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Copyrighted. 1891, by Bnnu um A Entered a: Second Class Matter at. m» Nuw York, N. Y.. Pom. OflIca. Aprll 99. "191.

No 3 02.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, l’rk-o. V01 

‘ Yen'- No. 98 WILLIAM ST. NEW YORK. 31‘" 09"".

' Dandy Bill’s Doom; or, Deerhunter, the Boy Scout.

BY OLL COODIIGS.

I. IA-l-I.‘\ 

 

 

l Deerhunter.

 

Dandy Bill’s Doom;

DEERHUNTER, THE BOY SCOUT

OF THE

GREAT NORTH WOODS.

BY OLL COOMES.

CHAPTER I.
EXCITEMENT IN men mun.

THE nation was struggling in the throes of a great
civil rebellion. The fields of the Sunny South were
being deluged with blood. Mourning and sorrow
were coming into nearly every home in the land.
With almost palsied hearts mon,womou and chil-
dren listened in dread suspense for tidings from the
field of battle.

In the great cities, in the uiet rural villages, in
the lonely mining-camps in ltJhe great mountains, in
the remote border settlementsv—in fact, in every
home and hamlet in the North and in the South,
that same dread feeling of fear, anxiety, and sus-
pense almost paralyzed the minds and hearts of
men.

One August afternoon a horseman sweeping along
a dim road that wound through a (lee . dark Minue—
sota forest, suddenly appeared in sigllt of the little
frontier settlement of Red Pine. He was the mail-
carrier coming down from Maukato and at sight of
him a shout burst from the lips of t e two~seore of
settlers that stood out in front of Kit Redpath's
store, for they were satisfied he would bring news
from the seat of war and it was for this that they
had gathered there that afternoon.

As the carrier approached the crowd parted to let
him pass, and as he rode d iwn between the lines,
every eye search-d his face as if expecting to read
therein evidence of a great victory or defeat.

Redpath met him at the door and took the mail-
bag. anl then, with a passing word to a few of the
settlers, the carrier turned and rode away toward
his sto ping-place while in Red Pine.

It dlt not take the postmaster long to change the

-mail, and then taking his position on a stump in
front of his store, he read to the crowd the latest
news brought in from the daily press of St. Paul.

There was some good nnws to the mun, and some
bad. The former was hailed with cheers. and the
latter with expressions of the deepest regret; but
as Redpath read on the news became more and more
unfavorable and a (ler gloom began to sz-ttlc over
the s lrits of the bordermen.

Su denly some one on the outside of the crowd
uttered a shout when all other lips were mute and

uivering with emotion. Instantly a cry of indigna-
tion burst from the crowd.

“ Who dares to cheer over our defeat .9” demanded
a voice, fierce with the spirit of resentment.

“Hang the traitor! hang the traitor!“ yelled a
dozen in chorus. Then the crowd surged toward
the object of its maddened fury.

"Back! back!" shouted a settler, “it was only
Simple Sam!"

The fury of the men was somewhat abated by this
information, though not hrfore a circl" had been
formed around the offending person. The sight of
him at once satisfied all that he was not responsible,
for he was a poor, demented boy known as Simple
Sam, and Cross-eyed Sam. He was dressed in
buckskin and rags. his face was dirty and his hair
unkempt. He was as harmless as an infant, and
for the past two years had been drifting about the

 

country, sometimes with the Indians at the Upper
Agency, where he was treated with the utmost kind-
ness, and sometimes at Red Pine. where he was also
cared for by the kindvhearted. Whence Simple Sam
had come no one knew. He was not over eighteen
years of age, was of medium hight and spare build.
Both eyes were affected with strabismus, while his
speech was at times almost incoherent. ‘

With a feeling of relief the crowd turned back, and
after Rcdpath had concluded his reading, it broke
up into little groups (1 began discussing the. war
news. While thus eng ed, some one suddenly ex~
claimed: .

“ What in the mystery ’5 that a-counng?“ .

Off to the northwest was an openingnor prairie,
most of which was under cultivation and in growmg
com. A road ran north and south through the fields
to a point due west of Red Pine where it made an
abrupt bend and entered the village.

Down along this road. and yet to all appearances
walking in mid-air, a man was movmg at a rapid
pace. A person on foot, or even on horseback could
not have been seen above the top of the tall corn,
unless he stood up on the animal's back; but all
observed that this was not now the case, for they
could plainly see the unknown makng long strides
—they could even see his feet moving along even
with the tops of the tasseled cornl

“ Well, I’ll be confounded if that don‘t savor of a
mystery!" declared old ’Squire Hawkins, the legal
functionary of Red Pine; “what do you say, cap-
taint"

“ I‘m not prepared to say." replied Captain
Swank, the military genius of the settlement. “ It
reminds me of a fairy story. I‘ve beam of female
fairies skimmin‘ ‘round on blades 0‘ grass, and pop-
pin' out o‘ the hearts 0‘ flowers, but blamed if I
ever hearn o‘ a male fairy promenadin‘ over the top
0’ a cornfield.”

“ Well, that's just what that critter‘s doin‘ and I
tell you he's humpiu' hisself, too, like sixtyl" de-
clared the 'squire.

“ Yes, he seems to be," assented the captain.

The whole arty was not alitlle uzzlcd. Thata
man was abso utely walking along own the fields in
mid-air they solemnly believed.

With bath breath and fixed eyes they watched
the aerial pedestrian. When he should reach the
point where the road turned toward the village they
iloped to be able to unravel the mystery of the travv
e or.

With eyes misty and aching from steady gazing,
the settlers finally saw the unknown turn the corner
half a mile away.

“ By the thunder of Jovel" exclaimed Captain
Swank, “ he is walkin’ in mid-air, boysl"

‘Squirc Hawkins took off his glasses and carefully
wiped them with his kerchief. then he readjusted
the lenses, took auot ier look at the aerial mystery,
and then—broke into an outburst of laughter!

“What a whole mess of simpletons we are," he
said. “Ha! ha! ha! that‘s nothin’ but some fella:
on high stilts—nothin' else. Your fairy story. cap-
tain, won’t work hernaways. But, by the shades of
Blackstone! isn’t the teller peggin’ it down lively.
though? Isn‘t he a quarter-boss on the go?" '

Now that their attention was called to the fact al'
could plainly see that the ’s uire spoke the truth—-
that the mystery had resolvéb itself into aman walk
ing upon high stills! But, who was he? One suggest
0d it was the big boy of some settler cominginto the
village to displav his skill in stilt-walking, while an
other declared it was a stranger. But, while the
unknown was still some forty rods away, Simple
Sam suddenly shouted forth:

“ Who-ooh! Happy Jacki Dcerhunterl"

“It is, by the lnomoi'y of Blackstonel“ declared
‘Squiro Hawkins: “ it‘s Jack Darrell—our young
friend, Dcerhunter! What in the plague ‘s the boy
up to, now ?" .

“Up to the top 0’ them stilts, 's unre,“ replied the

captain, ejecting a torrent of to acco—juicettlfin'

    

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Deon-hunter. 3

 

taking of]! his hat he tossed it high in the air and
gave utterance to a shout that was taken up and re-
peated by the crowd.

Happy Jack Darrell, as the approaching youth
was sometimes called, or Deerliunter, as he was
generally known, was a great favorite at Red Pine,
and his return, after three months‘ absence, was
hailed with joy.

The youth approached rapidly on his stilts, and as
he came within easy speaking distance, he shouted
to the settlers:

“ Folks, have you heard the awful news?“

“ What, from the war?" asked ’Squire Hawkins.

“Laud, 1101" re lied the boy in an excited tone.

“What then, eerhuuterr" demanded Captain
Swank.

The bo made no answer but walked on until he
had reac ed the end of Redpath‘s store against
which he leaned as if almost exhausted. His stilts
were fully ten feet in hi ht, elevating him until his
head rose a foot above t ie peak of the store.

Deerhunter was a boy of about ei 'hteeu years of
age. He was of medium hight, wit 1 a slender, sup-

le figure, a magnetic blue eye, and a fair, sun-

rowned face that glowed With the ruddiness of
health and the buoyancy of a brave and rollicking
spirit.

With the exception of his minkskin cap the young
hunter was dressed in a complete suit of buckskin,
with fringed leggings and headed moccasins.

At his back was slung a handsome lil‘tlc ritlevtln-
same with which he had won local fame and the
name of “ Deerhunter."

The home of this youth was a log-cabin that
stood on the banks 0 the Des Moines river. a few
miles south of Red Pine. He was there when Kit
Rcdpath located a trading- ost on Lake Shetek,
that at once formed the hue ens around which the
village of Red Pine sprung into existence. The
youth‘s friends had been slain in the Indian Inas-
sacre at Spirit Lake, some six years previous to the
opening of our storv. lie and two noighboriuen
named Slavens and lhiltou being absent from home
at the time of the attack, escaped death at the
hands of Ink iadutah's warriors. But as soon as
Slavens and alton found their friends had been
massacred, they resolved to wreak a bloody re-
venge. and started on the. trail of the red-skins, who
had tied north into Minnesota. They took the boy,
Jack, with them rather than lose time in accom-
panying him to the. next nearest settlement, which
was many miles distant. It being in the dead of
winter, and the ground covered with snow, theyhad
no trouble in following the savages. But a terrible
snow-s‘orin finally overtook them, and they were
compelled to go into camp. Being provided with an
ax they proceeded to erect a sum] cabin, and hero
they were. forced to remain for some months. The
woods being almost alive with deer, they had no
trouble in procuring abundance of food.

As soon as the winter broke up the two border-
men induced Jack to remain at the cabin until they
visited the Indian village far to the north. The jour-
ney, they claimed, would be too great for him, and
the proud-spirited boy not wishing to hamper them
in any way, consented to stay there all alone until
they should return.

One month from the day they left. Slavens re-
turned, seriously wounded and a cripple for life.
Dalton had been killed. The boy took care of his
wounded friend, remaining there in that lonely cal)-
iii. In fact, they could not have left had they so de-
sired. Slavens could not walk, nor had they horse
or canoe.

The first person to visit their cabin was Kit Red-
patli, then on his way to Lake Shetek. While he
was there Slavens died. Kit helped the boy to per-
form the last sad rites for his (lead friend and when
about to resume his journey he asked duck to go
with him.

But the boy declined. He had become greatly at-

tached to his wildwood home, and was having such

    

 

glorious sport in deer-hunting that he was lothto
give it up.

As soon, however, as Red ath opened his store the
boy became a frequent visi or there. He exchang-
ed his (lecrrliins for ammunition, provisions and
clothing, and llnally be procured some traps and
went to trapping as well as hunting. A warm
friendship sprung up between him and Redpath
that grew with the years. The trader was not only
a friend, but a father to the boy.

For some months previous to the opening of our
story, Deerhuntcr had been of! on a ramble to Fort
Ridgely and the Upper lndian Agenc . He had
promised Kit that he would return by t e time the
muting-season opened, but was not expected back
before, and the moment Redpath heard he had
come, and had caught the expression on his face, he
knew something was wrong.

As soon as the boy had braced hims¢ ll‘ against the
store, he took off his cap and ban ing it on the peak
of the gable, looked down into the eager, u )Iurned
faces of the Settlers and said, in answer 0 their
anXious inquiries:

" Death is abroad in the woods of Minnesota! The
lngins are on the war-path burniu‘ and slayin’ i"

“ Is that true, Decrhuntert“ solemnly inquired
Captain Swank.

‘ Yes, the sacred truth, captain!" returned the
boy seriously: “ 1 was present myself at the attack
on the Upper Agency and barely escaped with my
life. The ndian agent’s boy and Twcre out prac-
ticin’ on our stilts for a big race when the a tuck
begun. I don‘t know whether they got poor ‘ Dug ‘
or not. Bands of red skins are scatterin’ all over
the country, and they‘ll no doubt come to Red Pine.
I hurried home. fast as these poles ‘d carry me to
warn you folks, and I‘m jest about wilted. lwas
awful afraid the Sirux would get in ahead of me'
but now, folks, my advice is for you to rustle aroun
and get ready to do some iightin’.“

“ G'eat God !" exclaimed Captain Swank, “ I‘d
hoped never to [‘09 another lngm war, but if it's to
come, we‘ve put to prepare for it. We‘ve no stock-
ade. no blocka we. no nothin‘ in which to place
our women and ( l ildini, and—"

“ Well, what do you propose we do?" interlupted
an impatient fellow. ‘

“ Organize and go to work!“ promptly responded
the doughty captain: “ put every man, woman, and
child to work, and whoop up a stockade that‘ll
heat Gibraltar for a defense. But the very 1‘ list
thing we ought to do is to select a good man for a
scout.”

“ That’s soi that‘s so!“ shouted a dozen voices.

“Ipropose the name of Deerhunter," LxClnimod
Kit Redpath, “for he knows every foot of all this
country.”

“ And I propose the name of Neal Gordon," shout-
ed a settler named Joe Randall.

“That‘s two.“ said Swank; “ any more? Well,
we‘ll have to take a vote on the question, for we
don‘t want inore’n one good scout; for I know by ex-
perience that too many scouts are like too many
ginemls, Gt ntleinen, fall into a line, and I‘ll take
your vote in short meter."

The crowd quickly fell into line.

Deerhunter still stood leaning against the peak of
the store on his stilts, his bronzed face now wLaring
a calm, indifferent i0ok.

Neal Gordon, the other candidate, stood at one
side, leaning upon his rifle, and cndcavorin to ap-
pear inditferent as to the result of the vote t at was
to place the safety of Red Pine in his or Deerhun-
ters care. He was a man of perha s five-and-
twentv years of age. with a splendid 1) 1m ms, and
rather pi'epnssessing face. He was dressed n a bor-
dernian‘s suit, and was well armed. and, upon the
whole. pro ented a more favorable appearance,
at least, for the resimnsible (position of scout, than
the young sti-ipling who stoo perched against the
store.

Gordon lad once been a hunter in the employ ‘ of

 

‘ I Deal-hunter.

 

the Northwestern Fur Company, and afterward a
clerk in the post-trader‘s store at the Indian Agency
on the Yellow Medicine. While there he had learned
the language, ways, and customs of the Sioux. and
it was his poss ion of this knowledge. as well as
his being a good ride-shot and a clever follow, that
led Joe Randall to name him for special scout—a
position of great honor and trust among the border-
men. Furthermore, rumor had it that Gordon was
likely to wed the pre ty daughter of ’S uire Haw-
kins, and as Kitty Hawkins was the lL o] of Red
Pine. it was naturally supposed that the man who
could win the love of suc a girl would stand well
with all the settlers.

“ Now," said Captain Swank, as the Settlers fell
Into line, “ all that favor Neal Gordon for scout will
hold up their right hands until counted."

Several hands went up‘. The captain counted
them.

“Fifteen,” announced the captain. “ Hands
down; now all that favor Dcerhuntcr hold up.“

“ Fifteen with mine—a tie, by Jovcl How will it
be decided?"

“ Let them draw cuts." suggested Joe Randall.

“ Or decide it with their rifles at a mark a hundred
paces oi‘f,“ added Kit Redpath.

But scarcely had he spoken when the wild, pierce-
ing shriek of a woman fell upon the ears of the
party. The cr came from be. ond the trad ‘r‘s
store, and quic {ly turning his lead. I) \ ~rhunt 'r
saw. from his elevated position, a sight tint sent a
chill of horror to his young heart, it was that of a
monster gray eagle bearing away in its talons a lit—
tle child—a mere infant—that had. unobserved by
its mother. crawled from the house out almost to
the edge of the wood.

Quirk as thought Dcerhnnter slipped his for!
from the stirrups of his stilts and like a meteor shot
down the slender staffs, to the ground, then he
darted around the. store whither the crowd had pre-
cedetd him, unslinging his rifle from his back as he
won .

A cry of horror escaped the lips of the men when
they discovered the eaglo slowly skimming along
the clearing and gradually rising into the air with
its tender human burden.

“Shootl shoot, Gordon!" cried Joe Randall al-
most distracted, for it was his babe tho rnpaciaus
bird was hearing away.

Gordon raised his ritie and glanced along the bar-
rel, then lowered the. weapon without tiring.

‘ I dare not !" he said, trembling in every limb.

Without a word. Deerhuutor ran to the front of
the crmvd, raised his slender-barreled rifle, glanc -d
through the sights —kecping the muzzle. of his til-co
moving with the moving bird, uni then pressed the
tri ger.

3 the gun rung out the. great bird was heard to
utter a scream and soon to stagger in the. air. and
after a desperate effort to rise. it sunk slowly to the
earth with its burden while wild shouts burst from
the hitherto palsied lips of the .‘chtators.

Accustomed to takin ; the deer on the bound,
Deerhunter had become :1 won leri‘ul shot on mov-
ing objects, and although the fierce bird was over a
hu'ndred yards awav,ho sent a bullet straight throuth
its body, and it sunk to the earth, though struggling
with Winnowing wings azaimt every inch of de-
scent—its terrible talons r ‘l‘ltl wed so rigid by the
agonies of death that it could not release the child.
whose baby shrieks were. piercing the air.

Desi-hunter, quick on f mt as a young antelope,
was the first to reach the child, and tearing its
clothing from the. talons of the monster bird, lifted
it in his arms an‘l shouted:

" The youngster‘s all ri “it! Let it scream l"

Bleeding and bruised, though not seriously iniur-
ed, the babe was restored to the arr. s of its mother,
whose lips uttered a fervent pra er to the Giver of
Life, while the father, Joe Ran all, showered bless.
Inge :pon the young rid :man who became the hero
of not: hour, and was finally borne back to the

 

     

 

trader's store on the shoulders of two hrawny set-
tlers; and when the question of selecting a scout
again came up, Deerhuuter was chosen by a unani-
mous vote.

 

CHAPTER II.
Dnanmmrim 1N CLOSE qun'nms.

WITHIN an hour after his appointment as scout,
Deerhunter had equipped himself and taken his de-
parture into the woods, promising to return as
soon as he had any thing of importance to communi-
ca e.

He moved away northward, following adenselv-
wooded ridge overlooking the valley of Rattlesnake
Run—a small, winding stream that flowing south-
ward. cm _)tied into Lake alleles he was satisfied-
that if tie Sioux had designs upon lied Pine they
would come, in from that direction.

The young hunter was highly honored by being
selected scout over Neal Gordon, and felt that he
had won a victory that would have a favorable hear-
ing on another matter, in which he and Gordon were
rivals, and that was the admiration of pretty Kitty
Hawkins; for it was true the young deerhunter had
come to regard the vivacious girl with a feeling
stronger than more friendship, yet, boy that he was,
he had never dared to hope for 11 mt iprocal feeling
on Kitty’s part, since the handsome and interesting
Noal Gordon had become such a favorite in the eyes
of so many of the settlers.

Dc'n‘hllutcr had confidence enough in himself for
a scout, but not fora lover. Being a boy, he felt a
degree of inferiority by the side of the man: and
so he. made up his mind to overcome this in deeds of
daring, and with that determination firmly fixed in
hi i mind. he went forth with all the resolute spirit of
a knight of old.

When some distance from the settlement night.
came, on, so he selected a suitable spot for a hivonac
and sit down, leaning against a tree. He had
scare -ly done so ere he caught the faint giim~
mer of a light among the trees in the valley before
hi'u. r

Sprii‘iging to his feet, the youngr scout made his
way toward it. With noiseless step he approached
nntiihe was enabled to see that it came from a
camp-tire, before which sat a solitary figure which,
to all appearance, was that of a white. man. To
make sure. of this, however, he crept to within fifty
paces of the fire, when he was not only enabled to
see that the fellow was a white man, but his riral—
le Cor/Ion .’

The boy was almost tlmmlerstrur't. linhad left
Neal Gordon at ltod Pine, apparently feeling none
the worse. for his’ defeat, and expressing a willing-
ness and readiness to assist the settlers in erectin
their stockade; and now to find him there—in nhe
of him—was something he could not understand.
That there was anything wrong about Gordon's
movements never once entered the. boy’s mind, and
yet he hesitated to advance and make his presence

nown.

This hesitation was perhaps the most fortunate
event in Jack Darrrli‘s 'vhole 1i“ for. while he stood
suddenly looking at the man and pondering over
the. situation, a. dozen persons nnpmred from the
darkness beyond the camp-fire and as they entered
within the circle of light. N-al Gordon arose and
gave them a hearty greetiu'. Two of the party
were white men, and the «the»: Si :ur u-an-r‘nrrpnmtelt
am! plumedfm the war-pth ,’

Deerhunter involuntarily shrunk into the deepest
shadows muttering: tohimseli‘ th -word "treachery."
Then. with all the. indignation of his young heart
aroused, he stood and watt-hm] the, party, his eyes
almost burning into the darkness

He was satisfied that the indians and their white
allies had come. there to meet Gordon by appoint-
ment, and if this was true, he readin comprehended
its meaning. owl the danger Red Pine had escaped
in refusing to select the man as scout. He was satr

\

 

Deer-hunter. 5

 

lsfled that the red-skins before him were but a small
party sent out from a larger force encamped some-
where in the valley, for a dozen warriors would not
undertake to capture and destroy the settlement;
but whatever was the truth, Deerhuntcr was re-
solved not to remain in doubt about it, and at once
endeavored to devise seine plan by which to get at
the bottom facts.

The Indians having seated themselves around the
fire Gordon arose and began to address them, but
spoke in so low a tone that the young spy could
make out not award said. Jack had already dis-
covered that he could not, with safety, get close
enough, from that position. to hear what was said,
and so moved around to the right until he found
himself on the banks of Rattlesnake Run.

The stream was there fringed with dense shrub-
bery, through which ran a broad deer-trail. Turn-
ing into this, the boy, concealing his rifle and accou-
terments, began creeping on all-fours up the stream.
When about two rods from the council-fire he came.
to an immense hollow log, the further end of which
extended to within five feet of the nearest redvskin.
He recognized the log in an instant as the one in
which he had once treed two black bears, and as
there was no brush on the side next to the creek to
scrccn him, and besides. there being but scant room
between the log and the edge of the bank, which was
ten feet high, he conceived the idea of approaching
still closer to the council by crawling into this log,
and at once proceeded to carry it into effect, using
extreme caution in so doing.

He was fully five minutes going ten feet. He had
marked a spot where a pencil of li ht shone in
through a tiny knot-hole that he desire to reach be-
fore settling himself down to listen; but before he
had gained that point he was suddenly brought to a
stop by the sharp “ skirr “ and vicious blowing of a
rattlesnake almost in his very fac ‘.

With a stifled cry the boy started back, expecting
evei instant to feel the fangs of the deadly rcptilc
in h 3 face, but before he had retreated far he was
made aware of an unusual commotion among the
Indians, and as the serpent had ceased its noise, he
Eton d, pressed his ear against the side of the log
and istened. He heard the red-skins and the whites
talking about the “ rattler” in the log, and this dis—
covery gave him no little uneasiness.

What to do the youth could not tell. Should the
savages endeavor to drive the serpent out of the log
to kill it, discovery was certain' so Jack concluded
to back down to the end of the log and make a dash
for safety; but before he had made a movement in
that d'rection he heard a voice—that of Neal Gordon

—sa ‘.‘

“ go“ the log and snake both into the creek."

The movement of feet told the boy of the general
ass at to this suggestion, and before Deerhunter had
time to act, he felt the log shake—move slowly, then,
after two or three revolutions, leap over the bank
and fall into the creek with a splash. ’

Deerhunter was considerably shaken up and his
head severely bumped by the fall of the log, but
keeping his presence of mind, he soon got himself
right side up. The first thing he noticed was that
the log had broken in two near his head. it being
nothing but a rotten shell. The ends of the two
halves lay within three feet of each other.

