Cop zhted, 1886, by [58:1an . Entered M the Post Olfice M ew York. N. Y., ns Second Class Mail Matter. March 13, 18561
____ #17111 -1.” ., NV ~ .—

 

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170117111.  “Wis: mgmgfieggg 33:31“,  No. 100.

‘3 SNOW-SHOE TRAIL;

01‘, THE FOREST DESPERADOES.

 

 

m HUNTER, AS IF LESS CONFIDENT WITH HIS‘REVOLVER THAN El: HAD BEEN wx'm HIS RIFLE,
worn) an m ONE snow I" BENT 'rw- BULLET! INTO um mm mm:

 

    

The Snow-Shoe Trail.

 

The Snow-Shoe ,Trail;
THE FOREST OBESPERADOES.

BY ST. GEORGE RATHBONE.

 

_ CHAPTER I.
wno roxsonnn run ramm‘s onawsi

“MY soul, what was that?”

The speaker stood in the midst of the grand-
est solitude it could ever enter the mind of a
human being to imagine-«a solitude that had
only been broken by the strange ghoul-like cry
that had disturbed him and fore-ed from his
lips the words which open this story.

Around him were the lofty trees of the
northern forest, their tops reaching for upward
toward the heavens, and laden down with snow
they now looked like grim specter-s holding out
their skeleton arms to embrace in a clasp of
death the adventurer who had dared invnde
their solitude.

In this lonely forest the man, clad as a hunter
so far as garments were concerned, though their
material seemed to beepeak him something be-

. and the ordinary line of men who gain their
iiving with trap‘and gun, seemed to Commune
with Nature herself, and the very snow-clad
trees around him were eloquent with the poetry
of the creation.

Whatever it was that reached his ears, the
man evidently had reason to suspect that the
origin of it was not friendly to him, for he held
his rifle tightly in his hands and even drew the

,hnmmerback as though to be prepared for a
sudden emergency.

Night was not far away, and already the

. limbs above were casting gaunt shadows upon

the snow-clad earth.
' Note. tremor stirred the white foliage, and
looking around him, the hunter could have well
believed himself in fairy‘land, for every shrub
was invested with a peculiar charm, its rough-
ness hidden under the white cont given by
the late storm.

Again came the sounds, with such a volume
that the man’s eyes gleamed in the astonish-
ment and incredulin that filled his soul. The
wild clamor was closer than before, and evi-
dently he would have naught to do but remain
it here he was in order to discover the solution
"of the matter; so standing close beside a bend-
ing area, he calmly waited r for—he knew not
w a

Suddenly, from the dim depths of the snow
forest there burst upon his vision a sight that
was ferocious enough to have chilled the blood
in the veins of almost any man, and involunta-
rily his grasp upon the rifle tightened.

oming toward him was in panther of no
mean dimensions, but it was not this fact that
had so astonished the man, for he was accus-
tomed to meeting dangers of this kind every
day: but something in the actions of the animal
, «xcited his astonishment.

Instead of advancing in a way natural to ani-
mal”: its class, tho huge panther was spring-

 

ing from side to side in eccentric circles, lashing
its tail and tearing at inoffensive shrubs'in the
wildest possible manner, every now and then
stopping to snap to pieces a slip of bark or some
other object that had come into his possession,
after which the brute would give vent to the
diabolical screech that had been ringingr through
the great forest for the last five minutes, and
had so astounded the solitary hunter.

The truth now rushed into the mind of the
locker-on, and amazed him more than ever.

“As I live, the brute is stark, staring mad,
and in winter, tool What does this mean? Is
this another mystery of these dark woods, and
is it connected in any manner with that strange
trail? Ha! the beast has seen me, and now I am
in for it.”

He seemed in no wise disconcerted by this
fact, though few men would have cared to face
a mud panther. ‘

That the animal had seen him there could no
longer be a. doubt, for it had now assumed a.
more direct course, and was advancing in a
straight line toward him.

He had his rifle up at his shoulder, and was
only waiting until the mad brute was close
enough to make his shot a. dead-sure thing. To
do this required a great deal of nerve, tart his
rifle showed no sign of the slightest trembling
as he finally took aim, seeming to make use of
any rest while doing so.

.When the sharp report of the weapon broke
the solemn silence of the snow forest, it chanced

that the panther suddenly swerved a little-—
enough to change the mission of the leaden mis—
sile. His shot had failed!

Quick to realize the terrible nature of his sit-
uation, the hunter dropped his useless rifle, and,
springing behind the inclined tree, he hastily
drew the revolvar from his belt.

His bullet had not been entirely wasted, as
was evidenced by the limping manner in which
the beast advanced. showing that the ball had
done some damage, in all probability pierced
its left fore-shoulder.

the time he was ready for business the
mac creature was within ten feet of the tree
behind which he had sought refuge, althouen it
would in itself have proven but a puny defense
against the king of the Northern forest. Fox'-
tunately for the hunter he did not depend on
this alone.

p The aspect of the brute was simply frightful,
and words, no matter how cleverly expressed,
could never give a carrocn idea of his foam—
covered sides, bloodsh'ot eyes, and yawning
month where the red lips were drawn back
from the white, glistening teeth.

Notwithstanding this uninviting prospect, he
held out the revolver with a hand that did not
flinch nn atom from the task it had assumed.

The report sounded sharp and clear, and Was
instantly followed by a wild screech from the
panther that far outdid those which had pre-
ceded it. and which had Seemed to the imagi-
nation of the hunter like the cries of a lost
spirit.

Fortunately this was a fatal shot.

I The powerful beast fell over, tried to regain
its footing, made a wonderful effort in which v
the play of its muscles seemed like the action of

 

 

The Snow-Shoe Trail.

3

 

so many snakes; but failing to accomplish this,
gave up the ghost, stiffening out like a board.

As be reloaded his rifle, the hunter cast his
eyes about, but seeing no danger, when he had
finished his task he hastened up to where the
defunct panther lay.

It was a spectacle that would have leased the
eye of any person, to see that huge, ithe beast
lying there, stilled in death, with the bloody
team around its lips telling plainly the story of
its madness.

-Stooping, the hunter proceeded to examine
his prize, and he had not been engaged in this
work long before he gave utterance to a cry of
mingled astonishment and horror. There was
the-mark of a collar around the beast’s neck,
which proved that he had once been a pet; but
it was not this that had brought that exclama-
tion from him.

He found that the animal’s claws had been pe-
culiarly trimmed, and that under each nail was
deposited a. tiny quantity of green matter,
which he knew full well was the deadliest poi-
son known to the rangers of the Northern
woods.

“My God! it is even worse than I had sus-
pected. Not content with rendering the animal
mad, the base fiends have poisoned his claws—
for what?”

It was a terrible mystery of the snow forest.

 

CHAPTER II.
AT BAY.

THE shades of night had gathered, and the
young hunter was several miles away frdm the
spot where lay the panther with the poisoned
claws.

He knew the snow forest well enough to be
acquaiiited with his bearings, and feeling that
as he was so near a certain place which had al-
ways been a favorite one for his camp, it would
be a shame not to reach it, he had made his way
forward, when otherwise he might have camped
on the spot.

Reaching this place, after quite a tedious
tramp, he be an making preparations for his
camp. The ocality was a, favorite one with
him, for the trees were so dense asto almost
screen the ground from the snow, while the dry
wood lying about in heaps promised as good a
fire as he wished.

Several of the trees Were bent in fantastic
shapes, while another being hollow, served the
hunter as a closet in which he had stored a few
things.

These were the inducements that were held
out to him in order to persuade him to lengthen
his tramp by a couple of miles, and no one but
a tired hunter can realize what charms such
sureties in the future hold out.

He had some fresh venison with him, and
there was a creek close by from which he could
ob_tain_all the water he wished, for at a certain
pomt it was deep, although, of course, now
frozen over.

First of all, he started his fire. .

When his supper was ready, he _lost no time
in demolishing it, for his appetite was keen;
they: the hunter drew out his pipe, and lying
back proceeded to further onior tumult. while

his eyes rested rather vacantly upon the fire
which he did not new menu to replenish.

He was thinking of the events of the last few
days, and the adventure he had just phased
through with the mad panther formed no incon-
siderable part of his musings. Perhaps he was
trying to put the threads together and weave a
web which should be a perfect solution to the
mystery.

As he lay there, the firefight stealing under
the broad brim of his but disclosed his features
as had not been done before, and revealed the
fact that he was a decidedly handsome young
fellow, hardly more than‘ a. boy in point of
years. There was also a peculiar look of deter—
mination upon his countenance that spoke well
for his character.

Long he sat there while the fire gradually ,
dwindled down until it was a mere shadow of
its former self. The moon had in the mean
time come up in the east, and looked not unlike
a great wheel with one of the sides ground off.

Finally the young hunter gave a start and it
could be seen that he was listening intently by
the attitude he had assumed. As if satisfied as
to what he heard the hunter at length arose to
his feet.

His first act was significant—he quietly trod
upon the remains of the little fire, and what
embers remained he kicked into the surround-
ing snow, by which they were speedily extin-
guished.

Then he once more stood erect with his rifle
gras ed tightly in his hand. ‘

“ ome more deviltry, I’ll be bound!” he
muttered. “ It Seems to me this forest is as full
of it as an egg is of meat, and somehow I
happen to be always mixed up in it. I’ll see
what this means, and have a hand in it if
necessary. I would give something to have
Max and Dick with me now.”

He stood within ii dozen yards of the place
where he had so lately pitched his camp, and
before him was an opeii spot of small dimenw
sums.

Plainly he heard the haying of hounds, so dif»
ferent from the bowling of wolves, that the
idea of it being the latter never once entered
his head. Often had he heard that ferocious
bay echoing through the Mississippi swamps,
as some poor fugitive belonging to his South-
ern uncle, was chased by the fierce, yellow
brutes.

No wonder he shuddered at the recollection;
but, what did this mean? He was not in Missis-
sippi now, but among the snow-trees of the far
North, and yet these fierce bayings were ring-
ing in his ears.

Closer they came, redoulnling in violence, and
the hunter crouched down beside the tree where
he had taken his stand,ready for an thing.
There soon followed a rustling in the ashes,
and a human form glided across thelittle glade.
When the hunter realized that it was a girl
and apparently an Indian girl at that, he coulcl
hardly repress the exclamation of astonishment
{ that arose to his lips.

When she had crossed the open, the girl
,csme to a pause, and crouching among tie
,bushes that but half concealed her, seemed
, awaiting something. ‘

 

  
 

r

._......v._,._ . .. .-_c..‘ u-

, her heavy

4

 

The Snow-Shoe Trail.

 

In her hand was an oh set that glittered in
the moon‘s bright rays. as it a knife?
She had been run down, and rendered desper-
ate, at length had turned at bay. He could hear
reathing from his position, and al-
most unconscxously his sympathy went out to
her, even though he had not the remotest idea
just then that she was other than an ugly In-
dian girl, perhaps an old squaw.
but her pursuers were close upon her was

’speedily made evident for hard had she as-

sumed this position at bay, than he cries of the
bounds, now changed to short, excited yelps. as
thou b they knew their intended prey had been
run own, sounded close by.

. Ere another minute had passed he heard a
rustle in the undergrowth. and a tawny form
sprung into view, more than half-crossing the
little opening with two bounds, and then crouch-
ing as if for a deadly spring, his keen eyes hav-
ing evidentlv detected the form beyond.

The time for action had come.

As the sharp report broke the stillness of the
night the hound sprun into the air, but only
to fall a lifeless mass at t e feet of the motion-
less figure that gave no evidence by voice or
gesture that it was imbued with life.

Hardly had this been done than there was a
second crashing in the bushes, and another
hound came flying into view.

Again the terrible performance was gone
throu h with, but the hunter, as if less confident
with is revolver than he had been with his
rifle, stopped not at one shot but sent two bul-
lets into the tawny brute, one of which must
have reached his heart, for he failed to make
the leap that had characterized the other’s death-
throes.

This was not the end.

Again the bushes crackled, this time under
the tread of hurrying human feet, and ere
either of those who had been concerned in the
recent tragedy, the one a silent witness—the
other an active participant, could move from
their tracks, several forms broke into view.

The moon falling upon them disclosed the
fact that they were clad in hunters’ garb, and
yet to an eye of experience such as was pos-

. sesscd by the silent form beside the tree, it was

painfully evident that they did not belong to
the class of honest tra pars such as roamed the
woods of the great lgonhwest and whose sole
occupation consisted of hunting and trapping.
There was something ugly and mysterious
about their movements—something chilling in
their very looks, and stamped upon their pres-
ent action was a rascality that told the hunter

. their caliber.

When they stumbled over the first dead
hound lying in the snow, as they rushed out
from among the bushes, loud curses rent the air
from the three of them, and they came to an
abrupt pause. Then their eyes fell upon the
other brute, and as he lay at the feet of the
in itive they speedily discovered her. '

K fierce cry of satisfaction burst from their
lips and they started forward like so many
tigers eager for the blood of the poor creature
they had pursued so relentlessly.

At this moment, however, an agile form

' lashed out in front of the crouching fugitive,

 

and a revolver stared the trio of braves in the

ace.
“Back, or I will blow you to eternity!”

 

CHAPTER III.
BENT ON REVENGE.

“ WHAT does it mean, Max?”

“ It means danger— perhaps deathl”

“Let us be brave and look'the worst in the
face. If Roland were here what would he do?”

The speakers were two young fellows who

stood before a small but in the midst of the
great forest. Armed with all weapons such as
hunters may make use of they seemed ready
for any emergency, and yet from their words
and excited manner, it was evident that they
were now face to face with a. dilemma. that
threatened to overtake them.
_ These boys were the comrades of Roland
Dare, the young hunter whom we saw meet the
mad panther in the forest and afterward face
the desperadoes who had followed the hounds
that chased human game.

Max and Dick were something of, novices in
the ways of woodcraft, but learning 'fast under
the directions of their comrade, bade fair to do
justice to their teaching.

D “ There can be no mistake, Max?” asked

ick.

“ N 01: the slightest, Dick,” returned the other,
slowly, as his eyes roved around the snow for-
est; “ my eyes have never deCeived me and I
am ready to Swear I saw the Indian who was
kicked out of this cabin three weeks ago, and
whose looks spoke of a terrible revenge eVen
if his lips were mute. At the time Roland told
us he feared we would see more of the fellow,
and now his words are proven true."

“And be is not alone, for I saw the tracks of
three Indians. What ought we to do?”

“We can do nothing but watch and wait.
This wretch of a Dusky Wolf has returned with
a couple of braves no doubt as reckless and full
of deviltry as himself. meaning to wreak a ter-

rible revenge upon the boys to whom he owed .

such an indignity.”

Max spoke earnestly.

He was a little older than his comrade, al-
though somewhat the junior of Roland the hun-
ter, and his words inspired Dick with new cour-
age.

Some three weeks before, their traps had
been meddled with and various things stolen.
Roland had watched for the thief but all in
vain.

It was Dick who had come upon his tracks
near a fox-trap that had held a beautiful black
fox, from the evidence at hand.

He had tollowed immediately, and had at last
come up with the thief, bearing of! his trophies.

There had been murder in the eyes of the red
dog; but Dick aimed to kill, and cowcd by the
loo s of the boy’s rifle the warrior had at last
given in.

Dick marched him to the cabin, a prisoner of
war, much to the consternation of Roland, who

new not what to do with this ele hunt.

Had it been he who had caught he .Indian in
the act, he would certainly have punished him
then and there with a bullet.

   

5
, E
i

 

 

 

The Snow-Shoe Trail. ’ I 5

Now that the young hunter had brought him
to the cabin, what were they to do with him?

If they allowed him to remain, he would
either eat up their sustenance without attempt-
ing to do his share of the labor, or else steal
everything they possessed and decamp.

Roland solved the question by reading the
red thief alecture in his own language which
consisted of a few words but many significant
gestures which were understood by the other,
as was evidenced by the malevolent look in his
eyes

Then the door was opened and the Indian
was bounced out with the assistance of many
hearty kicks.

When Roland saw the black expression upon
the usually stoical face of the lndian ere he
turned and disappeared from sight, he shook
his head.

“It’s a bad business all around. and I’m
afraid we haven’t seen the last of Dusky Wolf.”

At the time the others had thought little of
his words. but now they were brought home.

While M ex and Dick were still conversing in
front of the cabin, the former, who had been
lookirg into the woods around them as he
talked, watching the afternoon sun throwing;
great shadows upon the snow, gave a slight
start.

" Dick,” he said, quietly, yet with a strange
steel-like vibration to his voice that gave the
other quite a start, “ take it coolly and uncon-
cernedly: but listen to me. We are watched.
The Indians are close at hand, for I saw the
head of one Ugly fellow above the crooked pine
yonder where you killed the lynx—do not look,
but do what I say. Go into the hut quietly, but
get at ahole immediately and cover the fellow at
the pine unknown to him. If he seems about to
fire at me give him a shot.”

Dick did as told, sauntering carelessly into the
cabin. A few seconds later there came an “all
ri ht, Max ” from the interior.

ax followed, but was not molested, and
when the door was finally closed, he drew a
long breath, for he had suspected that there
might be some opposition made to his entrance.

A short time passed away.

They began to believe that after all the In-
dians had not noticed them in front of the
cabin, for they advanced toward the door cau-
tiously yet more openly than they would have
done had they been aware that the young hun-
ters were within, rifles in hand, ready to give
them a warm reception. .

The Indians shook the door and attempted to
open the “casement,” as the boys called their
little window, but it was also secured within.

It was a strange and startling experience to
the young hunters of the snow forest, and one
thev did not relish in the least.

Though averse to shedding human blood, they
were not of that tame naturetofall into the
power of their fees without a desperate resist-
ance, and the red fiends must look out when
the attempted to enter the cabin that was
100 edto them.

Opposed to the youn hunters there were at
least three able-bodie Indian braves, skilled
in all the artificee of war, and cunning by na-
“1'0.

 

l

When the Indians found that both door and
shutter refused to open at their summons, they
were silent for a brief time. ,

Then stealthy footsteps sounded above—the
red wolves were on the roof.

Crouching close together, with hands clutch-
ing their rifles, the young moose-hunters waited
for what was to come next, their teeth set and
eyes gleaming with the determination that pos-
sessed their souls.

