ding time and breath uselessly, and turned

ac

“Now, for the resent, wewill be rmitted
to continue our 1[flight undisturbed,’ observed
Rathhurn, as the galloped on.

“If weareagainsetu nbyso
hair, I fear our flight

t a num-
be end ” said Myr-

 

 

dians hapgened thereright in our path. Can'
you exp it, Darrell?”

“I mought do sich a thing,” replied Darrell.
“It‘s plain tharwas no chance about it,and
thar’sonlyonewaytoexplsinit. gas
attacked us war the same as went to cave
after us in the early part of the night. Thar
kumrids at the village signaled to em, and so
they crossed the river and headed us 08.”

" That seems very probable,” said Rathburn;
“but how did they cross the river? Do you
think they had canoes handy!”

" Sartinly; you have a heap to Peru ’bout- In-
'iins yit, youngster. Ef yer tries to tool a

lackfoot every day in the week you’ll soon
find him gittin’ too ’cute iur you.
the imps took canoes with ’em on thar trip to
the cave. They expected to find us thar, but 1

s’pose they thought as how we mought retreat -

across the river, and that they’d better be prec
pared to foller.”

“I saw them leave the village,” saidMyrtle.
“The took two canoes."

By his time it was becoming li ht. Day was
breaking in the east, and the pal of night was
slowly ifting from the prairies. The olden
light greed and grew brighter and b ter,
until 6 sun afpeared above the horizon.

“Wal, the aynlsias come at last,” said Dar-
rell turning in ' seat and gain anxiousl
bac across th. wide space they be traverse .
“The day has come at last, and still the hori-
zon’s clear. The im hain’t in si ht yit.”

“Probably they ave conclu ed to trouble
us no more, ’ said Rathburii.

“You’re jist precisely wron thar. Ef we
war alone mavbe they wo dn’t bother us
much, but ou’ll do we to recollect that the
gal are wit us. They'll keep ugthe chase fur
(lay’s’, to git her, and it’s like y t ey’ll succeed,
too

“They will not follow us afoot, then.”

“,Oourse not——the Blackfeet have plenty lys-
ses.

“ Do you think we will be overtaken?” asked
Myrtle, looking earnestly at the trapper.

‘Lord bless ou, child, we’ll keep youout of
thar clutches e we have to kill our crittersto
do it,” was the kind reply.

“ If I should fall into their hands  I am
sure they would kill me for attempt g to get
awav.

“ enwe must see toit that youdon’tfall'

into bar hands,” returned Darrell, smilin .
“ Don’t be scar’t, my child, fur hvur’a one y
they’ll have to trample under thar feet afore
they la 3 the weight of a finger on ou l”

“An here is another,” said Rat burn, with
fervor.

“ hi you are both very good and brave, but
I would rather giVe myse f up to them than
see you do that. I think they will not send/a
large party after us, and if we could find a
good place to stand on the defensive, we might
escape the Indians more easily by stopping than
by continuing our flight ”

“Jan what I war thinkin’,” said Darrell.
“ Ef we could find stones enou h tomake breast-
work we mought kee the ps of and even
make em turn back. e’d need Spider’s rifie,
though, of it should come to that. I wonder
whar the ho is?” .

“ Perha e is lost,” said Bathburn, uneasily.

“Shoul n’t won'der; but ef be are, it’s his
own fault, and we haiu’t got time to hunt fur
him now.”

“ What is that yonder?” asked Myrtle, point-

ing ahead. “ Maybe that is your friend.”
he two men looked toward the int desig-
nated by the girl’s finger. On a 'stant swul

of the prairie they saw a solitary horsenan.
He was not in motion, and was apparently
awaiting them. .

“Smash me, that’s Spider, sure’s shoetin’,"
asserted Darrell.

Rathburn took off his hat and swung it over
his head. The horseman did the same.

This satisfied them that it was indeed Adol-
phus, and they galloped' forward to meet him.

CHAPTER X.

A£DE WITH TEE WIND.
Tun found A lphus sitting coolly on hb pony.

stroking its mane and whistling a lively air.
“Good-morning, fair Myrtle— gentlemen, how do

on do!"

y'lt'ihishesaagtiih: pmfounc'lhbow to themaiden.
astllfn ,me as e Joineth
“uw Spider, how don'youhtegi after ride?"

 

eye.
yer

ha’fl Mi waghalee we‘d-0%?” "nova
 i .w
mistake." mhMVW“ was not

In course a

 



 

a... 

 

V

 

I .ka Darrell, Trapper.‘

° 13

 

 

because I am afraid of Indians that I went ahead of
you—oh, no! not that at all. You see, my horse

as been idle all winter, and was naturally restive
when (Iagot on his back. Besides that the savages
alarm him and it was impossible for me to re-
strain him.
on I]? part." ‘

“ ou‘rea qua‘r coon, Spider, smash me ef you
ain‘t. Thar’s no use sayin' you‘re afeard, fur you‘ll
allers slide out of it in some way nobody else ‘u‘d
ever think of. But that’s neither nyur nor thar.
This beaver‘s as hungry as a bee in a band-box,
and I s'pose we‘d better take time to gobble down a
little breakfast ’fore goin’ furder."

“ Will it not be wasting precious time?"

“Skeerceiy. We hain’t had nothin‘ to peck at
since yesterday mornin’, and wouldn‘t be doin‘ jus-
tice to ourselves if we should ride all day without
eatin‘. I could stand it. I makes no doubt, but
smash me ef you fellers could.“

A few minutes after this a fat prairie-chicken was
spied, running throu h the grass within rifle range.
Darrell’s gun was to his shoulder in a twinkling, and
the fowl shot without the least hesitation 'or com-
gunction. All dismounted then, and their sim le

reakfast was hastily pre red. Darrell, with is
flint and steel, kindled a re, Rathburn and Myrtle
busied themselves in picking and dressi the
prairie-chicken, while Adolphus passed‘the t me in
watchi the beautiful girl and envying his cousin.
The chi en was then skewered and roasted, and the
little party attacked it with a relish that left noth-
in but bones at the conclusion of the meal.
fore they were quite ready to resume their
ionmey, Darrell mounted his orse and rode to
he summit of a small eminence near b , to see if
their enemies were in sight. lie shadedy his eyes,
and swept the horizon. Scarcer had he done so.
wig-eggs turned to his companions and quietly re—
m .

' , you see, the flight was involuntary

' :‘gtir yer stumps, kumrads. The Im‘uns are com-
711 .

As may well be supposed these words had the
effect of startling those to whom they were ad-
dressed. Spdngingumhastenedto heirhorses
and leaped upon their Rathburn took Myrtle
up in front of him now, instead of behind, and in
lessthan a minute after the alarm was ven they
were read to be off. Once in their dies, they
turned the eyes in the direction Darrell was look-
ing. Far to the northward a tiny cloud of dust was
seen mingled with a number of black, moving
S 100 .

1“ Them‘s red-skins, sure‘s shootin’," asserted Dar-
rell, “ and they‘re comin’ after us as fast as they
can ride. We must test the mettle of our bosses
now, ef we never did afore.“

Without further delay, they ut spurs to their
animals and dashed away. e race was now
fairly begun, and there were anxious faces in the
little goup of adventurersasthey hurried the ani-
mals their utmost. Darrell and Rathburn were
anxious for the girl alone, and there was a look on
the face of cab that told plainly what they would
do before letting her fall again into the hands of her
on tors.

t was a beautiful day. The sun rose higher and
higher in the blue sky, and north, south and east
the entle undulations of the prairie stretched as far
ast e eye could reach. To the westward it was
broken b a few irregular hills, and broad belts of
timber. e fugitives sha their course almost
due south. Mile after mile ew under their feet, and
they ke t their horses at the top of their speed; but
their 9 orts to distance the pursuers were fruitless.
Indeed, it soon became evident that the latter were
slowly but surely nearing them, and that sooner or
later they won d be overtaken! To say this dis—
covery startled them would but feeny express their
feelings, but the men nerously refrained from
showing signs of fear int 0 presence of the fair one
whom they were tryi to save. _ ' _

Henry Rathburn, wit the beautiful being sitting
in front of him, and his arms almost encrrcllng her
waist as he held the reins, experienced a sensation
far different from fear or anxiety His cheeks
burned every time those brilliant ark orbs were
lifted to his, and when she s ke, the soft music .of
her voice seemed to echo an re—echo through the in-
most recesses of his Once she looked up
earnestly and asked:

“Are hey on us?"

Ruthan 8 back before answering; when
he did, it was cheerfully and evasiveiy:

“ Do not fear—the are far behind.’