Fortunately the water was not over a foot in
depth in the run, and by resting his elbows on the
bottom of the log and his chin in his dpalms, Deer-
hunter was enabled to keep his hea out of the
water, althou n his body was nearly submerged.

The water filming warm, the boy experienced no
discomfort from his position, and so resolved to
remain rl ht there until the way was clear or he
was forcefi to vacate. He regretted his inability
to gain the information he sought, but would
2;! vivitlel satisfied to get out of his dm‘lculty with

s e.

From where he la he could hear the Indians' and
whites‘ voices, but t e sound was so blended with

’

 

the ripple and gurgle of the stream that he could
make out nothing definite. a

The moon came up, and it so happened that her
beams fell full n ma the creek at Lnatpoint; and
as the boy’s hem was not over a foot from the
end of the log, he could Hl'il the sparkling waters
gliding in and around tho log. int in time this
became monotonous, yt-t the. young spy was too
cautious to tako asinglc risk. when not rcquircd.

Hour after hour he lay there listening to the
gurglo of the brook, the piping tree-frogs along
the banks, and the chirrnping crickets in the old log.

The voxces of the councilors ilnally became
hushed, and as the moon had so changed that the
little watcrwa now lay in shadows. the young
scout venture( to peer out at tho cnd of his re-
treat. Bnt he quickly started. and withdrcw his
head as he did so, for he not only saw the form
of an Indian sitting uion the h- nl: above, but
heard that same hutc ul, warning “skirr” and
blowing of a snake in the half of the log lying
near

“Confound that reptile!” the boy in: mnlly oh-
scrved: “ if i ovcl'gct rid of the Intins 1'11 1;. ind its
head under my heel !”

Fully satisfied now that there was 1.0 chance for
prcscnt cscape. Dccrhuntcr again Stilll‘ll down
with his chin in his palms to await don-lopnwuts.

The hours seemed to fan's wry sl..n1_\',lunt the
youth’s patience was flnn ly rowan-dud hr stunds in~
dicative of approaching (lay. Ilc in“ 'd the lndians
arousing from their shnnhcrs, and slurtly ut'tcr—
ward b' 'ds began their morning carols in tl.c woods.

Befoi it was fairiy light the rod—skins it‘hk their
dc arture. Of this Dccrhnntcr was sure, but he
stil maintained his position to allow the enciin
ample time to get out of sight. \\ hilc thus wailing
he was suddenly startled by the discm‘cl‘y of what
appeared to be the shadowy onllincsot a human
face in the dark mouth of the log chow- l im. That
it was simply imagination he had not a doubt
and scarcely gave it a sccond thought; but the
lighter it grow the plaiucr that face lu-cznnr- unfold-
04 from the shadows (.f the log, and, linully, when
the sun arose above the forest tops its lit) s tin-am-
ing into the end of th‘ log, rorcalmi talc rough
bcardcd face of an ld man who was lying l n his
stomach—his chin resting in his palms exactly as
was Deerhunter’s—regarding the young scout with
a look of comic and apparentlpsilrnt conicm it.

The boy was astounded by this discovery. le had
never seen that face before, aml he know not what
to make out of that peculiar, magnetic giram of the
steel-gray eyes fixed upon him.

The man was thefirst to interrupt this battle of
eyrs, and in avoice expressive of great surprise and
supreme disgust. lic drawlcd out:

“By the great Rosycrusiansl I‘m completely
ashamed of myself!" _

“ Here too,“ quickly responded Dt-‘crhunter, some-
what nettled by the man’s looks and words, “if I
was such a lookin‘ critter as you are. Say, what are
you, a man? or chimpanzee?’

‘5 I‘m no pup—coyote—no baby pollywog, but I’m
01d Skirr-r—rrl"

The boy involuntarily started back as the man

roduled that sound by placing to his lips and blow-
ing through a short. hollow reed, in one end of
which was fixed the rattlcs of a snake, which, as
the wind rushed through the reed, were set to vibrat-
ing-—producing asonnd in exact imitation of the
serpent’s warning rattle!

“ Sufferin‘ J obi it‘ I had a pistol here I‘d shoot on
for the Old Original Ser tent!" declared the y
scout. “ You look old an mean enough to be that
very snake of Eden, and as I owe you one for foolln
me last night I’ll maul your head into blubbers
you‘ll get out of that log."

“ I‘ll accommodate you, you lily-ll ped. velvet-
throated avenger,‘ exclaimed the 0] man, wrig-
glirlilg his slender, wiry form from the log and rising
o 5 feet; “ now come out and climb—’

 

 

 

8 Deer-hunter.

 

He did not finish the sentence for his nttention
was arrested by a quick footstep on the bank above
him, and the next instant a savage warr,or with a
drawn tomahawk leaped down into the run. and
with a demoniac waravhoop bounded towar i the
old fullan. [Io endeavored to pass between the
ends of the broken log and as he did so, Decrhuntrr
thru~t out his head and shoulders from his lag, and
the savagc‘s foot striking the boy he was trippcl up,
falling flat on his face in the stream.

Before the painted wretch could rise the old man

uickly leaped astrido his back and. seizing him by
t 1e scalp-lock with his left hand, thrust his head un-
der the water, while with the right hand he wrench-
ed the red—skin's tomahawk from his grasp and dealt
him a blow on the head that forever ended that
brave‘s war-trail.

“Tnere, you confounded fool! you red-rindcd
heathenl" exclaimed the old cha , rising and pine-
ing a foot on the body of the dean Sioux, “you war
mistaken in er man that time—didn’t know that
Old Tom Rat ler, the R d Rivcr—"

“Say, old man." interrupted Deerhuntcr who,
having emerged from his retreat, confronted the
stranger, “you are not Tom Rattler, the Red River
Epidemic are you?“

"I am that very man—Old Thomas Rattler, and
I have come down here to spread contagion through
these woods. Boy, do you know that I am a fiill<
grown c clone? an untamed tempest? an Asiatic-
cholern pidemic? Do you know that you‘d die
with joy to see me let loose with a full head 0‘ elec~
tricit on and shock, draw and quarter fourteen
red-s 'ns all in one grand—"

His words were cut short by an unearthly yell that
came from up the run, and lowing in that direction
the man and boy beheld fullv half a score of sav-
ages coming toward them at the top of their speed,
their faces the very picture of infuriated (lemons.

" There are your lngins, Great Untamed Tempest,"
said Deerhunter, “and you can shock ‘em if you
want to, but as for me, I'm going to fall back."

“ I guess I’ll scatter out. too, not ginerato some
heat todry my clothes," and the Red River E )idemic,
casting a quick glance at the oncoming foe, )ounded
away with the nimbleness of youth after Dcerhunter.

CHAPTER III.
A DASH son unnn'rv.

THE presence of the dead savage in the run had
tired the breast of the Sioux with a spirit of mad re-
venge, and they pursued Deerhunter and Old Rattler,
yellm like demons possessed.

Old ttler held his own with the young scout for
quite a distance, but finally he began to fall behind,
and ere the boy was aware of the fact he had left the
old man entirely out of sight. This the youth re-
gretted very much, not only on account of the old
man. but the secret he sou ht regarding the meet-
ing of Neal Gordon with t 16 outlaws and Indians.
He was satisfied that Rattler had gained the cover of
the log in time to hear all that was said up to the
time of his arrival and their proci itation into the
creek. Moreover, if the man real y was Old Tom
Rattler, the noted Red river hunter, he would be an
acquisition to the settlers‘ forces worth a dozen or-
dinary men in the coming Indian struggle.

When Deerhunter finally discovered that he was no
longer being pursued by the red-skins he Slapped to
rest and listen. He heard the yells of the savages
trailin 01! toward the east, and this continuin
made Elm uneasy for the safety of the old man, an

at alone and unarmed ashe now was, the boy felt
he could do but little, if anything in his behalf. But
perhaps the old hunter. he finally concluded, was
rfectly able to take care of himself, and, for all he
new had swung off on a. tangent to lead the sav~
ages from pursuit of him—Deerhunter.

After a. few minutes‘ rest the young scout turned
and began retracing his footsteps toward the scene
of his night‘s adventure in order to recover his rifle
and mouterments.

 

 

He had not gone more than a mile when his ears
were greeted by voices of! to his right and creeping
aray in that direction he soon came in sight of
half a dozen Sioux in the midst of whom stood that
poor, dumented wanderer, Simple Sam. To the
savages this unfortunate was well known, for his
womb-rings had extende to the village, of Little
Crow and the. Lower and Ycllow Medicine Agencies.
They offered him no violence, for tin-re w' . isuzwr-
stitions belief among tho rod-skins, religiously ob—
served, that to harm one bereft of reason was to in-
voke the wrath of the Great Spirit 1 yet there were
renogadcs. among them who seemed to take a
brutal delight in tormenting and teasing the foolish

 

bolyé
suming his journey as soon as the Indians had
left the simplcton, Deerliunter finally recovered his
rifle and then set off through the woods in high
hopes of again meeting the redonbtable ()ld Rat-
tler; but he was com )i-iled to use the utmost pre-
caution for the wooiis were full of rod-skins. He
)roceudcd in an easterly course, as be supposed the
ed River Epidemic had gone off that way, and
after traveling two or three llllli‘S he came to the
edge of a large opening over which were scattered
a few groups of trees and bushes, and at one side of
which was a tiny lake.

Pausing within the shadows of the woods the
young scout swrpt the opening with his 1- ‘es and
to his surprise discovered a party of savages hathcred
together out in the o >ening, Tin-y seemed to be
laboring under no lid. 0 excitement for ever mid
anon a wild yell came from over that way.

“By the suil‘crin’ .Iobl” tlr- young scout muse-l.
“ I‘m afraid the have got the ted ltivnr E )idcmic
cori'alod and i so they‘ll make it contagious for
him. And what can I do to prevent it? i might
wade over there and get in a shot ortwo, but by
Jacks! I rather hate to go to shootin‘ lngins ’canse
they are human hein‘s and I never have shed hu-
man blood. llut I reckon I‘ll have to or clsc git
eaten this wilderness and that I can‘t do now for
I‘ve taken a job for the season and l’m goin' to stay
with it come weal— By Moses! them red heathens
have got some one over there sure as shootin'; and
I do wonder if it‘s the old man?”

The, Indians were some two miles away and had
changed their position so that Dom-hunter was en-
abled to see that they had a captive in their power,
but it was not Rattler, but a stranger whom they
had come suddenly npon in a clump o" trees, just as
the man had broke camp and started on horseback
in the direction of Rnd Pine.

He was a man of perhaps five-and-twenty years.
with n. dark-browneye heavy dark mustache, and
handsome, intellectual ace. lIe was dressed in a
suit of ray, and mounted upon a \velI-i-aparisoned
horse t at had evidently been ridden longnnd hard.
A air of saddle-bags hung across the rear of his
sat die, where wasa so lashed a pair of blankets and
a gum-coat. A large revolver hung in a holster at
the bow of his saddle, but even this he did not at-
tempt to use when the savages pounced down upon
him. In fact, he made no resistance or effort to es-
cape them. for he had heard nothing, when at the
last settlement he had left, of the Indians being on
the war- nth. And even when his horse was seized
by the bits and half a dozen rifles presented at his
breast, he betrayed no fear, and looking the savages
in the face, he asked in evident surprise:

“Indians, what does this meow-surely not vio-
lence ?’

" Dismount, you are our captive," said one of the
savages, who was a. white man in Indian disguise:
“the Sioux have taken the war-path, and white
scal s will hang at their girdles."

“ his is news to me." said the man, dismounting
“ but, seeing that you are a white man, I shall trust
to your influence to protect me from violence.“

“I can be res onsible but for my own acts ‘I‘ said
the renegade-cliief, whose name was White orse;
“ my braves are already mad for pale—face blood, for

4

  

4 1r"

Deer-hunter. "’

 

 

just this morning one of our friends fell at the hands
ofa ale-face."

“ at you must; remember thatI am a stranger
in these parts." said the white man, “and I have
never harmed an Indian even in thought."

“Well, we‘ll have to search you, anyhow," said
White Horse, and he deliberately removed the man’s
saddle-bags from the saddle, while two or three sav-
ages proceeded to search the man himself. When
the latter got through the captive had been deprived
of his personal ell'ccts and even his coat and boots.

The renegade had hoped to find something of spe-
cial value in the saddle-bags butin this ho was dis-
ap ointed.

othing but some provisions in one end and some,
clothing and an old dagucrrcotype picture in the
other rewarded his search.

\Vith an air of disgust he finally thrust everything
back into the bags, except the picture, which he

laced iii an inner pocket of his calico shirt; then
urning to his warriors he addressed tin-m a few
words in the Sioux dialect when [all at once started
away across the opening with the captive and his
horse.

After traveling half a mile they came, to lhc hike-
let heretofore mentioned when a halt was again
made under a cluster of trees. The emwive was
firmly lashed to a. trco and his hon-o lied near by.

About this time two mounted white men rode
from the woods south of the opening and joi'i «l the,
savages whoso reception told that they were old-
tiine friends.

One of the horsemen was a man of forty years and
upward. He was a large, slroii 1y built man with
a hlotchcd. bearded face. a col( gray eye, the ex-
pression of which was indicative of a cruel, cunning
man. His companion was a younger man by ten
years.

Both were dressed as men of the border except
that they wore. heavy high-topped boots and lig it
colored fclt hats. iloth were well mounted and
well armed.

As soon as the came up they dismounted and
after a few remarlts and inquisitive glances toward
the captive, one of them said:

“My good chief, White Horse, did we not keep
our roniise like men?"

“ ou did, Powell, and l have something to show
you,” replied the chief.

The two stepped aside when White Horse pro-
duced the picture he had taken from the fettored
captive and handed it to the man Powell.

“By the Olympian godsl" burst from the villain‘s
lips as his eyes fell upon the faces in the picture,
“that is the very face of Margaret Oidham and her
child Eva! White Horse, did you learn that man‘s
name?“

“ The name on his saddle-hugs is Frank Parker."

“ And he was headed toward Red Pine?"

U Yes."

“ He must never reach there. remember that," de-
clared Powell, and his cold gray eyes flashed a
menacing look at the captive.

At this juncture the attention of the renegades
was attracted by a. commotion among the red-skins,
and turning they saw it was caused by sight of some
one a preaching on foot leading an old horse.

“ aughl" ejaculated the renegade chief, “that's
{Idiot Sam; [wonder where he made the. raise of a

oss?“

No one advanced to escort the simple boy in under
menacing tomahawk, but he was allowed to ap-
proach at his leisure, his arrival being hailed With
an outburst of laughter from the renegades. They
Were not amused, however, at the boy for they had
all seen him before. but at the sorr docking old
horse he was leading by a piece of fraye rope around
the neck.

“What an outlandish old hulk!" exclaimed the
man Powell.

“An Aztec ruin,“ added the other. I

“Say. Sam." again put in Powell. “1 can 0011;.

 

that horse’s ribs; he‘s been roaming armind through
the brush ever since Noah turned him out of the ark
and he's wore the hair all off his sides. Ho‘sigot
good limbs and ahright rye yet. Say, Sam, how‘ll
you i‘l‘udc him for my horse? You‘rca trader, nr’n‘t
you? ’

Sam shook his head and laughed in a simple way,
then turning he passed his hand in a caressing wa
over the old horse as if greatly pleased with hs
lioix'lx‘t‘SSltlll.

“Say, (‘ross-eyes," said White Horse to the de-
mented boy, “ climb onto yer ’Riihiiui slced and let's
see what kind 0‘ a ilgger you cut on hossbnck."

“ No—Sum fall off." replied the simple boy.

“ Oh, no you won‘t; 1‘ 1 hold you on." said White
Horse, aml advancing the renegade chief can lit up
the simpleton and threw him astride the old llorso a
back, With his face toward the animal‘s tail.

The boy clung to the liorsewith lers and arms like
a frightened monkey and the sig t provoked the
red-skins and their allies into an outburst of laugh-
tor. in the midst of their cruel s ion. Powell sud-
denly started and pointing up into t ie thick branches
over Simple Sam’s head, cxcluiliied:

“Olympian gods! what‘s that?"

Every eyo save lhose of Simple Sam was at once
raised to the. overhanging houghs and there, on a
large limb neuer hidden by the dense foliage, lay a
man regarding the scene below with slui'lled razo.

“Tom Rattler, ihe lied River Epidemicl' burst
from the lips of White llorso when his eyes fell
upon the man’s face.

And ()ld Rattler the man really was.

A triumphant yell burst from the lips of the red-
skins and they drew their knives and ionialiawks
and began dancing about the old horse in dciiioniac
glee, eager to NW; at the old pale-face.

"ha , now,‘ said Rattler, rising to a sitting p03.
turc, ‘ you compounded hyeiuisdoii‘i want to bust
your umbilu-als. To be sure, if you want to cheer
me that‘s all right, but ‘ou don‘t want to he loo dc-
monstrntive willi them iiitchets and hair-lifters. I
never object to a serenade by friends, and—“

" (‘limb down there, liaitlcrl" yelled thc rcno rado
chief, “and consider your days numbered. ’e‘ll
serenade you. my gay cavalier. I owe you one for
that Pine llollow affair two years a 0, so climb
down, or by Heavens your old carcass l thump the
ground!“

“All right, my fair chief of the red-rinds,” replied
the old man. “ but my hack ‘5; hi'oko now and I wish
you‘d have. that ojiot. back up that old razor-back
for me to swing down on."

“ llack up here, bone-ruck," said the outlaw, Pow-
ell hacking the liorsli up a few feet. “and case that
oh pilgrim down to mother earth and the scene of
his last earthly moments. Whoa!"

“’ith the old horse directly under him, Old Tom
Raitler can 'ht hold of a slender limb before him
which slow y bent under his weight and, as he
swung down, he suddenly dropde astride the old
horse in front of Sim ileSam. and clutching his arms
about the horse‘s nec '. and digging his inoccusiued.
heels into his side he shouted:

" 0‘0. Comet. g0 . "

Like afrightcned hii'd starting from the, grass-—
like an arrmv sped from the how, that old, anti un-
ted-looking horse, shot away with his double bur en.
knocking the man Powell and a savage or two over
in his sudden flight. and ere the astounded and out-
wittod renegades and savages could comprehend
the situation and drawaweapou Old Rattler, the
Red River Epidemic, was a hundred yards away
flying like the wind across the opening and shouting
back words of defiance to the fool

CHAPTER IV.
A FREE orncus.
ms'MN’I‘LY every savage sprung for his rifle and
the rcnegades drew their revolvers when a perfect
fusiladc was opened on Old Rattler.
Bullets whistled around the bordennan and Simple

 

 

     

Deer-hunter.

 

 

Sam, the latter still maintaining his position on the
horse’s back, though he now sat bolt upright and
rode like a centaur. his bank to that of Old Rattlcr‘s
and his eyes upon the frantic mob of mil—skins.

At every bound the deceptive old horse seemed to
gather renewed speed and in a few moments it had
placed aclump of trees between its riders and the
savages, being guided in its course by the voice of
the old man.

Soon the fugitives were beyond the reach oflml-
lets, and then Rattler burst into a pcal of rollicking
laughter, saying:

“ Gul-oriously humbuzgedl magnificently (i. e-
cievedl I say, eejiot, you did alilesscd thing eadin‘
old Comet up to that tree; you saved my life and
that‘s why we’re givin‘ youa nice free ride. Say,
now, doesn‘t this old fellow buckle down to it in line
style? Don't he skim along likeanohle, nrijestic
bird? Isn’t he a. stupendous hummer? Isn‘t. he an
albatross—”

“ y, hold up, old manl I'm beiu‘ split to the
throat-latch l" .

01d Rattler started as though a serpent had hissed
in his ear.

The words issued from the lips of Simple Sain—
words that seemed uttered in the clear, musxeal veice
of Deerhunter, the young scout. .

“Whoa, Cometl" cried the old borderman, in a
tone of wonderment, “ and for the love 0’ Pocahon-
ias’s grandmother, let’s ‘zamine into that voice we

ear.‘

In obedience to the command the horse stopped,
when Rattler’s companion rolled from the animal‘s
back to the ground, then springinglto his feet, looked
up into the borderman's face, is eyes perfectly
straight and natural, and the hitherto simple ex-
pression of his face vanished into a bright, trunn-
phant smile. Instead ofb'imple Sum, it was (he young
wout Deer/Lunar!“

“ dreat Rosycrusians and ghastly goblins!" burst
from the lips of the astounded hunter, “are you a
double-geared. reversahlo, compounded institution?
Are you Ee lot ..’,am, or that same kitten that laid in
the run wit me last night?"

“I am your companion of last night—I‘m Deer-
hunter and—"

" Well, all right," interrupted Rattler, " git on here
and let‘s spin out, for here comes three of them
scoundrels after us on horseback."

“Here we go," said the boy, leaping on behind the
borderman, and then, as they galloped away, he
continued: “I don‘t want them one. s to know but
that I am Simple Sam. I know“. it was most

lagued mean to take advantage of poor Sam's in-
ities, but when I see‘d them red-skins lead
that white feller a captive over to the lake there, I
made up my mind to help him if I could, and I
couldn‘t resist the temptation to pin Simple Sam.
Iknowed I could do so, for Sam am me are ’bout
the same size and build. and once when Kit Red ath
got mad at me for layin‘ hima gentle little tric , he
told me I looked ike Simple Sam. So, one day,I
dressed up rough like Sam, and looked cross-eyed
like him. and went into Kit's store, and bless me it
he didn’t take me for that poor, si‘mplc boy and give
me some candy and crackers, and I went away, and
he never knowed any difference till I told him. So I
thought if I could fool KitI could the red-skins, who
never harm a. simple person, and thereby git a
chance to help the stranger out. So I turned my
cap inside out. and breeches, too, then tied some
bark 'round my 16 like Sam always does, hid my
rifle and things an sailed out. On the way I come
across this old horse lyin’ in the grass asleep, and I
woke him up and concluded to lead him along so
he‘d help me to entertain the Ingins, and I'd have
something to give my attention to and not give my-
self Iaway. The who 3 thing turned out pretty well,

0.

“ Stupendious l" exclaimed Old Rattler; " it was a
splendor-inc ob, b0 , and I’ll bet my moccasins if

eindians on‘t git your hairor you don’t 307w

state prison for deeception, you’ll represent Minne-
sota in Congress afore ou're fort . But say, what
do you think 0‘ old .omet, any low? Isn't he a
glider? a liyin’—shuttle? a winged Pegasus? a velvet-
[onlcd hummer?"

“Oh, yes! he‘s a singed eat, like his master," de-
clared the boy.

“I left him and my ride in this opening last night.
when I went to follow them lngnis over into the
woods, and that’s how he hap ened to be where he
was. And if,I'd my rifle no I‘d show you some—
thin‘ that'd make the corners 0‘ your mouth rare up
with hughtcr. Ha! ha! ha! them folks are. comin‘
on a boom; but let ‘cm slide. I’ll bet my 03 eye
that thar isn't a hoss in Minnesota that can flip
dirt in Comet's eyes. He's a little thin, and his me‘
t‘orie speed has by friction worn the hair of? his
ribs; but he's got the ter and wind for all that‘
Ohl he's a hummer and no mis'akel"

Thus conversing, the two rode on across the open-
ing, and entered the woods fullya mile ahead of
their three ursucrs.

When fair y under cover of the timber Old Rattler
turned abruptly to the left and rode westward, keep-
ing close along the edge of the opening.

,After traveling a couple of miles in this direction.
he .turned and boldly rode out into the opening
again. -

Nothing at this time was to be seen of the mount-
ed on .iWS, for they had entered the timber, and
aftei riding a short ways Rattler drew rein near a
cluster of bushes and dismounted, leavmg Decr-
hunter on Comet's back.