All at once there was a rattlin sound, and a
few flakes of dry mud came tu mgling down into
the small fire that burned in the wide-throath
fireplace.

“My God! one of the red hounds is coming
down the chimney,” said Max, in a hoarse
whisper.

CHAPTER IV.
THE BOY TRAPPElts TRAPPED.

THE chimney was a rude affair built of stones
the chinks being well plastered with mud to
prevent the draught being spoiled by openings.
and as this mud had dried well, it was now
like stone itself, except in places where it,
flaked.

Though not as wide as many structuses of its \

class, the chimney belonging to the but was
wide—throated enough for a man of average
build to work his way down it, and this was
very probably what the Indian was even then
in the act of doing.

Max looked at Dick, and the latter looked at
Max in a helpless, dazed manner.

What was to be done?

As usual, Max was the one to do the thinking,
though had Dick been alone he might not have
been helpless in such a dilemma.

Having grown accustomed to relying upon
his older comrades in an emergency, he seldom
exerted what faculties lay dormant beneath the
surface.

The fact of the red—skin’s making such a noise
within the chimney could be accounted for in
two ways. \

Either he was a. larger man than the hole
could comfortably admit and hence was com-
pelled to force his way downward, or else, as
was more likely the case, he believed the but to
be empty and was therefore not careful as to
his movements.

Max swept his eyes around the room; then a '

light leaped into his face: he had taken in the
full situation. _,
In awhisper he directed Dick to cover th

fire—place With his rifle, and should the invader A
appear before they were ready for him, to let '

him have its contents.
Stepflng over to a closet in the corner of the
room, ax took out a small paper box, some
three inches s uere. This contained some pow-
der that he he em tied from his flask one even-
in , desiring to rep Ice it by a finer grain.
tlflhet his object was now began to make itr,
Self manifest.

Even Dick, when he saw his comrade advent}
ing with the little aper box in his hand. under‘
stood the idea, an a broad grin came upon his
face as be grasped the ludicrous nature of it. ‘7

Advancing straight to the fireplace. Max

  

8

The Snow-Shoe Trail.

 

bent down and tried to look up the chimney, but
it was obstructed.

That the Indian was yet there was evident,
for the flakes of dried mud w: re still falling.

There were red embers in the fire place,
though the fire was dead, so for as smoke was
concerned.

It was the intention of the young man, how-
1ever, to fully resurrect it in this one particu-

nl‘.

Suddenly be cast the powder-box on the bed
of coals, and stopping back. drew up his rifle.

There came a sudden puff, and u dense cloud
of white smoke went shooting up the chimney,
a small portion of it escaping into the room and
seeking the ceiling.

The eflect was instantaneous and wonderful.

There came flopping into view a brauny In-
dian brave, who had been almost smothered by
the dense smoke that had gone sailing up the
chimne .

To Dick’s mind he seemed like a singed ’pos-
sum, but there was danger in this customer.

The Indian was not Dusky Wolf, but proba-
bly one of his comrades.

He had been pretty well choked by the pun-
gent powder-smoke, and upon lunding, he [Mung-
ed out of the fireplace, slashing right and left
ghout him as though engaged with a swarm of

ees.

The first thing he saw when he re ained his
sense of sight was not. very pleasant. wo rifles
were bearing upon him, and the faces behind
the sights were eloquent with stern determina-
tion.

Being a man of action. the Indian was not the
one to stand still and suffer death, so long as an
opportunity of escape was open to him.

He had come in by means of the chimney and
naturally his first thought of escape was in that
direction.

They might have shot him as he sprung but
it was not their intention to kill the fellow, and
thev allowed him to make his exit.

He scrambled up the chimney like a cat,
terror having lent him wings as it were, and in
spite of the extreme danger from these rascally
red hounds the two young hunters could not re—
strain their mirth.

It. was no longer the intention of the Indians
to enter.

Why they had designed doing this before was
not known, but it was probably their intention
to lie in wait for the young pale-laces and
taking them by surprise on their rot-urn, wreak
a terrible revenge upon them for the insults to
which one of their number had been subjected
on that former occasion when he had been
caught in the act of stealing the animals from
their traps. ,

Perhaps the object they had in view could be
just as Well accomplished without running fur-
ther risks themselves. There were agencies
whereby a terrible fute might be brought upon
those Wilhin the stunch little but without they
themselves running the risk of bullets.

On two sides of the but they could show them-
selves with impunity, for there was no opening
. by means of which the defenders of the struc-

ture could observe their movements and give
them trouble.

 

The man who had once before been in that
cabin—Dusky Wolf—had paid particular atten-
tion to its inmates, and he soon arrived at the
conclusion that the one most to be feared of the
trio, was absent.

Tth therefore kept their eyes upon the ad-
icent forest, and it was very probable that if
{olund had shown himself then he would have
been greeted by several bullets that might have
ended his career.

\Vhar. next?

So Max and Dick asked themselves as they lis-
tened, rifles in hand, for signs that would indi-
cate the actions of their toes.

Whether the Indians were still on the roof or
at some other point, they knew not.

Once or twice they fancied they heard the
sound of far-away chopping, but could not be
sure as the wind was against them.

About half an hour after the discomfiture of
the during brave who had come down the chi n-
ney much faster than he had expected, and
gone up again in such a hasty manner, they
were made aware of the next move in the
game, and what means the wily rcd‘men were
ubnut to put into operation in order to gain the
advantage over them.

Strangely enough it; came through “(a same
channel—the chimney.

Perhaps their clever idea in regard to smok-
ing out the Indian dangling in the chimney had
suggested a. bright thought in retaliation.

Down the chimney came a bunch of smol-
dering grass, which gave out dense masses of
smoke.

Max no sooner got a whiff of it than he recog-
niZed it as being mixed with a rank weed
which would not in i;s half~dried state burn
quickly. and the smoke from which was pecu-
hurl y olfensive to the lungs of any one inhaling
it.

He comprehended the idea of the Indians.

It was their intention to smoke the boys out
by throwing this burning grass into the cabin.

Max knew full well that they were also
ready, guns in hand. to fire upon himself and
Dick as soon as they made their appearance.

He was a oung man of considerable tact,
and, thank eaven, he proved himself equal to
the Present emergency.

Leaping to the door he took down the bar,
and threw it wide 0 en, thus creating a draught
that would cause the dense smoke to creep up
the fine again, and force an entrance above.

If the Indians dared to show themselves they
would get the contents of the young hunters"
firearms, and as the whites were now rapidly
becoming enraged at this dastardly attack, they
would not hold their fire a second time as when
the Indian came tumbling down the chimney
into the cabin.

Ere long the three Indians managed to learn
how their scheme contrived to remain in slatu
Sue, and they immediately went to work reme-

ying matters.

They clapped a large piece of bark over the
top of the chimney.

Again was the draught spoiled, and the nau-
seating smoke begun to fill the room.

Dick seized upon a leathern bucket which
they used for some culinary work, dipped it

  

   

 

   

   

 

 

 

 

The Snow-Shoe Trail. I i ' 7

 

into the large receptacle for water in a corner
of the room, and then dashed its contents over
the smoldering tufts of gross in the fireplace.

This deluge utterly extinguished them, and
when he saw this was the case, Dick bunt. down
and watched up the chimney. revulVer in hand,
hoping to get a shot when the Indians removed
the bark from the top to cast in more fuel.

CHAPTER V.
> BALKED.

“ Bacxt or I will blow you to eternity i”

There could be no mistaking the grim inten-
tion of Roland, as he gave utterame to this
startling Sentence, and the throes ruifians who
had pursued the fugitive through the snow
forest, with as much Venom as though she had
been a wolf, and were even then about leaping
upon her to avenge the death of the bounds,
came to a halt as suddenly' as though upon
an abyss, and one of them sprung backa pace
after the manner of a man who has trotlden
upon a cobra, and feels the deadly fangs 1n his

 

6 .

gHe knew Roland’s voice evidently, and it re-
vived no pleasant recollection. .

Silence reigned for the space of a. minute,
during which the foes surveyed each other af-
ter the manner of so many dogs about to pounce
upon one another, and yet reluctant to begln
the warfare.

One of them finally spoke, and his tones were
those of bravado. Evidently he did not feel as
comfortable as he might. .

“ See hyar, boss, I reckon y’e’re responSIble
for the death 0’ them dorgs'!” he said.

“What of iti” returned R:;land, calmly,
keeping his eyes upon all of the men, for he
believed their game was an apparent one,
and that While one parleyerl with him to at
tract his attention, the others would take the
first opportunity to send a bullet through hls
body

Athis cool reply, an oath burst from the lips
of the desperado, and he made a movement as
though he would like nothing better than to leap

, like a tiger upon the man who stood there so

nonchalantly, but somehow he dared not carry
out his design.

“ What business warit o’ yours? The critters
warn’t arter ye. Them hounds war worth a
hundred doll rs.”

“Then whistle for it. You will have to go a
long distance before you get It from me.
know you men by the company you keep. That
wolf who shrinks yonder. Dave Rawhngs, has
cause to remember me. What deviltr you are
up to now I‘can’t imagine, but thank eaven I
was here to save your victim from the hounds
that would have torn her to 'pieces. I have
heard enough. Leave the spot at onceor l’ll
open fire and not leave enough life In you to
see the moon set.”

Dark scowls greeted this mandate, and the
man who had spoken before gritted his teeth m
an awful manner.

“ Our time will come, stranger, and ye’ll wish

the hour had never been when ya run across ‘

the path Ol. Tenderhearted Joe.”
The name was that or a noted desperado.

 

given him in mockery, for he was a. perfect
devil, but Roland flinched not. ‘

He harl dealt with such men before, and knows, ,
what a firm front could accomplish. \

It Go I”

Heuttered but the one word, yet there was
deep significance in his method of rendering it.
To disobey the stern mandate meant death,
and realizing this the three men turned to move
away.

Knowing well thenature of such men, the
young hunter also hogan a retrograde move
ment, intending to be in a place of safety where
the moon’s rays wouldn’t betray him, by the
time they considered it expedient to send a
treacherous bullet.

As he saw them disappear in the shadows
that lurked heavily beyond, the hunter gave one
glance over his shoulder to see what had be-
come of the girl who had been so baser hunted
and whom he had so valiantly defended, but to
his intense amazement she was gone.

Putting all thought of her aside, he once
more turned his full attention to the spot where
the desperadoes had last bern seen, believing he
was yet to have more trouble with them.

At the same time be employed himself in re-
loading his rifle.

That the desperadoes meant business, was
soon proven, for there came a quick flash and at
sharp report; but the bullet was sent at random
and did no damage. He believed he heard it
hurtling past to the right, but of course
could not be sure on this point.

To return the fire was but the work of an in-
stunt. He aimed as well as was possible under
the circumstances at the point from whence
had come the last shot. Immediately following
there was a cry and an oath, which gave him
some satisfaction, as it told him his lead had not
been entirely thrown away, even though it had,
in all probability, failed to proved fatal.

Intense silence followed.

Young Roland believed his foes were making
off for repairs. but in this he might be deceived,
and there could he no surety until he had made
a detour and searched the thicket in which they
had taken refuge.

Simply because his curiosity was aroused, be
determined to do this.

An hour later the work had been thoroughly
accomplished. Then it was that he made cer—
tain the three desperadoes had left the vicinity.

That he would see them again, he knew full
well, for they were not the men to let such in-
sults as he had heaped upon them, pass by.

Once more he returned to the scene of his
late encounter.

The two fierce hounds lay stifi‘ened out in
death just where they had fallen, and as he
came up there was a rustle in the bushes and a
gray animal skulked away over the snow. ‘

It was a prowling wolf, that having scented a
meal, was ready and anxious to commeuoeop-
erations. .

Dropping down on hands and knees, be
scrutinized the snow In this, the moonlight
stealing through the branches of the trees gave
him considerable assistance. as he was enabled
to see the tracks left by the unknown fusitivd

   

  
   
 
 
    
    
  
   
    
 
  
   
  
    
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
 

o

8

  

The Snow-Shoe Trail.

   

 

No sooner had he obtainedaview of afair
impression of the little moccasin-track than he
uttered a cry.

Throwing himself down he examined each de-
tail of the fairy footprint.

When he arose there was a strange look upon
his face, a bright leam in his eye.

“ Great Heaven? to think how close I was to
her and knew it not. What strange freak of for-
tune was this, that I should save her from such a
death, and that she should fly from me, believ-
ing, perha s, that I would prove as remorseless
to her as t ose three fiends. She is surrounded
by myster . Why do these men hate her?"

Why in eed’!

There was more of mystery surrounding the
hunted girl than Roland imagined even in his
wildest ancies.

He spoke no more aloud, but his brow was
crossed b lines, and it was evident that he
thought eeply. .

The placid moon still sailed onward. Like
some phantom of the wild northern woods, the
hunter glided along, ever on the watch, as if he
suspected what stirring scenes lay before him,
and did not mean to be caught napping.

 

CHAPTER VI.
nun WOLVES or ran snow FOREST.

ROLAND realized how useless it would be for
him to think of finding the one who had made
that fairy footprint until the proper time, and
he was not foolish enough to try it.

He had turned his face toward home, for such
thevlittle cabin in the snow forest was to the
three young fellows, and they had already pass-
ed many pleasant weeks within its walls.

He wondered what his comrades were doing,
and whether they felt uneasy about his prolong-
ed absence.

Thinking thus he passed through the aisles of
the forest, that looked like fairy-land, with the
snow clin ing to every branch and shrub. Even
one side 0 the trees was covered with the white
substance, and the latter was of much assistance
to the hunter, as through it he was able to take
his bearings.

He had rst intended camping for the night,
as has alread been seen, but the adventure
through whic he had so recently passed, seem-
ed to have changed his plans entirely, and he
‘3ng now desirous of reaching the cabin without

e ay.

As he strode cheerin on, his mind still dwel-
ling upon the singular events of the last hour,
it began to cloud up.

A gray haze extended over the sk , though
the moon still shone through, and the ight was
sufficient to show him the way he wished to go
in order to reach his destination.

It was well for him that he had reached a
point where the appearance of certain charac~
terlstics about the forest were familiar to him,
for resently the white, feathery flakes began

to ascend, aduallfy0 increasing in violence,
until it was iflicult see anything for their
blinding density.

Bis progress now was necessarily slow.
In order not to make a blunder that would
eventually throw him from the track and cause
r x
,,

 

him to have all of his tramp, since leaving his
camp in the woods, for nothing, he was com-
pelled to virtually creep along.

All the while he was drawing nearer and
nearer to an adventure, the presence of which
was not suspected until it was sprung upon
him.

While he was thus making his wa along,
almost gro ing, as it were, he sudden y found
himself in t e midst of a camp.

Entirely unknown to himself, he had walked
(flirectly into it before becoming aware of the
act.

There before him was a small flre, looking
like an evil eye with its red embers, and as he
turned his head to the right and to the left,
behold! there were other fires to be seen.

In the name of Heaven, where was he? and
whose hands had ignited these fires?

As the mental question came to him it seemed
as though some strange freak of fate answered
it

There was a handful of dead leaves thrown
upon the fire in front, which, taking at once a.
blaze, illuminated a space several yards in
diameter around the fire.

It was enough.

Roland saw the dusk faces of those who
were seated around the e, and he knew into
what a tremendous strait he had fallen.

There could be no mistaking the fact; each
one of those figures wrapped up in blankets, and
apparently as still as if made of stone, was an
Indian.

He had blundered into a red cam .

During that season many of the ndians were
at loggerheads with the whites, and whenever
they came in contact, did their best to secure
the scalps of the pale-faces.

The consciousness of this fact did not tend to
make Roland feel any more comfortable.

His first act was to sink down.

This was a wise idea, as was immediately
proven.

At one of the adjacent fires an armful of
dead wood had been previously cast upon the
glad embers, and this fuel now sprung into a

aze.

In spite of the densely-falling snow the sur-
roundings of the Indian camp were lighted up,
and had the hunter remained erect he must
surely have been seen.

Even now the danger was not past.

Crouching there, Roland was astounded to
discover that he was in the midst of at least a
score of red«men.

He also realized that they were Blackfeet,

robahl from the far Northwest, and sure to
Ea hostire to the whites. Had they been Crows
or Yanktons, or even Flatheads, he might have
had some hope of their being friendly disposed,
but now the fact was very plain to him that it
was foolish to hope this.

What brought them so far from their distant
home?

One thing the young hunter noticed immedi-
ately, and this was the fact that the Blackfoot
band was composed entirely, as far as he could
see, of picked braves, every man being a splen-
did specimen of strength and endurance.

This only corroborated his previous thought
, .

\

       
     
      
       
      
        
    
      
   

  
 

 

The Snow-Shoe Trail. 9

 

that the Indians were there for a distinct pur~

e.

p0éeveral of them were moving about, and his
danger of discovery was now increased. Should
they stumble over him, all that remained for
him to do would be to instantly knock the ag-
gressive red-skin over, and then leap madly
away into the forest, trusting to the dense cur-
tain formed'by the falling snow to hide his
movements enough to eventually lose him to
the warriors who pursued.

The forest was dense at this point, and
when the fires started up afresh, Roland saw a
peculiar shaped tree close at hand, which he
remembered well. from the fact of his having
had a desperate engagement with a huge hear
at its foot.

This gave him his bearings, and he knew
that he was hardly a mile from the cabin.

As a thought of the two, who were at that
moment, as he believed, sleeping quietly and
peacefully under its roof, came into his mind,
somehow or other he shuddered.

Had the presence of these grim red warriors
in the vicinity of the cabin, aught to do with
Max and Dick?

The wind had veered somewhat even while he
was crouching there, and suddenly Roland
started as he plainly and distinctly heard the
far-away report of a rifle.

Some of the Indians heard it too, for
words passed between them, and quite a num-
ber arose.

They had judged the direction well, for Roland
saw to his dismay, that they were were looking
toward the little cabin.

When he, too, directed his gaze thither he
paw that which almost forced a cry from his

ips.

There was alight in the forest—a light that
illumined the great trees and which could be
seen in spite of low—hanging clouds and falling
snow.

He knew what it meant.

Great Heavens! the cabin was on fire!

That riflevreport and the presence of those red
sons of the forest—what in the name of mercy
did they mean?