“ I am not much rightened while I have such pro-
tecto “ said she. “ but I believe the will overtake
us. Oh, ifI could but live to see my mother!“

“ You shall, Myrtle. There are those who
will die rather than t an enemy‘s hand to be
laid u n on; and t ere is one who would be de-
li htesowizh an opportunity of pr0ving his strong
f ndship for you. ‘

She at him wonderingly, as though at a
lossto understand his meaning; but the warm ad-
miration of his look caused her eyes to drop, and
the roses to d‘ee n on her cheeks.

Surprised at imself, and withal a little vexed,
Rathburn said no more to her, but turned to Darrell
and inquired: _

“ Can you tell the number of our pursuers yet?”

“Thars Jist ten. precisely,“ was the rompt For
ply, “and the irnps are comin’ like lig tnin . too.
Seeyer, you ter," added the trapper, dropping
his voice so t at none but Rathbum could ear,
“we’ve got to go through the hardest tussle we‘ve
gone through yet, 'fore we go much furder! Thar‘s
no use tryin’ to git out of it, ‘cause it‘s goin‘ to come
without fail." .

Riithburn made no reply to this, but he thought

 

much more than he would have ventured to ex-

press.

On iiew the fugitives, and on came the savages.
The excitement of the race became more intense as
it became obvious that the latter were gainingpn
the whites. With frothy mouths and streamin
flanks, the frightened steeds dashed onward wit
the speed of the wind, their riders giving them free
rein and lancin back ever and anon at the ursu-
ing lack eet. e were tired, and wet wit per-
spiration, but still unged madly forward, starting
small animals, sn es and birds from their path—
sweepiiig over mile after mile, swiftly, steadily,
furiousl '—thundering on. on, in blind, frantic haste
across t e wide level plain. Adolphus was fright-
ened into silence. With one eye over his shoulder,
and his mouth wide open—with one hand holding his
hat, the other his gun, and both clinging to the reins
——he cut a ludicrous ii re indeed.

The sun reached t e zenith—~it passed it, and
moved slowly on to the western sky, ushering in an
afternoon as clear and bright as the mom' had
been. It was after two o‘clock, bv Adolphus Per-
kiiis‘s watch, when Dusky Darre dashed up by
Rathburn‘s side and pointed ahead, saying:

“ I s‘pose you see whar the perarie comes to an
eend, yonder?" '

Right in their gath, but several miles away, were
piles of lofty iii] and rugged ledges of rocks, rising
abruptly from the lain and extending in a south-
westerly course, ti they dwindled from sight in the
dim distance

“ I see," replied Rathburn. ” I have been noticing
that rocky range for the last three hours and think-
ing we might find a lace there suitable for meeting
the enemies. But i really seems to move from us
as we a roach it."

“It a n t more‘n an hour’s ride from h ," said
Darrell, “and when we git thar we’ll find ist sich a
place as you speak on."

“You mean a place where we can defend our-
selves successfully against the sav est"

“ Sartinly; that is, we‘ll stand a c ace of comin'
out with our lives, ef we meet ‘em in proper style.
It's a deep gorge, which we will enter as soon as we
reach the nearest ledge. I‘ve been thar ’fore to-
day. That r is a spur of the Black Hills, on
see, and I used tra in that vicinity with a c ap
named Zeph Brown. ph war as a feller as
ever peeled a beaver or otter, an I reckon thar
Easi- war two chaps as got along better than we
“Were you in the gorge you s ”

“ kon we war—we cam
whole season. "

The fugitives now permitted their animals to
slacken their speed somewhat, as great haste was
no in r a necessity. The Blackfeet were still so
far be ‘nd that none but Darrell‘s keen vision could
determine their number, and the whites might easi-
ly reach the mountains in advance of them, even at
a moderate pace. They now struck into a swift
but gentle canter, the most convenient gait for horse
and rider, and one by which both could recover
from the fatigue of their long, steady run.

Another hour away, and the part neared
the cliffs. The ndians were still far away, ut com-
ing on with a' speed that would soon bring them to
the spot that was to witness the crisis. Their gaud
robes could be seen flauntin in the wind, and the r
plumes rising and falling th the motion of their

cries, as they rode promiscuously and rapidly for-
war .

The whites rounded the corner of a perpendicular
cliff, and entered the gorge of which the trapper had
spoken. It was a deep. narrow ass, with gigantic
rocks toweriii on either hand, shutting out the sun—
light and cans ng a soft, solenm twilight to pervade
it during the dag. The f tives drew their horses
into a walk, an rode into he pass slowly.

I “ By thunder! this is awful still and solemn, isn‘t
it?" said Adolphus, staring about and above him in
blank amazement.

“Sorter,” answered the tra per: “and, mind you
Spider, that ‘r jist the way t e red-skins must find
it when they come in. Ef ou makes any sort of a
mute at all, afore I gives t e word, smash me of I
don't pull yer ear."
They had not proceeded twenty ards after enter—
inf the gorge, when Darrell su denly drew rein,

th a jerk so violent that his horse was thrown
back on its haunches.

" Haiti“ he said, to the others.
step furder! This is
made!"

“ What‘s the matter?"
breath.

“ k at that, and ax no questions.”

of
thar through the

v

“Don’t move a
the blindest move I ever

asked the others, in a

He inted at the ground in front of them. The
remains of a the were there. It had been ered
in every direction. robabiy within the minu and

there was nothing eft of it but ashes, a bed 0 live
coals and few pieces of partly-consumed fuel. Be-
side this, there were other traces of human presence
there. consisting of numerous footprints. a knife
stickin in the ground, and several bones and pieces
of mea strewed about. Be 'ond a doubt, a party
had “nooned” there, and t was more than prob-
able that the were still in the vicinit .

Vi lnle our riends were staring at t iese evidences
01' other presence than their own, undecided wheth-
gfnfo continue on or turn back, 0. gruff vorce called

“ Hullo Dusky Darrell! what you doin‘ here?”

All loaked uickly in the direction from which
they supposed the ejaculation had come. What
was their surprise when the

s, surmounted by coon-

saw a half-dozen
in caps rise from

behind some rocks near b . The!) heads werg
page 0 s cu ers, an

followed by as many

 

the next instant the entire bodies of six
stalwar: hme; rage in vi‘egglml'l‘ht were a
partounrs,rawny.m ewever
one yof them. and the very picture 0 mg-
ged healt fearlessness and good-nature. They
were arm to the teeth, and well pre ared to en-
counter the hostile savages that infes that re on
and their rough weather-beaten faces showed t at
they were accusicmed to the vocation in which they
were now eng

As the hunters came out from behind the rocks
and approached our party, there was one amon
them who deserves particular attention. He 8. -
vanced first, and his actions afterward proclaimed
him the leader of the little band. He was a short,
stumpy man, with gray hair and beard, small black
orbs and a pleasant countenance. He showed by
his dress, actions and speech that he was an old
borderer who had spent the greater part of his life
on the mountains and prairies, roamin over the
wildest portions of the American continent, and
courting the dangers they contained.

It was this man who had first hailed the fugitives,
and as he came forward now at the head of the
pang of hunters he re ated the words:

“ ullo, Darrell, wha you doin’ here?"

Darrell looked at him, with a blendin of astonish-
ment and drollery in the expression of is face.

“Skin me fur a beaver. and smash me into the
middle :5 next week, ef ‘tain’t Zeph Brown!“he
ej t .

“Calc‘late you never spoke truer words," re-
sponded the old hunter seizing the hand of his
friend. “ This is Zeph brown sure's shootin‘, and
I reckon thar‘s as much of him ere as thar was six
years ago when we camped in this ve orge. But

what are on doin‘ in these arts? A n‘ tra pin‘, I
take it— ullo! got a thun erin‘ lot of its hind
you. Who’s these cha s you got in tow “ he asked,

eying Rathburn, and en ins, the latter of whom
was firming at the hunters through his eye-glasses.

“ is feller‘s handle is Rathburn," returned Dar-
rell Jerking his thumb toward the rson named.
“ H’e s sorter green like, but thar sin a better man
this side of t e Mississip. He‘s a gentleman, out
and out. That other'n over thar, he‘s called 'Dol-
ghus Perkins by everybody but me, and I calls him

pider, which, I'll sw'ar, is the best handle. He‘s a
fust-rate lad in his place, I makes no doubt, but the
sight of an Ingsun s top-knot makes him think of
home and frien . Boys, this is my old right bower,
Zeph Brown, a coon as are good fur six red—skins all
the time, and never misses the bull‘s-eye at six
hundred.“

With this, Darrell slid out of the. saddle and joined
the party of hunters, with two or three of whom he
was acquainted.