Walking into the bushes the old bordcrman soon
returned with a con le of blankets and a strn. .

“'l‘liem's my sad lc, kid," he said, “andi you‘ll
hoF ashore l’ll trig Comet out for the ring."

’ he boy dismounted and the blankets were at
once strapped upon the old horse. Then Rattler
made another tri ) to the bushes and returned with
a rille and aear ridge-belt well filled with loaded
cartridges. Buckling the belt around him he took
up his rifle, and balancing it on his hand, said:

“ There, boy, is the mrichine that dings out
cramps. That, lad, is the Original Epidemic her-
self. She's a new one, too—a new-comer in these
Karts, and is called a Henry rifle. A trader hrou'tht

eru from St. Loo for my 'speeial benefit. D‘yo
see t is chamber under the barrel here? Sixteen
ounce messengers lays in there. ready to be thrown
into posish and sent out at the wink of an eye and
tetch of a finger to call some red rind home to glory.
I tell you, youngster, she‘s a .;lipper~ a, lilyquped
hummer, and no mistake. Evr-ry time she things a
bullet you hear something rip like new 010" h—aome-
thin’ splatters. And Deerhunter, my kid, l‘m oin‘
to give a free circus in this openin’; you won't rave
to crawl under the canvas to sae how the Red Riv ‘r
Epidemic works. (lit you a good seal. in the (dg o‘
the woods, whar you can see and no“. 1);: seen, and
take in the matinee."

“ My own ritle and ontlit's not far from this spot,"
said Deerhunter. “just out in the woods yonder."

"Then make haste and git them. lad, and stand
in concealment. and if you see a chance while the
show‘s goin’ on to p in a shot, do so. I want you
to have a boss, and 1' i try and git one for you. Be-
sides, that man must be rescued from them In-
gins down thar, if he hasn't been killed."

“ Let me ask you one more question. Rattler, be
fore we part again: did you hear what was said at
that Ingin council last night!"

“Every word up to the time we collided. I‘ll tell
you ‘hout if after the show‘s over with."

“All right." said the boy, turning and running to-
ward the timber.

Old Rattler stood by his horse watching his sur-
roundings. It was three miles to where he had left
the Indians and two to where the three mounted
outlaws had entered the timber in pursuit of him.

He was expecting the latter to make their appear-

ance at any moment, and in this he was right.

 

 

    

      

   

 

 

Scarcely had Deerhunter reached the cover of the
woods, when White Horse and his two companions
rode back into the opening and catching sight of
Old Rattler as they did so, they at once bore down
toward him at a lively gait, White Horse in the lead
upon the horse belonging to the captive white man.

Old Rattler calm] stood and watched them until
they were withina undred yards of him
lightly leaped upon his horse and waving
back to his pursuers, sung aloud:

“I kissed Sal, and Sal kissed me,
When we went circussin' around."

then he
his hand

This seemed to render the outlaws all the more
furious with rage, and dig ing their heels into their
horse’s sides, they urged t em into a new burst of

pfiittler headed directly toward the Indians over
in the opening, but after traveling in this direction
for perhaps a. mile, he turned abruptly to the right
and rode southward, then gradually circling around
to the left, was soon riding back in the direction of
the point where Deerhunter had disappeared in the
woods.

The horse upon which the white chief was mount-
ed was an animal of superior wind and s end, and
was soon leading in the chase by a hundrct yards or
more; but it was no match for old Comet, who, with
apparent ease, kept histnaster at a safe distance
from the exasperated enemy.

Finally, when Rattler was nearin the woods, he
suddenl, drew rein, and slip in o the ground,
threw h s rifle across Comet‘s ac and raised the
hammer. Then glancing along the barrel he touch-
ed the tri er, and the weapon rung out on the
mornin a r ire a field-inn.

A yelFburst from the 'ps of White Horse, and he
dropped forward on the withers of his horse, then
started up with a convulsive fiing of the body, reeled
in the saddle, and. finally, fell to the earth, while
his horse dashed on with affright and plunged into
the woods.

Powell and his friend drew rein when they saw
the renegade chief fall. They were within easy
range of Rattlcr's rifle, but the old horderman was
not yet through with his "free circus" and again
mountingJils horse rode on :it a SVVeupin gallop and
was soon riding again in the direction 0 t 0 Indians
who stoodeatching the rformance in wild sus-
pense from their position y the little lake.

To prevent him making another sudden turn to
either side, the two outlaws separated, one keeping
to the right and one to the left.

Old Rattler seeing .heir tactics sil htly checked
the speed of his horse. This enablet‘ t e utsuers to
come almost abreast of him though eyond re~
volvet’ shot on either side. In t. is way the race
continued until Rattler was about" sixty rods from
the Indiar' when he suddenly whirjod his horse and
began. d ubiinr: on his course, much to the fury and
disappointment of the outlaws and savages.

The two white villains, however, were persistent
and determined and turning their horses again gave
chase to the wily old fox, most oi. the Indians now
101111118 in with hem on foot and yelling lik: demons.

In a provoking manner Old Rattler waved hi:
hand to the foe as he galloped away, his long white
hair whipping in_ the air like a tattered banner,
yhile a grim smile rested upon his rough, bearded

ace.

At len h, when the (>ut1aw, Powell, had been

ermitte to come Within two hundred yards of
tier, the latter drew up, again slipped to the
ground and again rested his rifle on (,omet‘s back
and raised the hammer. The outlaw knew what
was coming and stopped his horse so quick that it
was thrown back upon its haunchcs, and while it
was in this position the man slipped to the ground
and dropged from sight in the grass.
“0h, t a ‘s all ri ht,” said the old borderman

aloud. “but shoot will. Whenever I dismount

   

Deerhunter.

 

  

     

for Old Epidemic to disgorge a. bullet from her sys-
tem somethin’ has got to drap."

Having thus spoken, the old man took aim and
fired. The. outlaw‘s horse fell in a heap where he
stood, and tho outlaw himself took refuge behind the
bcast’s body to escape a similar fate.

The other horsonnm had by this time also
drawn rein, and dropped from his saddle into
the grass, nor was he a moment too soon for
again the hortlcrman‘s riiie run out, an his
liorsc made a few frantic lunges iorward and fell
( cad.

Rattler was now in one respect master of the sit-
uation but he was far from being out of danger, for
severa savages were swiftl approaching the scene
of the unequal contest; ant as most of them were
armed with riilcs the old man had no desire to lin-
gcr there, and mounting Comet he gallo cd away—-
circling around to the right and again leading to-
ward tho lake. in ho es of getting in ahead of
the savages, all of wtom he supposed had lett
tilie. captive, either dead or alive, to join in the wild
c tasc.

Putting (‘omot to his very best speed he swept
over the lllllll, and t n’ got in between the foe
and thola (e, and h was :‘qiproaching the clump
of trees where. the prisoner was confined and con-
gratulating himself upon the success of his maneu-
vcring, when suddenly two savages came houndin
from behing the trees and, raising their rifles, fire
upon him.

A cry as if of agony burst from the old man's
lips, and turning iis horse to the left he rode
away, reeling upon it .2 animal as though mortally
wounded.

The savages a a .w him ottering and clutching at
his horse's mans, ani. l'cli”"ing he had been shot b
the capiivc’s guard * r. ey uttered a demoniac yell
and bounded on in pursiit
the earth at any moment.

When some eighty rods in advance of the pur-
suers the old horse came to a sto , and Rattler
was seen to swa 1i and fro r, i’cw t mes, and then
both hu; and the torse sink to the earth in the grass.

Unearthly screeches now burst from the red-skins‘
lips and t en began H wild, scrambling race for
the scalp of the daring toe. ’l‘hey threw aside their
rifles, blankets, tomahawks and in fact everything
calculated to im ede their regress, and with eve
nerve strung to it utmost tonsiv ~n rushed on—the r

ainted faces contorted and their eyes fairly starting

rom their soc” its.

The captive lashed to the tree near the lakelet
was stunt ing :rc.- and had been awitness to most
of Old Rattlcr‘s "cncus, ' and while he rejoiced at
his success i‘ trickin/ he other "performers" he
let n r look nor actit” " ci‘ra his feelings. When
however, Old Ratler camo ashing; down toward
him find his two savage guards rushed out and
fiWXl upon him, his her: sunk in his breast for he
believed the ~.:ordcnna". tad been wounded: and
ween he finall/ Lgsw him and his horse 0 down,
and saw the savage lllshitlf" frantically o secure
hioricalp, hc felt certain ti 3 oh‘. man‘s days were
ended.

L'vvn the captives two guards left him and
joined in the general race after that one scalp, and
lhis gave the fettean man a moment to reflect
upon his own situation. A golden opportunity for
escap) was ofi’ered could he but unloose his fetters;
and this he tried ropeatedl to do, but he had been
bound by an Indian in suc i a manner that his et-
forts only served to tighten his bonds.

Suddenly he was startled by the re ort of a
gun and a wild savage yell, and 100 'ing down
across the opening he saw. to his utmost surprise
and joy. Old Rattler and his horse rise from the
ground behind a little cloud of smoke, and then the
next moment he again saw the old horse (1 in
over the )lain with his inimical master on his so
shouting ack defiance to the outwitted and infuri-
ated savagesl

 

’ ecting him to fall to

      

 

 

 

5 to

 

Deal-hunter.

 

CHAPTER V.
W mean's MISSION To Run PINE.

OmRAmEn had played a desperate game to ef-
fect the rescue of the stranger from the Indians‘
power. His pretending to have been wounded by
the uard, and, finally, the fall of himsalf and horse
as i in death were tricks quickly conceived to draw
thesavages far enough from the ca tive to enable
him to sweep around and release t e man before
they could get back. .

He had remained lying in the grass until the fore-
most sava e was wit in fifty paces of him when he
fired and rought the warrior down. momentarily
confusin the others; then he spoke to his trained
horse an as the animal sprung; to his feet the old
man lea ed upon its back and as he sped away he
shouted ack. in defiant tones:

“Come on, on red-rinded devils! foller me for I
am the way t at leads to death and destruction-
I'm the Jack-o’dantern o” deathl“

Then he began to gradually circle around the foe
and he had but fairly got under way when he dis-
covered two persons mounted u on one horse gal-
loping out from the vicinity of t 10 lake across the
opening. ‘ They were going westward and, sudden-
lhyisone of them took off his hat and waved it above

“ By the royal Rosycrusiansl" burst from the bor-
derman‘s lips, “that’s that boy. Deerhunterl he’s
catched that dead Ingin chief’s hoss and while I war
circusin’ around down here he‘s siippedrarouud
and rescued the captive. By goblins! that’s het-
ter’n I’dflggered on. and so I‘ll lean 011’ that way
and oin ’em. Good-by. red-rinds, good-by. but only

for t a present. The Epidemic Will come agiin some

day. and then many 0‘ you‘ll curl up with the
cramps and join your friends gone before to the
ha hunting-grounds."

$51 these parting words the old fellow galloped
across the opening and on the other side near the

, edge of the timber he joined the Deerhunter and the

man, Frank Parker.

“Wal, boy. you got in your work, didn’t you?”
Rattler exclaimed, his face aglow with excitement
and leasure.

“ es, Rattler," replied Deerhunter; “and now I
have the pleasure of introducing you to Mr. Frank

er. ’

“ Frank," said the old man, with an air of famili-
arity. “I’m lad to press your 1palm. The red-rinds
came nigh ttin’ in their wor on your hair, now
didn’t the "

l " Yes 5 r; and but forgou, aided by this boy, they
would ave succeeded, answered Parker, in a
grateful tone. ‘

“ Glad to know we've been 0' sarvice to you,

‘ Frank; but say. boy. how did you like the show?"

“It was a whole circus. Rattler. You and your
horse are a pair of dandies—regular stunnersl" re-
plied Deerhunter.
> “Oh, isn't Comet a hummer, though? Can’t he

and the sod in the smackupest style? And Old
fildemic here—don‘t she have the clear. music ll

1* Didn‘t she swat them bosses and them red-
rin ers in the most approved style? Didn‘t man.

‘ boss and gun work like things in a novel? Hal hal

hsl them red-rinds and their white chums must feel
smothery in the bosom ’bout this time. They was
so sure 0’ my hair, and came dancin’ so fairy-like
the openin', and singln’ so like mermaids,
that makes me feel halt ashamed of myself, the
way I ed on.”
‘ 011, I’ll bet it does!" said Deerhunter. “ You’re
fichna timid, blushln‘ old damsel-you are, Rat-
ri
" In view 0‘ the style in which you Deerhunter,
played the simpleton on them reds. l‘l leave it to
hisme as towho the dam-sell really is—you or
me. '
"I must confess " said Parker, amused at the run

‘ of words between his rescuers. “ that you have both

ayed your parts well; and yet, the most surprising

v

 

of all is the sagacity and speed of that horse which
the outlaws declared a relic of Noah’s ark. Had I
been in any other position than I was, I presume
I should have enjoyed the performance very much
—fas well, in fact, as I am now enjoying the outcome
0 it. ‘

“Stranger, I should observate that you‘re a he w-
comer in these parts. eh?” remarked Rattler, us
they rode on into the woods at a walk, Deerhunter
still keeping his seat behind Parker.

“Yes, sir, I- am,“ replied Parker“ /

“ On your way to Red Pine?"

“ I am."

" Got friends there?"

“Not that I know of.but I am in search 91.. A,

friends." -
“ You can rest assured that you have found a
air of them in me and that old circus there," said
eerhuntcr.

“Indeed I have, my boy—«friends to whom I feel I
can talk with safet —in whom I can confide. I as—
sure you I need suc 1 friends, too, for now I realize
that I have deadly enemies in this countr ."

“ Ah? in that man they called Powell?” exclaimed
Old Rattll-r.

“ Yes, sir,“ was the reply.

“ I noticed,“ continued the borderman, “ that
Powell war a lcetle fiustered when he came up and
looked upon your face."

“I never saw the man before, yet I knew him lw
the description I had of him,” said Parker. “Of
course, I might be mistaken as to the fellow, but if
he is the one I think he is, his name's not Powell,"

“He’s a scamp—a roval forest sneak.” declared
Rattler; “I listened to his lip last night in secret
council over here in the woods with a pack 0‘ In-
gins, and if your name had been John Reed instead
0’ Frank Parker, I‘d knowed you war enemies."

“ Young Parker started and fixing a look upon
Old Rattler asked: -

“ Did you hear that man mention the name of
John Reed?”

“It’s a Book-o’-Revelation truth. I did, stranger;
but now I see I‘m gittin‘ onto ticklish grounds with
you. I don‘t want to draw anything outen you that
don’t come willingly.“

“Rattler.” said Parker in a free, outspoken man-
ner. “ I see you know something that I ought to
knova and to convince you of it. I’m going to take
ygu two into my confidence and make known to you
t e secret of my mission into this country."

“All right. stranger." said Old Rattler, “ we boys
are both lippy as hungry ka-otes. but a secret’s as
safe with us as our lives."

“ Well,” began Parker. “my storv is a long one,
and you will have to be Batient. I must go back
nearly sixteen years, for 17 en it was that the first
events in my story tran. ired. In far-oi! New Hamp-
shire, one David Allen ived. He was a bachelor,
he was eccentric, he was wealthy, and he was get-
ting along in years. The only relatives he had were
two sisters. and these finally died, each leaving a
son. These sons’ names were James Fenwick and
Charles Oldham, and they were heirs apparent to
the estate of David Allen. *

“At the time of which I ak, James was a man
of three-and-twent years. airly educated. shrewd
and rather energetic, yet inclined to dissi ation. He
was called a fast young man, and as t 6 boys re-
marked, ‘banked considerably on his future in-
heritance. His cousin, Charles Oldham. was an en-
tirely different man. At twenty-one. he married
and settled down into a quiet, happy and industrious
life, He was very poor. and content to work on as
though no fortune awaited him in the near future.
While he was greatly disliked by James, he had
hosts of friends. ’

“One night the news spread through Allendale
that the beloved old founder of the village, DaVId
Allen, had been murdered.

“ strange to say, Charles Oldham was arrested on
suspicion of. having committed the deed-he MW

/

 

7‘;

 

 

Deer-hunter. _ l [

 

been the last one known to have visited the old man,
who was sick in bed, up to the time the murder was
discovered.

“ DoctorsJin the mean time, had been called in, and
they soon discovered that the old man was not 1/. (III,
but unconscious from a blow on the head that had
crushed in the skull. The doctors were in doubt as
to the result of his injuries though the chances
seemed largely against the oh man. In View of this
fact, t‘harles’s preliminary examination was post-
poned one week, and the constable and his deputy
at once started with the prisoner to D to place
him in the county jail for safe-keeping. it was all
of ten miles they had to travel, and their road
ran through a deep dark woods, and while passing
the gloomiest part of this forest, they were stopped
by a band of six masked men, and the prisoner
taken from them; and that was the last ever seen
of Charlie Old ham in that country. A rope with
a hangman’s noose, and the remains of a fire,
in which weie found some bones, led to the be-
lief that he had been hung, and then cremated by
the mob.

“ It was a sad blow to his young wife, so people
said, and after one year’s widowhm Hi there she took
her babe, a pretty little girl, nearly two years old,
and left Allcndale determined to ct away from the
scene of her disgrace, and no one t icrc know whither
she had gone.

“ Bu” Ht"1mm as it may seem, David Allen did not
die from the effects of his wounds, but then he was
worse than dead. for he had been bereft of reason—.—
was a helpless, senseless being. The doctors said it
was concussion of the brain. All the past fifty five
years of his life had been blotted out as effectually
as though he had died. He knew no more of the
attem t on his life than you do. He was a sad and

itifu wreck, walking about, knownig no one, notic-
ng no one. And this continued for fifteen years,
when one day the old man fell downstairs and
severely injured his head. The doctor, an eminent
Sill‘gt o ', in dressing his wounds removed some, bone-
slivcrs that had been left by the quacks who had
attended him fifteen years before, i‘essin}: upon his
brains, and would you believe it, o d Dayid‘s reason
came back to him as though it had just been aroused
from a sleep." I

“Great Rosycrusiansl you don't say?“ exclaimed
Old Rattler.

“ The first thing he inquired for as he started up,"
continued Parker, “ was the villain that struck him
-—his attempted murderer. You see, his mind took
up the chain of memory right where it had been
broken off by the blow of the murderer’s blud‘geon.

“ When told that fifteen years had elapsed Since he
was stricken down he could not believe it and it
1'“ uired much proof to convince him of the ter-
l'iD e fact. When finally told that his rephow, Charles
Oldham, had paid the penalty of h s murderous
work at the hands of a mob, the old man broke down
and wept bitterly. ‘Charles Oldham did not strike
me down,’ he said; ‘ he was in to see me that even-
ing, and as he went out of my room, a man With a,
masked face leaped out from a closet and struck me
down. It was not Charles Oldham—ol‘ this 1 am
sure.

“ This left matters in a bad shape for the con-
science of the mob that hung an innocent man. pm
David thought a great deal of Charles, and but little
0f James, whose face in fifteen years had become
dee l marked with dissi ation. From his old and
faitlji ul housekeeper, he earned that Churles‘s w1fe
had taken her child and gone away—no one knew
whither. She showed the old man a picture of his
wife and little girl and the old fellow went nearly
distracted over it. '

“But now comes another surprise. One evening
a man in disguise called on old Davnl and told him
he had a revelation to make to him. He said that
Charles Oldham had not been hung by a mob, but
taken from the officers and permitted to escape, for
the mob was made up of warm personal friends of

 

 

Charles’s old schoolmates who, when they were
boys had taken an oath to stand by each other in
the time of danger—~who believed him innocent of
the crime of atleni itcd murder. Charles went away
out West and um or an assumed name cOnlmUIll~
cated with his friends, who, in turn, bore the news
to his wife. After all had become quiet, Charles‘s
wife went away and no one but the ‘ mob ’ knew that
she had one to her husband.

“ But t e saddest of all was that a year after Mrs.
Oldham ‘oined her husband he was killed by red-
skins an she, poor thing, left a stranger in a wild,
savage land wit 1 a little child to support. After the
death of Charles the ‘mob ' lost track of his widow
and had heard nothing of her up to that time.

“‘ lint she or her child must be living somewhere,
stranger,’ said old David; ‘ don’t you think they
could be found?‘

“ ‘ If living they can be,’ the man replied.

“ ‘ Sir, since ou a pear to know all about Charles‘s
escapc,‘ said t e 01 man, ‘ I am convinced that you
are one of his friends—one of the supposed ‘ mob~
that hung him.‘

“ The man acknowled ed that he was and told
Allen that his name was olin Reed. Thcn Allen of
fered him a large reward if he would find Charles‘i
family. He said he was getting feeble and that he
must soon die, and that he did not desire that James
Fenwick should inherit the whole of his fortune,
but, if Charles’s child Eva was living and could be
found, she should have the bulk of his fortune.
Reed promised to make a careful search for Old-
ham‘s child, and to aid him in his search, he pro-
lc’ui‘ed fpr Reed the likeness of Charles’s wife and

a )y—

“ Aha!“ exclaimed Old Rattler, “ that iik’ness
was taken outen your pill-bags by them devils down
in the opening."

“ Yes, that was the very likeness," said Parker.

“ And can it be iossible that you are John Reed ?"

“ No, sir; John eed is my uncle, and being unable
to travel he intrusted his work to me.“

“ Exactly; but do you think your gal’s at Red
Pine?“

“ I have every reason to believe she is," said Park-
er. “I have been on the hunt for her nearly a year
ofi.’ and on. Once, in the mean time, I was called
home by the death of old David Allen; but as soon
as list will was admitted to probate and it was found
that Eva Oldliam, daughter of Charles Oldhain was
made heir to most of his fortune, I resumed my
search for her."

“ And you have enemies flggerin‘ like Old Geom-
etry against you,“ too,“ said Rattler.

‘ I know it now. That man, James Fenwick, is
doin‘ his utmost to thwart me for John Reed is sat-
isfied that the day he revealed to old David the
story of Charles Oldham’s esca ie through the inter-
vention of the sup iosed mob, nines Fenwick stood
in the wall of the ouse. and overheard every word
that passed, for ’ust as Reed concluded his Visit and
rose to leave, ' cnwick entered unannounced, his
face betrayin no little emotion. Of course he will
get old Davii 's fortune b the terms of the will,
should Oldham‘s child not 0 found, and Fenwick is
villain enough to thwart those trying to find her. If
he know where the girl was he would undoubtedly
make way with her as his safest course, but this he
does not know un‘ess he found it out lately. I am
satisfied, however, that s les have been doggin my
footsteps and movemen s ever since I crosse the
Mississmfpi river. Having no clew as to the Where-
abouts o the girl themselves they expect to find her
by watching me. At least that is my theor , By
this time Eva Oldham is a young woman, an even
though her mother be dead, too, it will be no trouble
to identify her. But I see I'm to have. some trouble
for that man Powell is-Jim Fenwick."

“ Prezactly," said Rattler, “and he‘s ot the In
gins and a hull herd 0‘ outlaws to help im. I see
into it now, Frank Parker: I laid in a og last night
~boy, you needn‘t grin. you scamp—and overheard

\

 

 

 

    

18

Deerhunter.