Even as he crouched there, looking, sheets of
flame flaunted up in long streamers, like vivid
pencilings against the sky, and there came a
heav concussion that shook the very ground.

R0 and‘s face was gray with the alarm that
came upon him.

Perhaps, in his intense excitement, he was
not so careful as he had hitherto been, for in-
stead of crouching low down, he had raised
himself upon one knee, and in this position was
gazing blankly at the gray heavens, where not
a vestige remained of the late fire.

What terrible doom had befallen the cabin!

A bronzed arm was outstretched, the hand
fell upon Roland’s shoulder, and he was whirl-
ed around, to find himself face to face with a
painted Blackfoot brave!

The young moose-hunter was apparently lost.

CHAPTER VII.
a TERRIBLE ENEMY.
I)ch was not far out of the way when he be-

 

 

lieved there would be a good chance given him
to send a leaden messenger up the chimney and
astonish their red foes at the time when the
strip of bark covering the flue at the top was
reimovled in order to throw down a fresh supply
0 fue .

While one of the reds attended to the firing—
up business, the others with guns in hand were
watching the surroundings, ready to give the
pale-faces a, death-shot when they showed them-
selves, as they eventually must if there was any
virtue in smoke.

This over-weaning confidence did not last.

As the brave who had assumed charge of the
fire-department raised the bark from the top of
the chimney, he was astonished to see only a.
single cloud of smoke, mingled with steam, put!
out, and then no more.

Leaning over to ascertain the cause of this
phenomenon, he was further electrified to hear
the muffled report of a fire-arm below.

A sharp twinge of pain told him the bullet
had torn through his cheek in its passage up-
ward, having entered his month.

What damage he had done, Dick knew not,
but that he had wounded the rascal he felt sure,
for a drop of blood fell upon his hand, and the
hasty manner in which the red-skin replaced
the bark was good evidence that he had been
injured in some way.

An intense silence followed.

The door had been shut again and carefully I

barred.

What their enemies would do next the young
moose-hunters could hardly guess, but they were
prepared for all emergencies.

A longhtime passed.

That t e red-skins had left the roof was evi-
dent to the boys; Otherwise, they would have
occasionally heard them moving about, for‘the
timbers were not over stench, the cabin being
one that had been erected quite a number of

ears before by two old trappers, whom Roland
ad spent the winter with, and time had since
played havoc with it to a considerable degree.

Night fell. -

From her couch in the far-away East, the
glorious moon arose, illuminating the white for—
est. It was the same glorious spectacle upon
which Roland looked‘while making his way to

the favored spot where he had determined to

cam .. ,
Still the time tpassed on without any indica—
tion from their oes.
Though they did not believe the Indians had
left them, the young hunters came to the con-

clusion that it would be just as well for them to ‘

gain some rest while they had the opportunity.
Dick, therefore, made Max lie down to sleep
while he stood guard.
When severa
his comrade.
Nothin had occurred, but several times he

had hear noises which he knew had not been
made by the wind, and hence it was apparent
that the Indians were still on the ground.

Dick hardly knew when he went to sleep.

It seemed that his head had hardly touched
the rude pillow made by an old coat, when his
senses left him and he was in dreams“

hours had passed by he awoke I

 

  

1o

 

The Snow-Shoe Trail.

 

How long he slept he knew not.

He was aroused by a hand clutching his arm,
and opened his eyes.

Around him all was darkness.

While he slept the moon had been obscured
by clouds and the snow was falling without.

“What is it, Max?” he asked, taking in the
situation fully without any confusion.

“They are up to their deviltry again," was
the quiet reply.

A peculiar moanin sound was heard at regu-
lar intervals. but Dic had listened to this same
noise too often during the nights spent in the
cabin not to know that the wind had arisen
and was cutting around the corners of the old
but. '

This was not what Max meant.

“ Come here,” said the latter, in a tense whis-

er.
p Drawing his companion over to a side of the
cabin, he bade him place his hand against it.

To Dick’s surprise, the wall was warm.

“ Listen!” said Max.

Placing his ear against the logs, Dick heard a
crackling sound that amazed while it alarmed
him. He turned around to his comrade.

" They have fired the cabin!" he gasped.

“Exactly,” replied Max, without a nervous
tremor to his voice, “and in ten minutes the
whole afl'air will be wrapped in flames.”

“ But what shall we do?”

, Dick, being aroused from sleep so suddenly,
was hardly himself, but Max could not have
been more composed even had he been a vet-
eran hunter who had faced these dangers a life-
time.

“ We must cheat the hounds of their pray.
I for one do not feel disposed to lay down my
life because of that wretch we caught stealing
our pelts and kicked out of the cabin.”

The fire was gaining rapidly, for the wind
fanned the flames.

, 0n the side opgosite to the fire was an opening
’which they ha used for some urpoee and
which Was closed b a small thoug sturdy log.
. _ Removing this, ax bent down.
By-thrusting out his head he could get a par~
- tial view of the immediate neighborhood and as
130 enemies were in sight, he whispered to Dick,
who was speedily at his side.

Then the opening was closed.

There were many little mementoes of chase
and trap which they were compelled to leave
- behind them to become food for the flames,
’ but when life was at stake they could not hesi-
tate. '

To leave the vicinity of the cabin might have
,pro‘ven a. more difficult task but for the fact
that it was surrounded by bushes which screen-
ed their movements. They left the cabin to its
fate and crept away like snakes in the grass.

CHAPTER VIII.
, BLOWN UP.

.Wm they had gained shelter among the
bushes and it seemed as though they were
about to escape the lynx-eyed Indians after all
 the came to a pause, and looked backward.

The cabin was now one mass oi; flames.

As the logs composing it were old and well
- seasoned they burned readilyv for the Indiana

 

 

had been shrewd enough to start their confin-
gration where it would be the most useful—on
the windward side of the house.

Even where the boys crouched they could
feel the intense heat, and yet the Indians seemv
ed to be impervious to it for they were seen
now and then in close proximity to the cabin,
moving about and evidently watching for their
intended victims to rush out so that they might
shoot them down in cold blood.

Dick was more impulsive than Mex.

He could not help feeling angry at sight of
those who had. done them this wicked hurt and
felt that if they killed the Indians where they
stood the act would be perfectly justifiable see-
ing that they sought their lives. '»

With an exclamation therefore he raised his
gun and was taking aim as well as the circum-
stances would allow at one of the red braves
who stood in plain view, tomahawk in hand,
watching the rear of the house and ready for
bloody work. 1

Ere the hammer could fall. however, the hand
of his companion fell upon the lock and prevent-
ed its action.

“ Why sto me, Max? One of those flenda
must die at» east. Take your hand away and
let me shoot,” said Dick in a low but intense
tone.

.“ There is no need of it and the shot would
but reveal our presence here to the rest. You
have forgotten something. There is an agency
at work which may avenge all our wrongs
without our lifting a hand. You forget the
powder-keg!”

Dick uttered a startled exclamation.

His rifle was no longer aimed.

“ Great heavens! we will be counted in the
general destruction if we remain here. Quick!
let us retreat further into the forest!” he said
huskily.

Max remained cool.

He knew full well that the fire had not yet
come near the powder keg, and that five min-
utes at least must elapse before the explosion.

Before leaving the cabin they had secured
many little things that were valuable to them.
and besides had filled two extra large powder-
horns from the keg, knowing that it would be
needed before the winter was over.

Max now led the way.

They crept through the snow with the cun-
ning of skulking wolves, while the old cabin
blazed away in their rear like a. funeral pyre,
sending up billows of flame into the snow laden
atmosphere, illuminating the surrounding forest
and making the scene weird beyond description.

When they had reached what Max deemed a
safe distance from the burning hut, another halt
was made, and they turned to witness the final
demolition of their late home. .

That the three cruel and bloodthirsty red.
skins were still as close to the cabin as the
heat would allow, they knew full well, for
they could Occasionally see their dark forms
outlined against the bright background of
ilamea.

No doubt they were becoming astounded be-
cause the galevfaces did not appear, while the
burning ea in grew hotter and hotter.

One of them even discharged his gun into the

 

 

l
.<
r i

 

 

i‘
l
F
l

 

 

 

- for the chances of his getting away were few.

 

The Snow-Shoe Trail. 11

 

burning cabin; still no pale-faces rushed out.

" Watch closely, Dick; the end must be
neurl”

Hardly had the words passed the lips of the
y'nung moose-hunter, when there was a. vivid
first) that blinded them for the time being.

At the same time there was a thunder-like
sound that seemed to shake the earth, and high
above the treetops went the blazing fragments
of ihe burnt cabin.

What had become of their red fees they
led not the remotost idea, but they could
not have escaped unscathed, even if life re~
unlined.

Probably they would not be in a hurry to
again attempt to burn up foes in their own
cabin. The experiment had been somethin:
like a boomerang in the hands of one not
accostomed to its use—it had rebounded and
Siruck those from whom it had proceeded.

The boys were now practically homeless, and
they experienced a feeling of depression, as
they made their way through the forest, head-
ing for a place which it was probable their
comrade would make for when he discovored
the wreck of the cabin. That he would believe
them dead did not enter their minds.

 

CHAPTER 1X.
ROLAND‘S ADVENTURE.

FORTUNATELY for Roland his self-possession
did not desert him upon the occasion when he
most needed it.

Why the brave delayed in giving the general
alarm it would be hard to say. No doubt he
was puzzled at the presence of the white hunter
there in the midst of their camp, and half be-
lieved there must be more of the same kind
near by.

At any rate that delay, short though it proved
to he, was a perfect godsend to Roland.

Desperate as had been his position before, it
was much worse now that discovery had come

The snow had again started to falling heavily
and if he could but make a break this would
prove of service to him. seeing that he was ac—
quainted with the land and could make better
progress than his pursuers who could not be
other than strangers to the country in which
their camp was pitched.

His first act, therefore was to loosen his arm
from the rigid clasp of the Blackfoot brnve.

This he did bya violent jerk that unsettled
the“ warrior, who had stooped to clasp the arm
of the palerface and was therefore in anything
but a steady position.

Ere he could recover his equilibrium the
young hunter had dealt him a. powerful blow
on the side of the head that would have felled a.
giant.

Over went the Indian warrior as if he had
been struck by a cannon-ball, and such was the
force Roland put into this terrific stroke that
even the signal yell that had been gathering in
the throat of the redvskin died away in a faint
gur le utterly unintelligible and hardly hoard.

ithont losing a second, he leaped to his leet l
and sprung away with the speed of a. deer.

A series of cries and yells. indicative 0t both f

 

surprise and rage, broke out from the Blackfeet,
who were doubtless amazed at the spectacle of
a pale—face hunter leaping from their midst and
plunging into the surrounding forest.

Such was the speed at which Roland sped
away, and the density of the falling snow, that
be had well-nigh passed entirely from their
sight by the time any of the Indians thought of
following

Then half a dozen of the fastest runners start-
ed in pursuit.

They knew not whom the white hunter was,
nor what his mission in their camp, but it was
enough for them that he had been were.

Although these braves were fast runners, the
young fellow whom they chased was of the
S'imB stamp, and he had the advantage of know-
ing the country well from having trapped and
hunted over it so often.

The race was not a long one.

Dodging this way and that, he made his
course toward a certain gully where he intend-
ed giving them the slip.

As if naturally taking the easiest route he
plunged into the ravine, but had hardly done
so, than turning suddenly to the left he entered-
a small opening in the dense wall of brush that
lined each side of the gully.

Here he remained silent as the grave whil
his pursuers went flying by with great leap.
fully believing that their intended prey was Still
running down the ravine.

Had they suspected otherwise it would not
have been the best thing in the world for them.
as Roland was crouching there with his rifle in
readiness. and he would have given them a
warm reception.

The falling snOW and the blinding whiteness
of the surroundings aiding in deceiving the In-
dians, and at the some time there was 3 fl rry
of the wind among the trees further down the
ravine, and no doubt the pursum's took. it for
granted that this was caused in part by the
white hunter whom they chased.

At any rate they continued their headlong
rush, pursuing a phantom.

Roland was nothing 10th.

He had Seen quite enough of the Blackfeet,
and though his curiosity had been aroused at
their mission in this part of the country, he
would have been perfectly satisfied to have let
the matter remain a mystery always.

When the Indians had passed him by and he

could neither see nor bear a sign of them down »

the ravine, he crawled through the hole among
the bushes.

While the boodwink’ed savages were still, in V

all probability, searching the ad do sac formed
by the ravine, and wondering what manner 0!
trick the young hunter had played upon them

that he could vanish as utterly as though swal- ,

lowed up by the earth, Roland broke through
the bushes that had surrounde the cabin, and
then stood in the presence of that which he had
come to look upon.

His worst fears were realized.

A few smoking and burning embers lay about
with here and there a log, blackened, but of the
cabin itself not a portion of it remained erect. ‘

Hastin be searched around for any evidence ‘

that would inform him as to the fate of his com-

-m--_...._ mm, ........_..

12 The Snow-Shoe Trail.

 

rades, for he dreaded lest the Blackfeet would

‘ reach the scene.
What had occurred while he was gone he
could not conjecture, for he remembered the
' gun~shot he had heard while in the Blackfoot

ca‘unifp. .
ith his heart in his throat, so to speak, he
sought hither and thither, but nothing rewarded
-- his search until he was turning) to depart,
.when he came upon a blackened uman body,
void of clothing and unrecognizable in the dim

l t.

fit was at this terrible moment that he heard
a twig snap close at hand, and realized that the
mysterious Blackfeet were looking upon the
ruins of the devastated cabin.

_.

CHAPTERX.
MORE TROUBLE.

MA]! and Dick fortunately evaded the Black—
feet as they made their way through the forest,
not because they knew of their presence, but
simply through the reason that they were in
another quarter.

,Nota sound coming from the rear gave in»
dication that their enemies, Dusky Wolf and
his two companions were yet alive and on their
trail; indeed, such had been the force of the
eXplosion that they no longer had any fear of
, these rascals, believing them placed beyond the

power of doing them harm either through death

or the mangling of their bodies.

The snow was still falling with the steady

,‘persistence that promised a great storm, and

all around them the trees stood out weirdly in
their white dress seeming like so many ghosts.

About half an hour after leaving the ruins of
the cabin, the two young hunters reached their
destination.

There was aclsft in the rocks which gradual-

ly formed itself ‘into a cave, and into this the

I. ,' boys walked as the roof of the passage was low

in places, they were compelled too stoop and at

one point almost crawl. . _
They had known of this retreat in the face
' of the great wall of rock for some time back,
and it had been their intention, often expressed,
to retreat to it in case of an emergency.
This was why they believed Roland would
,I come there when he found the cabin destroyed!
In anticipation of some such ocwsuon as this
w’for 'Roland was a great hand at milking
ready for an emergency—he had brought quite
a number of things to the rock cave in the way
. of cooking utensils of which they had an extra
.supply. firewood, and oven dried meat which
hung down from the roof far beyond the reach
' of any maruuding animal. I
Having entered the mam cave Mex was
groping about in one corner of it for the torch
which he knew it was customary to keep
' there. when Dic-k’s'hand fell upon his arm which
' was clutched tightly. . .
" We are not alone in here, Max l” he said in
a solemn and hoarse whisper. .
“ What do you mean?” asked the other qmck-

] .
y“I’ll swear]; heard a Increment over you-
deg,”

 

Max hastily lighted a torch while Dick held
his gun ready.

Then, as they advanced, holding weapons
ready, their eyes fell upon a sight that was
enough to make them feel uneasy.

From one of the darker corners of the cave
there came a plaintive cry, not unlike the
sound which a new-horn babe would utter.

Two little gray animals were huddled up
there, raising their heads and blinking at the
torch.

Even Dick did not need to he told the truth
now, for he could see that they were panther
cuhs. '

Where was the mother!

They shivered at the thought that at any mo.
meant she might pounce in upon them, mad-
dened by seeing them with her cubs.

The one important fact that stared them in
the face was the consciousness that they were
in the den of a female panther with her cubs,
and that the mother was liable to return at any
moment, when the sight of them would be
enough to inflame her worst passions.

Should they leave the cavern while the oppor-
tunity was still theirs?

Max shut his teeth firmly in a determined
way he had, and that settled it.

They had a prior right to that place. and had
come there with the expectation of meeting
Roland—should the panther put in an appear-
ance, they must be ready to give her a warm
reception, and settle this disputed question of
occupancy at once.

Having reached thigdeterminafion, Max was
but a short time in carrying out his ideas.

He lighted several more torches, and placed
them near the point where the tortuous passage
reached the cavern. ->'

There was no danger of their light being seen
outside, and they would prove invaluable for
aiming when the critical moment arrived.

This was only a part of the preparations for
the coming of Madam Panther, however.

While Max stood guard Dick piled up many
of the large pieces of rock that lay around, hav-
ing fallen from the walls and root from time to
time, and made quite a little fort of them, be-
hind which they could crouch, and which might
afford them some protection should the enraged
animal escape death by their bullets and leap.

When this was done they retired behind this
rampart to await coming events.

The time passed slowly.

Whether the minutes had lengthened into
hours since they had entered the cave Dick
knew not, but it seemed to him as though an
eternity had passed by.

All at once there came a slight sound from
the direction of the crooked passage.

Both of them prick: (1 up their ears and wait-
ed with intense and breathless interest.

Away beyond the end of the cavern, where
the light was dim, they could catch a glimpse
of a moving figure, whose outlines were not
visible.

Dick raised his gun.

Mnx saw the motion, however, and revented'

the shot, not because he had any i on of the
true state of affairs, but simply for the reason

 
  

 

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The Snow-Shoe 'l‘ra ii.

18

 

that he believed it a very indiscreet thing for
his companion to do.

He believed a death-shot beyond the possi-
bilities. and knowing what a wounded panther
was, had no desire to try conclusions with one:
hence he stayed Dick’s shot until he could make
more certain.

Another moment and Dick uttered a low cry
of horror, for there came to their ears a low
whistle of singular intonation which they knew
well and recognized as Roland‘s signal.

Dick had come within an ace of shooting
their dearly loved friend.

The shadowy form advanced into the cave
and the torchlight showed them the features of
their young hunter friend.