“ What‘s hap

ned to brin you n in these parts
in?“ he ask fieph p

turning to Brown.

“ Wal, nuthin ak on,” was the reply.
“These cha all friends of mine, wanted me
to come wit ‘em and s nd the summer huntin'
and trappin’, and I j'ine ’em more fur ’commoda»
tion than any thing else. But look here, Darrell,
whar‘d you pick up that purty gal yer friend‘s got.
on his hosst’

"Egg hgin‘ttgot time hie; talik ’bout thaatfiiow,"dan-
swe t e rapper nnn to spe ra i .
“I‘ll tell you "bout the gal whegi time ain‘t sgprye-
cious, but jist now we‘ve ot sumthin‘ else to do.
The long and short of it is t is: we‘re follered by In-

uns ’

to s

“Injuns?” echoed Ze'lph.

“Yas—Blackfeet. hey’ve been after us the
whole day, and I reckon we‘re luck in comin‘
across you ‘fore they overtook us. e varmints
can‘tbe more‘n two or three miles away this min-

ute."

“What they follerln’ you fur?"

“ They want this little gal—we took her from 'em
lastnig t, you see. Shes been a ca tivefurn h
onto ten years, and she‘s got a mo er down
Massouri as wants to see her, and we‘re detarmined
to take her thar or kick the bucket ourselves But I
will tell you the sto some other time. We'd better
stir'our‘stumps, an git under cover ‘fore the lnjuns
arrive.

“ How many are the f"

“ J ist ten, Ezeciseiy.
” “gurrah, ys!" shouted Zeph to his comrades

we ve got some red-skins to rub out a‘readyl
Here, Simms, take these bosses and lead ’em back
thar whar we‘ve got ourn cached.”

Darrell assisted Myrtle to ht. and then Adol-
phus and Rathburn dismoun submittin their
animals to the care of the men, who sp ilylid
them out of sight. The hunters were all plain de«
lighted at this unexpected o portunity of surp ing
and dealin destruc ion to e band of Indians, and
they h edly made preparations to meet their

enemies. As may be conjectured, our friends
were overjoyed by this verfifortunate and oppor-
tune meeting wlth_old Ze h rown and his party,
and they now beheved t ey might continue their
homeward journe to-morrow unpursued.

All now conce ed themselves among the rocks
where the hunters had hidden at then preach of

the fugitives and there they lay in wait or the nu.
suspecting lilackfeet.
CHAPTER Kl.

THE mm m m cones.

Dirst DARRELL went to the mouth of the gorge to
take a look at the Indians. and see how far away
they were. In a minute he shouted back to his,
com nions:

“ he imps have come to a stand out yender,
’bout half a mile away. They‘re lookin’ in this di;
aeftion, and I guess as how they’re holdin‘ a consul-

ion."

 

 
 

a

 

14

After delivering this piece of intelligence, the

trapper still kept his osition and watched the mo-
tions of the sava es. ose behind the rocks waited
eager! for furt er information all with the muz-
zles 0 their deadly rifles protruding over the top of
the breastworks, read to pour a murderous volley
into their enemies. yrtle was hid in a deep niche
where she would not be in the way ‘of the men, an

where the shots of the savages could not reach her.

Five minutes later a faint, distant whoop was
heard, and the next instant Darrell came bounding
back into the pass with the agility of an antelope.
He leaped over- the rocks and crouched down

;among the men, and then hastily primed his gun
afresh. '

“ Keep shady boys,“ he said. “ Don’t show yer
top-knots, and don't make any more noise than you
can.“

“ What now?" asked one of the men, as the dis-
tant whoop was heard again. “ Are the coming?"

“00min like lightnin‘ " was the quie response.
“ After consultin' a spel , they all set up a screech
and come dashin‘ ri ht in this direction. Don’t you
hear the clatter of t ar hosses‘ hoofs?"

All listened and heard the sound. The dusky
horsemen were indeed approaching at the top of
their speed.

“Bo you think they‘ll halt outside ‘fore enter-

“No the won‘t halt ag‘in. They think we‘re
t in’ hi e from ‘em, and they‘ll rush right in

thout thinkin‘ of gittin‘ shot."

“Let ‘em come," muttered Zeph Brown.
“They‘re only hastenin‘ to destruction. I guess
thar isn‘t many shootem in this gang that‘s gom’ to
miss thar aim."

“True fur you, Zeph,” said one of his comrades.
“We‘ll hit the mark lum’ center, and make short
work of the ten rasca s; of we don't I’ll draw in my
horns. I wouldn't sw‘ar that Spider over yender ’ud
make hisself famous though."

The pounding of boots on the hard turf grew
more and more distinct sounding like distant thun-
der, growing louder and louder as it came momenta-
rily nearer. A half-minute passed—-the confused
clatter sounded just outside now, as the barbarians
came sweepi on to their death. Each second they

to appear.

y, b0 s,‘ said Darrell, rapidly. “Keep
hid, and don‘t 3 oot till the git opposite to us.
Each: one select his man, and et fly when I give the
'wor ."

Just then there was a tumultuous unding and
rushing, and a wild, blood-curdling w roop rent the
air, reverberating among the crags and peaks like
the cries of a score of demons.

.In an instant a sin le horse, with a half-naked In-
dian on his back, dar d into view. He was followed
by another and another, until the whole band had
dashed round the corner of the cliff, and then they
came thundering into the gorge pell-mell, their
deafening cries awakening the mountain echoes,
their flashy dress flying in the breeze, and their
steeds foaming and panting with heat and fatigue.

There was a rapid ” click! click!" as of a number
of rifles being cocked, and then a voice that rung
through the gorge like a bugle-blast, cried out:

” Ready, boys—ever one—fire I"

There was a flash e lightning—a jarring, stun-
ning report, caused by the simultaneous discharge
of several rifles—and then a heavy cloud of sul<
phurous smoke dimmed the vision. The wildest
confusion ensued. There was a terrific plunging,
rearing and kicking of frantic animals—a heavy
falling of bodies—a shrieking, horrid and unearthly
from Indians writhing in the agouies of death~all
creating a terrible din. Six savages were slain, and
one wounded and that number of riderless horses
dashed headlong toward the mouth of the gorse
their “earls thrown back and their eyes strains
half out of their sockets, in the agony of violent fear.

Then rose a series of howls from the surviving
savages as they wheeled their frightened steeds
and galloped after the others.

The hunters cheered lustily as they leaped from
behind the rocks, and some of them uttered a
regular war-whoo . They rushed to the bloody
scene, where a h ~dozen sav es were stretched
out in death, and their shouts o triumph mingled
with the terrified yells of the enemy.

Dusky Darrell, rememberin that Myrtle was not
provided with a horse, rush forward to procure
one for her. With some difficulty, he succeeded in
capturing a high-s irited Indian pony, which he re-
sented to the gir The three esca d Black set
were, by this time, far out upon the p n, galloping
homeward at full 5

“_Jerusalem! didn‘t we slaughter ’em nicely 1" ex-
claimed Adolphus, moving among the dead bodies.

“ Didn‘t we, though!" mimicked one of the hun-
ters utting a stress upon the word are.

“ ext time, they’llknow better than to come be-
fore such dangerous rifles as ours, won't they?“
continued Adolphus.

“Indeed the oughtto,” replied the hunter, good-
naturedly. “ at which one of these varmlnts did
you shoot, Spider?"

“Mei-oh! I killed this fellow," kicking the
largest co e to be seen. “I shot him through
the heart, air and square as you see."

“Bah! I guess you didn‘t wipe that imp out,"
said Zeph Brown, approaching. “ I drawed a bead
on him myself.“

This assertion disconcerted Adolphus a little, but
he uickly recovered his presence of mind sum-
cien ! to reply:

“ l at are on talking about? 1 mean that other
Indian, over t ere."

“He 3 the one I erased..I sw’ar it,”.said Darrell,
firmly.

4

 

 

“ No, I mean this one here." _

“That is my man," remarked Rathburn, With a
smile. ,

Adolphus turned red, and looked about on the
faces of those around him. A hearty laugh was
raised at his expense, and one man stepped forward
and said:

“ Let me see yer shooter, Spider.”

The exquisite surrendered his gun to the speaker
almost mechani y. The hunter mere! lane
at it, and then held it up to the view 0 com-
panions. Another boisterous guffaw burst from the
crowd, and Perkins became still redder.

“ Thunderationi what are you laughing at?“ he
demanded.

“Lau hin' at you, kumrid,“ replied Dusky Dar-
rell. “ ust take a uint at that shootin’-iron, and
I ess ou’ll unders and it."