 

some talk between your man Powell and a citizen 0'
Red Pine. That citizen war Powell’s tool. spy, or
agent. it Seems they’re on the lookout for that same

al, Eva Oldham, and “citizen " claimed he‘d found
her in Red Pine. Their Ians were to attack Red
Pine some night, and whi e the red-rinds are plun-
derin‘ the settlement the gal's to be made away
with. But it seems these lans war somewhat in-
terfered with by that ’ere 0y, Deerhunter, rushin’
into the village with the news 0' an lngin uprisin‘ and
put the settlers all on their guard, so that an attack
with so small a force would be hopeless, and so they
deferred the attack a day or two and dispatched a
runner for more warriors. Meanwhile Powell’s spy
is to try, with the aid of a gang 0‘ cut-throats, to ab-
duct the gal if they can. I hearn Powell say that
John Reed had been at Manknto and had the trail.
How he learned this I don‘t know."

“ Reed," said Parker “has not been at Mankato-
but if Fenwick has really found Eva Oldham at Re
Pine. i wonder why he don’t venture into the village
himself?”

“ Maybe he‘s afraid the gal's mother'd recognize
him and give him awa . He‘s playin' a deep, under-
handed game. But. 0 ilRosycrusmns! if that chap
from Red Pine didn‘t read your title, boy, I dont
want a cent. H 2 swore he‘d have your life or lose
his own in tryin’ t take it. I guess the darned
scamp stands pretty well at Red Pine, and when
Deerhunter there war selected over him as scout it
cut him clear to the gizzard."

"It‘s a good thing I did,” said Deerhunter, "for
the settlers, and I’m anxious now to report the re-
sult of my scoutin‘ hereaways; and besides, I’d give
adozen beaver-skins to know who Eva Oldhnm is.
There‘s not a girl In the settlement of even the name
of Eva, and I know every irl there, big and little."

°‘ She may go b anot 181' name entirely, Deer-
hunter," said Par er, “for her mother married
again, and she may have taken the name of her
step-father, whose name I have been unable to as-
certain.“

“ Boys, it’s ast noon,“ said Rattler glancing up at
the sun, “an how much furder do you call it to
Red Pine, lad ?" .

“ 'l‘hree miles, I should say," replied Deerhunter.

“ I’m gittin‘ hungrier than a pup ka-oie," declared
the old borderman, “for I tell you the waste 0'
cak‘niic has been prodigeous with me this morning
an: —‘

His speech was here cut short by the sharp crack
of a rifle in the woods on the right.

At the same moment a cry burst from Frank
Parker‘s H 5, there was a convulsive iling of the
body and t en as he swayed furward in his saddle
he gasped out:

“ They have killed me I"

CHAPTER VI.
DEERHUNTEB caves: THE RETREAT.

A SAVAGE yell followed the report of the rifle that
had sent its leaden messenger tearing through the
body of Frank Parker.

Deerhunter, who was still riding behind the
mm] caught his reeling form and held it in the

r e. ,

“Great Lord!“ cried Old Rattler: “this isa bad
mess, boy. and we’ve got to ride for itl Hold on to
the stranger, lad, and [’11 lead his boss."

The old borderman reached out and seized the
reins of Parker’s horse, and the next moment they
were speeding through the forest, while the
crash of rifles and the whistle and clipping of
Eullets among the foliage told of their imminent

anger.

Parker clutched at the horn of his saddle for
support. His head droo ed forward, and despite
the strength of Deerhun er, his body swayed from
side to side until it seemed he must fall from the
saddle.

i

 

'The hot blood pouring from the wounded men‘s
breast ran down over the boy’s arms, that were
locked round the reeling form.

“ Hold on to him, Deerhunter," said Rattler. “ If
he falls them red-rinded yahoos 'll git him."

“ l'll do my best for him. Rattler. ‘ responded the
brave boy, whose strength was taxed to its utmost
for his position was a trying one and Parker vim"
rather a heavy man. i .

“ We‘re leavin’ the heathens behind," the old
hunter went on, in words of encouragement.
“Brace up, Parker, and we’ll soon be out of this.
Hold him up, Deerhunter, a little furder, and I‘ll re
lieve you.

“ I'm doin’ my best, Rattler,” the boy re died, a",
great dro s of perspiration broke from his Orvhead
and ran own over his burning face. that seemed
ready to burst with the terrible strain upon every
nerve and iiber of his body.

Had it been )ossible for them to have ridden at the
top of their iorses’ speed they would soon have
been out of danger but this was im )ossible, owing
to the density of the timber and t e difficulty in
su ) )orting Parker.

owever, they finally emerged into a We on-
road, leading around to Red Pine. and then t ey
rode faster.

But Old Rattler saw that Decrhuntor‘s strength,
plucky as he was, was failing and drawing rein, he
said:

“ Boy. somethin‘ else’s got to be done. We‘ll have
to tie him in the saddle.“

As he spoke Rattler leaped to the ound, jerked
the lariat from Parker‘s saddle-bow, ied one end of
it around the man‘s ri ht leg above the knee then
passed it under the area‘s belly and drawing it
tight secured it to his left leg above the knee

Parker was bleeding profusely and though still
conscious his words were spoken in great agony.
He seemed fully aware of their danger and with all
his failing stren h clung to the saddle-bow.

Remounting his horse Old Rattler took hold of the
man's shoulder to steady him, saying to Deerhuntel'
as he did so:

“ Boy. rest yourself a moment—ah! the red devils
are crowdin‘ us close—too close for comfort and
health, boy! We‘ll have to fight yet, afore wo~"

“ Fight it is," said Deerhnnter, slipping from the
horse and unslinging his rifle from his back.

The savages were not in the road but at the sith
dodging from tree to tree Indian like. fearing even
to expose their bodies to the eyes of the fleeing fugi-

ives.

They, however, regarded Deerhunter‘s movemfi
with a defiant yell. but raising the hammer of hi
gun the boy began running backward keeping hi
eye upon a red-skin on the left and his rifle at:
trail. In this way the young scout hnd retreated
perhaps fifty paces when su ’rl/ 'nly—with the quid:-
ness of a flash~he threw up hi gun and, scarcely
had it touched his shoulder, when it rung out. To
a casual observer it would have seemed a premature
discharge, but it did not seem so to the sava e who
fell to his knees—started up again and ree ing to
one. side dropped out vf th‘ chase.

Deerhunter saw the result of his shot with c
pang of regret mingled with his feelings of tri-
umph. It was the first time he had ever raised
a weapon against a human being, and it was only a
clear knowledge of the fact that it was justifla le
that nerved him for a repetition of the act.

Turning he ran after his friends as fast as he
could go, leading his rifle as he ran. Ho carried his
powder in ailat metallic pocket flask to which was a
charger o ening and closing with a spring. In a
little pone on the inside of his hunting-jacket he
carried his bullets, and in another his gun-caps.

In a remarkably short space of time he had re-
loaded his weapon while on a keen run—an ac ulre-
ment he had attained, alon with his skill in s oot-
ing game on the wing. in h years of experience as
a deerhimter-

  

111‘.
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Doerhunter. 1 3

 

The Indians were wildly enrag‘ed by the fall of
their friend and they renewed t sir ctforts to over-
take the whites, though they still kept on either
side of the road and dodging among the trees, with-
holding their fire until they could make sure of their

arm.
At length, Deerhunter turned again and with his
2 ' n at a trail began running backward. The In-

. us had already learned by ex ierience the tactics
of the boy and quickl vanis icd behind trees,
each of the half-score o painted wretches fearing
that he was to be the obJect of the young scout's
next shot. And while thus driven to cover they
made the best of it and fired upon the young foo.
Their bullets went hurtling around him—some strik-
:ng the earth so close that dirt and dust were dashed
into his face. Yet he stood unharmed seeming to
bear a charmed life if there be such a favor award-
ed any one in the dispensation of Providence. Close
as the too were it seemed miraculous at any rate,
that he should have escaped the bullets of the half-
score of guns focused upon him. Had it been other-
wise, however, this story would never have been
written.

as soon as the red-skins flred they broke from
their coverts and made 1‘ or others on before them.
But the keen eyes of the young scout were on the
watch and at the first glimpse ofthe 1 “wrest moving
form, his rifle flew to ins shoult. :1 nd another
“ wnig " shot was made. But the boy did not cost a
second glance toward the object of his aim forhe
had too much faith in his skill as a. riflemau to in-
quire atter the result of his shot but turned and ran
on up the road after his friends, reloading his rifle
as he did so.

Fin lly he debauched into a stri of open prairie
beyond which la the cultivated elds of the Red
Pine settlers. H’cre, he felt satisfied, the lndians
would make a last desperate effort by rushing from
their covert in a body upon him.

Old Rattler, who w1th Parker was some fort
rods in advance, entertained the same idea, ant ,
anxious about the lad‘s safety. drew rein and glanc-
ed back down the road.

By this time Parker had somewhat recovered from
the first shock of the enemy‘s bullet, and was ena-
bled to su port himself in the saddle. He even no-
ticed Ratt er's uneasiness, and inquired:

“How goes it with the boy, Rattler?"

h A savage yell and the crash of guns answered

 

m.

The Indians had rushed to the edge of the woods,
and just as the lad turned to fire upon them their
rifles rung out.

Again Deerhunter heard their bullets scream
through the air around him, and amid the noise he
received a vicious blow across the forehead that;
itaggered him and brought him down upon his

nees.

It stung like the sharp out of a whip-lash, and
(pluckly raising his hand, passed it over 11 s brow and
t on glanced at his fin ers. They were bloody.
Reddrops began rolling own his cheek. A bullet
had grazed his forehead.

 a wild, fiendish yell the Sioux burst from the

"Great Robiinsl" cried Old Rattler, “the boy's
down, Parker! Ride on slowly. I must help him 1"

Turning his horse, the old borderman started to
the lads assustance.

Deerhunter, while still upon his knees, brought his
rifle to bear upon the foremost red-skin, and as he
arose to flee, a bullet went screaming through the
air over his head from the rifle of Old Rattler,
and at the same time he heard the old 'man shout:

“ Fall back, boy, and give Old Epidemic a clear
fleldi Stand aside, and see a penilence strike them
red-finders and— Ah! the yahoos scent deestruc-
fion and humble theirselves in the dust!"

The last words were occasioned by the savages
throwing themselves flat upon the earth in the grass
toucapethebnuetsot O Raul .

 

Dem-hunter fell back and the old man advanced
until the two met.

“ Great Itosycrlsians!" exclaimed the. bordernum,
as his 0 cs fell upon the blood-sminrl face ol' the
Boyin“ e devils have shot a chunk outen you,

oy

“ I got a welt, that's sure, Rattler, but the (lemons
have paid well for it. But, look ynnderi you can
see the hands of the varmints hohhin‘ up once in
awhile, and Hi bet they‘re reloading their titles.
I’m goin’ to hamstring one or them."

Having reloaded his riilo the boy raised the
weapon and tired. To the great delight of Old Rat-
tlcr a red-skin was seen to fairly bounce into the a’r,
and then before his deathy I] had died on the air,
his companions sprung to their feet and tied back
to the woods, Old <‘pldemic tiring upon them as long
as a savage could be seen.

“Victory! gloryi" shouted Rattler at the top of
his lungs, “ and you, ? oy,nre t. . cause of it. I‘ll
swear, Deerhuntcr, you covered our retreat with the
skill 0‘ old Na Bonap; ..c. .u‘rc a young stem-
winder. lad—tillittony cyclone—a hull gang ‘ ' me-
struction. I'm not ashamed to asso date with you-—
come along, my little p. :, and let‘s follcr Parker
up. He‘s a fearqu wounded man."

They turned and hurried on aflc. the young man,
Old Rattler walking and leading his horse, Before
they dime u with Parker they were met l) ' hall' a
dozen armc settlers, who havmg heard I it‘ ilrin
off in that direction, had hastened to the scene 0
conflict.

“You're too late folks,“ said Old Rattle; “this
brat, Deerhunter, licked the hull caboodle ”' red-
rinded yahoos, sendin’ some 0' them to purgatory
and the rest howlin’ into the wildonr ss."

CHAP"ER VII.
PREPARATIONS son mcrnnss.

WITHIN an hour after Deerhunter had taken his
departure from Red Pine. to act in the ca acity of
scout, the settlers agreed upon plans of do cone and
that was the erection of a stockade.

A committee was a )pointed to select alocation for
the defense, and win e t: was out, the question of
Deerhunter’s ability to perform the duties of scout
alone came up. Kit Retlpath being out on the com-
mittee Deerhuntcr's side was minus its strongest
advocate. No one questioned the brave boy’s quali-
fications, but it seemed the task was alto 'ether to
great for him. and the result was that N e Gordon
was also employed as a scout and the oung man at
once took his de iarture into the woo s.

This was exact y what Gordon desired. It would
afford him an opportunit ' to come and go at pleas-
ure and keep his friend owell and his savage allies

osted as to the mowment of the settlers. As to

eerhunter, the smoothvtongued villain made up his
mind to put the boy out of his way at the first 0
portunlty, and then have a clear field all to lumse .

The committee on leeation selected the lot upon
which 'Squire Hawkins’s house stood for a defense
for several reasons: the spot was an elevated piece
of ground; the ’squire’s house was a two-stor , log
structure which, being in the center of the stoc ads,
would answer for a lookout from above and a re-
fuge for, the women and children below; besides
fibers was an inexhaustible well of good water at the

00?.

Of course the squire was only too filagl to have his
house thus protected. and so the pre minutes were
soon arranged and the work begun.

The ring of axes. the crush of fallini trees, and
the shouts of the teamsters drawmg in t e logs soon
told of the energ with which the work was hem
prosecuted. A115 while some were thus engag
others were busy digging a continuous trench into
which logs fifteen feet in length were set on end side
by side and securely

Captain Swank ha charge of the work which did
not cease with the going down of the sun. Laos
into the night the labor went on by the light of the

 

 

 

1 4 Deerhunter.

 

lanterns carried by the children and in the glow of
low fires fed by pine-knots and chips; then was had
a few hours‘ rest and sleep, a. hasty breakfast and
the work was resumed.

About da light Neal Gordon made a flying trip
into the vil age and reported that all cast an west
of the village was yet clear of foes, but the adroit
villain made no report as to the north, claiming that
Deerhunter being off on that side, would see that
no danger approached from that direction. And in
this he was right, although he never believed the boy
would return to the village alive. the savages bein v
on the watch for him. In the mean time, a. duty had
been assigned to the women, and young boys who
were unable to assist at the Stockade. and that was
the removal of the effects of each household inside
the proposed defense. This was no small job, for
several of the families lived over a mile away, but
with the heroism characteristic of the border they
went about their labor. A team was plac d at their
command and they at once started out to bring in
the effects of those living the furthest away first.

Amid the work that was oinoon all around there
was one person whose coming and going in the dis—
charge of various duties seemed to fill every heart
with sunshine and encouragement, and that w. -:
Kitty Hawkins. the 'squire’s young daughter. She
was a. prett dark-eyed girl of eighteen summers,
possessed o a ha py, vivacious spirit, and whether
assisting her lady ricnds, or carrying water to the
choppers thirsting and sweltering in the sultry
woods, she was always the same bright, merry-
hearted girl. Her smiles and her voice seemed to
lighten the labor and strengthen the courage of her
friends; and yet she was unconscious of this mystic
influence. She affected nothing. Her young heart
was innocent of guile. She possessed all that was
pure, lovely and angelic in perfect womanhood.

Neal Gordon, all said and believed, was in love
with Kitty, but if F‘m thought more of him than any
other youth, espn '._ily Deerhunter, sh'i succeeded
most admirably in concealing it.

Durin l 1-: morning visit to the settlement Gordon
chance to meet Kitty alone in her father’s house,
and said to her:

“ Kitt , you seem to be in yonr usual good
spirits.‘

“lAnd why not, Mr. Gordon?" was the maiden’s
re y.

IgAll peo 1e are not constituted alike,"he went
on, “for w 1e you a (pear the same, all the rest of
the settlement is. in w excitement."

‘ Yes, this is a trying time, Mr. Gordon, and I
assure you that I fully realize our danger, but what
good will worrying do? I consider our safety has

con intrusted to two brave and excellent scouts."

“Thanks for the compliment," said the unblush-
in young traitor, “butlhave heard incidentally,
Ki t , that on have witnessed the horrors of Indian
we are be ore."

“ Indeed? From whom did you hear that?"

Gordon smiled and in a tone calculated to ap-
pear evasive, salt:

“ Oh I often hear things said now and then, bu
while remember the words, I forget the author.
heard at the same time that ‘Squire Hawkins was
only our step-father.“

“ ell. I declare!" exclaimed Kitty, somewhat
surprised; “but to tell you the truth, Neal, the
murderous hands of sav es once made me father-
less; but now ’Squire Haw 'ns is a good, kind father
to me and I love and respect him.“

“She is Eva Oldham, asI suspected," Gordon said
to himself; “but dare Iask her moreiawhat she
knows of her father being a fligitive from justice 7—
wh she goes by the name of 'tty Hawkins instead
0138ef hang: ofafhva (gldham ?" R 1d 1

ore e em ng 'yo vi ain cou sette
these questions in his ml unfittty‘s mother, a fair-
faood woman of perhaps orty years, entered the
and. so he asked no further questions. but soon

tookhis depart

 

emotions that now disturbed his once of mind.
The fellow really loved Kitty and lettered himself
that he was loved, and then when he remembered
that he was. tea certain extent, in the power of
Fenton Powell, he began to feel aggrieved at his sit-
uation. He could see no ruison why, except for
l'owell, he should not win Kitty‘s love and
hand fairly, and )rotwct her life as well as her rights
as against the se lellllllfll . Powell.

The future held I. it flattering promises to him
barring his compact with Powell, but when his lnilli
reverted to the past a skeleton confronted him and
the happ vision vanished. He saw that he must
reap as e had sown—that the way of the trans-
gressor was hard.

After carefully looking over the work that was
progressing so nicely on th stockadc, the traitor-
scout again took his departure.

Busin 0" bees all hands worked away at their do-
fensc. l 11 came, and they stopped for only a few
minutes w eat dinner.

Shortl after noon, they were startled by the rc-
ort of irearms off to the north, and with hlnnchcd
aces ‘liey stopped their labor to listen.

“Bf Jovc‘.” exclaimed (‘a )tllill Swank. “ there’s
Ifigins i", that way and some ody‘s in a light with
t cml’

Six armed men were at once dispatched in the di<
rection of the sound of conflict to assist whomsoevcl‘
might be in trouble, and but little wi n'k, except the
grqar‘lng of firearms for instant use, shouh they

eneedcd, was done until the cause of the alarm
was known. They did not have long to wait, how-
ever, for the rescuing lparty returned bringing' with
them, Deer-hunter, 0d Rattler, and the wounded
Frank Parker.

The Boy Scout’; return war. build with joy.
though his face, wounded, bloody, and covered with
dust, was at first unrecognized ‘.‘ y : rel of his inti-
mate friends.

From tho back of old Comet, Deerhunter in-
formed tuo excited settlers that dangers were gath-
ering around Red Pine; and also briefly narrated
his and Old Rattler‘s adventures. But he kept the
secret of Neal Gordon‘s treachery to hims f, for
fear the villain had friends within hearing, that
would put him upon his guard before he could be
arrested.

Old Rattler met with a warm reception, and he
and Deerhunter were invited tI‘J'r a sum tuous rcpast
at Joe Randall’s cabin, the Boy Scou having first
had his wounded forehead washed and drcsed by
kind hands.

Meanwhile, Frank Parker had been taken to
’Squire Hawkins’s house, and the doctor called in.
Upon examination it was found that the young man
had been shot through the right lung, and the. doc
tor pronounced his case a very serious if not hope.
less one.

After learning this, Deerhuntcr and Old Rattler
held a private consultation to. determine what they
should do in relation to Frank Parker’s mission to
Red Pine. They had no idea. who the persons were
he sought, and should the young man die without
having brought the matter to the attention of the

arties themselves, roviding they were in Red

ine, the were afrai Powell and his minions might
succeed in their villainy. But theiwero unable to
determine what was best to do in t e promises, and
finally concluded to let the matter rest until Gordon
had been secured.

To Kit Red ath and Captain Swank they revealed
the secret 0 Neal Gordon‘s meeting with the In-
dians and outlaws the night before. At first the
settlers could not believe the startli sto%, but
when Deerhunter declared it was so, an Old ttlcr
assorted it “was the clear, com und, Book-o‘-Re-
velation truth," they were compe ed to accept the
story as true.

And the news greatly increased Swank‘s fears for
the safety of the place, and he at once began u ~

ure, brooding over the conflicting 1 mg torward the work with renewed energy, thong .

id.
*lf
3d
it-
or

[S

Deerhunter. 1 5

 

for fear of a panic,he said nothing of Gordon‘s
conduct, in conse uence. of which their danger was
more imminent. Io cautioned the nicn,however,
to he on the alert, and to protect those chopping in
the woods Old Rattler volunteered to go out and
stand guard, a tin dinner-horn having been furnish-
ed him, with which he was to give the signal should
danger approach.

The cho pers worked with their rifles lying within
reach. '1‘ my knew that if foes were near the. ring of
their axes would direct them to where they were.
However, after the Old E ideinic had given them
the assurance that they s ould not be wholly sur-
prised, they worked with less fear and dread.

Rattler had taken his position not far from where
two men were chopping down a tree a little ways
north of the main party of workmen.

With sturdy blows the two settlers plied their axes.
The white chips flow around them in showers.
Deeper and deeper into the heart of the tree the
keen blades cut their way, and the stately pine had
begun to tremble and sway, when a clear rin ing
laugh suddenly burst from the lips of Old Rat ler,
starting the choppers, who resting upon their axes,
gazed in surprise and wonder at the old borderman.

“ What in the world ails him, Luke?" asked one of
the men.

“ I'll swear I don’t know, ’less he’s got a fit or the
jini- ains."

“ tolks,” said the old hunter, after he had recov-
ered his breath, “I reckon ou think I‘m a com-
plexed old fool and tooken a aughin' spasm, but I’ll
swear I can‘t help it. My of! eyt ha pened to be
rumblin’ heavenward in a reverentia way, when
what should I diskiver perched in the top of the tree
you're fallin', but a rcd-rinded—”

“ An Indian! by the eternalsl” burst from the lips
of Luke Deemes as he glanced up into the tree~top.

True enough, in the very top of the pine, that
towered even above its neighbors, was perched a
red-skin, his face the very picture of savage terror.
The fellow had doubtless climbed there when the
choppers were at dinner, never dreaming that his
perch would be disturbed; but what was his object
u doing so we shall soon Sec.

Ono cf the woodinen took up his gun to shoot the
redvskin, when Old Rattler said:

“Save your bullet, friend! another whack or two
0’ your ax ‘11 do the work for the critter.”

beizing their axes, the men struck a few more.
quick blows—there was a sharp crack as the. tree,
staggered out of its perpendicular, and then. with a
mag-ling, thunderous crash, it went roaring to the
ear 1.

The savage made a wild leap as the tree
neared the ground, but he failed to clear the sweep-
?ggpughs, and was carried down and crushed to

ea .

Upon examination it was found that the red-
skin had in his possession a small hand-niirror—tho
glass of which had been broken in the fall of the

9

re .

" That,” said Rattler, holding up the frame, ” tells
what the Ingin was doiii’ in that tree-top. He war
thar watching our movements, and signalin‘ to his
friends with t e glass. The flashes of reflected
light from the lass can be seen for miles with the
naked_e e. and t e red-skins have a code 0‘ signals
by whic they telegraph to beat harnessed lightnin‘.
But I reckon that o erator won’t send any other
message, ‘less it be roni demotion. But it' may be
he's done the mischief already, and therefore Old
Epidemic wants to be spreadin’ hisself around
through this woods pretty numerously."

So saying, the old man moved away to continue his
watch, and the men resumed their work sa 'ing
nothing to their friends of the dead Indian, whose
body they covered with brush through fear of creat-
ing an undue excitement or panic.