To leap over the stone barrier and greet him
was but the work of a few seconds, and they
Were never more glad to see each other than
then, for Roland was a reed upon which the
others were wont to lean, and he on his part
was so filled with horror at the idea that the
blackened body near the burnt cabin might be
one of his friends that he almost fell on their
necks.

Soon their story was told and then they look-
ed to Roland.

“You have done well, but I fear we are not
safe here, for several times I believed I was fol-
lowed—”

Dick interrupted him with a cry, pointing be-
yond, and turning they saw within the caVern
the long, slim gray body of an animal whose
ex ression denoted fearful rage.

he pantheress had arrived upon the scene!

CHAPTER XI.
“WE'LL DIE GAM‘EI"

THAT the animal meant business was plain
enough to be seen.

She waited not to find out whether or no her
ugly little cubs had been harmed, but with a
roar that made the cavern ring, she crouched
for an instant, and then flaw through the air.

The leap was a beautiful one, but it chanced
that none of our young friends were in a condi-
tion to admire it.

Clearing the intervening space, she slighted
among the boy hunters like an avalanche.

Roland had hastily discharged his rifle as the
gray animal shot through the air, but he fired
at random, as it were, and was painfully cou—
scious of the fact that he had only given the
brute a slight wound, which would prove of no
inconvenience whatever.

Seeing the terrible danger the young hunters
had thrown themselves back just in time to
avoid the leap, and the infuriated animal
brought up in their midst.

Max had pulled back the hammer of his rifle,
and without the loss of a second he blazed away,
his bullet entering the animal’s side.

Roland clubbed his gun and made adesperate
attempt to beat the panther’s brains out by a
heavy blow. but the agile brute. avoided the
shock, and Roland was, for the time being, at
its mercy.

1t chanced that Dick’s rifle lay against the
rock, and out of his reach, and when the pan-
gitr sprung he had drawn a. revolver and a

a. .

 

 

At this critical moment, when it seemed as
though Roland must pay for having by that
sweeping blow left himself unguarded, Dick
sprung between him and the fierce brute, dis-
charging his weapon in the face of the panther,
and then, knife in hand, throwing himself upon
the animal. '

This was so unexpected an assault that the
panther failed to take the initiative, and Dick
had gotten several severe stabs in before the
contest fully began.

What would have eventually happened to
gallant Dick it would be hard to say, for a
hand-to—hand fight with such an enemy is noth-
ing to be despised, but at this juncture Roland
came to the rescue.

He realized that prompt action alone could
save the boy, and snatching up Dick’s rifle he
placed the muzzle to the ear of the panther and
pulled the trigger.

That ended the fight so far as the animal was
concerned, for her body relaxed, and with a
mighty shiver she sunk back dead, but not be-
fore she had sunk her teeth in Dick’s left arm.

The wound was not dangerous, but neverthe-
less painful. v

Roland bound it up tenderly, as Well as he
was able to do under the circumstances, and he
could not but feel that he was under heavy ob-
ligations to Dick. ’

The question now arose whether the stealthy
footsteps Roland had heard as he came through
the snow forest had been made by this panther,
or lied he really been followed by a red war-
nor

If the latter, then their hiding-place was far
from bein safe, and they might expect a visit
from the luckiest at any time.

They held a short council of war, during
which each one gave his opinion.

There was but one sentiment expressed, and
this was in favor of immediate withdrawal.

They could return to the cave at some time
in the future, when the Blackfeet had left the
neighborhood, but it seemed a wise policy for
them to go away for a time. ‘

One of the torches was still burning, but it
was so near its end that none of them thought
it worth while to extinguish it, as they left the
cave proper and entered the passageway. '

Fortunate accident!

They were to discover this before they were
many minutes older.

Roland was in the lead, for he was looked
upon as the head of the little company, because
of his years and the experience he had had in
woodcraft.

Just as he was about to step out of the en-
trance of the passage, he came to such asudden
halt, that Dick, coming close behind, ran into
him with such violence as forced a grant from
hi

m.
“ Hist l”
The word came in a sibilant whisper from
Roland, and knowing he must havea good rea-
son for such action, the others became utterly
motionless. v

Roland had seen several dark figures moving
about outside, and the white background of

snow made it easier for him to catch fleeting_ ‘ ~

glimpses of them. V

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The Snow-Shoe Trail.

   

 

At first—his 6 es artially blinded by the
light they had first 0ft behind, he could not
distinguish them from wolves. but even as he
looked, one of them arose to full hight, and then
he knew they were not skulking wolves, but
Blackfoot braves.

No time was to belost.

Against the rock the darkness was strong,and
if they could glide along without being discov—
ered, all might be well.

He put out his head to see what chances
there were in this line, but immediately drew
,it in again, for there, not ten feet away, and
plainly outlined against the gray sky, he saw
a figure which he knew could only he an ln~
dian, who was almost directly in the path
_ they must have taken, had they carried out his
first plan.

“ Back to the cave, boys!" he whispered,
boa rsely; “ the red dogs are here, but We’ll die
game!”
CHAPTER XII.

OUTWITTEDI

WHEN the others heard these words that Ro-
land spoke, ther comprehended the whole mat
ter in a. nutshe 1.

His words were too decisive to admit of any
argument, and without a word, the boys turn-
ing hastened along the same passage that they
had so lately mad, when they believed the cave
was being luft behind for good.

The torch was still burning, as they enter-
ed it, and Roland’s first act was to light an-
other. ,

Then be surveyed the inferiorof the place,
much closer than he had ever done before.

Ere half a minute had passed by he made for
one of the walls and commenced climbing its
run h face with the ngilitv of a goat.

us the young hunter mad?

The others thought so at first, but presently
they changed their minds when they saw him
vanish intoa crevice which neither had noticed
before.

A minute passed away.

Then Roland once more made his appear-
ance, and in a low tone bade them follow him,
taking the torch along.

To climb the wall of the cavern and carry a
lighted torch at the same time, was not so easy
It matter; but Max managed to accomplish the
task by thrusting the small end of the flambenu
into acrevice here and there. after which he
Would have both arms to pull himself up with.

Dick was also in a bad way so far ns climbing
was concerned, secing that his arm was very
painful because of the panther’s teeth which had
wen sunk into it; but he was p'ossessmi of an in-
domitable spirit, and setting his teeth hard to-
gether, he managed, with what little help R0<
and could give him, to gain the spot where the
others stood.

The whole three of them were now virtually
out of the cave.

The crevice was only wide enough to admit
of the pasnagu of one person at a time. and when
the others had gained a footing, Roland took
the torch and moved on.

Thus the cavern was left in darkness.
Five minutes passed away.

 

 

Then alight appeared in the pnssagen 85', and
gradually drew nearer the cavern.

A bronzed Blackfoot warrior held the [lam
beau above his head, and both before and be
hind him stalked other dusky figures.

It was well for their health that the young
moose-hunters had deserted the cabin, else they
would have been greeted with a storm of leaden
missiles which. because of the, light they car—
ried, could not have been aught but deadly.

As the lndions drew nearer the cavarn their
steps became more cautious. for they well knew
they were at the point of danger.

As they filed into the cave the discovery was
at once made that it was empty, and the
Blackfeet, without delay, began an investiga-
tion.

There lay the dead panther, just as it had
fallen by the bullets of the young hunters. and
when the Indians saw this mute evidence of the
pale-fzices’ prowess they immediately conceived
n more healthy respect for the boys than they
had hitherto entertained.

They searched the place thorouzhly, yet as it
seemed without any especial result, and when
almost willing to believe that the pale-faces had
left before their arrival on the scene, one of
them discovered traces on the wall that awak-
ened his suspicions at once.

1n a minute he was clumbering upward and
when he stood within the crevice a guttural
exclamation of satisfaction escaped his lips.

Soon the dusky braves were clamhering the
wall like so many monkeys, and with a torch in
the advance they moved along.

They knew not at what moment a shot might
sound and the man who bore the torch fall back
in the thr< es of death; but they were men who
were used to takirg such chances and like aven-
ging spirits they filed onward only to find when
all oifllculties had been overcome, that the pas-
sage came to the open air and that the youn
hunters of the snow forest were far beyon
their reach.

CHAPTER XIII.
'rnr: ivnw HOME.

Tim young moow—hunters had in truth given
the Blackfeet the slip.

Once they were in the open air Roland took
his bearings as well as he was able under the
circumstances.

The snow was still falling heavily and walking
was quite I‘ifflr'ult.

Dick had their snow-shoes with him and they
soon concluded that it would pay to put them

on.
All track of them would be covered over in
ten minutes, and there was little likelihood of
their evzar running into the Blackfeet again.
There was nothing to keep them in the little
valley now. True. they had a few traps out,
but there could be gathered in at some future
day when they chore to return.
lNhen they started off it was Roland’s inten-
tion to leave the vicinity, gain apiece a safe
distance away. and camp, for they needed rest
and particularly himselt after all he had gone
through since the sun was last seen in the west.
0n they trudged through the snow. in Indian

 

  

  
   

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., “My...” Mum “mm mmmmmw «

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The Snow-Shoe Trail. I 13

 

file, each carrying a proportionate share of the
burden.

The falling snow covered them until they
had the appearance of ice gnomes, heading for
the frozen regions of the far north.

Roland had not all this while forgotten the
girl he had rescued firm the fury of the three
desperadoes, and it was his determination not
to 0 far away from where she was.

'lhough he had, so far as his comrades knew,
come to the North Woods for no other reason
than sport, he had a secret from them, and it
was in some strange manner connected with the
girl whose dainty footprints he had. through
some Well known peculiarity recognized when
he examined the snow after his affair with the
bravos and their hounds.

What this secret was he had never as yet
hinted to his comrades. ,

He intended fully to do so when the time was
ripe, but had thus far hesitated because he
knew of no good it could do.

It was weary work trudging along with their

snOW-shoes over the heavy snow.
I The pleasure of such a trump is only pvrfect
when after a heavy fall of snow, there comes a.
slight thaw and then a fierce freeze that cakes
the whole surface of the snow with a light
layer of ice.

Still our young friends put quite a number of
miles between themselves and the cavern from
which they had been chased by the invasion of
the Blackfeet, ere they were united in the opin-
ion that for one night they had gone through
quite enough, and that the best thing that
could be done under the Circumstances was to
seek rest.

Dick led them to a place which would well
answer the purpose for which they intended
putting it, and which quite delighted them.

Several trees had become bent by passing
Windstormy and partially overthrown, so that
they held each other up in a singular manner,
and dense vines having grown over them, there
was formed quite a canopy. '

This was as large as a decent-Sized room, and
perfectly dry, being surrounded by an almost
impenetrable barrier on three aldes, that toward
the south alone being open.

Both Roland and Max had never seen this
natural curiosity before, and their expressions
of intense satisfaction pleased Dick.

By the light of a torch they saw a couple of
gray wolves sneaking olf. havxug been dislodg~
ed from their shelter: but the boys did not
deem it worth their while to waste a bullet upon
the disreputable animals, who were allowed to
retreat in peace from their lair.

A small fire was kindled under the canopy,
and then they sought slumber.

No watch was necessary, for Roland possess-
ed the happy faculty of sleeping like a cat, and
he would have awakened even had a. wolf crept
near their camp.

Nothin occurred to disturb their slumber.

When t ey awoke it wns broad day.

The storm had ceased and the gray, leaden
clouds cleared away, while the sun was shining
brightly.

Then the march was resumed, for it was not;
their intention to linger in the vicinity, as the
Indians might still discover them; and the
Blackfeet were not known to have any especial
love for the whites, so they knew what to ex-
pect if they came in contact.

Daring the day they reached the place which
had been decided upon as their future home.
Then the Work began of fixing up a cabin, for
they loved comfort as well as any one, and it
certainly was pleasant to sit in a warm cabin of
nights, when the wind was howling around
among the forest-trees and the snow-flakes fill-
ing the wintry atmosphere. r

l‘he days went by.

Rapidly they were falling into their old hab-

its. The cabin was finished, and they were en-

joying the comforts that came from having a.

shelter over their heads. ‘
Dick’s arm had soon become quite well, and

he could only look back at that adventure in

the cavern to wish that he had the hide of that

panther.

As for Roland, he seemed to lose much inter-

est in both hunting and trapping.

He began to indulge in long, solitary rambles,
and yet brought back little game.

The others could not but notice that some
thing was wrong with their comrade, but he
kept his own counsel; whatever it was he did
not care to bring them into the secret.

Roland had ever in his mind the memory of
those small tracks, and he was anxious for the
time to come when he could meet the girl who
had been hunted by the desperadoes face to
face.

Once or (mice he associated the presence of
the Blackfeet in this far-away country with the
girl of mystery, and then the idea would seem
so prepostvruus that he would dismiss it.

Though Roland knew it not, this was a start-
ling truth—tho band of picked Blackfeet were
in that vicinity searching for the girl, but they»
had followed her for many suns from the far
West and their intention was not the same as
the three desperadops whom he had balked.

There were other links that connected some
of the events and characters that h" already
come under the reader’s eye. but these ewill
leave alone to be better understood later.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
THE YOUNG MOOSETRACKER.

IT was along in February. and Max was
carrying out a little scheme of his, which he
had intruded putting into execution for some
time back. i

He had several times lighted upon the tracks
or a moose at a point where there was an open-
ing in the snow forest, and had said more than
once that he meant to trail this fellow with'tbo
big horns who had sue a methodical way
about him that he passe over the same lineto
and from his different feeding-grounds.

(Jn this particular day the notion had come to
Max that he could not do better than set out in
pursuit of the animal.

 

The were soon astir, and made an apolog
tor a reakfast from a few edibles they carries:

After breakfast was over he started. telling

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16

 

The Snow-Shoe Trail.

 

neither of his companions his destination nor
his intention, and thereby hangs the story.

For some time past he had wished to hunt a
moose alone and bring back his horns in tri-
um h, and Max had a reason for this.

e was rather proud in disposition and never
forgot any scene in which he had been an
actor. '

There was one which came up before his eyes
and made him feel quite small in his own esti-
mation every time he thought of it.

During their last moose‘hunt the boys had
tackled an old buck who seemed impervious to
shot, and ere he gave up the ghost at a summons
from Roland’s rifle, he had played havoc with
the other boys.

When the affair was settled Dick picked him-
self out of a snow-drift into which he had been
flun , while Max dropped from the low branch-
es 0 a tree where he had been incontinen tly
hoisted b a sudden jerk of the great animal’s
head, an to which he had clung tenaciously in
preference to falling down again to a rougher
experience with those terrible horns.

lthough Max had joined in the laugh that
was raised against himself, and seemed very
good-natured considering the ridiculous nature
of his late osition, clinging for dear life to the
branches 0 the tree, while the moose stood up on
his hind legs and attempted to reach him with
his horns—nevertheless the high-spirited boy
never thought of his humiliating scene without
clinching his teeth and uttering a vow to yet

ro’ve himself capable of mastering a moose

u .

This, then, was the secret of his slipping away
alone to trail the great deer.

He reached the place where the tracks were
wont to be seen.

During the evening before a light fall of snow
had been laid upon that already accumulated,
to the depth of three feet or more, and every-
thing was in flrstrclass trim for moose—hunting.

Max had his snow-shoes on, of course, for
without these moose-hunting loses much of its
flavor. A

It is only because the hunter can glide along
over the surface while the heavy animal breaks
through the drifts and thus retards his progress
that enables the pursuer to overtake the moose
-—without snow-shoes he would be hopelessly left
in the rear. .

Max was pleased to find when he reached the
spot for which he had been aiming, that his in-
tended game, the, great moose bull, had been
along that morning for his trail was fresh, and
without hesitation the intrepid young hunter
started to follow the tracks.

Moose always pass the winter in small hands,
tramplin down the snow so as to form what
are calle by the hunters “ yards ” where they
exist by eating the tender twigs of certain
trees.

From one of these yards to the other, the
sturdy old bull moose had beaten quite a path
and it was his latest trail that Max was now fol-
lowing].

He ad not very far to when he heard a
crackling sound ahead an he knew from this
that he Was close to the yard.

Every precaution must now be exercised for

 

 

the moose deer are possessed of a keen scent,
and readily discover the presence of an enemy,
and being timid withal, they will break wildly
from the yard and dash 011 much more swiftly
than any man could follow unless he be mount-
ed on snowshoes, and eventhen he must not be
too far behind in the start.

Cautiously Max came up on the leeward side
of the mooseyurd.

He could plainly hear the breaking of boughs
now, and there were other sounds that betray ed
the resence of moose-deer.

hen he had gained the spot he wished, he saw
three moosedeer, one of them an immense hull
with towering horns.

This was his intended game.

He was not aiming for food now buta desire
to win laurels caused him toselect the old bull
as the victim of his bullet. .

The rifle rung out sharply but its effect was
not as deadly as Max could have wished.

He saw the moose—bull drop, and with a
shout sprung into the trampled yard. As he
came within a. few yards of the fallen animal
what was his amazement and horror to see the
great moose leap to his feet, and turn upon him
furiously.

It was now an open question as to whether
Max would slay the moose-bull, or he himself
the victim.

CHAPTER XV.
A m Rina.

MAX had full believed the old bull moose to
have been kille by his shot, such was the sud-
denness with which the animal dropped, and as
he saw the two others dash wildly away, he had
not stopped to reload his gun but had leaped
into the yard and almost gained the side of his
expected game, only to see the great animal
gain his feet and charge madly toward him.

Luckily, Max was not paralyzed with fear.

He managed to strug le out of the way, and
the great moose bull ashed by in his terrible
assault.

Discovering his mistake, the moose turned
much more speedin than Max had any idea
could be possible, and came at him again.

lnstinctively, he had dropped his useless rifle,
and now when he saw the huge horns of the
moose apparently about to sweep him from the
earth, he instantly seized hold of them.

The shock was painful, but he held on grimly,
and the brute found his onward progress sud-
denly brought to a close.

Then began a terrible tussle.

Max dared not let go, because he knew full
well that if he did so the animal would dash
him to the ground and gore him to death, much
as a domestic bull might have done.

He was astounded at the tremendous ower
the animal passessed, and most of which uy in
his neck.

That the fierce battle must eventually ter-
minate in favor of the brute was a fore one
conclusion], and yet brave Max strug is on,
determined that the moose bull should ave no
easy victory at any rate.

If his bullet had wounded the moose the ani-
mal gave no sign of weakness.