8l‘lhe scomilted fellow did as he was directed, and
the cause of their mirth was made apparent. His
gun had not been discharged! It was still cocked,
and the cap on the tube, instead of being exploded,
was {list as it had been put on!

“ hich Injun did on say you killed!" gravely
asked one of the y, looking down at the dead
bodies.

“ ehasn‘t found but three of his victims yet,“
said another, “ but if you‘ll let him alone he’ll find
the rest." ,

“B aciousi I don‘t understand why it didn‘t
go o ,‘ declared Adolphus, turning his rifle over
and over in his hands. “I‘m certain I pulled hard
enough at the trigger.“

“Sure ou pu ed at the trigger?” asked Zeph
Brown, w th a chuckle.

"Certainly—that is—I pulled something,
pulled it hard enough to fire a cannon, too i"

“Wal l’ll tell you what it was," continued Zeph,
his sm black eyes fairly dancing. “You‘ll rewi-
loct as how I war clus’ to you when we fired that
volley into the Blackfeet? Jist before shootin‘ I
happened to glance at you, and ma I be skulped ef

ou didn‘t have yer finger hooke in the butt0n-

ole of yer coat, pullin’ as though yer l.fe depended
on‘t!"

This caused another laugh at the e nse of Adela
phus, who declared it was a falsehoor ; that he had
purposely reserved his fire when the others had
shot, an that he was only joking about having kill-
ed an Indian!

But at this juncture occurred an incident that
averted eve mind from Adolphus. It will be re-
membered t at six Indians were killed, and one
wounded, by the volley from the whites. The
wounded one was lyi about a dozen ards away
from the others stretc ed upon his bac , with 'one
hand clutchin his breast, and the other holding a
heavy war-clu . Rathburn, being the first to notice
this sufferer, ap roached him to see if any thing
could be done or him. He was wounded in the
ri ht breast, and had been bleeding profusely, but
h s calm, stoical face exhibited no signs of in. He
was a young warrior, strong-limbo , b -chested
and finely-formed, and from the many devices on
his black fox-skin man 8 must have been noted for
higfgreat achievements of bravery and strength.

oved to pit by the s! ht of so young and brave
a warrior on he eve 0 an untimely eath, Rath-
burn bent over him to see if his wound was mor-
tal. The Indian evidently mistook his design. His
face became darkened y a horrible, reven efui
look, and before his plurpose could be divin , he
lea to his feet wit a yell and confronted the
w to man! He did not pause here, but whirled his
club in the air like a flash, and dealt Rathburn a
blow on the head that felled him senseless to the
earth! Clear and loud throu h the silent go ,
rolled the terrible war-cry of t e Blackfoot, and e
bent over his prostrate victim seemingly deter-
dmintegl to take one more scalp before succumbing to

an .

At the chilling sound, every man's eyes were turn-
ed upon the scene. Before any of them could o to
the assistance of the young man, however, here
was a rustle and a rush, and a l ht figure darted by
them like a rocket. It was yrtle Forrest. She
spng to the spot where, in another moment a
fright ul tr edy would have been enacted, and
seized the up fted arm of the Indian. There was a
glitter and a flash—a downward learn, like a verti-
cal ray of ii ht—a groan and a all, and there Were
two prostra 0 forms on the ground instead of one!
The girl turned away, calmly wiped the blood from
her knit: and returned the weapon to her belt.

For a moment a hush was upon every to e.
Then the roug hardy hunters set u a shou of
a probation. an were clamorous in t eir praise of
t e herioc girl who had saved the life of the young
man. But- she turned from them with a gesture of
impatience. I

“ It is nothing," she said. in a clear steady voice.
“I was the onl one who saw the Indian knock him
down and if I not tried to save him I should
have been a heartless wretch indeed. Look to him
—he may be dead, after all."

This reminded the men that Rathburn needed
their immediate attention. He was still lying on
his face insensible. They turned him over on his
back, and used eve means at their command to
restore him to consc ousness. He was like a dead
man. For several minutes he showed no signs of
returni life, and when he did, it was onl after
they h bared his arm, pricked it with a e and
started the blood. Then he to breathe audi-
bly, the muscles rf his face t tched, and at length
he opened his eyes and sat up. Ahalf-hour later he
was himself again, and was moving among his
friends as full of life as ever. He was much sur-

rised when he learned that Myrtle had saved his

' 6, but he said nothing to her at that time. He

and

 

 

 

chose to wait until a more suitable op rtunlty of-
fered before venturing to tender his gun to his
fair preserver.

About two hours after the event recorded Myrtle
was standing apart from her friends, leaninlg on a
huge bowlder in a thoughtful mood. She ooked
doubly beautiful in the light of the setting sun, that
came streaming horizontally into the gorge—stand
ing there in a. ' htly recumbent position, her pure
brow surmoun b the head-dress of variegated
beads and feathers, or dark hair falling negligent
1% over shoulders and arms, her cheeks tinged like
t e sunny side of a peach and long, silken lash. .u
vailing her glorious e es. which just now \\ ere. hem
upon the ground in at motionless, steadfast man-
ner indicating the mind to be completel wra )ped
up in itself, and utterly oblivious to all e ath
burn saw her, and thought he had never seen any
thin half so love! and picturesque. Actuated by
a sufiden impulse, e approached and stoodb her
side. She did not look up nor move; she not
know he was near until he spoke.

“ Myrtle."

She came out of her reverie with aslight start,
and her eyes met his 111% inngly.

“Myrtle,” he repeats . “I am here to thank you
for saving my life. I camwell understand that on
will regard it as a mere act of duty or kindness. ut
it was a noble and heroic deed—J .

“ friend," interrupted the maiden, looking
ate at him. “will you grant me a very simple
fax"? ..

It is not
never be-
0 not care

“Then, please let this sub ect pas.
worth speakin of, and, es, ha
fore taken the e of a human being, I
to be reminded of it.” ‘

“ You regret the act, then?"

“Not in t e least. If the same thing should occur
again, I would repeat the act. I regret the necessity
that com elled me to slay the In ian, but it is a
pleasure 0 know that I rendered a service to a very
vatluable friend, to whom I puttu owe my lib-
er ."
thburn felt a strange thrill of joy at “159
words, He fancied those dark eyes loo ed almost
tehde 1 upon him as she spoke. and he became ros-
sessIed y wild, ridiculous idea to which, a rm-
ment ter, e , ould have been ashamed to coni‘e: '5'.

"You may nd some consolation," said he,"rn
the reflection that the Indian was already nrori ally
wounded, so that, in saving my life, you only has-
tened his death. But I promised to grant you the
favor ou asked of me. I presume you are here to
view t e sunset?" he added, by way of changing
the subject.

“That is why I took my stand here " she replied,
3‘ hilt I fell into a deep reverie, and I forgot my oh-

ec .“

“ Do you like to watch the sun go down?"

“ 0h! very much," she answered, with childish
enthusiasm. “I often long for ev tocome,
that I ma seek a lonely spotand watch 0 beauti-
ful sunse . As I look at those clouds of crimson,
gold and purple, I could not, if I would. deny the
existence of a brighter and better world beyond
them. I have thought of deer, lost we]: as
dwelling there in that unseen world with an his
angels, and when the sun went down and twilight
came, I loved to think the bright- eve -star was
my mother's eye, looking down on her c But
that is t now. My mother lives, and Heaven
willing shall see her again on earth.“

Myrtle's voice faltered, and dropping her head
u‘pon her breast, she gave wa to her emotion for a
t me. When she looked up, e storm
and she was calm as ever.

" Are you, then, so lad that you are soon tomes-t
m mother?" ask Rathburn, with a pleasant

9.

She looked at him in au rise.

“ Have you a mother!“ e asked, in a low tone-—
“ one who loves you, and whom you love?“

“ the mercy offieaven, I have.“

“ Then on must understand my feelings!"

“I do "he replied; “ I asked you an idle uestion.
But let it pass. In your new home among l e white

ie, you would be a stranger amen strangers
£32 or you parents, and lb y you w be pleased
to have other friends. ould an occasional visit
from me be distasteful to out"

“ How can you ask? f Providence permits me
to reach my new home, I shall want to see you
often—re often."

“Why, yrtle?"

“ Because 1 shall alwa s
dearest friends," she refilled

“ Thanks—thanks! t I

you-lone of my

fear, “Fa I shall not
be permitted to see you as frequently as l
wis l, as our homes will be .far apart. Yours isin
St. Louis, mine in Boston."

“ Where is that?"

“ On the Atlantic coast."