An hour before sunset word was sent out to
the choppers that logs enough to complete the
atockade ad been cut, and a eelmg of joy, that

 

almost found ex ression in a shout, thrilled the
breasts of the tiret and \vearied Woodmen on receiv-
ing this news.

The teams iad come for thelrlnst loads, and the
cho > ers ass‘lstcd to load the wagons, which at once
rol .t away. Then the men shouldered their axes,
and taking up their rifles started for the village
that was scarcely a mile away. They were tired
and worn. Their clothing was rocking with per-
siiration, yet their flushed faces were set with
that firm, unflinching expression of resolute men.
Their hearts heat strong and more hopeful, now
that they would soon be in shape to defend their
loved ones against the murderous hands of the sav-
age foe.

“ I’m glad,” said one. of the men, as they walked
along, “that Old Rattler has come down to Red
Pine. He will be a great help to our gallant Decr-
hunter and Neal Gordon."

“ Yes he’s an old timer on the border,“ re ilied a
friend, 1‘ but I‘ll )ut that boy, Deerhunternga nst—"

“ Toot] toot J out! tw-on-uol ,"‘

It was the wild twangng of a horn that came
crashing down through the. forest aisles startling
the woodlncn as though it were the trumpet blasts
of Gabriel announcing the end of Tiinel

CHAPTER VIII.
THE mns'r DEADLY snow AT RED PINE.

THE chop ers stopped and stood as motionless as
if para] 'zed? Their faces became blanched. Their
axes fe from their shoulders. They grasped their
rifles in both hands and turned their eyes toward
the woods. They saw Old Rattler come running
toward them—they heard him shout:

“Fall into line, men, forthe red devils are comin‘
and we‘ll have. to swat the eternals eaten a few 0‘
them for luckl Fall in, men, fall in and let the
light 0‘ the golden sunset through the demons!“

At this juncture a wild ell rung throughthe forest
and then to the eyes 0' the startled settlers the
woods seemed dissolving into a horde of screaming
demons that came rushing toward them.

Old Rattler raised his riilc and tired and a savage
went down. A aPW of the nxinen followed his ex-
ample, then there was 'a rush of feet and Old Rat-
tler turned to see the settlers break and run like so
many frightened sheep. The old borderman was
surprised and disgustei but he could do nothing but
follow. He ran along trying to rally the fleeing
men. He. shouted, he begged, he threatened, he
cursed, but all to no purpose. The panic extended
to the teanistcrs and soon they were lashing their
beasts intoa mad run—adding the rattle of their
wagons, their excited shouts and the cracks of their
whi s to the already direful sounds of the mad
iamc.

I All headed toward the stockade, the Indians fol-
lowing up expecting an easy victory. But in this
they were to be disap )ointed.

Captain Swank llltt heard the warning blasts of
Rattler's horn, and he at once gave orders for those
at work on the defense to drop their tools and take
up their rifles. This they did, and then they march-
8 out with the firm step of veterans to meet the

 

foe.

Between Red )ath's store and the woods whence
the savage yel s were coming. lay a little clearing,
and they had just reached the edge of this when
they saw their panic-stricken friends come flying
from the woods in the wildest disorder. They hear
the voice of Old Rattler trying to rally them, and
saw the savage horde. coming in the distance.

Quickly Captain Swank ordered his men to fall
into line and, if possible, stop the flying choppers;
then springing in front of the line he shouted at the
top of as great voice:

" Stop. men, sto it stop or we’ll all be butchered!
By the gods! the first one that attempts to pass me
I will shoot like a do 1"

The leader of the ugitives was Joe Randall. He
heard the captain‘s threat and stopped. The not

m '

mo-

 

 

     

16

Deerhunter.

 

 

man tried to pass but Swank caught him by the arm
and stopped him. Athlrd man he knocked down
with his rifle. Others came, to the captain‘s assist
ance. The tide was stayed and the axmcn rallied.

By this time the savages were in the opening and
Swank having formed his men, now nearly taro-
score strong, in line, ordered them to fire, and in
obedience thereto the crash of their rifles and their
double-barrelcd shotguns loaded with double
charges of buck-shot seemed to rend the very air.

It was a deadly fusiladc, and even more destruc-
tive than surprising to the savages, who wavered,
stopped, and then hastil fell back: for the Indian
cannot stand an opendic (1 light, nor will he risk one
unless absolutely sure of victory.

The settlers, who but a few moments before were
fleeing in terror, could now scarcely be restrained
from rushing madly in pursuit of the savages.
There was not a coward among them, and yet that
mysterious power that sometimes takes ossession
of great armies and hurh them pani‘; :tric 1m to dis-
grace and death, had seized upon the axmcn and
sent them flying before the foe.

But now that the tide had turned, they felt keen-
ly the disgrace of their condnri, and would have
sacrificed their lives to wipe on; th: t disgrace.

When the savages broke (or the cover of the
woods, Old Rattler sent a f  parting shots after
them, yelling at the to of his lungs:

“Go it, you red-rin dcvilsl Skcdad, you com-
pounded cowardsl Yoop-Ccl Jump into an-
other panic-trap, will ye? Un.‘.ertak to run down
another epidemic, will ye? Go in you sin-colored
demons!"

“I say, old moose-lungs, said 0:21 Lain Swank,
his face aglow with triumph, “seems to m  ."re
a siashin’ good retreaterl" V

“Bet our sweet old soul on that, captain, re~
sponde Rattler. “for that’s the wayI most al crs
fight. I’m no old fool ‘bou’, runnin after a fight,
but when a fight runs aftgr ma, then you can gam-
ble somethin‘s got to tear like rotten buckskin. Put
me on my horse Comet. with Epidemic hero in. my
hands, and get me in full setr at, an I‘ll go you my
0!! 0 tie that I can lick i:orty-’leven red-rinds inside
0’ a ve-mile panic, if I have open ground, Them‘s
my tactics, captain, and it’s De rhunter a, too. 011.!
if yoqu seen that charmin' young dare-devil cover
our retreat to-day comin’ in from the north, it d
’a' melted you all up into briny tears o‘ d glight.
You see, we tellers just now dashed over han like
as if we war all broke up, but we did that in order
to draw the red-skins into ambush, and it worked
like a charm, ca tain.”

Old Rattler's s ’ ry served a good urpose in quiet—
ing the upbraiding conscience of t is axmen, but it
involved Captain Swank in the ridiculous osition
of having to make an apology to the man no had
knocked down, or openly dispute the truthfulness of
Rattler’s word. Seeing, however, the object of the
old man's story, the captain made the apology,
and as he did so, Rattler said, with a facetious grin:

“ You got a leetie excited, captain, and it’s 0. won-
der a panic didn‘t ensue.”

“ Darn your old 6 'cs, Rattler,” said Swank to till
borderman, when 't ey were alone a few moments
later, " you played that tongue 0‘ yonrn well—made
them choppers out the heroos, and ma the panic-
stricken be l-weather. You are an old galvanizer,
u‘n't you?"

“Hal hal ha!" laughed Rattler; “thar-s nothin’
like doin’ the greatest good to the greatest number,
accordin’tos ripter. You see I can read human
namr' aseasy as you read your Bible. I knowed
you could stand it by the way the tobakkn‘g‘uic,
olters on your classic chin. and by the graceful style
in which you wear one pants-leg in your boot-top
and the other down, and by the biliowy ease wit 1
which your shirt foams up over ur waistband,

and by the darin‘, reckless, Napo onic manner in
which you trust your barn-door breaches to the sup-
port 0' one lonely, Congo-citizen colored suspender.

S

 

 

All these are signs that indicate a sweet, child—like
dis osition, a constitootioual lover o‘ ease and rest,
rec (less darin’, and a big, brave heart."

Captain Swank could not supu‘ess an outlinm
of laughter at the words, Imitht'u ones, too, of the
rollicking. whimsical old borderman; for he now
saw that Ratller was a man after his own heart,
and at once received him into full fellowship;
and, arm in arm, they walked into Redpath's store,
and there to their “eternal friendship,“ drank a
royal “bumper.”

As they came out of the store thay were met by
Dcerhuntcr, the Boy Scout, whose excited facc told
them that some new danger was hanging over Red

me.

 

CHAPTER IX.
KITTY Hawsms’s nnnmsnr.

HALF a mile from Red Pine going by land, or
eighty rods straight across the Corner of Lake
Shetek, stood the humble cabin of Timothy Bain,
and considering it the least ex iosed of all the homes
to any distance from the vi la e proper, the re-
moval of its household efl’ects lad been deferred
until the very last.

Mr. Bain and his daughter Dorothy composed the
family, Mrs. Bain having died some two years
previous; so, that while the father a as assisting his
neighbors on the Stockade, the daughter was me
sisting her lad friends in removing their household
e“ 'ects to the t cfnnse. And it was late in the after-
noon wh in a team was sent to the Rain cabin for
the goods. Dorothy, accompanied by her youn
friend, Kitty Hawkins. going across the corner 0
the lake in a canoe to assist in loading the wagon.

Dorothy Bain was a slender, blue eyed girl of
Pemaps eighteen years, with a graceful form,
ighi, golden hair and a sweet sunny temperament.
She was osscsscd of so many noble qualities and
such puri y of mind and heart as to greatly endear
her to all whom she chanced to meet.

After reaching the cabin, which stood but a few
rods from the lake-shore, it required but a few
minutes to load the team and start it on its way
while. the girls. carrying a bundle of clothing null
a miniature trunk containing Dorothy‘s ji‘iYi is
and trinkets, rocceded to the cano~ by in air: if
which they ca culated t return to the village. l’l ‘c-
ing the bundle and trunk in the craft they seat'd
themselves an ‘. Dorothy took up the paddle. Just
then some one called to them.

They turned their heads and saw a man come
limping along the lake-shore toward them. II". was
an elderly man dressed in a border setllcr's suit
and was rough in appearance his face being cov-
ered with a grizzled bear; and his head with long
unkem t uair. lie seemed tired and worn and his
blood-s 0t eyes and haggard face told that ho had
been undergoing great physical exertion and suffer-

mg.
“ 'i-‘or the love of our Redeemer. gals," the man
said, in a tone of distress as he dragged himself
along to the boat. ‘ cant you give a poor, weary
devil a ride?"
_“Wo don‘t know you, sir,” promptly replied

ttv.

“ i’m Rube Bunker, from New Ulm " the old man
said, drawing his sleeve across his hrow to wipe
away the beads of perspiration; “the Ingins have
killed everybody over there but me, and I only es-
sipwl by a hair’s breadth. I‘ve been tryin' to reach
Red I~'in these two days and nights, and I’m nearer
dead than alive."

"‘ You are almost there now, Mr. Bunker,” said
lIfitty, feeling loth to take the old strangerinto the
oat.

"So I see: but it‘ll be hard for me to make it
afoot. I’m ’bout gone, gals."
t’l'hen you take the canoe and we will walk," said

1 y.

"N". never: Rube Banker's too much of a man
for that." said the old fellow with on air of gal

.4 ear! :3:

     
   
 

  

5‘3

_. h; em,

Deerhunter.

   

17

 

lantry; “ o ahead gals, and I'll t and bobble
through; it the red-s 'ins do git me hey won‘t git
much."

“Mr. Blinker." said Dorothy, touched by the old
man's words, “there is room in the boat for you.
Step in and we will carry you to our friends.

“Thank 'ou, thank you," murmured the old fel-
low, as wit some etIort he scrambled into the boat
and seated himself with his face to Dorothy and his
back to Kitty.

As he did so the latter saw the polished butt of a
revolver in his belt, exposed by the disarrangemcnt
of the skirts of his coat.

“Sha‘n‘t I paddle the boat for you?“ Bunker
asked, and without waitin for an answer be de-
liberate] reached forwar and took the paddle
out of orothy's hands, saying: “ My arms are
stronger‘n yours; besides, I want to work my pas-

sa e.

{Vith this he dipped the blade and drove the canoe
out into the lake, and with strong, vigorous strokes
sent it glowing through the waters, going directly
eastwar .

“You will please bear a little to the left, Mr.
Bunker," said Dorothy. seeing he was falling out of
the exact course.

“Lord! what was that?" the old fellow suddenly
exclaimed, as the blasts of a. horn came leaping
across the water

The girls started, their faces blanched with terror.

Bunker ceased paddling, and the three listened.

A few moments later savage yells came piercing
through the air.

“ My God, Kittyi" cried Dorothy, “the Indians
have attacked our friends i"

“I‘m afraid so “ said Kitty, seriously.

“Yes. sure‘n hunder they have," said Bunker;
“ and we'd better tarry a moment till we know what
the result is. Don’t be worried, girls, for if anything
ha lpelis you‘ve a friend in Old Rube Bunker."

he beat stood upon the )lacid waters and the
three listened. They heard he sounds of a sharp
conflict going on, but it lasted only for a few min-
utes then all became silent.

“The fight has ended, but who‘s victors?" said
Bunker.

“Our folks, to be sure.“ said Kitty; “if the ln-
dians had won they would not; have ceased their
yells so soon.“

“I don’t know ‘hout that " said Bunker, “ and I
rather think we'd better mill of! down to that island
yander and wait," and the man turned the canoe
and started toward the island over forty rods out of
their course without waiting to consult the feelings
of the girls.

“ I object to that, don't you, Dorothy?" said Kitty,
giving her friend a look over the old man‘s shoulder
that fairly startled her.

“ Yes, I can see no reason why we cannot remain
where we are awhile longer, at least," declared
Dorothy.

“ We‘re in 0pm water here and if the Ingins git
sight of us they’ll git us in hot water. If I git onto
that island and you gain want to go on you can do
so, I reckon.“

There was somethin in the man‘s words and the
look that accompanie them that almost froze the
blood in Dorothy‘s veins. Kitty could not see his
face, but his words aroused a spirit of indignation
within her breast; but she controlled her tongue
though it was an effort for her to do so for she hit
made up her mind now that Rube unker wasa
villain or else a very rude and selfish creature. She
did not like the looks cf him from the first, and, but
for Dorothy to whom the canoe belonged. she
would never have consented h‘hfs entering it.

“ y, Mr. Bunker," may finally asked, “will
you take us to the island against our will Y“

“I’m an old bordm'man, gal and think I know
what is best in the fili‘e of sich dangers," was his
answer, as he plied the padle with all is strength.

The islandwu anally Wand Bunker sprung

- .

  

 

ashore and pulled the craft partly on the beach. As
he arose from his seat his revolver dropped from
his belt and foil at Kitty‘s feet and with a. motion
quick as that of a eat the girl picked it up and con-
eealn-d it unobserved by either of her companions.

Bunker look the paddli- ashore with him. and the
girls now noticed t not his haggard, tired look and
even his lameness had vanished. ’l‘hisconvinced the
more mistrnsifiil Kitty that there was something
wrong, but she calmly made up her mind to abide
results. She was not at all afraid of the man now
that she possessed a weapon. and one that she ltncw
how to use. And, furthermore, shi- had the nerve
and courage to use it should it be necessary to do so.

Bunker finally missed his revolver, and,after inni-
blilig about his belt, came and looked into the l'll"n8.

“ Have you lost an thing, i‘.!r. Bunker?" Kitty
asked, looking it i into his law. in all innocence.

“Yes, my pis ol,“ replied the man; “darn the
luck, I reckon it worked out of my belt and fell over-
board. If an Iiigin‘d come alo n..\v I wouldn‘t
have even a knife to defend us wl ”

“ Oh, that is (00 had i" said Kitty, regretfully.

For i‘ully an hour they tarried at the island.
Dorothy grew uneasy and restless, while Kitty
seemed to take the situation with quit-t conh-ni ment,
chatting freely “llll Bunker as she “'llll‘llt'tl tho
myriads of little minnows swarming in the water
around the boat.

Final] Bunker said:

“Wei the sun‘s jist down, and l l‘(‘(‘l(t)ll it ‘11 be
safe to venture out now."

“Yes. I presume so," answered Kitty.
The man ste lpt‘d into the boat and look the same
osition as be ore, then, With the. paddle against Ilio
iank, he pushed off into the water, and soon they
were ntloat again upon the lake. llut instead of
h ruling northward toward Red Pine. [who/Hui soul/r
'II'III'II. "here Mes/Iowa ._ [helukv ire/a limd will an
2', I. uni/table wilt/tram?!

” Where are you going, Mr. Bunker?" Kitty asked:
“ this is not our emu-so.“

” it‘s my course, gals,“ replied the man; “ you
see l’ve, fell into love with you little angels and I‘m
goin‘ to run away with you."

A cry of despair burst from Dorothv's lips. She
now began to realize the truth to which her kind-
{ioss of heart had blinded her: the man was a. vil-
a n!

“Say, Mr. Bunker," suddenly exclaimed Kitty.
“ I want you to get out of this boat at once! you‘re
an outlawi"

Bunker laughed in a cold, harsh manner.

“1 mean w int i say," said Kitty, shoving the Tel-
low‘s own revolver against his jaw and cooking it,
the click of the rising hammer startling the villain
as thou h it were a ser wiit's hiss.

“Bo 'cerful girl!" lie exclaimed glancing back
over his shoul er.

“I will not—I will kill you dead 1-! will blow your
head off if you offer to touch me!" Kitty cried, her
spirit fully aroused to the danger of the situation.

“Girl. are you a tool? are you a young she de-
mon?" the man exr laiined.

" Yes,‘ she fairly hissed, “and you‘ll find I nwrn
to carry out my Will. if you dare turn toward it e
——if you dare raise a hand, I will fire! I niistrusit-d
you from the first and have nerved myself to kill
you unless you leave this canoe. I know how to
shoot, man, and true as there is a God above, 1 will
unless you—”

The fellow threw up his hand and grasped the re-
volver by the muzzle and attempted to jerk it fiom
the girl’s fingers, but as he did so the weapon went
at and a groan of agony mm from Blllllx't'l' s. llpli.
The ball tore throng the fellow‘s hand lm 'eruting it.
in a fearful manner, and before he could use to his
feeti the girl had the weapon leveled upon him
ago a.

F htful curses broke from the man's lips. He
lean over and thrust his mangled hand into the

water for relief from “.10 uwtul M

 

 

 

  

 

18

" I told flyou—I warned you. Mr. Bunker." said
Kitty in a rm, resolute tone, “ and now I warn you
again that you must leave this boat or I will shoot
you through the back.”

“ Then take me to that little island and I’ll get
out the fellow said.

“No, we will do no such thing," replied Kitty:
“you have got to jump out right here.”

“My God! you are a wild murderess, girl!"

“Yes,” Kitty said; “I have no mercy for one like
Kim. I command you to rise to your feet and leap
‘ to the lake and swim to the island or drown."

' “ I cannotswim a lick—not a link," declared Bunker.

“I don't care—I want you to et out at once."
Kitty said, in a tone that told er patience was
wearing out. “Rise to your feet and leap clear of
the boat and if you turn this way, or attempt to up-
set the canoe, I will take either for a signa for me
to shoot.” .

“Girl. I will drown sure as death," he protested.

' “and if I do I will haunt you whether you re awake

or asleep, all your life—I Will stare u from the

watery depths of this lake with ghast y face and
glassy eyes into your soul day and ’night. I will
make your life a hell on earth.”

“I don‘t care, I am bound you shall get out, and I
won’t wait another minute—not another minute!“
And she meant what she said.

“ All right, young demoness. here goes," said
Bunker rising to his feet «and (leaping out into the

- , lake. It was a bitter dose for him to swallow. He
sunk from view in the water but soon arose to the
surface and struck out toward the islandtswiniming
like a fish.

“ Now, Dorothy, let us flee,” said the heroic Kitty.
“The paddle, Kitty—where is it?" .

Kitty‘s face assumed a look of utter amazement

and for a moment it seemed her splendid courage

,would give wa . But mastering her emotions and
stifling her isappointment, she glanced after
Bunker. saying: .

“ What a blunder, Dorothy, to let him escape with
the addle.,“

“ t is too bad Kitty; I might have thought of
that.” said Dorothy.

“ Well, we’re rid of that man anyhow. and that is
considerable. Let us trust tothe wind to drift us
ashore. It will soon be dark and I thinkabreeze

f 7 will rise then. Perhaps we can paddle along a little
‘ with our hands.“

/ “ Oh, I’ll tell. you.” suddenly exclaimed Dorothy,
‘ and opening her little trunk she took therefrom an

oblflfigrhand-mirror; “ why will this not do for a

v pa e
-‘ i It will spoil it, Dorothy,” said Kitty.

_ “Well. it will be no great 1055'” and Doroth
began pl 'ng her mirror as a paddle With no sma
degree 0 success.

‘ They headed toward the southwest, the nearest

point now to the shore, but darkness had set in long

efore they‘had reached a landing. When they did,
‘ .however t ey concealed Dorothy_s trunk and bun-
' dies. and then set out for Red Pine, now fully two
miles away.

i The darkness in the woods was intense, but by

keeping in sight of the lake, the maidens were ena-

Bllg lto make their way along, though they traveled

w y.

Ever and anon they stopped to listen, out no
sound save the dull droning of insect wings and that
dreary moan of the wilderness after nightfall came
to their ears. To one versed in the lore of the woods,
this silence would have been regarded with uneasi-
ness. The hushed voices of all animate nature in the
1 deep, dark woods boded the presence of danger but

f t is the maidens were ignorant; and are halfy the
istance to Md Pine had been made. they were
shddenly', startled by the sound of pursuing feet.

Grasping each other's hands, the girls started on
, a run. In rounding the spur of a little hill they

, came-suddenly insight of a great, roaring camp-fire

a low rods amt. ' v

 

Deon-hunter.

.They stopped short at ht of it. They saw I
Single person seated at the re. and at a glance re-
cognized him as Simple Sam. The foolish boy had
built a great fire under the dark-green ines, and
with a long pole sat punching the 10 s an watching
the millions of s rks that went ancing up into
the dome of lPurp e darkness, ever and anon utter-
ing a wild, si y laugh.

‘ We have nothing to fear from him, Kitty,” said
Dorothy.

" Noran hingI to expect of him in the way of
help," rep led itty; ‘ unless he can tell us of
some place to hide from those unknown ursuers."

The ran on and stopped by the fire. Simple Sam
looke u uttering a strange cry. .

“ , aml” cried Kitty, “the Indians are after
usl Can‘t you show us where we can hide from
them ‘P" v

“ Yes—there,” and the foolish boy pointed toward
a dense thicket on ahead of them.

The girls ran on and entered the thicket.

Scarcely were they out of sight ere Old Bunker
with his wounded hand in a slin , rushed from the
darkness into the low of the e, followed by a
white man and near a score of Indians.

“Say. Simpletonl’ yelled the enraged Bunker,
panting like a worried ox. “ have on seen two girls
ficéhis way? Tell me, quick, or 1’] blow your foolish

e o

“ There " said the simple boy pointing in the very
direction the fugitives had gone.

Like hounds on the trail of a deer the demoniac
figdfilgnged across the light and plunged lnto the

w e . _

A moment or two later the bark of a revolver a

egths of the undergrowth. _
nd still a few moments later, the savages
emerged from the darkness bringing with them into
the light of the simple boy’s camp-fire, the two girls
and e lifeless body of Rube Bunker]

 

CHAPTER X.
' DEERHUNTER’S “ nm—nus’mn.”

" GREAT Ros crusians! what is the matter,
boy?" exclaime Old Rattler, as he and Captain
Swank emerged from Redpath’s store and met
the boy in the dooryard.

“Kitty Hawkins and Dorothy Bain are miss-
ing!” the boy found breath to answer.

“ Great goblins! you don’t tell me?” exclaim-

V ed Rattler.

“ Oh Lord 1” groaned Swank.