  
  
  

 

     

 

 

 

 

The Show-Shoo Trail. 17

 

Back and forWard they contended. Max had
an idea.

This was to hold his own until the proper
chance came, and then letting go the horns of
the moose, seek the shelter of a tree.

From this place ho could use his revolver to
advantage and end the combat with glory to

( himself.

Max suddenly felt himself raised aloft with
irresistible power, and his hold upon the great
horns being broken he went into the air.

Not far did he go.

Descending, he was astonished to find himself
upon the back of the animal with which he had
just been engaged in mortal combat.

Instantly comprehending the situation he
clasped his arms around the moose’s neck and
give vent to a shout of triumph that frightened
the animal.

Away went the alarmed moose-bull, dashing
headlong through the forest, hcedless alike of
his own course and the discomfort he was caus-
ing the human being upon his back.

A few mad bounds sufficed to carry the
moose clear of the yard, and then the whole
snow forest lay before them.

When he had time to regain his breath Max
realized that the matter was not so bad after
all. He was apparently uninjured, after his
Violent encounter with the moose—bull. Besides,
he had a revolver and knife in his possession,
and with these should surely be able to free
himself of the animal he bestrode.

This was not what was troubling him; the
part of it which was still a puzzle to him was
In relation to his reaching the ground in safety.

He could ensin have slipped his hold and sep—
arated himself from his impromptu st ed, but
there was a strong probability that be would
break his neck or otherwise disable himself, and
even if this danger was avoided there still re-
mained the chance that the moose, upon finding
himself relieved of his burden, would turn and
gore the young hunter ere he could rise from
the snow.

Still he could not let matters go on thus.

The crisis must eventually come, and it mat-
tered little whether it was allowed its own time
or hastened through his action.

Having arrived at this conclusion, Max con-
cluded to plunge his long knife into the heart of
the great animal, and then save himself a fall
as best he could.

He only waited now for the best chance and
then he intended to finish the moose if cold lead
and steel could accomplish such a result.

They were now some miles away from the
moose-yard, and Max, holding on with one
hand, was bending forward to deal the fatal
blow, when there came a sudden rifle-crack, and
the bullet must have been winged with death,
for the great moose fell in a heap and the young
fighter went flying through the air like an acro~

t.

 

CHAPTER XVI.
A LIFE FOR THE Rooms.

MAX performed a brilliant parabola through
mid-air, his legs turning grandly over in a
complete somerset, and then brought up in
the midst of a great bank of snow.

 

I Far from being injured, he could not have
had a more pleasant method of getting rid of
his steed, upon which he had been taking such
an involuntary ride.

For a few seconds his mind was too wrought
up for him to fully comprehend anything, so
that he could only lie there upon his couch of

snow.

The thought that it had been any one but
either of his comrades who had fired that fatal
shot had not as yet entered his head, and he
was still somewhat confused as he lay there on
his back, admiring the outline of his snow—
shoes against the heavens above, when his guth‘
ering senses were somewhat startled at hearing
a gruff voice near by—a voice that could be
long to no one he knew.

“ The deer air dead—how ’bout ther f"

A crunching of the snow near him, an then
a human form bent down.

Max looked up and saw a face such as was
certainly enough to makea shudder run through
his veins, it was so villainous in its nature.

Black, evil eyes were fastened upon him, and
an ugly smile came upon the countenance of
the man as he saw that Max was all right—a
smile that seemed to speak volumes, and which
fhe young fellow better understood when it was

ater.

“Git up, critter; I reckon thar war no bones
broke by yer fall. Git up! we hev need 0’ ye.”

The man’s words were insulting, but his tone
much more so, and us he spoke he gave Max 3.
prod with the snow-shoe upon his foot asthough
he would like to help him in a manner more
forcible than elegant.

Although not yet comprehending his situation
the words of the man were enough to set the
blood in Max’s veins bounding at an unusual
rate, and he struggled to his feet as best he
might.

No sooner had he gained an upright position
than his eyes fell upon two other men.

One of these who had an arm in a dirty sling,

was still bending over the dead moose bull, the
other a little further away, was ramming home
a ball in his rifle. -

Evidently he was the marksman whose she
had roven so fatal to the‘ strange steed u on
whici Max had been mounted, and which ad
brought his invomntary ride to such an abrupt
termination.

Threel

Was not that the number of desperadoes with
whom Roland had come in contact that moon-
light night, when their cabin was destroyed
and whose dogs he had slain as they lee
tovvard the unknown girl whom for some mys-
terious reason they were hunting?

As his eyes fell again upon the ugly worthy

who carried his left arm in a dirty sling, once
more he could hear his comrade telling the story
of that adventure, and of the shot he had given
the treacherous desperadoes in parting, which
had been answered by a cry and a curse.

That bullet was the cause of this fellow wear-
ing his arm in a. sling. .

As he gained his feet the young hunter me-
chanically put his hand to them“: of his revol-
ver, which was the only weapon he had left,
but as he did so the sun carried by the man

 

 

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19 The gnow-Shoe Trait

 

 

who had insulted him with a kick came to a
level, and he found himself staring into the
dark muzz‘e.

“ Don’t ye dar", young 'un, ’less ye hey a desire
ter travel over the river in a hurry. Pull thet
Wer‘pin an’ I pulls this trigger.”

There was not the least doubt in the world
but What he would do as he threatened and
Max like the sensible boy that he was at once
let his hand fall.

“Thar, I’ll guv ye credit for sense, younker,
though I don’t imagine it air goin’ ter help ye a
bit in the end."

The man with the wounded arm now came
forward, and when Max saw his blazing evil
Eyes he could not but feel a shudder creep over

1m.

Somehow he knew this man held his fate in
his hands.

Standing in front of Max this man looked at
him long and earnestly, as though he were
gloating over his condition.

Then uttering a deep oath he laughed harsh-

] .

y“Thor tide has turned my fine buck, and
now we’ll hev a chance 0" gettin’ ther wuth 0’
them dorgs onten yer hide. This arm 0’ mine
’ll feel a heap better when its out has been re-
venged. Nut, kiver the critter wid yer gun
while I disarm him."

Again the muzzle of the rifle stared Max
in the face, and he could not be foolhardy
enough to dare death by attempting resist-
ance. .

The revolver was taken from him, also any
articles of value with which he chanced to he
possessed including his watch, which the giant
appropriated without so much as “ by your
leave. ’ .

Max could not but feel uncomfortable when
he thus found himself utterly defenseless in the
midst of thOse whom he knew to be his most
bitter enemies.

Even should he take the trouble to inform
them of the serious blunder they had made, in
all probability they would not believe a word
of'what he said, so he WlSeiy kept silent upon
this score.

“ Now,” said the desperado, “ we hev ye whar
we want 6 and thar’s no use disgusin’ the
truth. 5 air hyur ter die, critterl Them
shots 0’ yourn at my dorgs ’11 cost ye dear.
Men, seize the Varmint!”

CHAPTER XVII.
A LIVING TARGET.

THERE could be no mistaking (he meaning of
the desperado, and the conviction flashed into
the mind of the oung moose-hunter that it was
the intention ofythese demons to kill him in
some manner-perhaps by torture, in which
their fiendish desire for vengeance wouldbe
gratified.

Quickly they pinioned his arms behind his
back, with about as much ceremony as

they might have used in trussing the legs of
a. turkey together in order to carry it the bet-

   

 

ter.
rHis captors held a. short consultation, and i
from the glances cast toward him. he knew that

l

they were debating as to the means to be em
ployed in disposing of him.

Life was sweet to him, as it is to most of us.
He was only a. young boy, in the full enjo -
ment of health, and it was quite enough to malts
a singular sensation creep over his bod to see
those men engaged in close consultation, and
know that they were deciding upon the means
by which he should die.

At length the question was settled.

One of the men began peeing off the ground,
down one of the forest aisles that seemed to
have been made by human agency, so straight
was the avenue.

Fnr down this aisle he came to a tree that
stood in the center of it.

When he reached this spot he returned, and
announced that it was a. hundred and fifty yards
from their present place to the tree.

The other two men then took Max over the
some ground, and securely fastened him to the
tree, using ropes made of rawhide, which a giant
could not break.

Max comprehended the whole devilish nature
of the scheme now. and his blood fairly ran cold
as its full force broke in upon him. He was to
be made a. target at which the three desperadoes
were to practice off-hand shooting.

The man with the wounded arm was the first
to try his luck. His arm must have become
considerably better since the capture of Max—
perhaps the consciousness that vengeance was
within his grasp was like a magic ointment.

At any rate he raised his rifle.

Max felt the blood paralyzed in his veins and
his very heart seemed to cease beating as be shut
pis teeth hard together and looked death in the

ace.

There was a pufl? of smoke, a sharp report, and
Max felt something of a shock.

The bullet had struck]

His suspense was terrible during the few sec-
onds that elapsed before he realized the fact that
he had only been slightly wounded. the bullet
striking his left sleeve and taking a. small portion
from hlS arm.

One peril was over, but of what avail? The
fact that his life was spared a few minutes was
simply an addition to his torture, for hope of es-
cape there was none. Better for him had that
bullet pierced his heart or brain. and forever
ended his L'YiSel‘y. Still he preserved his brave
front, and with unflinching demeanor waited
his fate.

{mother man stepped forward and raised his
r1 9.
Max shut his eyes for he could not bear to see
that puff of smoke again and look death in the

ace.

Crackl ,

He felt no shock but heard a peculiar whiz
close by his ears which told him the leaden mes.
senger had passed by.

Another respite of a minute.

Then the third scoundrel toed the mark and
again poor Max experienced all the horrors of
death before the shot came. .

This time the bullet actually passed between his
arm and his side. If the wrenches had intended
to torment him with this this cruel work, they
could not have succeeded better.

    

   
  
 

 

 t

   

 

'. . «av

 

The Snow-Shoe Trail. 19

 

The head ruffian of the trio seemed determined
that his should he the dvadly shot.

0er of his comrades had reloaded his rifle care
fully and was pointing it for the piratical look-
ing chap who had not the free use of both arms,
while the third man was stooping to fix a strap
that secured his leggings.

Having reCeived the rifle ready for use the
desperado dropped on one knee, raised the rifle,
dropped it with an exclamation, looked again as
though loth or unable to believe his eyes, and
then fell back with a round oath.

And no wonder. The tree stood in its accus-
tomed place but the living target was gone!

CHAPTER XVllI.
THE snow TRAIL.

For a time. the trio of bravos were almost par-
alyzed with astonishment.

Then, recovering their senses they dashed pell-
mell toward the tree, uttering curses and threats
as they ran.

Reaching the F t the truth became known to
them immediate y, for the thongs with which
the young moose-rider had been bound lay upon
the ground, completely chered.

They thought at first one of the bullets had ac-
complished this work, but when the black des-
perado picked up some of the severed bonds he
saw at once that they had been cut by some
sharp instrument—probably a knife.

“ Thar’s been some underhand work hyar,
comrades. Find ther trail!” he cried.

It took but a minute to do this.

Then the men received another shock and
could only give vent to their feeling with ex-
plosive oaths for there beside the prints left by
the snow-shoes of the young hunter could be
seen the smaller, lighter impressions, of a fairy
snow-shoe. '

“Ther gal hez saved him, jest as he saved her
when our hounds war at/her throat,” grated
the leader, furiously; “the jade crept up an’
cut the ropes while we war loadin our guns. But
they kin be follered, boys, an’ arter all we may
be able ter kill two birds with one stone."

The other two snatched at the idea.

The trail was fresh and their anger would not
let them waste time. Forward they pushed
with grim determination written upon their
evil faces, and when they came in sight of the
fugitives, if such was theirluck. it was probable
that their hatred for the young moose-hunter
would be fully satiated, and at the same time
the mysterious vendetta against the unknown
young girl of the snow forest accomplish the
deadly result which had twice been frusuated by
Roland Dare—once when he killed the mad pan-
ther under whose claws lay the terrible poison,
and again as he shot the bounds and stood be-
tween the trio of des radoes and the girl at bay.

Let us return to ax.

It was just after the third shot, and some-
thing seemed to tell him that if the man with
the wounded arm should ever have another
chance at him. the game would be over.

It was at this moment that he was electrified
by hearing a low, sweet voice close by his

ears: '
“ Keg/p a brave heart; I will save you!”

 

 

Was be dreaming, and that the voice of an
angell

He was in a fit condition to believe this. yet
there was surely something more Han a dream
in the cutting of the cr uel tunds that held him
to the tree.

Suddenly he found himself free, and an ex-
hilaration took possession of him. though he
was quite weaponless, and must fall an easy
prey to the desperadoes, should they catch
him.

“ This way—quick!"

The musical voice uttered these words in hur-
ried tones, which must imply a need of haste.
Max knew that not a second was to he lost, for

the desperadoes would soon turn their attention '

once more to their living target, and than es-
cape would be hopeless.

He left the torture tree, and making good use
of his snow-shoes, glided after the shadowy
figure.

Though he had been mystified at first, he was
so no longer.

Although less than a minute elapsed before

there came to the ears of the two fugitives the
cries of astonishment and consternation which
proclaimed the discoVery made by the trio of
bravos, and which sounds were peculiarly dis-
tinct when heard in the mystic snow forest, yet
during that brief interval they had managed
to put considerable space between themselves
and the tree which had been selected as the
death-post.

This distance was widened even while the
three men were rushing down the forest-
aisle, and subsequently examining the cut
thongs. '

When they at last started upon the snow-
shoe trail the fugitives had quite a little
start.

With giant strides, the three men rushed
along the trail.

Besides the vengeance which they desired to
\isit upon the head of the young hunter who
had caused them so much trouble, they had an-
other incentiVe in making haste.

Before them was the mysterious girl who had
in some manner aroused their anger, and
against whom they had formed such a. villain-
ous vendetta.

Up to now their black schemes had been de-
feated by fate, or the hand of Providence.

The panther with the poisoned claws had been
the tame pet of the girl. Tuey had trapped it,
rendered in mud by torture, and then placing
the poison behind its nails, had set the animal
free, believing it would return to its young mis-
tress, and in its fuiy assuil her, which would in
all probability have been the case had not the
deadly bullet of Roland Dare entered its heart-

Then, close upon the heels of this dastardly
attempt, they had come upon the girl herself
and given chase with their hounds. ,

How that pursuit ended the reader already
knows.

The brutes would have evidently torn her to
pieces but for the presence of the young trapper
who placed them hors de combat without

dela .
What the strange object of these men was in

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\ The Snow-Shoe Trail.

 

thus bounding to death a young girl whom they
had never seen before and yet against whom
the seemed to have a terrible spite, yet re-
mains to be told.

As Max was not in very good condition for
flight, owing to his blood having been stopped
by the cruel bonds that had secured him to the
tree as a living—target, and weakened also by all
that he had so lately gone through with, it is
not very singular that the desperadoes graduv
all gained upon the fugitives.

t first it was very little, but soon the fact
became apparent even to Max.

Had the girl been alone she would have dis-
tanced those in her rear without trouble, for she
seemed like a fairy on her snow-shoes, which

the young hunter had noticed were of apeculiar

'Indian make, but she had no intention of de-
serting him, keeping at his side and urging him
on.

Poor Max; he had never been as expert upon
his snow—shoes as Roland, who had worn them
many winters, and this now threatened to be a
fatal fault.

He knew the desperadoes were gaining, and
be without a weapon.

The girl But her little rifle into his hands.

“Use it! she said, gravely.

Max turned.

The were at a point where the woods
beliilin were open, and the desperadoes were in
si t.

ith the report of the rifle the leading man
fell like lead to the ground, then arose and stag-
gered to the shelter of a tree. His companions
were already in places of hiding, and again the
game seemed in the young hunter’s hands.

CHAPTER XIX.
THE DEMON TRACKERS.

THE shot which Max sent at the leading des-

rado, and which apparently winged the ruf-

sn, seempd to have rather a healthy effect on
the trio. judging from the hasty manner in
which the whole of them sought shelter behind
trees, as though they feared other shots were to
follow.

This was too good an opportunity to be lost,

‘ however, and the young girl, plucking the arm
of her companion, said hurriedly:

“ Come 1’

The flight was resumed at once.

Screened as they were by the heavy growth
of timber, the action of the fugitives was not
seen by their foes, who supposed them to be
still lying in ambush, waiting for another
chance to send a leaden messenger which might
prove more fatal than the one before it.

It was not until half an hour had slipped by
that these guerrillas of the North Woods learnt-d
of their mistake, and then it was only done by
0 e of their number making a detour and com-
iiygup on the other side of the spot where the
two fugitives were supposed to be in hiding.

Here he first discovered the snowshoe trail
left by the two young people, and in a few
minutes he had learned all that was necessary.

Meanwhile Max and his fair companion had
put several good English miles between them-
selves and the men who sought their lives.

 

 

Nothing had been said between them, and it
was evndent that the girl was doing the dub of
guide, for she walked a trifle in advance of ax,
who had no recollection of seeing this part of the
forest before.

He noticed that she was dressed much after
the style of an Indian squaw, and there were
things to indicate that she had been among the
Blackfeet.

That no Indian blood ran in her veins he was
as sure as that he lived, for her face was fair
and her hair almost golden in hue.

She possessed an elegant figure, lithe and
graceful as a panther, and youngMax could not
but feel impressed with her beauty, considering
the peculiar circumstances under which their
acquaintance was begun.

There was a look of firmness about her mouth
that spoke volumes for her determined char-
acter, and he knew she was a girl who could
do hand dare much when she believed herself
ri t.

inally the young moose-hunter could con-
trol his curiosity no longer.

“ I say,” he at length broke out, “ I beg your
pardon you know, but who are you anyway?”

The girl laughed outright at his blunt (fies-
tion—such a bright ringing laugh that put ax
at his ease at once and made him feel as if they
were fast friends.

“I might say the same of you. Until we
know each other better you may call me Star
Eyes, which was the name by which I was
known among the Blackfeet.”

“ Oh i” said Max.

There was the light of dawning intelligence in
his exclamation, for he began to put two and
two together.

The presence of the Blackfeet in the vicinity
was now becoming more intelligible to him,
since she admitted having been among them.

Darkness was now settling down upon the
snow forest and Max was wondering where the
girl intended to lead him when she announced
that their march was over.