“So far awa f Oh! I am very sorry,"

It was not in to Rathburn, by an m wh
these earnest y-spoken words filled h m with sue
strange pleasures. W1]? had he become so inter-
ested in his wild {val e-flower? Had he droid!
fallen in love with er? Of course not in so short a
time and yet her e rcmions of mere friendship
thrilled him with a 21 , hopeful feeling. But did not
her eyes express more than friendship or gratitude?
He thought so at first, but recollecting that MVP“?
Forrest was wholly unaccustomed to the usages of
civilized society, and that her words and looks were
the reflection of a sim le, truthful heart, he ban-
ished the idea immediategy .

They continued conv nfiuudntil the olden twi-
light vanished in the darks es of nig t, and the
camp-fire of the hunters was kindled. Then, while

0

 

i'

+——--—-— —— -+-—~+« -—

 

 

Dusky Darrell, Trapper.

15

 

r—*'

the men were gathered around the fire, talking and

rean the evening meal, Rathburn sought M r-
Be’s side, a little apart from the rest, and enJoy a
long and pleasant conversation With her, greatly to
the disgust of Adol bus.

The bodies of the ead Indians had been removed
from the o e to the open rairie, and a few hours
after ni Etfla‘fil a la e num r of wolves collected
around 510m and ha a grand feast. The clamor of
the ravenous animals made such a din that it would
have been useless to attempt to sleep while it con-
tinued; but they ceased their noise long before mid-
night, and the arty in the pass lay dOWn to rest.
The tired fugit ves slept soundly after their exer-
tions of the day and preceding night, and rose in
the morning much refreshed. .

Preparations were now made to resume their
homeward journey. The horses were led forth. in-
cluding the Indian pony captured b Darrell, which
was mounted by Myrtle, and when t e sun rose they
were all in their saddles, ready to start. After

riding some time in taking leave of their friends,
t e hunters, they departed, and shortly after were
careering gayly across the plains toward the States.

CHAPTER XII.
coscxmsros.

WI: will not tire the reader with a detailed ac.
count of that tedious journey to the land of civiliza-
tion—of the long days’ rides, and nights of rest in
the open air—of the alternate reign of tem est and
sunshine, and of the dangers through which they

ely passed. Upon all this it is unnecessary to
dwel . Suffice it to say they were not troubled by
Indians after leaving the hunters‘ camp in the
gfirge, and no serious mishap befell them through
a .

One day early in the month of Vune, our little

party of a venturers galloped into the small tradin
st of Independence. He re Dusky Darrell barte

is furs for such articles as he stood in need of, and
then they procured lodging with the intention of re-
maining in Independence until the following day.
The next morning the rose bright and early to con-
tinue their ourney. hen it was that the trapper
surprised his friends by announcing his determina-
tion to go no er.

“ Why, what‘s the matter, Darrell?" inquired

thburn.

“ Nuthin', as I knows on," he answered, “ but I‘m
not goin‘ any furder, that‘s said. No use, you
know, besides it’s a purty good distance to St.
Loue , and this are ‘bout as clus‘ to the civilized
worl as Iginerally git. You can take the gal to
her mother bein‘ as ou’re trav'lin’ right in that
d’rection. Tell the y she needn‘t hunt up Dusky
Darrell to offer him a reward fur what he‘s been and
done, but—but—”

“ But what?“ asked Rathburn, noticing the trap.
per‘s hesitation.

“ You mought ax her to remember a feller once in
a while in her—her—prayers."

The trapper dropped his eyes in confusion, and a
crimson ow burned on his swarthy cheeks as he
uttered t ese words.

” Oh, I know she will do that!" exclaimed Myrtle:

“and as for me—ohl I shall pray for you every

da .’

‘yGod bless you, little ‘unl You ought to be an
angel, and of thar's a better world on t‘other side of
the grave, :you‘li t thar, sartin. Maybe you‘ll
meet this beaver , trappin‘ around among the
rivers and runs."

“I hope so; but shall we never see you again on

“ Wal, thar's no tellin‘. I mought step over to St.
Louey one of these days, and stay an hour or so, but
yer’s as ain’t goin‘ to promise. Good-by, young-

.ster."

He held out his hand to Rathburn. The young
man took it .0 both of his and  it.

“Good-by, Darrell, good-byl‘ he said, with much
feeling. “I hope and pray we shall meet again be'
fore long."

“ Count me in thar. Hate to leave on, oungster,
smash me if I don’t; no use talkin‘, t oug . Took a
powvrful likin‘ to you, somehow or other; make a
flood hunter; grit to the backbone. No use thinkin'
"we’ll never meet- ‘in, fur it’s just likely this beaver
"ll git it into his n die to take a tramp through the
States, ‘fore many moons have one. Meantime
you mought take the trouble ‘casionally to think of
a chap named Dusky Darrell. Waghz"

“Believe me, I shall never forget that name, nor
thfi person who hears it. Heaven bless you, Dar-
re l

“S ider," continued the trap r, extending his
handpto Adolphus, as a smile bro e over his counte-
nance, “Spider, good-by. You‘re a first-rate teller
in the long run, though you‘re kinder afoard of
Iniuns, smash ine ef you ain’t!" ,

‘No. I am not exactly afraid of them," a ed
Adolphus, “ but you see I am not—that is, Iain not
accustomed to t em. I‘ll tell you what, Darrell, this
isn’t the last time you‘ll see Adolphus Perkins in these
plans. I started from home last summer with the

tention of crossing the plains and since I failed to
succeed on that occasion, I‘ll be hanged if I don’t
try it again shortly. I'm determined to go to Cali-
fornia, overland, before the Pacific railroad is built,
and, as likely as not, it will be on a wedding tour!"

Here the ex uisite glanced furtively at Myrtle.

“All right. pider; of you does come out in this
d‘rcction ag’i". hope I’ll run afoul of on. But I'm
detainin' you too long. Smash me efI li es to see you
go. Myrtle, my “‘11 flower, would you kiss a rough
old cuss like me?"

Would She? He had scarcely uttered the nest
when she threw her arms impetuously aroun his
neck,a.nd pressed her soft, red lips to his!

 

“ I don’t want to part from you “ she murmured.
“I wish you would go home wit me. I am sure
mamma will be disa pointed if you don’t."

“Thar little , on‘t talk hat wayto me. Ef
yer mother’s pp’inted ’cause I ain‘t with on,
tell her of she wants an more jobs done to sen me
a message. The time ur talkin‘s over. We must
leave one another new, and travel out different
wa 8. Maybe we'll meet ag’in—maybe we won’t.
Ta 0 keer of yerselves, and if ever you youngsters
want to takea hunt with this beaver yer’s what’s
ready at any time."

The moment for final adieux had come, and all
wore mournful faces as they parted, rhaps to
meet no more on earth. A strong attac meut had
sprung up between the eccentric trapper and the
two young men, and as for Myrtle, he seemed to feel
a yearning, fatherly affection for her. Something
ver like a tear glistened on his brown cheek, as he
ba e them a last farewell, and then, mumbling some
unintelligible words, he turned away and hastily left

em.
Dusky Darrell, the trapper, was gone.

One morning at a comparatively early hour, a cab
rolled up in front of a handsome residence on one of
the princi al streets of St. Louis, and stopped.
The black river leapedto the ground, and opened
the door of the carri e, to let its occupants out, at
the same time olite y informing them that this
was the place t ey were in search of. The first
person who appeared was a handsome gentleman,
in whom we recognize Henry Rathburn. He step-
ped out n on the pavement, and then turned and
assisted yrtle Forrest to alight. The girl was still
arrayed in her fanciful Indian garb, and she trembled
with pleasurable excitement as she looked up at the
house before her, and thought how soon she would
be in the arms of her mother. The last one to leave
the carriage was Adolphus Perkins , who, after
under oing a complete renovation at the hands of a
skillf barber, was somewhat improved in appear-
ance.

Our three friends mounted the broad stone steps
of the fine residence, and plied the knocker.

The door was 0 cned by a servant.

b “ Is this where rs. Forrest lives?" inquired Rath-
urn.

“It is, sir," was the reply.

“ Is the lady within 7“

“Yes, sir. She is sitting in the parlor alone at
this moment. I will announce you, and— '

Before the servant could proceed further the
young man pushed him aside, and entered the wide

all, ollowed by the girl and the exquisite. Rath-
biirn then told the astonished domestic to go about
his business, first learning from him which door
olpened into the room occupied b his mistress, and
t e fellow, at a loss to understan what it all meant,
moved away and left them alone. They had made
up their minds on their way hither how the should
act. Leaving Adol hus and the lgirl in t e hall
Rathburn opened t e door on his ght and ente
the parlor, taking care to close the door behind him.