“They went over to Mr. Bain’s cabin two
hours ago after the things and they haven’t re«
turned. The team has been back an hour, and
the girls were comin’ across the lake in a canoe,
but as they're not back I’m afraid they’re in
trouble.”

“ Like as not,” said Rattler, “ and I reckon
you and me ’11 have to go and hunt ’em up.”

“Yes, and the sooner the better,” declared
Doerhunter, “for the savages are gradually
surroundin Red Pine. And, furthermore, I
just learns from overhearin a conversation
out in the woods between an Indian chief, and
a white man, that Dandy Bill, the Canadian
,outlaw. and his band of cut-throats are with
the savages. When I heard your flrin’ over
here. I hustled into get to help you, but were
a little too late.” . ‘

“Plenty time yet. boy,” said Rattler: “ but
let’s run in and see how our friend Parkeris
gittin’ along. and then I’llnbe readyto go with

 

you in search for the

. 1

an, a savage yell and a shriek came from the I

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.

 

  

we;

V " .wvmm

 

 
   

.._..,....._. _ .__.._‘ _ ,
' \ i V , .
\ n. \ K .\,_,, .

  w ,, 

  

Deerhunter. 19

 

They hurried inside the now completed stock-
ade and made their way to ’Squiro Hawkins’s
house, where they were met by the ’squire and
his good wife, who were nlnmst distracted over
the absence of Kitty; but the two scouts as-
sured them that the girls should be found, and
they passed on into the room where Parker lny.
They found the young man resting easier, and
the doctor told them now that if his patient’s
Will-power was as strong as his constitution, he
might i ull through. 1

Leaving the defense, the two scouts made
their wa around the lake to Timothy Bnin’s
cabin. hey found where the girls had landed
and embarked in the canoegand the also found
moccasined tracks pointing tower and disap—

earing at the water’s edge, where the canoe

ad left the beach. I ‘

“ That tells the tale,” said Deerhunter, point-
ing to the tracks in the sand.

“' Yes, and it’s a white man’s truck. The toes
turn outward instead 0’ inward as a. red—skin’s
allers do,” said Rattler.

“ So much the worse for the girls if they are
in the power of a. white villain,” declared the
young scout. ,

“ Yes, if he should be one 0’ that Canadian
outlaw’s gan .”

“ Just as )5:er to be as not."

“Then that scoundrel, Gordon, and villain,
Powell, must have had som‘ethin’ to do with
their abduction.”

“Then who knows but one of the girls is Evil
Oldham, of whom Frank Parker is in search?
But surely that can’t be."

“ Nothin’ impossible, boy. If Parker had
only been able to talk to me, I’d axod him who
he thought war the gal be war after, but maybe
he don’t know hisSelf. Jist guessin’ at her
bein’ in Red Pine. To be sure, I know noth-
in’ of the ast history 0’ any 0’ the Red Pine
gals, seein as I never come a-courtin' any 0’
them.”

“Nor do I know enough of any of them to
make a guess who the heiress might be. There
are—let me see—six young ladies in Red
Pine, and all bear the names of those I sup-
pose to be their fathers. But what next, Rat-
tler?”

“ Circle the lake and see what we can find,”
was the old man’s prompt reply, and they at
once set off southward along the lake. .

By this time it was quite dark. An ominous
silence surrounded them, but as they moved
along, the Were suddenly startled by the crack
of a pisto , a. groan, and the shriek of female
voices.

“Thar, b the Rosycrusians i” cried Rattler.

“The re demons have got the girls!” ex-
claimed Deerhunter. “Do you see yonder
light ahead?” ‘

“ Should say so—it’s a camp-fire.”

They crept forward and soon ained a point
whence they could command a View of the fire.
They saw fully a score of red-skins and white
within its glow, and in their-midst they beheld
the object of their search, Kitty and Dorothy.
A white man, with his face covered With a
bushy beard, stood between the girls holding
eaohyqne py the firm. Another renegade or
0|]

I .

 

.s,

 

flaw stood over by Simpleflam evidently»

teasing him, while at one side In the life]
form of Rube Bunker. y ass

Dorothy seemed downcast and unconscious of ‘ . v
what was going on around her. Her head droop- ' '
ed forward and her hands hung clasped before
her. But Kitty, with her hat hanging at her
back, stood erect—the Very personification of
irate and defiant beauty. ‘

“The red flendsl” Deerhunter fairly hissed,
after gazing upon them for a moment.

“Yes; they’re p’izen ones, tool" re l’ed Rat.
tler. " And what an easy thing it’d to swat
a pair 0’ them—but what good ’d it do? It’d
only put the rest on their gumd. But we must
do somethin’, lad—I’ve got to do somethin’ des-
perit, for I’m gittin’ hot! Don’t ye hear the
blood go hubblin’ along my veins? Why, the
hair on my head ’8 beginnin’ to kink, and the
moccasins on my feet to fry and curl, with the
white heat 0’ the Red River Epidemic. ’ Boy, I
can't help it, and ’less I can work oflf the spell
by pullin’ up a tree or doin’ somethin’uwful, I’ll
burn up with s ontaneous combustion. If
you’ll throw a leet e dust in them Ingins’ egos
I’ll agree to wade in thar and whip the till
infer,i,ia1 gang, outlaws and all, and rescue the

\

1

“ I’ll do it. Rattler l” quickly declared the boy.
“You can {just'hold ourself invtrim to sail in,
for I’ve an dea that can do the eye-dustin’ in
fine style. I’ll try it, anyhow.”

“Now, boy, you’re jokin’,” said Rattler, in-
credulously.

“ Not a bit of it; I mean what I say—I don’t
intend you shall burn up, and if ou’llgive your
attention to the gals while, the ngins are d' -'
gin’ the dust out of their eyes, you’ll have hi
you can attend to.”

“Boy, what wild, visionary scheme’s in your ’
head i” » \

Deerhunter told him. The old man shook his

cad.

“It’ll be risky,” he said.

The boy took off his cap, and empltied the com"
tents of his powder-flask into it. his done, he
was ready for work. . w

“ It’s a good scheme, led,” the old man went
on; “if you can make it scour, I’ll break a
trace but what I do my part. But you’ll have
to wait and watch till the gels are furder from
the fire or you might ruinate their eyes.”

“ I’m aware oif that, Rattler,” said Deer- '
hunter, “ and now I’m going to creep around to i v
the opposite side and watch my chances and
you can do the same.” I ~

So saying, the boy left and Old Rattler on
hands and knees crept as close to the foe as‘tho
shadows would permit.

A few minutes had passed when theubushy-
bearded outlaw who had the girls in charge
turned and led his captives back from the fire in
fewpaces torflnd them a seat;and even while "
their backs were turned upon the fire, the lithe
figure of Deerhunter glided from the shadows
and with the swiftness of a deer bounded across
the area. of light—brushing against two save as
as he ran—SWeeping by the roaring camp- 6 _
into which he dashed his cap as he passed, and
before a sound had escaped the lips of the stut-
l d'savages. ere the boy was himself ten feet. v
on the fire, there was a. great pufllike 0h
. ' 1..

   
 

 

  
 

 

  
     
  

  
  

    
   
 
  
 
 
  

   
 
    
    
 

.‘V

r

t

 

Deerhunter.

 

plosion in the heart of the flames and the very
air was filled with blinding smoke, scalding
ashes, an almost suffocating gas and blazing
brands and glowing coals of tire.

Half smothered and blinded by the ashes and
smoke, the savages stag ered backward shelter»
ing their heads with their hands from the rain-
ing'flre and ashes, howling, sneezing, and cough-
mg.

So quick and terrible, indeed, had been the
explosion of the powder that the smoke and fire
and been blown out even beyond where Old
Rattler lay concealed. Deerhunter was himself
deluged with ashes and fire and his way dark-
ened by the sulphurious smoke; but his back be-
in".' to the fire his oyes and lungs escaped injury
on l so he made his way safely into the darkness
of the woods.

v After recovering his rifle the lad started back

. to ascertain, if possible, how Old Rattler was

etting along with his part of the work. ’He
ad gone but a short distance when he heard a
step, then a voice inquired: I '

“ That you, Deerhunterl"

“Yes, Rattler; did you succeed?” answered
the boy.

“ Holy goblins! the gals war gone when I got
to the spot whar I last seen them. I run s uare
ag’inst that bushy—faced outlaw that he. the
'girls in charge. He was a-cussin’ and pawin’
the air like a wild roan steer—feelin’ for the
gals with’one hand and rubbin’ his eyes with
the other. I cut a few circles in that infernal
gloom of smoke, ashes, and brimstun, and then
skipped out after havin’ fetched bushy-face one
atwixt the eyes with my flst for luck. The gals
(I guess were sharp enough and took advantage
0’ your grand eye duster and escaped. Boy,

' that scheme war a lily-throated daisy. a com-

pound dazzler. It war grand beyond deescrip-

_ ,tion. ’Amet’oric shower couldn’t equal it! The

way fire and sparks and burnin’ clubs rained
down round thar made it epidemicish, ’ill-flrish;
and I reckon when I swatted that feller atwixt
the eyes he thought old Satan had punched him
with his poker.”

“ If them reds rekindle their flre we can tell,
I presume, whether the girls have escaped or
were taken away,” sail Daerhunter.

*‘ Very likely,” said Old Rattler, “ and as

' than a little hoodoo riain’ out there already, I

reckon‘they’re beginnin’ to git their peepers
cleared o’ dust.”
In the course of a. few minutes a fire was re-

. kindled, sure enough, on the very spot where

the other had burned so brightlv, and creeping
as close as they durst they looked upon the saw-
, age band. And a sorry and distressed—lookin
crew it was. Those that had stood close to an
facing the fire when the explosion occurred
were almost blinded, being huran and scorched
in the face and in some instances the hair sinzed

, of! their heads. The outlaw app ared from the

gloom minus his captives but with a broken
nose and bloody face. .
‘ The loss of their captives did not seem to con

,Eoern the red-skins as much new as their inju-

ries and while the outlaws cursed and raved
with impotent rage most of the savages Were

squatted here and there tenderly rubbing their

faces and stunting. weele eyes.

\
r

 

The few warriors that had escaped injury
took their positions on guard near where the
light and darkness met, determined that another
accident of the kind should not oceur for the
want of proper vigilance. -

Simple Sam was nowhere to be seen. In fact,
he had left a few minutes before the explosi‘ '1'.

The savages were not ignorant of the cause of
their mishap nor of who the author was, and
believing the boy had been equally success
ful in gettin away with the girls, they made
no attempt in their general misery to follow
them.

“ Boy,” whispered Old Rattler with a chuckle,
“it looks like a blind‘asylum there, don’t it? I
can see the dew-draps glitterin’ on the noses 0’
seven 0’ them red rinded orpha ns—them as are
knucklin’ their eyes. Great Rosycrusiansl if
we’d 1i ht down on that park couldn’t we pile
’em? expect you‘d better to ke krer 0’ me, boy
—take me away and tie me up, or if I git set a-
goin’ I may decstroy the hull lngin nation, and
if I did, think 0’ the missionaries and the Ingin-
agents. and soldiers, and scouts that ’ll be
thrown out 0’ employment! It in fines me stag-
ger to think 0’ it. But s’pose we swat. ’em one
for luck, and light out—n0, that won’t do either,
for it ma y endanger the lives 0’ the gals if they-
’re alone in the woods.”

“Yes, for the girls’ sake we had better let
them alone,” said Deerhunter, “ for if they get
set in motion now, they’ll be worse than blood-
hounds.”

“Then let’s be movin’,” said Rattler.

They turned and glided away in the direction
of Timothy Bain’s cabin: and had nearly reach-
ed that building when they discovered it was on
fire on the inside. The flames were already is-
suing from the south Window, and in the waver-
ing light the scouts could see the shadowy forms
of red skins standing and moving about.

As they stood watching the growing fire, a.

ent»np scream suddenly smote upon their ears.
l)t came from the burning cabin. They saw the
red-skins start and move up closer to the build-
ing. Then they saw the door of the house sud-
denly thrown open and two female form rush
out into the air.

“ My Lord! Rattler, it’s them girls, Kitty
and Dorothy!”

“ It are, boy, sure as there be a heaVenl and
they have rushed right out into the redekins‘
power—therel one 0’ them has fainted.”

“ Dorothv, r girl,” said Deerhunter sadly;
“ Rattler. sha l we attack the red demons?”

“ Bov. I’m ruinatin’ for a fight, but we co
never handle them critters all in a stand-up a d

knock-dOWn light. If we had daylight and could .

fight on a retreat we’d open an airy aperture
through some 0’ them, you bet—they wouldn't
he a before-breakfast exercise for us. We could
epidemicize a few 0' them from whar we stand
hut that’d advertise our presence and we'd have
to promenade and that’d leave the gals in a
wussur shape’n ever.”

“ Rattler, here than, take my gun l” exclaimed
Deerhunter, “I'm going to wade among them
Ingins and play Simple Sam and watch fora
chance to rescue them girls.”

“ Boy, you’ll git your head bu’sted sure as you '

dbl” declared Rattler.

 

 

    

Deer-hunter.

21

 

"I’ll risk it, anyhow,” said the boy dragging
the hair down into his eyes and streaking his
face with dirt. Then changing his hunting-shirt
inside out, and his leggings, also, and tying some
strips of bark peeled from a bush hard by around
his ankles, he was ready to start.

Boy, you’d better not go,”again admonished
Rattler.

“ Be cheerful, Rattler,” was the fearless
youth’s reply, “ and ii I git a chance to throw
dust in the varmints7 eyes you be ready to sail
in.”

“Oh, you young pup dare-devil! I never sot
eyes on your match,“ declared Rattler, but his
words were lost on the fearless boy who boldly
advanced from the shadows into the li ht and
walked toward the savages several of w om ad-
vanced to meet him the moment his presence
was discovered. They drew their tomahawks
as they advanced, and Rattler seeing this hostile
movement believed they intended to brain the
boy and so raised his rifle to shoot down the first
one that attempted to raise :1 Weapon. But the
foremost one looking into the face of the hatless
youth seemed satisfied as to who the intruder
was and turned away with a grant.

“ The goi-dumbed eejiots!” mused Rattler. “I
reckon all a boy’s got to do is to look cross eyed
and he’s a Simple Sam. Great Rasycrusians! if
he could only dust their eyes now like he did—
Hnllol what ails the red-rinded fools nowi”

This mental interrogatory was occasioned by
a sudden burst of excitement and a movement
of the Indians toward the lake.

Lookin in that direction Old Rattler started
and the bIood ran icy in his veins, for he beheld
the veritable Simple Sam himself walking to-
ward the burning cabin.

“ Great Lord 1” the old borderman groaned in
spirit, “Deerhunter’s a dead boy nowl an epi-
demic can’t save the brave lad l"

——

CHAPTER XI.
ma WRONG GIRL.

DEEBHUNTER‘S attention was drawn, by the
savages’ excitement, to the simple boy whom he
was representing among the savages, and he at
once realized his great peril. He knew, 'it' put
to the test, that he could not maintain the
character he had assumed, and, even if he could
have done so, he had too much honor to imperil
the life of r Sam by taking any further ad-
vantage 0 his inflrmities. So he saw that he
must act promptly, and, walking over to where
Kitt sat sup ortmg the head of Dorothy in her
lap, e picketfm) a club that lay near. dealt the
savage that stood guarding them a blow on the
head'that felled him half dead to the earth, say-
ing to the girls as he did so, in his natural voice:

" Be of good cheer girls; you'll be rescuedl”,

“Oh, Deerhunteri“ burst from Kitty’s lips;
but the boy heard her words. for, with a yell of
defiance, be bounded across the open ard in
front of the burning cabin and plunged into the
shadows of the woods, pursued by half of the
now thoroughly enraged foe.

In dire suspense Rattler maintained his posi-
tion waiting and watching. It was several
minutes before he saw any of the savages that

 

had gone in pursuit of Deerhunter return.
They came back in ones and twos, and the look
of (IPJeCthI) and disap ointment that their
faces were gave the ol borderman hope for
the boy.

An hour had almost passed when the old
man‘s'enrs were greeted by a stealthy move-
ment in the bushes behind him. He knew not
whether it was a savage or Deerhunter, and in
hopes of deciding the matter without s coking
he slowly drew back the hammer of iiis rifle:
The click of the lock called forth the whispered
admonition:

“ Easy there, Rattler, if that be you?”

” Come for’d,Deerhunter,you reckless scamp,”
replied the old scout, for he recognized the boy’s
voice even in his whispered wor s.

The next moment the two scouts were to-
gether.

“ A close, call that, Rattler,” observr’d Deer-
hunter. “ Confonnd that Sim le Sum, I didn’t
suppose he'd ramble ’round al night, and after
I seen I was intoit I was bound the boy shouldn’t
suii‘er on my account, and so I let ’em know I
was no cross-eyed gumphead.

“ I see’d the hull performance,” said Rattler,
“and I smiled to see how kitteny you flew
around. Bu’sted an Ingin, didn‘t e?"

“ I waited one over the head alively jolt, at
any, rate—hallo, there’s more red—skins comin’
in!

“By the Rosycrusiansl” exclaimed Rattlu‘,
“ them‘s the folks into whose eyes you pawed
dust, bey, down the lake. Ste how droopish
they look; and look at old bushy-time’s bandaged
head. Say, I‘ve got to git buck a mile or two,
and have a. good, hearty, wild-cat laugh. It‘s
been ’cumulatin’ in me for hours, and I’ve got
to fight or laugh one, and that soon, too."

Kitty and Dorothy were kept at the hurnin
cabin for some time, then the, savage: marched
away with them in a northwesterly course.

As they moved along the captives saws num-
ber of lurid lights in the sky before them and
knew at once that they were reflected from the
burning homes of the settlers.

After an hour’s travel the party came to a
cabin which so far had‘cscaped the flames. The
captives were conducted into the building which
they found already occupied by four persons
three of whom were white men and the other
an Indian chief.

A fire burning in an opcn fire-place lit up the
room and as the eyes of the four fell 11 on the
face of the captives, one of the outlaws, for such
the three white men were, exclaimed:

“ By Judas! Powell, there’s our girli"

Both of the girls started and glanced at the
s aker. They recognized something familiar
a out the voice, but the rough, sandy-bearded
face of the man was that of a total stranger.

The chief was the noted Little Priest, a crafty,
cunning savage and leader of the forces invest-
ing Red Pine. He feasted his little, snakish eyes
upon the captives with a look that caused them
to shudder.

The villain, Fenton Powell, turning to the
save e, said:

“ here, Little Priest, have Inot kept my
word, and found you a white squaw such as
your heart craved? There she is,” and he point-

 

 

 

Deerhunter.

 

‘\ ed to Dorothy who shrunk away as if from the
presence of a serpent.

“ Who have that squaw?" asked the chief
pointing to Kitty, with a. covetous look.

“ Your old friend here, Dandy Bill, will take
her to his palace over in the Dominion,” replied
Powell, as indifferently as though parcelingr out
,, cattle to his friends.

' Kitt ’s heart almost ceased to beat when she
learne that she not only stood in the presence
of that infamous outlaw, Dandy Bill. but was
to be given into his power. Recovering her
self-possession, however, she found words to

y: .

“ I supposed this was an Indian war—not
that of white men against two helpless girls.”

“ Rest easy as you can, girls.” said Powell
with suave politeness, ~“ for We will not quarrel
about what cannot be helped.”

After some further words on the part of»

Kitty and the villain, Little Priest went out

and held a long consultation with his warriors.

V r When he came back his face wore an angry,
savage scowl. He lit his pipe, and seating him-

self on the floor, smoked in silence.

V Powell nor hisponfederates disturbed his si-

I lent meditations.

It was uite evident that the chief was in bad
Humor. he defeat of his warriors in the at-
tack on the settlers, and the death of so many
of them, grieved him sorely.

Scouts kept coming and going during the en-

tire night, but they brought no news that was
- encouraging.
A couch of blankets was spread on the floor
. in a. little room adjoining, for the maidens.
, They seated themselves upon it, and all night
long sat locked in each other’s arms, talking in
whispers and Weeping. ' ‘

Daylight at length dawned. The savage
killed a‘calf belonging to one of the settlers, and
this was dressed and broiled and served for
breakfast along with some green corn roasted
in the husk in hot ashes.

The captives were offered some of the viands,
but declined them.

Along toward noon Little Priest called a
- council of all his warriors in front of the cabin.
Over a hundred painted and plumed savages sat
,, in the circle, and as Kitty looked out upon
' ,them her heart grew sick, and it was all she
could do to master her hitherto splendid cour-

.a e.

, 8After the council was over Little Priest en-
tergd the cabin, and approaching Dorothy,
sal : ‘

- “ White souaw go now—she ride horse with
Little Priest] ’

The girl uttered a shriek and started back,
clinging to Kitty. The chief took her by the
/ arm and half-dragged her away.

“ Oh, Kitty! Farewelll farewell!” she moan.
ed in the bitterest ngony.

. Kitty burst into “tears, and attempted to
1. follow her young friend, when Powell arrested
her, saying:

“Not yet, Miss Hawkins. The Indians are

"only going to change their base of operations

‘ over to the woods, while we will have the coun-

Enti ly as soon as the horses arrive.”

I _ tty" grief was quickly changed to indigna-
' V /

 

tion and rage, and turning, her eyes flashing
like conls of fire, she exclaimed:

“ Wretch, keep your hands to yourself! It is
only your brute strength that saves you from
being strangled !"

“ You’re a kind of Lucretia Borgia, ain’t youl
But then, you'll be tamed, my fine girl,” replivrl
the man. “I see you have a little of the 011
Allen fire in you.”

Kitty turned her back upon the villain, and
walking.r to the window looked out after the say
ages, who were moving away with Dorothy.

Fenton Powell finally left the room, closing
the door behind him. Just outside he met the
sandy-boomed Dandy Blll.

“ How soon will you be ready to start, Bill?”
he asked.

“In a very short time; but say, Powell, I’d
like to make a change in our rogramme.”

“ Well, what is it?” demam ed Powell.

“ Make the girl my wife for good, and stand
by her.” .

“ And thwart me?"

“Oh, no: not at all! Carry out our agree—
ment all but—but—well, I marry the girl and
live with her. I believe she loves me. anrl—” _
f  And you love her,” sheared Powell, distrust<

u y.
“ She’s a splendid little girl, Powell. I Admire
her, at least," replied the outlaw, laughing be-
hind his mask. , v

“ It won’t do—I will do nothing unless we
carry out our old arrangements,” declared
Powell.

“ All right, Fenton Powell: I’m not the man
to break my word for a small thing.’_’

Meanwhile Kittv was pacing the floor in a
dreadful agony of mind. Half an hour had
passed thus when the door opened, and Neal
Gordon entered the room!

“Oh, Neall”she cried, starting toward the
young scout, her face beaming with joy; “ have
you come to save me?”

“ If I can, Kitty,” was the man’s reply, given
in a half-whimpering tone.

“ If you can 1’ What do you mean by that?
There are but two or three outlaws about—the
Indians left here and went over to the timber.
You have two revolvers; let me have one, for
you know I can use it.”

“Fighting will avail nothing now, Kitty.”

“ Ay, but do you know that Dandy Bill, the
outlaanw, is around—was here a. few moments
ago.

“Yes, I know all, but Kitty, do you know
you are the victim of a conspiracy?” and the
fellow looked nervously around as if fearing he
would be overheard.

“No, I do not,” replied the maiden, in sur-

rise.

“ Well. it is so,” Gordon went on: “you re«
member I asked you a few days ago if you were
the daughter of Squire Hawkins.”