In a little glen they came to a rude shelter
built of hemlock boughs, and quite a quantity
of logs that lay so plentifully around, the rem-
nants of some bygone storm.

This was her home.

Hunted by the red and white and menaced
with danger from every side, the girl had hid-
den herself away in this little glen, Where she
had, ever since her meeting Wllh Roland at the
time he stood so bravely between her and death,
slept and lived.

Although Max was literally burning with
curiosity to know why she was hated by those
three desperadoes, he was too much of a gentle-
man to pry into private matters without cere-
mony. /
His first outbreak had been upon impulse and
he was really ashamed of it afterward, but not
for worlds would he seek to know more than
this strange and lovely fugitive of the Snow-
Shoe Trail chose to tell him.

The fair girl fugitive was now apparently at
home and had little fear.

Long before morning the wind would probes
bly arise and blowing the snow hither and

  
 

 

   
 

 

 

 

 

#1..

l).

WW flaw 

The Snow-Shoo Trail.

 

 

thither fully obliterate what tracks they
m'iy have left behind them in coming to this

lace.
p While Star Eyes began cooking supper, Max
busied himself with making an examination of
the little gully.

It seemed familiar to him. and at last he set-
tled upon its identity. Earlier in the season he
had had quite an adventure there having met a
black bear, which only yielded to his prowess
after he had been chased around several trees.

That Max rather enjoyed the situation was
plainly apparent from the manner in which he
attacked the steak when it was done.

Su per over, the two fell into a conversation,
that ranched from one subject to another un-
til Max, of his own free will, told the story of
the blunder made by the three desperntloes in
concluding that he was the one who had frus-
trated them on that memorable night.

Star—Eyes seemed in no wise surprised but
listened with a smile.

No Sooner had he mentioned the name of his
companion, however, than there flushed over
her expressive countenance a look of surprise
and pleasure, which astounded him.

“ What did you say his name was—this friend
of yours who saved me from the dogs?” she
asked with a sudden interest, and a thrilling
tremor to her voice.

“ Roland—Roland Dare, and the dearest, best
fellow in the whole world—that is unless he
pretends to be my rival, when I shall call him
out and settle the matter at the sword’s point,”
said Max with a laugh.

The girl’s face was lighted up with emotion.

She looked as one might who has achieved
success on the threshold of a great search.

As for Max, he was astonished to see how she
took the mention of Roland’s name.

“They have met before,” he muttered,un-
easily.

Somehow the knowledge gave him pain.

He was already head over heels in love with
this little wild rose of the wilderness, and his
impulsive nature could ill-brook the thought of
a rival, and of all men Roland Dare, whom he
looked upon as a king.

Smull chance for any one else if he entered
the lists. _

Many little things come into his mind just
then which he had paid little attention to be.
fore, but which now assumed a sudden signifi-
cance.

From these he knew that Roland had been
looking for this girl all the time they had been
in their new quarters—ever since the night in
fact when he stood between the dogs and their
intended fair prey.

That these two had known each other before
was hardly possible as her next words proved,
yet he understood that there was something
mysterious between them to cause them to
search for each other.

“Roland Dare! It is the name my mother
told me, and yet she spoke of him as though he
must be an old man. Tell me of 3 our friend,"
and her glorious eyes were suddenly flashed
upon Max in a manner that sent the blood
leaping through his veins.

“ You must have reterence to Roland’s (other.

 

who bears the same name. He is a peculiar old
gentleman, who shrinks from society, and lives
in an atmosphere of herbs and insects, being
devoted to the sciences.”

Thereupon , Max told her all he knew of
Roland and :his father, praising the young
fellow in a way that made the girl’s eyes glisten
with unshed tears, and at last the Whole truth
came out when he asked:

“What is my friend Roland to you?”

“Unless I um mistaken, and I know I cannot
be, he is my brother,” said Star Eyes, trema-
lously. .

It all flashed upon Max now, for he knew
something of the story of the past, but, not
wishing to say anything further, he changed
the subject, and'when Star Eyzs complained of
feeling tired arranged her couch of.lenves in
the rude shelter, covering her with the blanket
she on ned.

Ten minutes later he, too, was sleeping by the
embers of the fire outside, being utterly worn
out. I

Several hours passed by.

Through the snow forest came three phantom-
like figures bearing aloft blazing pine knots.

They looked like demons stalking abroad on
the earth at the mystic hour “ when graveyards
yawn and raves give up their dead,” but as
they drew c User to the little glen the terrible
fact was disclosed that they were the three
desperadoes closing in upon their devoted
quarry.

 

CHAPTER XX
mox’s BEAR HUNT.

WHEN Max was having his thrilling adven‘
ture with the moosevhull, and later still with
the three desperadoes, who used him as a living
target. one of his comrades was passing through

an experience almost. if not quite as bad, and

which he never wished repealed.

Dick had a trap set for a bear whose tracks
he had often noticed, and, desiring to attend to
the old Veteran himself, he said nothing about

the case to either of his’comrades as he started '

out on that morning.

Arriving at the place where the heavy trap
had been placed, he was gratified to fiugthat it
was gone.

Perhaps the render knews that when a. bear-
trap of steel is set, i t is seldom secured to a tree
by a chain or rope. for various good reasons
known to the trappers, but as a general thin
there is a short. stout chain attached, at the and
of which is secured a heavy clog, in the shape
of a small tree trunk.

I When bruin finds himself caught, his first act
is to make 011', pulling the clog With him.

A mile or two of this work generally tires the
animal out and he is then unable to extricate
the clog when it becomes fastened in the under-
growth, or otherwise release himself, and hence
necessity compels him to remain where he is
until the owner of the bear—trap comes along to
knock him on the head and claim his skin as a.
trophy.

Looking to his weapons and seeing that they

were in good order Dick started oil? tilting the

trail.
This was as plain as it could possibly be made

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—-lndeed, such was the sweep of the great log
through the forest that one might have thought
a small army had passed by.

Having visited some of his other traps first,
it had been high noon when Dick came to the
spot where he had set the great bear—trap.

An old trapper would have advanced with
some degree of caution, fearing lest the animal
might have doubled upon his trail, and be lying
in wait in some of the dense patches of bushes.

Dick was too impotuous and reckless to ever
know what caution meant, and he pushed
steadily on, his only purpose being to come up
with the shambling prisoner of the trap as
speedily as poSsible.

The chase led him several miles.

It was evident that brain had been well
caught, for here and there along the route the
snow was marked by flecks of blood, and in
several places there was quite a patch of crim-
son, where the animal had stopped, and ren-
dered frantic by his situation had torn at the
lucerated flesh savagely.

From the direct line in which he pursued his
flight. it was also evident that the old beggar
was making direct for his den.

An old trapper would have known this, but
Dick never suspected the fact, and he was
therefore not a little surprised to come suddenly
to the end of the trail.

r There was quite a pile of rocks at this point,
and the trail led straight up to a black hole.

Outside of this lay the heavy log that had

, served as a clog to the bear‘s progress.

' It had slipped from the chain at the last
minute, after having done its duty during the
journey of the hear from the place of his cap-
ture to his den.

When Dick saw this he knew that the bear
had only the trap hanging to him, and his first
idea of plunging into the den weakened some-
what, he set about devising some means of coax—
ing bruin out.

Remembering stories he had heard in relntion

, to such matters be determined to try the efficacy
of smoke.'

Securing the proper kind of wood which be
supposed would make a pungent smoke be
started .‘fire, and then began piling the stuff in
the month of the cave, being rewarded by hear-
ian a savage growl from the black interior.

Retiring some little distance be held his rifle
in‘readiness to send a bullet to the heart of the
brute wh n bruin chose to appear.

For quite atime he waited in vain. V

The smoke was hardly dense enough to ac-
complish his purpose until a quarter of an hour
had passed by.

Then there was a loud detonating roar as if

. the savage beast had had all patience exhausted

’ and then, the smoking smoldering brands were
hurled right and left.

From the dark aperture dashed the shaggy
monster, looking more like a demon from the
lower world than a denizen of this.

> His eyes were hloodshot from suffering both
through the action of the smoke and the pain
endured because of the wound, flecks of foam
fell from the corners of his mouth and his teeth
fairly‘glistenerl behind the red lips.

‘ (the wounded leg with the heavy steel trap

 

still clinging to it presented a. horrid spectacle,
and on the whole Dick Leonard had never look-
ed upon so terrible a sight as the bear present-
ed.
As if endued with extraordinary vision the
bear saw him at once, and giving vent to a.
second roar, even more demoniac than the first
made for the young hunter with all possible
speed.

Considering the impediments that beset the
progress of bruin, this was remarkably fast,
and Dick was compelled to fire without delay in
order to get his shot; in.

In spite of his haste the shot seemed to be
crowned with remarkable success, for the huge
animal fell forward as if the hand of death had
been laid upon its he" rt like a lightning flash.

Before Dick could give vent to the paean of
victory, that was welling up in his throat, he
was horrified to see the animal rise up again, as
if it was possessed of the proverbial nine lives
of :1 cat. -

Expecting nothing less than an instant at;-
tuck, Dick dropped his gun and drew his re-
volvvr determined to pour some more lead into
the body of his hairy foe before the huge beast
could come to closer quarters.

Greatly to his surprise the bear had no sooner
gained his feet than turnlng tuil be dragged
himself into the den again, as if resolved to die
in his hole.

Dick‘s old reckless mood flashed up at this and
without puusing to reflect upon the foolmardi-
ness of such a step he dashed forward, passing
over the scattered firebrands and plunging into
the smoky cave after the big game.

He soon realized his blunder.

The bear had not been as badly wounded as
he had supposed, and when in the little den he
found himself fuco to face with the enraged
creature, a cold chill swept through his fr-me.

There was not much light, and yet this only
added to the fearful nature of the scene. for the
beur's great bulk as he arose on his hind legs
stood out like a gigantic rock threatening to
overwhelm the young trapper.

Dick held his revolver, but if it too failed
him as the rifle had done, then his hours were
indeed numbered, for the brute would make
short work of him.

Without a second’s delay he pulled the trig—
ger.

The report sounded muflied.

Without waiting to ascertain the eflect of his
shot, Dick hastily pulled back the hammer of
his Weapon and Sent in a second one.

Thus he poured the bullets in upon old bruin,
fervently hoping that one of them would be so
fortunate as to ierce the heart of the veteran.

Fortune was ind. I

In this terrible emergency she condescended
to smile upon him, and the old rogue, when he
rolled over again, did so in the ogonies of death.

Dick’s first work was to get rid of the smoking
embers thnt had lately been so instrumental in
forcing his enemy out of the den.

When this had been done. and the pungent
smoke bad in some degree managed to subside
so that he could work with profit, be lit a torch
and securing it inside the cavern, proceeded to
take the bear’s skin,

l

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Snow-Shoe Trail. ‘ ; 23

 

Young Dick had learned something of this
art from Roland, and he made quite a credit.
able job of it, though perhaps consuming more
time than regulation rules would have allowed
a trapper.

He had just folded it up and secured it in a
neat bundle for transportation to their home in
the snow forest, when a guttural exclamation
caused him to turn and he was horrified to see
several stalwart Blackfoot warriors standing
just behind him.

CHAPTER XXI.
CHASED BY WOLVES

FOR some time it seems, Roland, who was a
most expert skater and an ardent lover of the
sport, had intended going up the river that ran
near their camp, and which he had never ex-
plored beyond a few miles.

As the tramp on the snow-shoes was not ex-
actly to his liking because of the many obstacles

to be encountered in the way of dense unders

growth and thickets, he had been waiting for
an opportunity to make use of his skates.

That time had now come.

Neither of the other boys seemed inclined to
accompany him, which he thought a little
strange, but the reader knows that on this day
both Max and Dick fully intended putting into
execution plans of their. own which had for
some time past been waiting a. favorable op-
portunity.

Roland determined to go alone upon his ex-
ploring expedition, and when the other boys
had departed separately upon their day’s sport,
he got ready for his trip.

He took his snow-shoes, for the river was
some little distance away, and he made it a
point never to be caught without these useful
articles. »

When he reached the river and was adjusting
his skates he suddenly made the discovery that
he had left his revolver at home. He remem-
bered placing it upon the rude table before
strapping his skates together. and there it was
undoubtedly lying at that moment.

At first Roland was inclined to believe there
was something seriousin this, and he was even
half inclined to go back and get the weapon,
but when he thought it‘ over a second time he
realized that he was already late, and if he in-
tended making the long trip‘of perhaps thirty
miles up the river, he must either start at once
or delay his sport until another day, which
would be a pity, since all seemed so favorable
just then.

Besides, he had his rifle and knife, and what
good was a revolver save in a close scrimmage?

He concluded to go on.

.The ice was magnificent, being as smooth as a
mirror, there having been quite a thaw recent-
ly, and then a sharp freeze which had covered
the river with an icy mantle such as Roland
had never seen equaled.

As the snow had come later and was dry, it
had blown oi! the ice without damaging the
smooth surface.

A keen lover of the sport, Roland dashed on
likea bird on the wing, the sharp clang of his
skates on the icyY bosom of the rIVer sounding

 

weird and uncanny at places where the trees
grew thick upon each shore.

Mile after mile was placed behind, him, and
yet be tired not.

With each passing minute some turn in the
river opened up to him a new scene which pre-
sented some novel feature as yet not embraced
in any view he had gazed upon, and Roland
was delighted with the punorama.

How far he went he never knew, but he must
have been quite a distance beyond a score 0!
miles from the point where he struck the river,
when he concluded that he had seen enough.

It was now about the middle of the after-
noon, and by the time a couple of hours Bad
passed by the early wintry night would be clos-
in in.

Iaides y work as he had considered it skating up-
stream, he found it still better going down, for
the wind had increased somewhat and was in
his favor.

It was at this juncture that a sound came to
his ears that he heard hundreds of times before,
but which just then seemed so significant as to
give him a shock.

It was the bowl of a hungry wolf.

The wolves had been unusually voracious that
season owing to the scarcity of prey, and Ro—
land had expected to have trouble with them
before the winter was over.

That howl seemed to be a signal.

From a dozen quarters there came answering
bowls, and in a few minutes Roland saw gaunt
gray forms dashing through the under on th
on each side of the river, keeping pace w th him
in spite of his lightning-like speed.

There was now reason for alarm, for he saw
that the wolves intend to assail him at their
earliest ‘oprortun ity.

Roland did not quail.

He was made of sterner stuff, and in the face,

of such danger the only noticeable change was
a compression of the lips,a clinching of the
hand that held his rifle, and a flush in his eyes
as he looked over his boulder at the heavy
woods through which the gray trackers were
speeding.

They appeared to gain courage asthey sped
along, and presently he saw them upon the ice
on each side of him,

Further and further came the Wolves, and
Roland saw that in spite of his strenuous efforts

they in ust speedily overtake him with their great ‘

flying leaps.

_Seizing the first opportunity be discharged
his rifle and one of the wolves rolled over in a
henp without a sound.

This intimidated the others but fora short

time only, and presently they were close be- ,

hind him and racing like mad.

A glance over his shoulder told the young,

trapper that the chase was now a stern one, for
all his brute foes were in his rear, strung out in
the order of their running abilities.

The gray pursuers gained steadily. -

There could be no disputing this fact, much as
he would have liked to, and Roland knew thpt
his situation was now about as desperate as it
could well be under the circumstances.

Armed with only a knife and a gun which be-

  

 

 

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cause he could get no chance to reload it was
little better than a club, he had four terrible
foes to combat against. and the chances seemed
very favorable to the gray pursuers. V

The wolves continued to gain.

Many miles had been passed over since the
start, and he was now two—thirds of the
way home, but he knew full well that unless

‘ something occurred in his favor he would never
reach the place alive. _ '

Into his mind as he flew along like the Wind
there came an idea. _

It was one of those bright flashes which seem
to be born of inspiration.

mile further on, exactly in the center of
' the eautiful little river, was a. hole some twelr
ty feet in width.

How it came there Roland never knew, but
having seen the wonders of the Natural Park

eysers he believed there was a warm spring
in the bed of the river at this pomt.

Be this as it may, just then the only fact that

interested him was the consciousness that this -

hole was there.

If he could keep ahead of his determined pur-
suers until this spot was reached, he believed he
mi ht yet get the better of them.

hose Whose powers of locomotion had placed
them far behind in the race, had new dropped
out altogether, so that all he had to fear was the

.r terrible quartette that came on so close in his

ear.

At last the hole in the ice was in sight.

He madastraight for it at this tremendous
pace, but when almost on the edge gave a sud-

en whirl aside.

, There was a. furious scratching sound, a. few
short yelps, and the four wolves were in the wa—
ter, from whence they were unable to extricate
themselves, owing to Roland’s skating around
the opening and knocking them back into the
water as fast as they endeavored to crawl out
upon the ice.

Hastlly reloading his rifle. he sent one after
another of the brute; to the bottom of the river
‘with its contents.

When the last member of the late ferocious

uartette was served in this manner, Roland,

eeling his spirit of retaliation fully satiated,
started on his way home.

Before he had gone two miles, however, he
found himself hurled violently to the ice, one of
his skates having come off.

;He was only slightly bruised, and thankful
that the accident had not occurred when he was
being so hotly pursugd, for he would then in
911 probability have never arisen from the
Joe.

I As the strap of his skate was broken, and he
had neglected to bring another with him, there
was no remedy for it, and he must take to the
shore and his snow-shoes.

By the time he started on his long and tire-
some tramp, the afternoon was drawing to a
close, and presently the shades of night crept
ov'er the scene, penciling the face of nature With
new magic touches, and causing the black tree-
trunks to stand out in ‘silhoutte against the
white background.

Determined to reach the cabin by midnight,
be halted an hour to cook some supper and re-

 

cuperate before starting in on his long tramp;
then he set forward.

Some hours later he came to a sudden pause,
listened intently, and then crept forward.

What he had heard he knew not, but it had
sounded to him like muffled voices—the voice!
of white men, and he had caught a glimpse of a.
blazing pine-knot before it was thrust into the
snow.

Some sense of intuition drew him forward,
and his eyes soon fell upon a smoldering fire.
What was there in this to make Roland shud-
(lvr and shut his teeth close together in fury?
Before him was a terrible spectacle. -

 

CHAPTER XXII.
, IN DEADLY PERIL.