He found himself in an elegantly-furnished apart-
ment, with carpet of finest texture beneath his feet,
and walls hung with rich intings. It was such an
apartment as is seen 0 y where taste and means
are combined in fitting it up. But he took no notice
of the surroundings. His eves al' hted upon some—
thing of more interest to him, an more worthy of
their attention. On the op to side of the room,
sitting by a wide, open win ow, where the summer
breeze gently swayed the lace curtains sat atall,
handsome lady, dressed in deep mouml , with a
book lying ogen on her lap. Her hair was ark as a
starless nig t, and dressed in a lain but becoming
style, while her eyes, large and uminous, were the
very counte of her daughter‘s. A sad light
burned in the r dark depths, and sorrow had left its
traces on her brow; yet, withal, on her face dwelt
an expression of calm, sweet resignation, like a
light from heaven come to dispel the gloom that en-
shrouded her heart.

As the door opened the lad looked up, and seeing
a stranger standing there,s e rose to her feet in
amazement, letting the book she had been reading
fall to the floor.

“ Pardon the intrusion, madam “ said Rathburn,
doffing his hat with a respectf how. "I have
acted rudely in entering your presence without per-
mission, bu have done it with due deliberation. and
will explain immediately. You are Mrs. Forrest, I
presume?"

She bowed assent.

“ Madam, I am Henry Rathburn, at your service.
I am the bearer of important news."

“ News for me, sir?

“ Yes, madam—for you."

“Will Mr. Rathburn be seated?" said the lady
pointing to a chair and showing much surprise and
curiosity in her looks.

The gentleman accepted the proffered seat. "Id
after a brief pause, went on to say: u

“ Mrs. Forrest, you once had a daughter—

The woman started, and bent u n him a keen,
s911mm look, her manner nick y changing from
calm list easness to excited in rest.

f‘ Sir?" she said, as if apprehensive that she had
misunderstood him.

:‘ You once had a daughter—"

l: Once had?“ she repeated in a bus voice.

Whom you thought killed, but w o in reality
gas only captured by the Indians," continued Rath-

lll'l).

“ Yes. yes: do you know aught of her?"

“ Hear me further, madam, if you please. Of
course you remember an interview you had with
the trapper, Darrell, last year, and h0w he promised
to bring your daughter home, or die?"

 

Mrs. Forrest cl her hands conmlsively.

“ I understand i all, now," she "The
trapper is dead. and you are here to apprise me of
it!‘

“You mistake—Darrell is not dead."

“ What! he lives?"

“He lives, and has returned to Missouri."

The widow hit her lips to hide her emotion.

“ And he sent on to tell of . his failure," she mur-
mured. “Poor ellowl Mortification need not have
prevented him from coming himself for, though
success did not crown his noble and disinterested
efforts in my behalf, I know he did all that man
could do.“

“Mrs. Forrest," said Rathburn, " you wrong Dar-
rell, even while speaking so well of him. f you
knew him as well as I, you could not think for an
instant that he would return so soon without the

me."

The lady gave a violent start, and then, pale with

'tation, she rose and stood before her visitor in a
p eading attitude.

“Mr. Rathburn," said she, her voice shaking,
“you can not blame me for feeling a mother‘s im-
patience to know all. I am sure you have more to
tell than you have told. Please let me hear the
wllilole truth at once; this uncertainty is intoler-
a e.’

At that moment there was a sound in the hall—a
suppressed cry, and the rustle of a dress—and then
the door flew open, and M rtle bounded into the
room, followed b Adolphus erkius. One moment,
mother and dang ter stood looking at each other-
the next, they were locked in each other’s arms,
w%$ping tears of unutterablegoy.

e pass over the scene t a followed. No n
can describe it, much less ours, and it must be eft
to the ima ination of the reader. That the mce
was a joy ul one—after the 3 mar se on
nearly ten years—need not be to d; and e thanks,
congratulations and explanations that came after
the first burst of rapturous delight, may, also, be
more easily imagined than detailed.

Rathburn and Adolphus lingered a week in St.
Louis, and were the guests of Mrs. Forrest while
there; and when, at last, thei took leave of their
fair friends and set out for t e distant Ba State,
they felt more as though they were leaving an re-
turning home. Many times afterward, owever,
both found occasion to visit St. Louis, and on each
of these occasions they were an rised and delighted
at the rapidity with which the air Myrtle was ac-
quiring the accomplishments of her sex, and be-
cominag educated in civilized socie ‘5 ways. They
were ways received cordially, an so much atteno
tion was d to them that their visits seemed won-
derftu ort.

On one of these visits, the enamored Adolphus
found himself term-Mo with Myrtle in the flower-
garden. Embraci the opportunity, he the
question like a cav ler, an was astoun yond
measure when he learned that hm cousin had re-
ceded him! But he took the blow philosophi y,
and was one of the men at the grand wed-
ding of Rathburn an Myrtle, on which occasion he
announced his intention of going West again soon,
in search of a wife!

 

 

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BEADLE’S

Deadwood Diekl, THE PRINCEOETHE ROAD.