“Yes. sir.’\’

“ Well, let me say to you that I know more
of your own father’s history than perhaps you
do yourself, for he died. or rather was kil ed.
by Indians when you were quite young.”

“ When I was four years old,” said Kitty.

“ Well,
ham—9)

your father’s true name was Old-

 

 

 

‘, in... 1.

.A‘mwn-nogz it!

  

 

Deer-hunter:

   

23

 

lg , “ y father’s name—” began Kitt , but the
- quick-witted girl checked herself, crying: “ but
pardon my interru tion, Neal—go on."

“His name was ldham and he was a fugi-
tive from his native State for a crime he never
committed. This came to light uite recently,
and measures were set on foot to rid him after
his innocence had been established. It was
[ - learned that after leaving his native State and

‘ ' going West he changed is name and was af-
terward killed by the Indians while living on
the Platte river in Nebraska. Then your mo«
ther married and she, of course, took the name
of Hawkins, and you were giving the name,
a so.’

“ How has this been traced out, Neal?” Kitty
asked, in sur rise.

“ By frien s of your father.”

“ Did you know my father?”

“ No but I am a friend of his daughter.
Now, itty, you are heiress to a large fortune
in New Ham shire. Fenton Powellis heir next
. after you an he—”

5:, “Then he is a relative of mine?" cried Kitty.
;. “ He is a cousin of your father, and with you

' out of his way he will inherit the fortune. ’

f ‘ “ Then I understand why he is thus pursuing
V me,” declared Kitty, “ and; Neal, I am afraid
'3, you have been helpin him. ’

‘ “I confess I have, itty, though I was inno-
you a wrong, for as I told on
love you, and I now re at t at
declaration. Promise me that you wi l be my
wife, and that man shall no longer molest you,
and you shall have the fortune the villain would
cheat you out of.”

“ Has not that fortune a great deal to do with
your love, Neal?”

“ Nothing on earth, Kitt i" he declared. as if
hurt by the question. “ I new and loved you
before I know on were ought else than
Kitty Hawkins— efore I learned that your
true name was Eva 01dham——- Kitty, why do
you smile?”

“ At that odd name, Eva Oldham.”

“ Kitty, you are an enigma.” said Gordon;
“ I believe y‘bu take a woman’s pleasure in tor-
turin me.” _

“ no, Neal, I do not; I am frivolous, I
know."

“ Then why do you not answer me? .Surely
vou care nothing for that young waif, J ac
_' ell, or Deerhunter?” .

1 “ Deerhunter is a brave and daring boy—won
: thy of any girl’s love,” declared Kitty, in an
emphatic tones

‘ I will admit that,” he said, a little petulant-
ly; “but you, I know, do not love him however
much you mayadmire his courage. Now, Kitty,
what am I to understand? will you reject my
love., and escape the power of this villain Powell,
or—’

“If on care so much for me as Eva Old-
ham. t e heiress, surely you should care enough
for Kitty Hawkins to save. her from that man’s
power,” declared the girl, in desperate earnest-
ness. ‘

“Ido not understand you, exactly, Kitty,“

Gordon replied, calmly. _

“ When any one I mistakenfibout anything,”
‘ laid Kitty, with a faint smile, “ old Captain

>1
v‘

..._‘_N

 

cent of doin
once before,

 
   

~ “was”. rm; “

"w‘wtwamwamw- . ,.  

"wa-v.

   

 

 

    
   
   
   
    
  
  
   
   
 
    
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
     
   
   
   
 

§wan’k tells them they’re barking up the wrong
ree.

“And in what respect is that saying appli-
cable to me?”

“I am not Eva Oldham, never was, nor was
my father's name Oldham, nor did he ever flee
from his native State for a crime he never com~
mitted. My father’s name was Henry Carroll,
and he was slain by the Indians on Platte river.
If it is a fortune you have been after, Neal,
you have missed it wonderfully in not having
made love to Dorothy Bain, for her father’s
name was Charles Oldham, and her real name
is Eva. ! 7’ -

félKitty, come now, you are jesting,” the man
sal .

“True as [live I am not,” Kitty continued;
“Dorothy’s father lived on the Platte with us,
and he was slain the same time my father was.
Our mothers married about the some time after-
ward and as Mr. Bein and Mr. Hawkins were
old friends they came here together. Dorothy’s
mother died two years ago and since then she
and l have been daily companions. She told
me all about her father’s trouble as related to,
her by her mother. She said her mother always
claimed that her father was innocent of the
murder of David Allen and that time would
prove it.”

“ Did she tell you how' her father escaped the
Lnob”that took him from the officers to hang

im’!

“Yes, that mob/was composed of Mr. Old.
ham’s personal friLnds who believed him inno-
cent of the crime, and after taking him into the
woods, ostensibly to kill him, they assisted him
to escape and after two years had elapsed sent
his wife and child to him.”

“ And then Dorothy does not know that/ he!
fatherhas been exonerated and that he, or his
heirs, are heirs to the fortune of David Allen,
the very man he was accused of slaying?”

“ No, sir, she does not; at least, did not a day
or two ago.”

“Then that yrung mun, Frank Parker, that
came to Red Pine yesterday has not made known
his mission yet?’

“He lies at the point of death—wounded by a
savage bullet," replied Kitty.

“ indeed!” and there was a faint gleam in
Gordon’s eyes that Kitty did not fail to notice, I ‘
ygt she could not imagine what thought prompt
e it. ,

After a few more‘remarks Gordon turnedand,
left the room. As he went out and around the
building he met Fenton Powell whose face was 1 1
pur 1e with rage. ’

“ owell, we have made a mistake—got tho
wrorép’." girl; that Dorothy Bain is the girl we
wan . \

An oath burst from Powell’s lips and then fix-
ing his eyes on Gordon, he said: ‘

“I understand it all!”

“ Ahl you have been listening.” ‘

“Yes, and heard your love twaddle, and
treacherous talk about David Allen’s fortune. I
understand vour game now. sir, is to under-
mine me. You told me you’d prove beyond r
question as to that girl being Eva Oldham.”

“I thought I had, Powell, and. am not .sure
yet but I was right. That girl in, there/13 as

x s.

      
     
       
     
       
     
       
     
     
  

    

  

      

   

,94

beerhunter.

 

char and shrewd as you or I, and seeing our
.aim opes to throw us off our track. As to my
“love-twaddle and treacherous talk,“ Powell,
. . I should think you were rascal enough to under-
'-’ \ stand what I mean—in fact, what that talk
developed.”
A forced laugh burst from Powell's lips after
which he said:
“Well, to make assurance doubly sure, we’ll
have to have the girl, Dorothy.”
“ Exactly.”
“ And in getting her we’ll have Little Priest
to contend with.” ‘
“ We’ll have to steal her,” Said the villain

Gordon, “ but leave that to me, Powell. ‘ I can
hoodwink that Indian. The nice part will be
in getting away with her after she has been
once secured without detection; but we’ll try
' and work it some way.”

“Then let us leave at once for it would not

’ be too safe should it he discovered that we were

here—— Hullo, there, Canson, bring along the
horses!”

In obedience to this command two men came

‘ out of the stables leading six horses saddled and
bridled.

' Taking the animals around to the door of the
cabin. Ki'ty was mounted upon one of them.
, Powell mounted another and taking the reins of

the maiden’s horse rode away. followed by Neal
. ‘ Gordon and the other two outlaws, all in the sad-

dle. with one led horse.
' Scarcely were they fifty rods from the cabin
‘ when an old plank that to all appearances lay
flat on the ground, was shoved aside and a. lithe
fl zure arose from a depression in the earth and
’ gazed after the outlaws.

It was Deerhuuter, the Young Scout of the
North Woods.

CHAPTER XII.
THE INDIAN BIVOUAO IN THE woons.

OVER into the deep, dark forest Little Prie t
. conducted his warriors, who, with the excep-r
 tion of a few scouts still in the woods, com-
: prised his entire force for the investment of Red
«Pine, and finally went into camp some five
miles from the village of the whites. The chief
\was in no amiable mood. Repeated losses and
defeats had almost demoralized his followers,
v and to his white ally, Dandy Bill, the outlaw,
.. or the White Peacock, as the Indians called the
“ noted dandy-freebooter. he attributed most of
his misfortunes. The outlaw had deceived him
as to the number of the settlers and the case
'.'With which'Red Pine could be captured, he—the
. chief having intrusted the management of the
, attack to the outlaw.

Of this, however, Dandy Bill and his friend
Powell cared nothing so that they accomplished
their ends in securing possession of Eva Old-

ham‘ at a. time when the Indians would be held
, accountable for her disap earance.
' " The ’chief was proud of is fair captiw, Doro-
thy, and yet he felt that she had been dearly
~ purchased. r

A comfortable lodge was made of poles and

r blankets for the maiden, and. when she was
laced therein all earthly hope faded from her

east and she sunk sobbing to the earth.

    
   
   
    
  
   
    
  
  
    
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
 

 

   
  
  

       
       
 

    
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
  

       
   
       
     

   

sole her with the assurance that when night
came he would attack Red Pine and bring other
maidens to share her captivity.

By this Dorothy knew that the savage intend-
ed making a night attack upon her friends. and
as she looked out upon the horde of bloodthirsty
warriors it did not seem possible that they—
her friends—would be able to hold out against
such odds. And to make the situation seem all
the more hopeless, a fresh party of warriors
joined them during the day. They had just
come over from the east, flushed with victory
at New Ulm, and Mankato, their girdles hung
with many ghastly trophies of those now his«
torical massacres. '

Dorothy could not shut out the din of their
wild rejoicing, but turned her head to elude the
horrible sights which her captors seemed to
take a demoniac delight in parading before and
around her.

Toward evening Little Priest caller] his war-
riors around him and excited them into a mad
frenzy by a wild stirring harangue and then
when darkness fell he led them away through
the forest aisles toward the settlement. '

Dorothy breathed somewhat easier when she
found that she was not to be dragged along
with the war-party, but was to remain 'in cus-
tody of a number of savages that were unable
to take part in the intended attack on Red Pine,

wood-choppers the day previous and in Deer-
hunter’s “ eye—dusting " exploit.

To relieve the place of 1155 gloom a fire was
built soon after nightfall a few paces from the
maiden’s lodge. The disabled warrior had no
fears of an attack upon them, for the Indian
scouts had brought in the word about sunset
that no pale-faces were in the woods but that
all had sought the cover of their defense.

Doroth could see evary one of a the wounded
Indians in whose custody she had been left.
The scene presented was thatof a field-hospital.
There were nearly a score of warriors, lying
sitting and standing around. Some carrie
their arms in slings, others limped around with
wounded limbs. Three or four had bandages
around their heads or over an eye, while no less
than four lay prone upon the earth mortally
vounded. Two sat near these in stoical silence

their faces a mass of solid blisters—victims of

Deerhunter’s powder-explosion.

There was nothing at all formidable in the
looks of this party, but when some two or three
hours later the sound of battle came down the
forest from the direction of Red Pine, they
started up with all the excitement and ferocity
of their savage natures, intensified by their
physical pains, depicted upon their faces. ‘
Dorothy‘s hands had been bound at her back
to the central pole of her lodge, and the sides of
the lodge closed up, yet she could hear the
sound of the distant conflict. and through in-
terstices in her'prison see the exoited demon-
strations, of her guards. But while the latter
were rejoicing ovar an anticipated victory the
maiden was earnestly sup licating her Heaven-
ly .Father for victory or her. friends and
strength tobear her own unknown burden o1

 

' ’ Littlerriest endeavored to, comfort and con-

  

owing to wounds received in their attack on the _

l e. \
While thus engaged, the captive’o ears were .

 
 

  

g‘bt

her

nd-
ind
ity

L—
1st
ull
irs

 
  
  
  
  
 

 

 

Deer-hunter. 86

 

greeted by a sudden change in the sounds and
voices outside.

Leaning forward she peered out, and to her
surprise, and not at all to her relief, she beheld
the man whom she had heard addressed the
night before as Dandy Bill, also Fenton Powell
and another villainous—looking white man.

At sight of them her thoughts at once revertr
ed to Kitty Hawkins, and she wondered what
had become of her and what had brought the
outlaws to the camp of the wounded red-skins.
As to the latter she was not long to remain in
ignorance, for one of the outlaws said, in
a voice whose familiarity almost struck her
dumb:

“ Well, red-skins, you’re not helping to fight
the ale-faces, I see.’

“ e all wounded,” replied a savage with a
bandag’ed eye. “ We stay and guard pale-face

uaw. ’

“That‘s nice work,” re lied the outlaw;
“but, say, we’ve come at er that pale-face

uaw."

“ Ugh!“ gruuted the Indian. “ Little Priest’s

uaw.”

“Iknow it; but we met Little Priest 0ch
here as he went forth to battle, and he told me
to come and take her with me and keep her for
him. The chief isa friend of Dand Bill, and
he has come todo his bidding. Is t 6 girl in
this coop?”

“ Waugh 1" exclaimed the Indian, stepping
in between ‘the outlaws and the captive's
lodge. “Black Bird will not give up the pale-
face girl."

“ Then Black Bird t inks I’m lying, does he?"
retorted the outlaw, ropping his hand to his
revolver.

“ Maybe he do—maybe don’t; but Black Bird
no let girl go!"

And the Indian’s hand dropped to his toma-
hawk, for the save es were all growing dis-
trustful of Dandy Bi 1.

A conflict seemed brewingbetween the wound-
ed red-skin and his old-time friend, and it
threatened to be general, for the other wounded
warriors at once rallied to their friend's side,
while the outlaws grasped their revolvers and
half-drew them from their holsters.

“Black Bird,” said the outlaw chief, “you
insult the friend of Little Priest, and your

reat chief, Little Crow. Has his tongue cVer

en crooked to the Sioux? Has he not fought
by the side of the red man and killed many ene-
mies! Speak, Black Bird.” _

“Black Bird has spoken,” replied the Indian,
with a sullen, do god demeanor. _

“Then you wi not let me have the captive
and take her to a place of safety to keep her for
Little Priest?”

“ No!" sullenly.

“ Then stand aside!” commanded the outlaw,
advancing a step and raising his revolver.

"Black Bird is not a coward,” declared the
Indian, his single eye blazing with all the fe-
rocity of his soul. But his declaration of cour-
age were the last words he ever spoke for the
revolver of the Outlaw flashed in his face and
he sunk down lifeless at his post of duty—true
to the trust of his chief till the last.

A yell burst from the lips of the other red

—-.

 

 

skins, and then knives and tomnliawks began to
fly throu h the air, while the revolvers of the
three out aws, fired in rapid succession, made
the dark aisles of the woodland ring with their
short, sharp, spiteful reports.

When Dorothy saw that a conflict was inevi-
table, her sympathy instinctively sided with
the Indians. She felt that she had far has to
fear fromtheni than from the ontlHWs. and when
Dandy Bill’s pistol rung out and Black Bird fell,
a shudder of horror run through her veins, for
the Indian, in falling, fell with half his body in-
side lier lodge—at the same time a hand touch-
ing her, she believed it was that of the fallen
savage; but she soon learned hcr mistake, for
she heard a. voice say, in a sharp whisper:

“Steady, Dorothy, and come, fly with me!"

A man had entered her lodge unobserved on
the side opposite to that where the fight was
raging. In the dim light that now iei‘vaded
her prison she saw the intruder had a cordless
fate—saw that it was Deerhunter, the Boy
Scout!

With a little cry of surprise and joy that
would have been easily ovm'heard but for the
din of the conflict outside, Dorothy rose to her
feet and started to follow the daring boy from
the lodge.

Deerhunter, in leaving lhe prison, stumbled
and fell over a form that was creeping on all.
fours within the shadow of the lodge; but in an
instant he was upon his feet expecting to be
confronted by a foe. Instead of a savage, how-
ever, he caught the glimpse of a white man,
who, having sprung to his foot, grasped Doro-
thy by the arm mid iii-d with her into the
shadows of the darksome woods!

 

CHAPTER XIII.
now RATTLER CUT DEERHUNTER our.

DOROTHY BAIN did not notice, in the darkness
and the intense excitement of the moment, that
the man with whom she fled was not Dcerhnn-
ter. and as soon as they were fairly out of the
light and had stopped in the shadows to take
breath, the maiden said, her voice tremulous
with excitement and joy:

“Oh, Deerhunter! you dear, brave boy, you
have saved my life l”,

A low, suppressed chuckle escaped her com-
panion’s lips.

The girl started and drew back.

“Girl, I’m not Decrhunter, but Old Rattler,
the Red River Epidemic," were the words that
next fell upon her ears, spoken by a voice she
had never heard before and that filled her
breast with a new fear.

“ Yes, you thievin’ old pirate,” suddenly
came a voice from the darkness hard by—a voice
Dorothy recognized as Deerhunter’s. “a man
that ’d steal victory from a boy like you've
done from me, would rob a. blind widow of her
porridge!”

Old Rattler again went into a fit of chuckling
laughter.

“What dons this mean, anyhow?" asked
Dorothy in fear and perplexity.

“Why,” said Deerhunter, “I crawled into

  

 

26 . Deerhunter.

 

that bower and set you free, and when Icame
out this old blister tripped me up and run off
with you.”

“ Is he our enemy?" the maiden inquired.

“No, no, Dorothy, he‘s ()ld ’l‘om Rattler, the
scout—as brave an old hero us ever trod these
woods, but he’s gin-ll to trickery—he tried to
rob mo of the honor of rescuing you.”

“ You are both bravo men, and 1 will divide
the honors of my rescue liethen you,” said
Dorothy, half—weeping and half-laughing with

0y.

J “ Wal, to be honest,” said Rnttler, “I didn’t
know the kid was around till he fell over me;
then I mule up my mind to C‘lt him out 0’ you,
go], and soll‘ere we are. But for n ginuine,
young pup rooster, I’ll admit that boy scrapes
the fryin’-pun—-he’s a plus'lrthronted daisy, u
lily-lipped hummer, a velvet-footed cramp, a.
fmvn-eyod—”

“ Hold up, Rattler,” interrupted Deerhunter.
“ the fight umong tho Kilkennys has ended, and
the outlaws have waxed it to the red-skins, sure
as I live! But I only see two of the white vil-
luins—ono of them must have fallen.”

“ 0h, listen to the mockin’-birdsl” whispered
Rattler; “ they’ve found out after all their fight—
in’ with u Ingin horspitul, that a. third dorg has
got uwuy with the bone. Great Rosycrusians!
if I’d my rifle here I’d swat them two tellers,
and make a clean swer 0’ it. Hear ’em snort,
and paw the air like fly-pestered steers. Uh!
let me git away, ’wuy back in the deep, dark
woods, where I can laugh, for one 0’ them
spells ‘s comin7 on, boy.”

“Doorhunter,” said Dorothy, “ I do believe
one of them men is Neal Gordon in disguise.”

“ You are right, Dorothy," replied the boy,
“Neal Gordon is there, and I have discovered
that he is a. monstrous villain—that all the
months that he has been a comer and goer at
Red Pine—welcomed by one and all—admired
for his gentle manners and intelligence—nearly
worshiped by some, he has been p‘aving a deep
and villainous game to wreck the life of an in-
nocent girl, by milking her the victim of a. foul
conspiracy, mid that girl is Kitty Hawkins.”

“Oh, surely not!” cried Dorothy.

“Yes, it is true, Dorothy,” the boy declared.

“ The compounded, duplex villain!” exclaim-
ed Old Rsttler. “ A rope ’round his neck ’5
what’ll nil him if he ever comes to the village.
See the infernal hounds lookin' for track! Now,
if they nose off herenways they’ll run ag‘inst an
epidemic. When I look at them critters, it
makes me ashamed 0’ bein’ born a man, instead
0’ ajackal or a Silurian bloodhound. Oh, Lord!
I‘m gittin’ hot now, boy; the blood’s begin-
ning to bubble, and my hair to curl and my
moccasins to fry. You’d better run me away,
or I’ll do somethin’ gory in the presence 0’ this
little gul. The sight 0’ them fellers hydropho-
bias me."

“ Then come along,” said Deerhunter, with a
smile; and taking Dorothy’s hand, the young
scout led the way northward through the
woods.

“Oh, Deerhunter‘.” exclaimed Dorothy as
they moved along, “do you know Where t ose
bad_m_e_n have taken Kitty ?"

“ Yes; they carried her away from the cabin

 

where you were taken last night over into the

woods, and I followed them. The halted
about two miles from here to await t e comin’
of night, or a. chance to steal you from the In-
dians. This much I learned by gettin' close
enough to overhear them talking. It seems
they made a. mistake, and got the wrong girl.
They wanted you, Dorothy, instead of Kitty.
When them three tellers left Kitty in care of
one of their number, and went after you, I had
nsoft snap of it, and bounced onto that one
lone outlaw and— Well, I left Kitty over here
safe and sound to await my return.’

“ Thank the Lord I" cried Dorothy, joyfully.
“Oh! this is glorious news!"

“Yes, it is," affirmed Old Rattler. “But
I'm beginnin’ to wonder where 1’m to git a.
thimbleful o’ glor outen all this promenndin’
through this woo . I allers did like the girls
and allers hed good luck in their behalf till I
struck this ’ere deestrick; and you, boy, are
the sole and lonely cause 0’ it. You’re alittle
too numerous fur me, I‘ll confess- but if it were
only so ’5 I could operate with old Comet I'd put
on some frills that ’d leave you so bad you’d look
like a wart on a. log. Thor’s one thing certain,
howsumever, you can’t make love to both the
gals—’speciully when they’re together—and
when it comes to flingin’ words to the ladies
sich as they like I can 'ist git away with the
Lover‘s Casket. Oh, I’m an old lovemaker
from Loveland, boy, and am goin’ to climb
right over you rou h-shod. I’ll swamp you,
lad. fur the way you ve been treatin‘ me."

Neither Deerhunter nor Dorothy could repress
asilent laugh at the jelly ol borderman's
whimsical nonsense.

After journeying a short distance, Rattler,
changing the subject, said:

“ Folks, I left my rifle out here a leetle ways
and we have either got to part or—"

“ Go git it, Rattler—we will wait,” said Deer-
hunter.

“ All right ” and Rattler departed and in the
course of fliteen minutes returned, when the
three resumed their journey, finally arriving
where Deerhunter had left Kitty.

They found the maiden safe and the meeting
between her and Dorothy was one of supreme
joy; and while they were thus rejoicing over
their escape from the foe and their reunion, Old
Rattler, who was ever on the alert, suddenly
said. in a whisper to Deerhunter:

“Boy, I hear a noise 0!! hereaways, like the
tram o’hoofs.”

“ es, there are five horses hitched down
there. When I cleaned out the robbers’ rendez-
yous7 and released Kitty I cabbaged their horses,

00.

“Great Rosycrusinnsl Just listen to that!”
exclaimed Rattler; “ why, boy, your heart is
one of stone—n flint—a nigger-head. You’re a.
Silurian monster. J ist think 0’ how disappoint-
ed them two fellers ’ll be when they git back
and find their friend asleep in—the slee that
knows no wakin’, and find their gal an their
horses gone! How desolate will be their hearts!
Boy, when you hear their voices wailin’ through
the woods weepin’ over their ill-luck, their
crushed hopes and lost New Hampshire fortune,
your iceberg heart ‘11 have to melt. If you'd

\

  

  

 

  

   

,-_, ,_ a w a

Deerhunter.

27

 

do the square-cornered thing with them folks
you‘d take one 0’ these gals right back to them
and on bended knee ax their forgiveness. But,
no, you'll do no such a. noble, gincrous thing.
Your heart’s too rocky—you‘re too much 0’ a
Red Jersey swine to divide gals oven with me.
It hurts me, boy—hut say, Decrhunlcr, how
would it do to invite them two rapscallions to
go ’long with us to Red Pine, eh?"