THE blazing torches had flickered here and
there through the snow forest, ever drawing
nearer the little camp in the glen, and at last
those who carried them were glaring down
upon the smoldering fire.

Max tired out with the labor through which
he had passed during the day and the excite-
ment consequent upon his thrilling adventures,
had gone to sleep while filled with good inten-
tions, and though be resisted the drowsy god as
long as he was able, intending to keep watch and
ward over the fair girl within the shelter of the
house made of boughs. he was at last obliged to
succumb to the terrible feeling that crept over
him.

Once he gave in it must needs be a cannon-
shot that could awaken him, to judge from his
somnolent state.

How those mad orbs upon the bank above
fairly snapped and scintillated as they took in
this scene in the glen.

The fire had not gone out. and every little while
some twig that had hitherto escaped the gen-
eral destruction would flash up and illuminate
the surroundings for a brief period. and then
die out as quickly as it had arisen, leaving the
glen in that state of semi—darkness Where the
fi re of Max could be seen beside the embers
o the fire.

With the pertinaolty of wolves, the despe-

radoes had followed the sno W-shoe trail for
hours, knowing that their labor must eventually
be crowned with success, and being urged on
by two of the greatest emotions that rule man-
kind—revenge and cupidity.
A Not for long did the three forest vultures re-
main upon the bank that led down into the little
ravine; their intended prey was before them and
it was now only wanting that they should put
their villainous designs into execution and mur-
der them.

The leading man half raised his rifle as if he
were inclined to put a bullet into the body of
the slumbering young fellow then and there,
thus ending the matter, but be lowered it
again. .

They understood, hawever, that the mysteri-
ous girl, whose death the sought with such
strange emphasis, must bem the little shelter of
bought, and they feared that the report of the
gun might give her warning and allow hero.
chance to esca 9 before they reached the spot.

A knife woul)

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The Snow-Shoe Trail.

 

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the young trapper, and the girl would then be
at their mercy.

To make matters doubly sure one of the three
bravos had remained upon the bank, and kept
his rifle covering the sleeping figure below.

This was intended so that no chance of his
esmaping them should arise.

Max did not awaken.

Perhaps it was better so, for death surely
awaited him if he became cognizant of his dan-
ger. though in what any his condition was to
be improved by rem ining in a. state of som—
nolence was yet to b- seen.

The two guerrillas finally reached the bottom
of the ravine without making any noise.

Then they dropped upon hands and knees and
with glittering knives held bl‘tWeell their firm
teeth, and mad eyes glued upon the slumbering
form of Max, crept forward.

Little noise they made—two cats creeping
upon a bird could not have been more stealthy
in their actions.

The fire flickered fitfully, and yet there was
quite enough light to reveal all this to the eyes
of the dcsporado who had been left upon the
top of the bank, and who was half tempted to
send his bullet, now that his companions Were
close enough to reach the rude shelter where
the girl slept, with a couple of bounds.

This worthy was standing at a point where
his figure was in marked contrastwith the snow
surrounding him, when Roland, drawn thither
by the spectacle of seeing this man thrust his
bluzing torch into the snow to extinguish i1 just
after his two companions had left him, looked
upon this sight.

Following the line of the man’s extended gun,
he saw what sent a cold shudder to his heart.

There lay his dearly-beloved friend, Mnx,
sound asleep, and with those two demons creep-
ing up to him, eager for his blood.

What was he to do! .

If he shot one of them, the other wouldbe
able to spring forward and bury his blade in
poor Max 8 body, while the fellow on the bank
could make sure of him with his n.

0n the whole, it was a situation that would
make the Coolest man tremble with excitement.

Even while he was wrestling with this ques-
tion, the two ruflians below had gained several
yards, and about one—third 'of the distance sop-
arnting them from their intended Victim had
been passed over.

Whatever he decided to do must he done
quickly, else all hope would be gone, no matter
haw he worked.

What if he turned his rifle upon the man who
held the gun—what would be the result of his
placing him ho’rs du combat ' . '

Would the others be stunned With surprise
on taking in the situation at once leap forward
to complete their nefarious work?

There was only one course open to him.

He must use the load in his rifle in disposing
of the men who had the gun, and trust to kind
Heaven to stay the arms of the assassins until
he could reach them.

How this was to be done he knew not, but
as soon as be had fired he meant to give a tre-
mendous shout and hoped that alarmed by this
the desperadoes would remain confused until

95..

 

he could reach them and by this time Max
might also be on his feet.

CHAPTER XXIlI.
A FRIEND IN NEED.

ROLAN'D’S rifle which had done him such
good service in his battle with the wolves, was
quickly brought to bear upon the man who
stead u on the bank.

The silence of death brooded over the scene
and those who lay in sleep knew nothing of the
awful fate hovering near.

That silence was soon to be broken by the
wild sounds of conflict, when men struggled for
the mastery and strove to take each other’s life.

When Roland had his man covered be wasted
no time in useless maneuvering.

His finger pressed the trigger.

There came a sharp report that started the
echoes of the snow forest, and rung out through
the glen with startling distinctness.

Roland saw the vedette drop his rifle, throw

 

up his arms and fall to the snow—clad ground,

uttering as he fell a blood-curdling shrie

Even as he fired this shot a. new idea came in-
to his head.

The man’s gun—what was to hinder him from
gaining possesflon of it?

A few leaps carried him to the side of the
man who was still writhing in the snow, which
was being dyed with his blood.

To seize the fallen rifle was but the work of
an instant.

The hammer was already drawn back, but
the gun had not been discharged by the fall
simpl because of the soft snow in which it had
been elf buried.

When he had gained possession of the fallen
man‘s rifle Roland’s heart almost stood still
with fear as he arose and wheeled around.

He almost dreaded to look down into the glen
for fear of the terrible scene that would in all
probability strike his vision.

Heaven alone knew what had happened while
his eyes were turned awa . /

Perhaps already the knives-of the assassins
had been reddened with the precious life-blood
or dear old Max, and the chance to save him
gone forever.

At any rate he could avenge.

Those two wretches would never leave that
litlle glen alive if any power remained to him.

The passage of these thoughts through his
brain were with the rapidity of lightning.

He was not delayed an iota b them; indeed.
they served, no doubt, to spur him on to greater
exertions.

As Roland raised his head and took in the
whole scene as it was spread out before him,
there was forced from his throat a cry of
alnrm.

To be brief, there was cause for this c .

Max had been rudely aroused from s umber

by the sharp crack of the rifle and the wild yell

that immediately followed.

Naturally enough, such a sudden awnking
was enough to confuse any one, especially if
their dreams had been of a heterogeneous char-
acter as those of Max had been.

He started up in a confused sort of way, and
yet his eyes were so unaccustomed to the

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The Snow-Shoe Trail.

 

s'ranceligbt that prevailed that he could see
but; dimly.

Reaching his knees he remained there, en-
deavoring todislinguish the two dim, crouching
forms, and discover whether they might be
friends or foes.

From under the rude shelter of houghs there
a posted at this juncture another figure—that
o the young girl whom these (errors of the

' snow—forest had for some mysterious reason
pursued so long and heartlessly.

She, too, was dazed by the sudden nwaking,
and yet had it been otherwise she could hnve
done no good, for her little rifle was in the pos«
session of Max, who had been relied upon to
guard the camp, and yet, poor fellow, ho was
not to be blamed for sleeping so soundly.

The appearance (f the girl was what aroused
the two desperatioes to action.

They seemed to forget that they Were being
menaced by an unknown danger, and that their
situation was full of peril—that their comrade
had already fallen, and that they might- follow
at any moment.

All they thought of then was revenge. and
the desire to carry out their fierce vendetta
against the girl who had come from among the
Blackfeet.

Leaving their crouching fposition they sprung
forward with the force 0 two stones hurled
from the catapults of the ancients.

As if by some precancerth signal they aimed
for different objects, one leaping toward the

irl and the other designing to murder the boy
gunier who was too much bewildered by his
sudden awaking to realize his danger and use
the gun that lay almost within his reach.

It seemed now as though nothing could save
at least on. of the intended victims.

Evvn should Roland fire quickly enough to
despose of one of the wretches, which was a.
question admitting of controversy, the other
was bound to fulfill his dastardly work, and

rhnps even the one who was shot might lungs
{gr-ward and drive his deadly knife home before
giving up the ghost.

Mechanically and with but little hope of suc-
cess Roland threw the rifle he had gained pos-
session of to his shoulder, but the fact that he
hardly expected a prosperous result to his shot
gid not prevent him from making all possible

aste.

His eye glanced along the barrel, and his fln-
ger was pressing the trigger when he suddenly
uttered a low, half incredulous cry, and instead
of firing, immediately lowered his on.

It Seemed madness, for apparent y the fate of
the two menaced ones was sealed.

CHAPTER XXIV.
m DOOMED nnsrnnanons.

IF Roland’s action were madneSs, still there
was a method in it.

Just as he had been about to pull the trigger
of the rifle he was amazed to see severel dark
lithe forms spring from the background where
they had been crouching unknown in all the
parties concerned in the mutter, and meeting
the would-be assassins half way, leap upon
them as though they were mad tigers seeking
their prey.

 

 

“ Indians!" gasped Roland.

In a lrice, as it were, the scene had changed
as if a magician’s wand had been waved over it.

Though the two desperadoes made a most dev
termined resistance, they were as babes in the
hands of giants, und presently they found them-
selves on their backs beside the little fire with
the dark faces of their Blackfoot conquerors
glowering upon them.

The Indians seemed terribly worked up by
the dastardly attempt upon the life of the
young girl whom from their actions it was ap—
parent that they almost worshiped, and if they
knew that these villains were the sole. cause of
her trouble it was probable that an exceedingly
short shrift awaited them.

Roland waited anxiously to see what turn
nfl’iirs would take before disclosing his pres-
ence.

then he saw Dick brought into camp 9. cap-
tive with the bearskin he had so well earned on
his back, Roland could not fol-bear a smile. for
he saw now that no harm would befall his two
comrades.

Under the influence of the gentle girl these
fierce braves became exceedingly friendly, and
one after another shook hands with both Max
and Dick, thus cementing the bond of friend-

shi .

Sieveral cast inquiring glances in the direction
of the place where Roland crouched, and un
derstanding that the coast was now clear, that
worthy walked quickly forward.

He was greeted warmly by his comrades,
Max and Dick and the Blackfoot braves stood
ruady to receive the right hand of feIIOWship.
Rolnnd knew their ways and makinga grace-
ful gesture with his hand signifying that he
was with them as a friend, he strode by and
came to the voung girl.

“ You are Roland Dare,” she said, simply.

“I am, and I know you must be my lost sis-
:er glue, known as Star Eyes among the Black-

eet. '

She was in his arms ere he finished speaking
and Max turned his head away, for it hardly
seemed like a. brother’s caress Roland gave her,
yet he forgot that they two had been separated
many years, ever since the girl was a child in
fact, and that it was to each of them as though
the other had arisen from the dead.

Her life story was a. most remarkable one.

Their parents had been ill-mated and the re-
sult was many quarrels, though each was pos-
sesscd of good qualities.

He became possessed of jealousy after a while
and in a fit: of fury actunlly struck his wife.

He never saw her again!

She fled that night taking her youn er child,
and though be hunted high and low or her in
his remorse—having discovered that the man he
had believed was her lover was only a brother
who had been outlawed for a crime and whose
name was tabooed in the family—he never got
a trace of his wronged wife.

As the years went by he grew to be a morose
old man, apparently wrapped up in his books,
and shunning the world, but Roland knew his
deep contrition, and that all these years he had
been moving heaven and earth to discover the
whereabouts of his lost wife and child.

 
    

  
  
  
 

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The Snow-Shoe Tran. ‘ ‘ 2'?

 

One of his agents got trace of them in later
years in the far Northwost, and this news had
started out Roland a couple of years before, but
he had been baffled in his attempts to find the lost
ones, though once he had seen Star Eyes’s trail,
and this was what made him recognize the small
imprints on the night when he had been engag-
ed in his desperate encounter with the bounds of
the desperadoes.

Allie was able to supply the missing link of
the narrative.

Her mother had fled to the far Northwest and
had lived evar since with the Blackfeet. She had
taken especial care that the education of her
child was not neglected.

Among the Indians she was known as a medi-
cine woman, and they loved her, as also her
dagghter.

' hen the lady was nearing bar end she re-
ceived intelligence, in some manner, that her
husband had long since been penitent and was
endeavoring to find her, so she instructed Allie
to set out and seek him soon after her death.

The Blackfeet seemed 10th to have her go, but
she had a longing after civilization, and slipped
away by stealth: but the Indians in council de-
termined to respect the memory of their belov-
ed dead by carrying out her wishes and Sending
a body ofpicked braves to escort Star Eyes to
her destination, and when they found her gone
they followed the snow-shoe trail.

She had lost her way, and With her pet pan-
ther had taken up her abode in the snow forest
to wait for spring.

The enmity of the three desperadoes was not
fully understood until one 01." those in the power
of the Indians sullenly confessed that he and his
comrades were in the employ of a man named
Matthew Giles, and hired to murder both Ro-
land and his sister, whom they had hunth once
near the Blackfoot village, and subsequently
tracked to her winter home among the trees.

Here they caught her pet panther, starved
him into madness, and then pois0ning his claws,
let him loose to murder his mistress, Wlil"h vile
plot Rolandinterfered with by slaying the brute.

Roland understood it all at the mention of the
name of Matthew Giles.

This man was a cousin of his who had long
hoped to inherit his father’s wealth, but his sis-
ter and himself were in the way, and being ut-
terly unscrupulous, Giles had hired these despe-
radoes to murder them.

Their efforts had been directed thesfar main—
ly toward the young girl, but Roland’s time
would no doubt have eventually come when the
other matter was disposed of. .

Of course the fellow did not give all this away,
being concerned in it himself, but they were
able to put two and two together, and it was
easy to see the scheme.

Roland made no promise to the fellow’s en—
treaty to save him from the hands of the Black-
feet, for he saw the Indians were terribly en-
raged at these wretches because of their endeav-
ors to murder Star Eyes, whom the dusky sons
of the forest loved so well, and that even if she
had gleaded herself, in all probability they
won] have refused her request for mercy.

Hatinz and despising ,tne fiends himself. it
Was all Roland could do to summon strength

 

 

enough to ask their lives, and he was not great‘
lyfdisadppomted when the request was blankly
re use .

 

CHAPTER XXV.
, CONCLUSION.

THE forest desperadoes had well merited the
fate that came upon them, and no one in that
little company, unless it was Allie’s gentle heart
pilied them.

Every crime on the calendar had been com-

'mitted by them at times, and their fearful

manner of attempting the life of the young girl
who had never even seen them before much less
wronged them, steeled the hearts of the boys
against them.

What fate the two wretches met they never
knew positively.

Half a dozen of the red bravesremained be-
hind with the prisoners in the morning while
the rest proceeded with our friends to their
forest home.

Here several hourswere spent collecting their
traps and What trophies of the chase that had
escaped destruction when their older cabin
home was blown to atoms, and with it the
wretched Indian renegades who had sought
their lives.

The season was almost over. so they had lit-
.tle regret in leaving the trapping-grounds, and
besides they all hoped to be there the following
year.

About noon the Indians who had been left
behind joined them.

There was nothing to indicate what the fate
of the forest desperadOes had been, but our
friends know full well that the two men worr-
dead. They afterward learned that the man
whom Roland had shot had only been stunned
and severely wounded, and finding him alive in
the morning he had been made to share the late
of the miners.

This relieved Roland’s mind of quite aweight,
for although the wretch had richly merited a.
worse fete than sudden death the young fellow
felt easier when he knew the man‘s blood was
not on his hands.

It was the intention of Roland to punish his ‘-

rascully cousin wlien‘he reached home, but that
worth y received warning in time to elope very
suddenly with a goodly proportion of his em-
ployei’s money, and where he went, or what
eventually became of him no one could tell; in-
d.e:l no one connected with our story took the
trouble to find out, believing it a good riddance.

When they drew near the settlements, the
delegation of Blackfoot braves took their leave,
and Star Eyes cried as she watched them van-
ish in the distance, for they had been good to
her, and she would ever have a tender place in
her memory for the dusky natives of the forest.

It would be hard to describe the meeting be-

. tween the old man and the daughter he had not

Seen since an infant.

She eased the great pain in his heart by hring~
ing him words of consolation from his wife, her
mother, given before her death, and which told
him his great sin was forgiven.

Roland had accomplished his great work. but

that was not to be his last winter in the woods

of the frozen North.

28

The Snow-Shoe Trail.

 

The following season found the three young‘

fellows again at their sport.

A gay time they had of it, for none of them
lacked money, and ever thing had been laid in
that could in the least ighten their labor and
give them pleasure. ~

During the whole season they met with no
accidents, and since the white desperadoes had
been disposed of so effectually on the preced~
ing season, there was no reason for them to lay
awake nights fearing any danger.

It was proposed that the following winter
they go and spend with their friends the Black-
feet and when the time came this project was
actually ut into praclicc.

They ound it a long and tedious trip indeed
but having started early in the fall their des-
tination was reached before the winter set in.

The Indians received them with grant joy, for
they had longed to hear from the child of their
loved white medicine-woman.

When the bundles which the pale-faces had
brought were opened, the whole village was in
an uproar, and such a demonstration of great joy
had never before been seen in the-Northwest.

Allie had not forgotten a soul in the village
young or old, and the presents sent by the doctor
in hisdaughter‘s name touched every heart.

Roland’s first action was to visit the grave of
his mother, where he spent many_an hour during
his stay in the village.

Itlay in a little glen where the trees hung low
over the mound, and Roland planted the seeds
oflpereunial flowers all about it that would bloom
every year and make theplace beautiful.

 

To tell the adventures of the three boys that
winter with the Blackfeet would be along story
in itself, which some day we may place before
our young readers.

When spring cnme and the time for return
was near at hand, they felt like veteran hunters
who knew nearly all that was to be known in
relation to woodcraft.

Trap and trail were both well understood by
them, and Dick no longer treasured the skin of
the hear he had killed that first winter—and
which he had had made into a heavy coat—for
it sunk into insignificance beside the wonderful
trophies of that winter among the Blackfeet.