HALF-DIME

88 Dand Book. By G. Waldo Browne.
Edward L. Whee er. 87 The and Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid.
ellowstone Jack. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr. 88 Photo raph Phil; THE BOY SLEUTH; or.
Kansas Kin ; or, THE RED RIGHT HAND. ROSEBUD asREAPPEARANCE. By E. LWheeler. 185 Billy Baggafif, THE RAILROAD BOY; or.
B Buflalo Bill on. Wm. F. Cody). 89 Island Jim. By Bracebridwa Hemyng. RUN To EARTH. y Charles Morris.
he Wild- orse Hunters. By Captain 90 The Dread Rider. By G. aldo Browne. Hickory Harry. By Harry St. Geor§e
Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker. 91 The Captain ot‘the Club; or, THE YOUNG Asa Scott, THE STEAKIIOAT BOY. By Wi lett.
Va abond Joe, THE YOUNG WANDERING Jaw; l RIVAL ATHLETES. By Bracebridge Hemyng. Deadly Dash. By JOE. E. Badger Jr.
or, ING FOR A LEGACY. By 011 Coomes. 92 Canada Chet; or, OLD ANACONDA IN SITTING Tornado Tom; or, INJUN JACK Elton RED
Bill Biddon Trapper . By E. S. Ellis. i BULL'S CAMP. By Edward L. Wheeler. CORE. '1‘. C. Harbaugh.
The Flying ’ankee; or, THE OCEAN OUT- 93 The Boy Miners. By Edward S. Ellis.
CAST. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 9-1 Midnigh J aek, THE ROAD-AGENT; or,
Seth J ones . By Edward S. Ellis. THE BOY ’1‘ PER. By T. C. Harbaugh.
Adventures oi Baron lilanchausen. I 95 The Rival Rovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeitine.
Nat Todd. By E. S. Ellis. 96 \"ateh-Eye, THE SHADOW. By E. L. Wheeler.
The Two Detectives. By A.W. Aiken. 97 The Outlatv Brothers. By J. J. Marshau.
Gulliver’s Travel-I. 13 Dean Swift. 98 Robin Hood, TIIE ()UTLAWED EARL; or, THE
The Dumb Sl’i‘y. By Ol Coomes. MERRY MEN OF GREENWOOD. Prof. Giidersleeve. ‘
A laddln; or, HE WONDERFUL LAMP. 99 The Tiger 01' Taos; or. WILD KATE, DANDY
The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. ROCII‘S ANGEL. By George Waldo Browne. .
Robinson Crusoe. (27111ustrations.) 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadviilc; or, A '
Ralph Roy, THE BOY BUCCANEER; or, THE STIuNGE STROKE FOR LIBERTY. B ' Wheeler.
FUGITIVE YACHT. B Col. Prentiss In raham. 101 Jack llarkaway in Ne“! 'ork. By
Sludbad the Sal or. His Seven oyages. Bracehrldge Hemyng.
The Phantom Spy. By Bufiaio Bill. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, THE BOY SMUGGLER; or,
The Double Daggers. By E. L. Wheeler. THE CRUISE OF THE VIxEN. By Col. lngraham.
The Frontier Angel. By Edward S. Ellis. 103 The Lion of the Sea. By (fol. Delle Sara. “'lld Frilllk, THE Bl'CKSKIN BRAVO; 01‘.
The Sea Serpent; or, THE BOY ROBINSON 104 Dead“'ood Dick’s Device; or. THE LADY LILY‘S LOVE. By Edward L. Wheeler.
 By Juan Lewis. SIGN op Tm; DOUBLE CROSS. B ' E. L. Wheeler. 182 Little Hurricane, THE BOY CAPTAIN.
Nick 0’ the Night; or, THE BOY SPY or ‘76. 105 old Rube, THE HUNTER. (la t. H. Holmes. Oll COOInes.
B T. C. Harbaugh. 103 01.1 Frosty, Tm; GUIDE. By .C. Harbaugh. 183 he Hidden Hand; or, WILLWILDPIRE’E
ialnond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham.», 07 O'ne-Eyed Sim. By JameSL Bowen. REVENGE. B Chas. Morris.
The Boleaptain. By Roger Starbuck. 8 Daring Davy. By Harry St. George. 184 The Do railers; or DAINTY LANCE ON
(‘loven ooi', THE BUPrALO DEMON; or, THE 9 Deadwood pick as Detective, By THE WAR- ATII. By Jos. E. _er, Jr.
BORDER VULTURES. By Edward L, Wheeler, Edward L. wheeler, 1 85 Evil Eye, KING OF CATTLE THIEVES; or, THE
Antelope A be, THE BOY GUIDE. Oll Coomes 0 The, Black Slam; of a“. prairies. A VULTUREs or THE RIO GRANDE. By F. DuInont.
Bufl‘ulo Ben, 'mn PRINCE or THE szron; Thrilli Story of Texan Adventure. By Bowen. 186 “001 Dennolld; 01'. THE GAMBLER‘S BIG
or DEADWOOD DICK IN DISGUISE. E. 1. Wheeler. 1 The . ell-Devi]. By (301. p, Ingmhum. GAME. Col. Delle Sara.»
The Dumb Page. B Capt. F. Whittaker. The Mad Hunter, By Burton saw, 187 Fred ali'ard, THE LIFE BOAT BOY: or.
30 Roaring Ralph Roe wood, was Rncx- Jae" Hoyle, THE You“, SPECULA-ron; or THE SMUGGLERS 014' THE lNLEi‘. By C. Morris.
use RANGER. By Harry St. George. THE ROAD To FORTUNE. By Ed. L_ Wheel”: ’ l 88 Ned Tem le, THE BORDER BOY. Harhangh.
31 Keen-Knife, PRINCE or THE PRAIRIIS. BY The Black Schooner. R0 or Starbuck. 189 no" no“ 0“, THE CRACKBIAN- BY M0rfi8~
0“ 000"“99- The Mad illiner; or, DANDY ’s DOOM. 190 Dundg Dark“ ' Orv THE TIGERS 0‘“ mo“
32 Bob \Vuoli', THE BORDER RUEEIAN- 01',THE B Géfu'ge Waldo Browne, PINE. y Wm. B. ster.
' he "unm- (‘a gain; or, 73;; 333m 191 Buil‘aio Billy, THE BOY BULLWHACKER-
or HELLGATE. By .01. Prentiss lnzraham. By Cal”- A- 3- aglmzu- 5- A-
Gl"-Edged Dick THE SPORT DETECTIVE: 192 Captain Kit. 'Lleut. H. D. Perry.U.S.N.
or, THE ROAD-AGENT s DAUGHTER. Wheeler. 193 Captain Mask: ‘5 LADY ROAD'AGENIF; orv
\Vill Soniers, THE BOY DETECTIVE. Morris. PATENIT'LMTHE“ JOE s DEFEAT- BY “ ame-
Muutang Sam, THE KING OF THE PLAINS. 194 Bu‘lalo 311"“ Bet- BY Captain T9310?-
13 J08. E_ Badger Jr. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream.y Wheeler.
' he Branded hand. By Frank Dumont. 196 Shadow“! 3-" 01‘. 308, ROCKET?rs GET FOR
Cinnamon Chip, THE GIRL SPORT; or, LIFE- 3 Charles MSW!“-
Tm: (Iowan lDOL 0F MT. Rom. Ed. L.Wheeler.. 1 97 Little r“, THE W KID 11mm By Ingrqhnm-
Phil Hardy, TllE BOSS BOY. B 0. Morris! 193 I\rk“{lflawv THE. MAN WITH THE BM“:-
Kiowa Charley, THE WHITE MUSTANG“. BY T. 9- Harballgh.
B T. c, Hurbaugh, 199 Featherweight; or, THE BOY .CHAMPION
’1 ip py, TIIE TEXAN. By George Gleason. 01" THE Ml-‘SKXNOCM- BY Edwarfl Willen- _
' Bonanza gill, MINER. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 200 €$fit§t£0ry BedOUinM BY (11W Fmdendi
Pica 'une ete' or, NICO) AI 11 'e .
Dmgyynvg, 13 Charles Mm}; US’ THE DOG 201 The Black llilla Jezebel? or, DEAD-
‘l’ild-Firc, ossor'nIE ROAD. B ' Dumont “'00” DWK'S WABD- By Edward 1- Whefilen
The Young Privateer. By 11. ‘avendish. 202 Proflpfl“ P9“, 01" THE BOY WGAPEv 0“-
Dond‘vood Dick,” Double. or‘ THE THE YOUNG OUTLAW HUNTERS. B 011 LOOIIIes.
GHOST or GORGON‘S GrLCII. Ed. L. Wheeler. 203 TI!“ BOY Pardfi- ,BY JOS- Badger. JF-
nctm-uye nick, By Charles Llon-ig_ 201 Gold Plume, TIIE Bo? BANDIT. Ingraham.’
The Golden Hand; or DANDY ROCK To 205 Deadwo"d Dick,“ noon“ ATale 0t
Tm; RESCUE. [3 George w, mwm.‘ Death Notch. By Edward L. Wheeler. '
The llunte Hunter. By Ed. S. Ellis. 206 Dark Pa‘ua 73E Tmm‘ Km“. B 0- M01115-
Boss Bob, THE KING or THE BOOTDLACKS: 207 N"‘”‘ 0 .Nh'k, “"3 BQY GOLD I l'NTER- A-
or. THE PAWNDROKER’S PLOT. Ed. L. W'heeler. Tale 0 Anwna- BV T- 9‘ Harb‘m 1‘-
Su re Shot Seth, THE BOY RIPLEMAN; or THE 208 1:11“ BOY "“T"ll""‘o By 0" 003185-
YOUNG PATRIOTS OF THE NORTH. By Oll COOIneS. 209 ltrnzs “"5 BOUNDIB‘” DETECTM- Wheeler.
('a Rain Paul, THE KENTUCKY MOONSHINER; 210 l‘ “3'0, FUN!" 0‘ High Pine; 01'. DAM.
0,- km; Boy Spy 0:" m NOMAmS By Clam DARKE S (JO-DOWN PARDS. By W. R. Eyster.
N ghhnawh Kn, By J05. 313941291333 211 (‘rooked Cale, THE CALIHAN or CELESTIAL
The Hel less Hand. Capt. Mayne Reid. C‘TY- BY JOS- E- Badger. Jr'
Blonde ill; or, DEADwooD DICK’S HOME 212 Dnfilling DEV", THE DANDY Drum-
BASE. By Edward L. Wheeler. By Charles Moms-
Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbnugh, 213 l ritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler.

 

 

 

 

l 63 Little Texas, THE YOUNG MUSTANGER. A
Tale of Texan Prairies. By 011 00011163.
16‘} Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By G.W. Browne.

wanna

¢

.\ Trump Card; or. WILL WILDPIRE WINS
AND LOSES. By Charles Morris.

Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont.

Th ll nderbolt Tom ; or, THE WOLF-HERDI:R
OF THE ROCKIES. By Har ' St. Geo e.
Dnnd y Rock’s Riva? By G.W. Browne.
Bob Rockett, THE BOY DODGER. Morris.
(‘aptain A rizona. By Philip S. arne.
The Boy Runa\vay ' or, THE BUCCANEER
or THE BAY. Lieut. H. D. erry, U.S.N.
Nobby Nick of Nevada' or, THE SCAM?
or THE SIERRAS. By Edwart L. Wheeler.
Old Solitary. By Oil Coomes.

Bob Rockett, THE BANK RUNNER. Morris.
The Sea, Trailer; or, A Vow WELL KEPT.
By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U. S. N.

game do: on us 9357 a
nil

Nu—
r-u-u-n i-I Hh-U-II-I bib-i r-I HI-lI-II-I
acqq 4 044-14 ~14 Q QQGQ
Ocean t! 653th

Nil-ng 4:59th
in
m
:-

NQQNHF-I Hahn-nun-

N
W

N MK) “MN
9 35*! dim-‘-

WK!

GIRL DWSBOT. By Edward L Whee er.

33 The Ocean Bloodhound. S.W. Pierce.

31 Oregon 801' or NICK WHII-‘FIJIS‘ BOY SPY
Blezfim J. F.  A ms.

35 \ il Ivan, THE BOY CLAUDE DUVAL'or,THE
BROTHERHOOD or DEATH. B ‘Ed. L. Wheeler.