“It‘d be a splendid scheme. Rattler, if we
had a clear road to the village, for there isa
splendid chance to get the drop on them when
t ey return to where they left Kitty. But
against we manage them horses and take care
of the girls and get to the Stockade in safety,
We‘ll have all we can attend to.”

“That’s all Book—o’-Revelation truth, Dacr-
hunter,” affirmed the old bordercr, “ but it does
seem like a waste 0’ raw glory not to take than
scoundrels along and have an afternoon matinee
a—soein’ which 0’ them could hang the longest
by the neck afore his spirit skipped for Pluto’s
brimstono diggin’s."

Without further delay the captured horses
were bronglit up and the maidens and their
rescuers mounting, set off in the dirmtion of
Red Pine from whence still came the sound of
battle, and over which, in the dark vault of
heaVen, hung a red, lurid light that filled the
hearts of the four with fear for the safety of
their friends.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
THE ATTACK on man PINE.

DEERIIUNTER had not only kept a watch
noon the movements of the outlaws after the
Indians had left them at the cabin, but he had
also ke it the settlers pOsted as to the movement
of the red-skins.

And this information enabled Captain Swank
to make ample preparations for the defenso of
the place against a night attack which all felt
certain would be the next move, and that, the
coming night.

So a line of pickets was thrown out into the
woods shortly after nightfall to watch every
approach. Between this line and the stockado
men were stationed by previously prepared
brush-heaps and the deserted buildings that
would afford the. enemy shelter, with instruc-
tions to apply a match the moment the pickets
sounded the alarm.

Everylight was extinguished inside the do
tense and with rifles in hand, the settlers
awaited the coming of the foe.

About nine o’clock the report of a gun sound-
ed through the night. It was followed in quick
succession by several others at different points
around the village.

All knew they were the reports of the pickets’

uns.
g A few moments later tinv specks of fire were
seen in a dozen different plaCes shining through
the darkness.

Rapidly the specks grew larger and larger,
and in their light the" pickets could be seen
hurrying toward the stockade. ‘

In a few minutes all had been admitted inside
the defense. _

The burning log-heaps and cabins soon lit up

 

all the space surrounding the stockade so that a
savage could not approach without exposing
himself to view. It was aclevcr idea in Swank,
but thosavagcs seemed to havo accepted it as
an admission of weakness, and finally burst
from the woods like a hurricane and with do-
moniac yells charged toward tho stockndc.

(‘oolly and calmly the settlers awaited iln'll‘
approach; then, when within easy range, openc'l
upon them a withering fire that streucd ll‘c
ground with dead and dying and sent the sur-
vivors reeling hack into the darkness.

Yells of triumph burst from tho lips of tho
scttlcrs.

But the conflict had not ended. The savages
waited until the fires had burned nearly out,
then made another assault upon the west side
of the stockade which they succeeded in reach-
ing, and while the defenders were engaged in
repelling them, another party of savages crept
from the shadows and hurled themselves against
the gate of tho stot-kade on the east.

So unexpected was this diversion that by the
time Swank had called men to the defense of the
gate it had been forced open and a score of
savages endeavored to rush in; but they were
met by an equal number of brave and deter-
mined whites, and in the light of Kit Rcdpath’s
burning store, a sanguinary hand—to-hand strug—
gle ensued.

In the midst of the conflict—above the din of
battle—there suddenly aroso a wild, fierce y ell
from a single pair of lungs outside and the next
moment a man on horseback dashed up to the
gate and in among tho combatants, laying right
and left upon the heads of the savages with a
(:lubAall the while yelling like a mad demon——
his horse rearing, plunging and kicking as if
imbued wiih the spirit of its master.

“ Old ltatthr. the Red ltivu‘Epidvmicl” yelled
Captain Swank, as he caught sight of the mad
horseman, and staggered back to escape the
hoofs of Old Comet, who seemed no respecter of
persons in such a conflict. '

The savages were unable to stand before this
new enemy, and falling back, they finally turn~
ed and flI-d in wild dismay.

Instantly the gate was closed and barred.
Yt'llS of triumph again pealed from the settlers’
lips; but their victory this time had been pur-
chased at a dear price‘. Three of the settlers lay
dead, and half a dozen had been more or less
severely wounded. I

“Lord, Rattler!" exclaimed Captain Swank,
advancing to the old bordernian, and shaking
his hand, “you came in just at the right
tinlie’.’ The red devils were givin’ us a close
ru i.

“Glad to hear it. cap'n,” responded Rattler,
“but when Old Epidemic makes a cavalry
chargo somehody’s got to go home to glory.
Oh, that it were daylight, that I might go forth
and (l('t'§l’l'0_\f the hull lngin nation while my
blood is plungin’ at white heat through my
veins. By the ltosycrusiansl captain, these are
lively timus ’round Red Pine, eh? It‘sjist what
I like—h)Ve—worship.”

" Rattler,” suddenly exclaimed ’Squire Haw-
kins, a proaching in great excitement, “ can
yotnrgi me any encouragement ’bout our child
ye

 

 

  

28

Deer-hunter.

  

 

“ Bet you your 011‘ eye, 'squire, she and t’other
al are safe with Deerhunter on an island in
t at lake yander.”

“ Thank the Lord 1” exclaimed the ’squire, and
he hastened to bear the joyful news to his wife
and Timothy Baiu.

“ That boy, Deerhunter, captain,” continued
Rattler, “is one o’ the mest wonderful kids the
border ever produced. He’s a match for any-
thing—he’s a. lily-lipped hummer—he’s a hull
brigade—a compoun-l tragedy.”

“Yes, we thought he was the boy for our
smut. and he has provau himself equal to the
occasion. But what about Neal Gordon?"

“Captain, when I hear that name I could
cuss a blue streak—I want to kick myself. and
it I’d tell you ’bout him you wouldn’t believe
me—you’d swear I war a goggled-eyed liar,
you’d want to crucify me for a snakish slan-
derer.”

“ Well, let it out, anyhow," said Swank, anx-

iousl .
“1¥ou’ll protect me from Self-violence, will
8?"

u Yes.”

“ Well. sir, by the goblins o’ Smoky Hollow,
your nice hunter—citizan—your lily-lipped scout,
Neal Gordon, is none other than that infernal
Canadian outlaw, Dandy Bill!”

Had a thunderbolt fallen from a cloudless sky
it would not have startled the captain more vio-
lently than did this revelation of Old Rattler.
He stood like one dumfounded, and when he
finally gainel his power of speech, he said, in a
tone of disgust:

“ Red Pine is the banner settlement of gigantic
')ld foolsl It’s a wonder the wolves hixv’n’t out
13 up—perhnpi they would if Simple Sim had
not kept watch over us. S iy, Rattler, won't you
adopt me and take care of me till I’m old enough
to run about alone?”

“ Wal, I don’t b’lieve I keer ’bout startin’ an
insane asylum myself, but I’ll speak to Simple
Sam about you, captain,” and Rattler shook
with pent up laughter at the look of lugubrious
disgust on Swank’s face.

At this juncture Timothy Bain and ’Squire
Hawkins came up to learn the particulars of
Dorothy and Kitty’s capture and rescue, ending
the conversation between Rittler and Swank.

The latter moved away to look after the state
of affairs on the other side of the stockade, and

I to assist in caring for the dead and wounded.

The savages, after their fight at the gate,
withdrew to the woods, taking most of their
rounded, but leaving their dead.

All night long the settlers stood by their arms,
out they had no further occasion for their use.
The savages did not renew their attack, and be-
fore davlight had dawned they raised the siege
of Red Pine and left the country, evidently in
disgust.

And just as the sun arose over the eastern
woodland that same morning, a. canoe with
three occupants was seen to ut out from a lit-
ge island in Lake Shetek an head toward Red
me.

All knew who the occupants were—Deerhunt—
“7, Dorothy and Kitty.

In a few minutes the trio had reached the
shore and landed, amid the wildest shouts of

 

joy from the ll 3 of the settlers who, headed by
Old Rattler an Captain Swank, had gone down
to the lake to escort them to the stockade.

 

CHAPTER XV.
FENTON POWELL FOUND DYING. “1,,

AFTER quiet and good feeling had once more
been restored among the sett!ers at Red Pine,
Captain Swank took it upon himself to inform
his friends of the true character of Neal Gordon
-——the handsome young hunter whom they had
all so admired, honored and feasted for so many
months.

So startling was the revelation, however, that
few could give credence to the story, but when
Deerhunter and Old R-ittler, as well as Kitty
and Dorothy, bore witness to the fact, they
were compelled to accept it as true. and then
the betrayed confidence of the settlers changed
to indignation, and they became clamorous for
the blood of the outlaw who had so artfully de—
ceived them as to his true character.

Kitty Hawkins narrated to her father, Timo-
thv Bain and others, the conversation that had
taken place between her and Neal Gordon the
tiny bl’fnl'fi, in relation to Charles Oldham and
his daughter Eva; and the mistake the outlaw
had made in taking her for Eva Oldham.
And this proved another surprise to those who
heard it, though Timothy Bain was‘ not ignor«
out of the fact that Dorothy’s own father’s true
name was Oldham, although at the time of his
death he went by the name of Henry Percival
——the name he had assumed after he fled from
New Hampshire. Mrs. Oldhain being a noble
and pure-hearted woman, had, before she mar»
ried Timothy lhin, made a clean breast of the
dark secret that had clouded the life of her dead
husband, and out of respect for her ~and her
sweet child, D)rothy, he had ever kept that
secret buried in his breast, so that no one at
Red Pine, aside from the Hawkins family,
knew aught else than that Dorothy was'lim-
othy Bain’s own daughter until the machina-
tions of Neal Gordon and Fenton Powell re-
vealed the secret. But since Deerhunter had
told Dorothy and Kitty of the mission of Frank
Parker to Red Pine—of the fact that Charles
Oldham was not guilty of the murder of David
Allen and that he—Parker—was in search of
Charles Oldhani’s child, Dorothy was only too
glad to let the truth be known.

“But how the villain, Neal Gordon. should
make the mistake and take Kitty for Eva Old-
ham, is what puzzl ‘s me," said ’Squire Hawkins.

“By some means or other,” said Kitty, “ he
had learned that my own father was killed by
Indians on the Platte river in Nebraska. At
least, he s oke to me a few days ago about hav-‘
ing seen 318 horrors of a previous Indian war
and of the fact that Mr. Hawkins was not my
father, and I. unthoughtedly, admitted that
such was true.” ‘

“ Well, I presume Frank Parker will throw
some light on this strange aflair," said Timothy
leln, “ when he is able. I would go to him this
minute but it might excite him. He has scarce-
ly recovered'from the excitement of last niqht's
battle which the doctor said had given him a
serious back—set.”

 

 V < f.";.z‘

     

  

 
  

  

  
 

 

 

Deerhunter. 89

 

“There are some papers in the little trunk I
was compelled to conceal in the woods the night
we fled from Rube Bunker,” said Dorothy,
“that wlll go far toward establishing my iden-

tit ."

(Y They should be recovered at once, Doro-
thy,” said ’Squire Hawkins, “ for I hope the
1 mr is true that you are an heiress.”

“ I will ask Deerhunter to go and bring the
trunk if it has not been found by the savages,”
said Dorothy, going out in search of the boy.

Deerhunter was only too glad to serve the
maiden, and, accom anied by Old Rattler, he
set ofli around the ake, Dorothy having given
him such directions as she thought would enable
him to find the trunk.

The two scouts moved along with extreme
caution for they knew what dangers still lurked
in the woods. They had passed just beyond the
ruins of Timothy Bain’s cabin when their ears
were greeted with a groan.

The scouts came to a stop.

“ It may be a decoy,” Said Deerhunter.

“ Nary deecoy,” said Old Rattler, “ for there
it goes again and it’s got the true agony ring
into it. Yes, somebody’s got hisself hurt.”

They moved cautiously in the direction whence
the sound came and soon were in sight of a man
'lying prone upon the earth and writhing in pain
and agony.

Advancing to the side of the man they recog—
nized him as the villain, Fenton Powell.
“ Hallo, old man." said Rattler,

down at last ar’n’t you?”

“ Gods, man, I’m dying!” groaned the outlaw
looking up into the scouts’ faces, with glassy,
blood-shot eyes.

“ Ingins swat you?"

“ No, Dandy Bill the outlaw did it, curse
him !”

“ Whenl" ejaculated Old Rattler, “ what‘s
the sayin’ ’bout \x hen rogues fall out honest
men get their dues?”

“ It’s very true in my case, old man,” said
Powell; I’m ’bout gone, and yet I’d like to see
that man, Parker. if he’s still living, and some-
body else—Dorothy B‘lil), before i die.”

“ Reckon they’d like to see you, too,” said
Rattler.

“ I'll go for men and a litter to move him to
the village," said Deerhnnter.

“ All right, lad, skip,” said Rattler, “and I‘ll
stay with the man.”

The boy hurried away when Rattler asked:

“ Whar you hurt, stranger?"

“Shot through the body."

“ You and Dandy couldn’t agree on division
0’ spoils, eh?”

“ We had no emails to divide—we lost eVery—
thing last night."

“ Them two gals, you mean?”

“ Yes; are they safe?”

“You bet; Deerhuntcr saved them, and Dor-
othy will get her fortune in New Hampshire."

“What do you know about that, manll’ asked
Powell. ,

“That man, Frank Parker, told me all about
the attempted murder of David Allen, the arrest
of Charles ()ldhaui and his bein‘ made way with
by a mob; of old David’s ultimate recovery of
his senses, and the development of the fact by

“ you’re

 

 

one John Reed that Charles Oldham had not
been lynched, but had fled to the West and there
lived With his wife and child, till killed by the
Ingms, under an assumed name; of the fact that
David Allen declared that Oldhain was not the
man that had attempted to murder him; of the
fact that old David had willed his pro erty to
one Eva Oldham, the child of Charles ldham,
and that Reed had been employed to hunt up
the young heiress, and owing to inflrmities had
turned the work over to Frank Parker, a skill-
ful young detective.”

“Exactly,” said Powell, “and it has been
my aim, with the aim of Dandy Bill and the
savages, to prevent Eva Oldbam ever being
foun , for with her out of the way 1 would in-
herit the property ol David Allen. My name
is not Powell, but James Fenwick. am a
nephew of David Allen. It was I who struck
the blow that felled David Allen unconscious
for fifteen years. I was concealed in his room.
and when Charles Oldham visited his sick bed I
struck the blow, just as he left the house, which
I intended should be charged to him. llinew
Charles was a favorite with old David, and
with both out of the way I would be a rich man.
But nearly seventeen years have passed and lam
now dying a beggar, a murderer—a victim
of my own evil Work. Poor Charles Oldham
is dead—murdered by my hand, as it were.
When John Reed reVealed to old David the
fact that Oldham had not been lynched, but
spirited away, I stood in the hall of the houee
and heard mest ol' Reed’s revelation. I did
not, however, hear the name that ()hllnsrn
had assunicd ul’lu' leaving Allendale. Had I
heard it I Would have had no trouble in finding
Eva Oldham. So my only show was to dog the
footsteps of lined and his detective. ll‘runk
Parker. B this means I got track of Oldhnm’s
family, Hill like another l'ool,l look that Vll-
lain, Dandy Bill, into my conlidcncc. I had
long known him and had great confidence in
him, and to him I intrusled the work of ferret-
ing out Eva’s identity and abducting her. I
did not wish to be seen in Rcd I’ine, through
fear that Mrs. ()ldhnm—Eva’s mother—would
recognize me, and then Eva’s disappearance
would be associated with my visit at Red Pine,
and I given trouble when it was found how
matters stood at Allcndale. l did not know
Mrs. Oldhuin. afterward Mrs. Bain, was dead,
or I should havo come to Red Fine in person.
My trusting so much to Dandy Bill has led
to my utter defeat. The villain claimed
all along that Kitty Hawkins was Eva
()Idlmm. for he. had leumcd that her fer
thrr had been killed at Sublet‘te’s Ford, on
the Platte river—the same place where
Charles Oldham had been killed b the Indians.
He had been months l'ooliug a ong with the
matter, and when the truth was made known i
found the villain had fnllcn in love with Kitty,
and had taken his time to woo and win her with
the llilse and treacherous intention of giving me
away and getting the fortune himsol‘l. He had
the audacity to tell me so last night, after We
lost both the girls, and the result was we ( unr—
reled, and he drew a pistol and shot me own
and left me for dead."

“Then if you’d got away with Eva Oldham,

   

  
     

    

7' 'l

   

‘rao

Deerhunter.

 

 

fieckon you’d put her out of the way,” observed
. t r.

“ he, would never have been seen by John
Reed or Frank Parker,” the villain said. “ Her
disappearance would have been laid to the sav-
ages,

     
 

ad we succeeded in getting her away last

111 ht.”

‘The Lord was on our side than. aided by
that young scout, Deerhunter,” said Rattler.

A groan wés Powell’s only response.

Several minutes of silence followed.

Deerhunter finally returned with four men,
who placed the dying wretch on alitter and
started with him to the village, while the boy
scout and Rattler went on in search of Doro-
thy’s trunk.

  
    
     
     

CHAPTER. XVI.
THE CURTAIN FALLS.
DEERIIUNTER and Old Rattler moved slowly
‘ along the lake shore, discussing the dangers sur-
‘rounding Red Pine, and the probable outcome
' of the Indian war.

They had nearly reached the point where
Dorothy and Kitty had landed the night of
their adventure with Rube Bunker, when Deer-
hunter suddenly stopped, exclaiming in a star-
tled voice:

“Holy mokesl Look there, Rattler!”

‘ “ Great Rosycrusiansl" burst from the old
berderman’s lips, as his eyes fell upon the object
to which the boy called attention.

 
   
    
   
   
    
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
 

supposed to be Dorothy’s trunk. It was open,
and upon the ground around it was strewn the
contents, and about a rod beyond lay two hu-
man bodies, locked in each other’s embrace—
? motionless, deadi The clothing had been
nearly torn from their bodies in the desperate
struggle that must have ensued between them.

Advancing to the side of the dead foes, the
accuts gazed down into then turned time of the
one that lay underneath. t was a horribly
icoutorted‘face. vet they readily recognized it

as the face of Neal Gordon, alias Dandy Bill,
. the outlaw! He was stone dead and the ex res

sion of his face told that he had died a fright-
‘ful death. His right hand clutched a knife
I $51!: was driven“ to the guard in his adversary’s

' e. .

“ The smooth-tongued scoundrel I” said Deer-
,hunter, “he has met his death at last, and an
awful, violent one it has been.”

.“Yes, but- who’s the epidemic that struck
him, boy?” observed Rattler; “ I see it’s a white
man. ‘ -
The outlaws slayer lay upon his stomach,
his face pressed so close against the outlaw’s
throat that it could not be Seen. Rattler ens
deavorecl to pull them apart. but they Were
locked together in the icy, rigidness of death,
I and he could do nothing but roll them over. I As

he did so a cry of surprise and horror burst
from the lips of both the scouts,

jThe slayer of Dandy Bill was Simple Sam!
- The boy s white teeth were fastened upon the.
throat of the outlaw—sunk deep in the flesh and
muscles, and thus had he and the outlaw died.

- g “ Great, hoggoblinsl” exclaimed Old Rattler,
$311M does mean, boy? .Can you tell me,

    
    
  
 
 
 
   
  
 
   
   
   

  
  
  

  

   
  

  

‘ of that dead outlaw, Dandy Bill.

Under a tree sat, what they, at a glance,

 

  

“ The Lord only knows!” replied-Deerhunter,
“ but I have an idea—Simple Sam in his wan-
derings has found that trunk and while amusing
himself with its contents Neul G n'don came
upon him, and [ms endeavored to take the
things from him or else prokaed him to mad-
ness by some cruelty. I have heard it said that
there slumber-ed a demon in the heart of all
simple persons, and that when it became arous«
ed it transformed its possessor into a fiend in-
carnate. Perhaps this has been the case with r
Simple Sam. At any rate, it is my theory of
the case.”

” You may be right, lad,” said Old Rattler,
” and on may be wrong. There may he s )me—
Ithin’ t at dates for back of this that ll'iS led to
this tragedy. There may’ve been a method in
Simple Sam’s idiocy that through all the years
that be has been wanderin’ about. be war pre-
parin’ for this very deed. If we could lift the
veil that clouded his life and mind perhaps W6
would see at the bottom of all some hellish not
I may be
wrong, lad, but this I will alch believc, though
I reckon the secret of this death struggle will
never be known until the eend 0’ time. But be
that as’t may, Simple Sam has done his coun- -
try a noble service and he deserves_Christian
burial and a lastin’ monument.” \

Deerhuuter gathered up Dorothy’s things and
replacing them in the trunk, started on their
return to Red Pine where they arrived in due
course of time. '

Feuton Powell was dead when the two scouts
reached the village. He had lived long enough
to makeaconfession of all his crimes against
David Allen, Charles Oldham, and Eva; but as
it was substantially the suite is has already
been made known to the reader we will not
repeat it.

The body of Simple Sam Was brought to the
village and buried along with the settlers who
had fallen, in defense of the place. _

The scouts, Deerhunter and O.d R'itller, kept
in the woods for several days longer to make
sured that the Indians had left the vicinity for
gO-l .

Finally a courier arrived from Fort Ridgely,
bringing the joyfulintelligence that the military
had succeeded in whipping the Indians into
submission, and that the war was virtually at
an end.

This filled the hearts of all with jov, and the
settlers finally went forth from their defense
and began the rebuilding of their homes.

Frank Parker‘s recowry was slow. He was
compelled to remain at Red Pine for over six
months, and during this time of convalescing no
one was more considerate of his wants and com-
forts thanDoroth y Bain, or Eva Ol iham,'as she
proved herself to be beyond all question. And
what proved the most surprising to all, the
friendship that had sprung up between the
young detective and the gentle, kind-hearted
girl. ripened into love, and when they, accom-
panied by Timothy Bain, the kind step father,
from‘whom Dorothy refused to be 59 arated,
started East..their;love hadbeen pligh to each
other.

Kit Redpa

' rib ilt his store and continued
businessast 61') "

' merchant of Red Pine.

  

 

 

 

 

Does-hunter.

.. 4. v-

I" ._  A I- . ‘1

 

In view of the splendid manner in which Cap-
tain Swank had managed the defense of the
place, the citizens, b a unanimous vote, pro-
moted him to the ran of general, and no man
ever felt rouder of an honor than did Solomon
Swank 0 his new title.

Old Rattler remained several weeks at Red
Pine. and when he finally bid the settlers all
good-by and left for a new field of adventure,
Deerhunter acoomganied him a short ways from
the village; and w en it finally came their time
to part, the old fellow took the boy by the hand,
and with a mist in his eyes said:

“ Boy, I hate to part with you, but I’ll have to.
It I could ’a’ cut on out 0' that gal Kitty, as
I’ve been tryin’ to 0, I’d stayed, but it war no
use. I see’d, lad, that you and her are paralyzed
on each other, and that war no show for me.
Boy, she’s a~lovely gal, and ‘ll make you a noble
companion—obi ye needn’t blush i—and you de-
serve a good wife, boy, for you are a lily-liplped
hummer. We may never meet a ain—in a 0g,
especially—but, boy, I’ll never orgit you, nor
the wild, irolicsome times we’ve had together.

' But if I'm on this side 0’ the dark river when

you and Kitty are made one I want to be at the
weddiu‘. Don’t fol-git that, boy, or by the great
Rosycrusians, l'll—’ .
“ All right Rattler, all right.”
And thus the two noted scouts parted.
‘ THE END.

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{Bunnie AND Anus, Publishers,
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