As for Max, he would never forget his thrill-
ing adventure with the moose bull, the Wild ride
through the snow forest, and his subsequent ad-
venture with the three desperedoes, for such

things were engraven on the mind forever.

Occasionallv he would awaken in the night
with a cry of horror, having dreamed that he
was once more in the hands of the bravos who
were making a living target out of him.

At such times it gave him some consolation
to know that the fiends had been put out of the
wav of ever injuring him.

He and Allie are more than friends, and
Roland has already calculated upon having Max,
who was his schoolmate, for a brother at some
dav not Very far distant.

Dick remains as of yore but he will have to
make his next trip to the Northwest alone the
way things look, for Max is at present deeply
immersed in law, and Roland rol ing up a rac-
tice as a physician of more than common ca iber.

Till! END.

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1 Deadwood Dick, Hm l‘rinca or the R lad. lly Ell- l
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2 Knm ‘n King; or, The Red Right. Hand. By Buf-
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Antelope Abe. llh: Hu.‘ Guide. in Oil Cmums. I

  

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Ralph Roy. the Bv-v l‘nruun‘er. lh- C l. lngl‘nlxum.

Nlck 0' (he NI ht. By T. L‘. linrlnlugh.

Yellowstone . uck. My J'lxvph r duvr. Jr.

\Vlld Ivan, llw Buy l'lllull-z Dlu'ul. ll) “healer,

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27 Cl“ :4
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28 The Boy (‘nptnlm ll: linulvr Sim-hulk. ‘

29 "Ink Hurling. the Funny Exprvu Rider. By Capt. 1
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30 “0h \Vuull'. llu- ll-lnll-r Ruffiml. lly E. L. \Vllcoll-r.

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33 (hunhn llll. thl- Mn :1 'l'urror. By h. \\‘h.-.-I..r. .

84 Hurt Bunker. thu 'nppm'. By [leurge la. Lmnllu.

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3“ The \Vhltc I! fl‘ulu. By GWW" "3- L"mne-

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88 Null Ilnzel, lhu Boy Trapper. By Capt. J, F. c_
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89 Dondh‘ Eve. the Unknown Smut. llv llnflnln Bill.

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65 nghtnlux Joe, Hm Terror of [he Prnlne. By Capt.
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66 Klt Fill-(43ml, lllu “'notl-llnwk. By T. C. llnr-
lmllz l.

67 Rollo, tha Bay Ranger. By 0” Cnomu.

(l Idyl. lllo Glrl Minor. nv Edward L. “'hwlnr.

69 Detoctlvo chk. ByChurliI Morris.

   

   
  

L
2

 

 

     

 

   

 

 

 

 

.3!) Bill “lllllull, ’l'x'nmn-r My

l 91 Munlnng M

 

l 9R 1gb}- sci. sown-m. nv Jlmn Lewh
l l i

0 Sin-(- Shot l‘clh. the Buy mailman. ByOllCnnmu.

l Elmrp Mun; ur. 'l he Alll‘rlllulL-S of: friend en lloy.
lly J. Alrxllllllvl' l'nlleu,

The Lion (rl‘tlu- Sen. By Alhprl W. Ailwn.

l’hutugruph l’hll,t|mliu) Sleuth. lh-E.L.\\'he~elor.

l’ll‘ ‘unu Pair. 1:; (2mm. 11ml.

lsliuul Jim; ur.’llw l’rl. ol'lhu l-‘mnily. By Brnunv

‘{tl|-lfl|:' 1;. lu_u:;:](.lx:lk Illlu'kmlilvl.

6 an: -- aye. 1.... m “w. “(um-ml L. “'heol r.

: Dial]. "cud Eye, the BuySm‘uggler. By Cal. 1'an-

gm mm. ,
'58 lh-mlu'uml lllck'l Devlcc. By Ed L.\\’hnler.
I

 

9+5“:

     

 

 

 

9 Tlu- Ills-bk Mun-ml r- 11' ' :' -
ltvlll lllld ll'lellr'l‘iclx ‘Yllll’l’ll‘llr } L“! H" mm)“.
>50 0h! Frosly. llli»«~'iliule. lh' ‘ (‘. ll« 1

  

  SL’ul \ lpcr. 1By Culfl’n mi»: ll .

pu-I Illlc'l'l‘ ’l ('.'v .-wl'
hymn.“ S. in? n: fillth 01 lll li/nuar. By

33 Cmmilu ('hct, the Coulllelx’kiler Chief. ByEdwnrd
l.. Wheeler.

 The Ihunl) I’llzc. By

5! ’1 lie Boy Mlnorn. w ll 1' u.

(rJiufk llnrluul'uy in New York. lly Ilr-re-

“ 'rlllrl-Ii-i-llvlllyllu.

a? w Ill-mu ('npluln. ’ly ('nl. Prvllliss ln mhnm.

hN Iloml“ 00“ lllol. In L('ll(l\'lllc. l'v Ii. Idgl

 

   

“llrl‘W'lllltnlur.

 

 

     

90 Tim“. the 'l't-Vuu. It) “ml-go, (: .urun.
. m. King Ur m. rum... Banz. E.

 

ltmluur
'I luv Ila I Blmnlhmnul. lly Smmwl W. Pmrce.
l’llll lIm-llv. [he l'mas llu liy Chnrh . nrrin.
llcmlu mnl lllck up In ‘flve. .\\'lln-ler.
.l._ nugl. Ir....l.rm.., lly rum-ll“ . Adulm.
(Ilu'l'tl‘lflued Dick, lilo Sport Duel-ll in By E. L
w» 0r.
97 'l‘Jllr_lll1|ck Stet-(l of the l’rulrlu. By Jnmel
. .mwn.

 

   

  
  

   

 

 

   

nnzn "Ill. lhv M:\n"l‘rnrl«cr. L. “'hocler.
l 'l'nfld- \r The Fuh: uf lllc Sil ux (.uplivu. By

    
   

 

\ h. .
'l 1: Din 3 , Illa Y4 lull; Btnr Killer. By Hurry

. .
llim' (‘llllg-l'; or,’l‘he Hull-bloods Vengeance.
mil

  
 

108 Chip. n}; | lly mmm L. \l'lwelrr.

104 The “1nd. “dimmer. U} llv-ul-r Slnrlvm‘li.

105 lln ill-mm- Hurry, the lhn-thhwk lhtlecllvr. By
(' '

Il'l . m' :5.
106 Xllrht-"nwk Flt. Hy JM. l“.. nllllWI‘Y, .lr.
1‘5? Jnuk "ark-'9: 1 pm]. ‘_\‘ l \lnr L. Wheel”.
103 R001. .‘lonnlnln Kll. lh 'l 1". llnrlmugh.
109 The. ill-imam Ilmul. ’ nunmm.
"0 The Druid lllllo -' \\'. lirnwup.
I ll Bonn “0b. NW Kim . Hy F l..\\'llee or.

112 Th0 "olplou "and. l. .\ we Reill.

 

 
 
 
 

 

 

118 For: '-Fx-.(-e Saul, the Sill-m Hum-r. My 0“ (homes.

114 Pin T’nlll. Ille )lolllllnir. Buy. l:_\"l'.(‘. Ilurbnuzh.
Run I :‘llll'l’ll ll.

‘llti Deadwood chk’s Dnuble. By IE. L. Wheelur.
anly Murcll ‘24.

116 Jnllrz (‘nfllm Skipper. By Capt. F. “'hittaker.
Ronny )lnrl-ll 3].

117 anvv Frank. of Calm-Ado. By lion. W. F. Cody.
“ Bllffnln Bill " liomly April 1.

118 “’ Ill “'llell'lre, (he Thnroughhred. ByChm. Motrin.
Really April 1:.

  

Bendlo'n Pocket Library in fnr nah- by all N"...
dl‘fllel’l, five cunt- per com, or lent hy mull un receipt .‘l ‘ix
cexlll enull.

  

BEADLE A: ADAMs, Publln ‘n.
98 Willlam Streety New York.

 

 

 

O66

\.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

»Y

1 Been-hunter, tha Bny Scout of the Great. North Woods.

liv ()Ii Cumin-x.

2 Bull'qu Hill, ironi Buylioml to Manhood. By ('ul. Pram

(Isa lnurnlnnn.
3 Kit, Clinton. Kim; «mm... 1; v .421er w. A n.
4 Gordon Lillie, mm, lillydliiwrlrh: .i-m Lin: l'nw . B»-

Muiur. ll. 15. Swildnrd. '
5 Bru n Adn '4, 01d Urizzly‘n Roy l’urd. DyCM.

P. .tm lngruilmn.
8 Deutlwuml lilok m1 "Roy. Ry
7 Wild lull. n... l’islu] l‘rinw. lly ( ..
8 The I’rull'li: Rum-h. ih- Jimellll .
9 Rovng Joe: '1‘qu Ilium)- ot a “ 1’.

mi 1

10 Texun Juek. the Mustang Kle iy C ii, T‘. llvm'alium.
11 Churley Skylurk. A Story “rs. Ixonlrduv Si‘hqrefimlil
(jinn-g. Cuyi-rs. My lilnjor ll. 15. Stoddard. '

12 )‘Iuripouu Mursl 15y .lhnrpll ii, Budgi-r, Jr.

13 Roving “on. i John.) him-shrill.

14 flprlug Steel, ,4 (if [he illuli. By J. E. Bridger, Jr.

15 “ide-Awukt- t: urge. iiv lidwml “'illulL

16 The Buy “ii (i. ih’ Pun \' Ringgni I,

17 Peter l’eppe ,. mm, the Gl'ceuiinrn frrrlll Gulllum.
Ninth Null'.

18 Adrift on the l'i-nh'ic. and Amateur “lumen.
on the Buii’ulu Runiso. liy Ull Cum”...

19 The Forlune Illinth or, Roving J...- “g Miner,
c..wm.y,'1‘rn1....-r nud liumi-r. in A. ll. rm...

20 Trapper Tm", n..- W.» imp. 1y '1‘, 1‘, llmluillL'il.
21 Yellow Iiulr. thu Hwy Chm nx‘the l‘im-xn-u. liv Cul.
l’rnn 5.3 lntzrsdnun. ‘

w 'l'ruil. By T. (7 llurhnuzh.
.zly Allunm, the 1:. nr 'i‘innur.
l’mvrli.

4 aniu and \Vutern.

- v.11 Wheeler.
.1 mm...
"lg.

J r.
)- liny." By A.

1;..-

liy Dr. Frank

2 {v ('nva. n «mick u'himu pr.

25 A Rollin-u: Num- - nridvnh in Mint um“;
Lund .4001. rm. {mun-n... 1:..- w... . . . ..-,

28 Red River Rme n. By (1. Dunning {llllilu

22’ l’luzu uml l’lnlu; or, \i‘ild Adventures |"‘lincl.-ui.in
Sniu,"(.\l> ‘4 . .8' Hull.) i'\ (‘1-1.l’.ingl'uiv‘nn.

untic Ln. ui 0.]. Mon.
mii : .
, ( lini‘inwyli.

80 Pull! (ie Lin-y. the hunch lirnst :nnrnmr. By C.
iluunim: Clark.

8] Ruund the (Jump Fire. l‘u- .lwu'nll E. l

82 “'hlte lleuver. tin: lndinn l‘l>‘|ll|lllv (5h
Prenlisk lnxmlnun.

83 The ih y Crnmdor. By "AM. Fri-d. \‘i’lxiitwlmr.

34 The. Chase ol’ the Grout “"hitv Sting. innl, (jump
llIIiI Cunue. liv (‘. Dunniniz t‘lurix.

35 0L4! Tit Knuckle und llin Buy Chums. By

86 The lhiuhluz Dragoon; mr.'l‘hc W ryoi‘Gcn. George
A. "in -~r. liy CA t i“r-‘d.\\'l1illui(

3? Nl.-,-ht-iluu‘i.' (l c. Iti- Uni. ln-ntiu lngmlmn.

all The Buy Exile.“ oi iboriu. liy 'l‘. C. llrull‘lllulh

89 The Y In: “our llnnteru. Hy Mm'riw (l\\’lllL'.

40 Rmurt Inn. Lin: l.nd with n i‘l lieuti. Hy lid. Willctt.

'4I The S‘ ttlcr’n Hun. Hy ml S. iii.

42 \ani, Fergunon‘n (.‘rniue. 11y (‘.. Dnnninu Clark.

43 Rifle uml Revolver. llv Cum. Fred. “Winder.

44 The Llilt Roy “’hulcrn. liv ’l‘. C. ilnrhnuuh.

45 “rout-0 “lily, llw Smidle Prince. lly Cut. lngrnlmm.

46 illeii. the Sinu‘uu‘uy. Iiy (‘hnrlos Mnry- .

47 The ()ulorullu Hoyt; nr.Life onun Indigo Plunlntion.

. r.- Jlmn-ph E "m -.v.-.r, r.

48 The Pump llunterl. iiv T. C. ilnrlmnnh.

4a The Adrenturou- Llfe ol' Nehrunku Charlie.
iiv Col. Prentiss inuruiuun.

50 Juclh Hurry mul ’l'mn. the Three Chumpinn Brothers.
Hy Cnpt. Fred. \Viviilniu‘r.

51 The Young anI-Lubher By C. D, C‘Inrk.

62 The Roy lleleotlwm. I ('. llnrbnngh.

53 Honest. Hurry; M, The Country iiny Adrifi in the
City. liy Clllil'lflfl Morris.

54 Cnlli'nruin Joe, the Myllurinus Pinimnmn. By Col.
I’leniifil lIILVr‘lliillll.

55 Tip 'l‘renucl. Hu- Floater, Bv Edward Wiliptt.

56 The Snow Hunters. By Barry rie Fem-st.

5? Hurry Sinners, Lin: Snilor Buy Magician. iy s. W.
Penna.

:38 The Adventuroun Life of Cu min Jack, the
[larder Iluy. 15y Col. Puntin lngm aln.

dyer. Jr.
1 U" (ml.

i 5:) Luulo 'nm. the Mn]. nay oftlle Mines. liy a. Mnrris.
i (50 The Young 'l'rull Iinntm-M. lh- 'l‘. (l.llurlimr v.
i 61 The Tiger n ulu iioys n. liie.
yimntlnind.
62 Din-tin- Curr:
“Hi. l'rvlitis‘n lHL" ni nn.
63 Black Horse ill”, the lmndit Wrrcker. lly Rog”

hl‘ I .ul'li.
G-l Yonn': ilk-k Tulbut. 1y Aiiwrt W. Alla-n,
ii.) The 1203' l’llol. linuLI'rl-nlis,» ingrnhnm.
66 The Desert Rovrr: nr,Stownwny Dick Among ths
Al’nbs. liy (Til: uh Mnrris.
Texun Chm-lie, the lay Ranger. By Col. lngrnhmn.
Liiflo “lilo ' or, The Young Fur Hunters. liy Cnptnin
“ iirisin " Ad:
The Young 3 lhilint. By Chm-hes Morris.
I’uny the Cowboy. By lilnjnr ll. )5, Sinddrml.
luil’ Rolumrt und III: Beur. By Cuptnin “ liruin ”
Adunm.

The Ice Eleplmnt.

unter-a: or. ’I'i «- (3

ol'ilie i’lnins. By

ii?

(is

(i!)
70
71

Ry Cnpt. Frederick “'hillnker.

The Young Mmmc-"nnlern. 3y \V. H. Mnnninz.

The Roy Corul- Finherfl. liy it gur Sinrhuch.

Rm‘olver Billy. By Col. Prentiss lngrnlnnn.

The (‘nndur Killer-n. By'l'. C. llurhnnuh.

Lud illnuhceln, the Young Tiger Fighter. lianzer
Stnrbnek.

Fluthuut Fred. By Edwnrd \Villuii. Rvmly Oct.10.
50mm, the Hunter. By Cnplniu F. “‘hitluhur.

Hi) K15"! Icky “en, the Lung llitiu (ii the (‘nsrudem

’) '1 ‘1 '1 “I "

By

gléll’lllltk.

RI The Kit Curflon Club. By T. C. llinzbnngh.

32 Little lluek. the lluy Guide. liy Hurry Ilinggnld.

83 Pun. Huh, iiw Reckless Ritlur of the Rot-kins. Ily Col.
l’rv thlllLfi‘l‘ullnill.

£4 Cnptnln ll‘ly-by-Nipht. 1y JUIPIIII 15- iindzer, Jr.

85 Cupmiiu Ralph. the Young l'lxplul‘er. By C. D. Clark.

86 Little Dun noel-as. By Mun-is Kedwlntr.

82’ The Menagerie Hunters. By Mn}. ll. Grenville.

SS The “03/ Trump»: or, Lifu Axnung the Gipniel. By
J. .\l. ilufl‘nmn.

89 ’Lunuuhnre Lije. By C. D. (Thirk.

90 Roving- .Rilie, (Juster’n Little Scaut.
bun: I.

9! Oregon Jolly, this Wizard Ride.

92 llux‘r'li-une Hit. By A. F. Hull.

93 Jumping Jake, the Colorado Circus Boy.
litlllli)l‘i(i‘,:t>.

94: 5am Spence, lire lirnnlllmm Buy. By Ed. VVilielt.

95 IIuM-ow to Siheriu: or, A Ynnkee Boy-to the Rescue.
My (‘Ilm'lun Mun-n.

96 Fighting
1:; 'l'. it.

By T. C. Har-

By Roger Starbuck.

liy liryani.

Fred; (l‘, the I‘nstswayu of Grizzly Cluhp.
:Ll'lmugh
97 Crnilc of' the Flyuwuy. iy (7. Dunning Clark.
{mt}- “('li.1'U
98 The lie, Vizlinutel. liy Maj. ll. B. Stoddard.
mun x-mh. 27.
99 The \‘i’lxlle Tigers.
liumiy .\1..n 1. 6.
Sun“ Cdine Trail.
_\ .\inim ...
.um, the 0mm: Girl.
. MINT” 20.
Bendle‘n Boy's Library is for Nile by all Newsdenicrs,
five cems Iwr cnpy, or sent lw mail on receipt ohix cunts euuh.

DISABLE AND ADAME, Publlnherl,
9B “'lllium Street, New York.

By Capt. Chnriul' Howard.
[1y St. G64)ng Rathbone.

By Edward 5. Ellis.