30 The Bo (‘lown . By rank S. Finn.

37 The Hi den Lodge. By T. C. llarbaugh.

38 Ned \Vylde, THE BOY SCOUT. By Texas Jack.

39 Death-Face, THE DETECTIVE. By Wheeler.

40 Roving Ben. A STORY or A YOUNG ATIERI-
CAN WHO W.\NT;:D To SEE THE WORLD. Marshall.

41 Lam-Io Jack. By 011 Coomes.

42 The Phantom Miner; or, DEADwooD
DICK‘S BONANZA. By Edward L Wheeler.

43 Dick Darling, THE PORT EXPRESS RIDER.
12y Capt. Frederick Whittaker.

4~l attling Rube . By Harry St. George.

45 Old Avalanche, THE GREAT ANNIHIIATOR;
or WILD EDNA, THE GIRL BRIIAND. E. L.Wheeler.

46 G ass Eye, THE GREAT SHOT OF THE WEST.
qu Capt. J. F. C. Adams.

47 I ightinwale Nat. By T. C. Harbau h.

48 Black J’Bhn, THE ROAD-AGENT. By adger.

49 Omaha Oll THE MASKED TERROR: or, DEAD-
WOOD DICK IN DANGER. By Edward L. Wheeler.

50 Burt Bunker, THE TRAPPER. C. E, Lasalle.

51 The Bo Rifles. By Archie C. Irons.

52 The Wh te Bull‘alo. By C. E, Lasauc,

53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., THE BOY PHENIK; or,
THROUGH To DEATH. By Edward L. Wheeler.

54 Ned Hazel, THE BOY TRAPPER; or, THE PHAN-
Tou PRINCESS. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams.

55 Deadly- Eye, THE UNKNOWN SCOUT; or, THE
BRANDED BRmmHooD. B Buffalo Bill.

56 Nick Whiiiies’ Pet. :1 t. J. F. C. Adams.

NMHHHHI—l-‘Hh‘t‘flca

“(9ND NCO
(~01 his @mq abut- WOO t-O {903 q @ Gui.

NNNI

9595

NW

57 Deadwood Dick’s Bag cm or, THE PARDS
or FLOOD BAR. B Edward L. heeler.

58 The Border in . By 011 Coomes.

59 Old Hickory. By arry St. Geo e.

60 The \Vhite lldiall. Capt. J. F. . Adams.

61 Buekhorn Bill or. THE RED RIFLE Tm.
B ' Edward L. Whee er.

62 'lzhe Shadotv Ship. BK COLP. In raham.

63 The Red Brotherhoo . W. J. ligamilton.

(M Dand Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh.

65 Hurr eane Bill. Jos. E. Badger, Jr

Oil Single Hand. By .J. Hamilton.

67 Patent-leather Joe. By Phili S. Warne.

68 Border Robin Hood. By unalo Bill.

69 Gold Rifle, THE SHARPSHOOTER' or THE BOY
DETECTIVE or THE BLACK RANCH. y Wheeler.

70 Old Zip’s (,‘abin; or. TuE GREENHORN IN
THE WOODS. By J. F. C. Adams.

71 Delaware Dick. ByOll Coomes.

72 Mad Tom ‘Veutern, THE TEXAN RANGER;
or. THEQUEEN OF THE PRAIRIE. By Hamilton.

73 DeadWOod Dick on Deck; or. CALAKITY
J ANE, THE HEROINE or WHoor-UP. By Wheeler.

74 Hawk-eye Harry. By Oil Coomes.

75 The Boy Duelist. By Col. P. Ingmham.

'1 .' Abe Colt, THE CROW-KILLER. By A. W. Aiken.

77 CorduroB Charlie, THE BOY BRAVO; or,
DEADWOOD 'ICK‘S LAST ACT. By E. L. Wheeler.

78 Blue Dick. By Ca tain‘Mayne Reid.

79 Sol Ginger, GIANT RAPPER. ByA.W. Aiken.

80 Rosebud Rob; or. NUGGET NED, THE KNIGHT
or THE GULCH. By Edward L. Wheeler.

81 Lightning Jo. By Ca tain J. FfC. Adams.

82 Kit Hareioot, THE con-HAWK: or, OLD
POWDER-FACE AND HIS DEMONS. 3y Harbaugh.

83 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Ch I‘oomes.

84 ldyl, the Girl Miner. By E. L. Wheeler.

85 Burl-I Buckram; or. BEES, THE FEHALE
TRAPPER. By Captain .1. F. C. Adams.

O@ @465 CI ‘-

baaabaaahawwwwww
m

G

l Panther Paul, THE

 

Blue Blazes; or THE
or ROCKY BAR. By rank Dumont.

1 Solid 8am, THE BOY ROAD-AGENT; or, THE

BRANDED BROWS. By Edward L Wheeler.

2 Handsome Harr , THE BOOTELACK DE-

TECTTVE. By Charles orriS.

Sear-Face Saul. B ' Oll Coomes.

Daint Lance, THE OY SPORT. By Badger.
Gupta :1 Ferret, THE NEW YORK DETEC-
TIVE; or. BOSS Bon‘e Boss Jon. B Wheeler.
SiltIer Star, THE BOY KNIGHT. y Coomes.
Will “'iidfirc, THE THOROUGHBRED; or.
Tux WINNING HAND. By Charles Morris.
Sharp Sam; or, THE ADvENTUREs or A
FRIENDLESS BOY. B J. AlexanderPatten.

A Game of Go d; or, DEADWOOD DICK’S
BIG STRIKE. B Edward L. Wheeler.

Lance and asuo. By Capt. F.Whittaker.
IRIE PIRATE; or,
DAINTY LANCE To THE RESCZ‘E. J. E. Badger.
Black Bess, WILL WILDEIRE’S RACER; or,
WINNIN AGAINST ODDS. By Charles Morris.
Eagle it, THE BOY DEMON. B OllCoomes.

The Sw'ord Hunters. Bv .Whittaker. v

Gold Trigger, THE SPORT. T. C. llarbaugh.
Deadwood Dick ol‘ Deadwood; or,
THE PICKED PARTY. By Edward L. Wheeler.
llllke Merry, THE HARBOR POLICE BoY;Or,
Tm: NIGHT—HAWKS OF PHILADELPHIA. Morris.
Fancy Frank of "olorado; or, THE
TRAPPER'S 'l‘RI‘e'r. By Buffalo Bill.

The Lont Captain :. or. THE OPEN POLAR
SEA. By Captain 1‘ rederIck Whittaker.

The Black Giant :V or, DAINTY LANCE IN
JEorAnDY. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr,

Netv York Nell THE BOY-GIRL DETEUI‘IV‘E;
or, OLD BLAKESLY‘S IiONEY. By E. L. Wheelex.
\Vill Wildfire in the “'oods. Morris.

 

BREAK 0' DAY BOYS 214 Wolfgang, THE BORDER or THE RHINE.

By Captain rederick Whittaker.

215 Ca Itain Bullet, THE RAIDER KING. By
T. .Harbauizh.

216 Bison Bill, THE PRINCE or THE REINS-
By COL Prentiss Ingraham.

217 (7a tain Crack-Shot, THE GIRL BRIGANIr
or, IPSY JACK FROM JIKTOWN. ByEdward
L. Wheeler.

218 Tiger Tom, THE TExAN TERROR. By 011
Coomes.

-219 Desgard, the Duelist; or. THE MOUN-
TAIN

AIIPIRES. B Philip S. Warne.

220 Tom Tunnel“
By Charles Moms.

221 Sugar Coated Sam; or. THE BLACK Cow...
or GRIN GCIICH. By E. L. Wheeler. I

222 Grit the Bravo Sport. By Col. Prentiss
Ingra am.

223 Ozark All“, KING or THE MOUNTAIN. By
Edward Willett.

224 Dashing Dick; or. TRAPPED Tom‘s CASTLE,
By 011 Coomes.

225 Sam Charcoal, the Premium Dar-
k y. By Charles Morris.

226 Snoozer, THE BOY SHARP. By Edward L.
Wheeler.

227 Dusky Darrell TRAprER; or, THE GREEN
RANGER OF THE ELLOWSTONE. By Edwin
Emerson. Ready Noyember 29th.

228 Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomes. Ready
December 6th.

229 (Irili‘I-on Kate, THE GIRL TRAILER. BY
Col. Prentiss lngraham. Ready Dec. 13th.

A new issue ererg/ week.
The Half-Dime Library is for sale 12y all

Ncwsdealers. five cents per copv. or sent by mail on

receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS,

‘ ALAWAG AND SCAPEGRACT‘

, Publishers, 98 William Street. New York.