— a 66 — - a graeme ae a prcrvesbtea are lan Soccer aa eee ? i f PY PRA AAARAAI LN NPs. ‘IRWIN P. ‘BEADLE & CO: 8 H, DEXTER, HAMILTON & CO., 113 NASSAU ST. we REA ARAR AANA RAK AL A TEN CENT PUBLICATION HOUSE FOR THE MILLION: a { _~ Q 4 i < iy LAA RR RR AR mr ad CENT NOVEL No. 4. —_—_-————_+ [E HUNTED UNIONIST Or, the Fortunes of a Fugitive ; A RECORD OF LATE OCCURRENCES IN GEORGIA, ————— >> 2-0 44 sufferings of Union men and women at the South have been’ bled by Parson Browxtow and others, but the half has not | en told. We take great pleasure, therefore, jn submitting the Ing narrative to the public, as an illustration of the persecu- nd indignities to which Southern Unionists are subjected. Tt the cruelties of Confederate guerillas, and shows how fugi- are hunted with blood hounds, ete., forming truthful repre- on of current affairs in the so called Confederacy. Tue author dan opportunity to obtain the fullest information concerning ets detailed herein. and has recorded the same in a vivid and ig manner. CONTEN'rs. ; \CHAP, Phe Unionist starts for the Fede-| VAT. What befel] Marian. al Lines. IX, An Exciting search, The Hunt Begins. ., X- Captain Coulterin his True Colors. Che Fogitive makes an acquaint-| XI. 4 Mingling of Souls. Paice \ : 3 | XII. The Hounds in Full Cry. , : tithes Drojects.| XII. Doomed! é XIV, Mavianis.ioyiyl Peril. XV. Conclusion, ‘ortunes, } ~ JADLE £CO., 137 William st. N. y. “* eneral Arents, 113 Nassau St. ee ae ors. Z Wi = - THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT A SEQUEL TO THE HUNTERS. BY CAPTAIN LATHAM ©. CARLETON, NEW YORK: IRWIN P. BEADLE & CO. 137 WILLIAM STREET. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, By IRWIN P. BEADLE & CO. In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. =, R. DAWLEY, ELECTROTYPER, 13 PARK ROW, N. ¥. The Trappers’ Retreat. A SEQUEL TO THE HUNTERS. By Capt. Latham C. Carleton. Cuapter I, “T long To hear the story of your life, which must Take the ear strangely.” Vic Vannoven and Wandaught, the hunters, together with Summerfield, Jared Potter and Ida Vennond, still re- mained among the mountains. But a few miles away, they knew was the implacable Redzel, who would not hesitate to use every means within his power to be re- venged upon them, for their rescue of the girl. And yet they lingered there, delaying their journey home. It is but justice however to state that this delay was compul- sory upon their part. When on the very eve of departure, Ida was taken quite sick ; and for a day or two, fears were entertained for her safety. Under Providence, Wandaught was the means of saving her. He possessed no magnifi- cent knowledge of the medicinal properties of certain — roots and herbs, of which he made use in her case and brought about the wished for result. When the girl’s health began to mend, she was anxious that the journey should be undertaken af once; but the kind-hearted hunters were inexorable and affirmed that they should delay a week at least for her to recover her strength if all the Indians in the Northwestshould conspire to attack them. TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. During this week an unremitting watch was kept for signs of Indians, but for several days none were discover- ed. The conversation, as a matter of course, frequently ined upon their enemy, who had sworn vengeance gainst them. Although Ida had already learned so much * his nature, she ventured to express her doubts of his uking the step they feared. Being joined in this by Sum- aerfield and Potter, Wandaught took occasion to Bay : “ Why, boys, and my little one, yer don’t know Sam Redzel as I does. I come across him in Louisville, some years ago. He war walkin’ the street with me one day, when an ole feller stumbled aginst im—jest happened to, | Hf: you know. I cotched Sam, or he’d tumbled, and hung fast P| to keep ’im from hurtin’ the ole man. I seen he eyed. him } orful close, but I didn’t think he’d do nothin’, The next h mornin’ thar’s a mighty fuss all over the place, when some _one found the ole chap had been murdered. J[ had-my idees about it, but didn’t say nothin’ till we got out on the ‘perarie, when I axed Sam ef he didn’t do it. JT thort he’d | tear me to pieces; but that night, when he got asleep, I heard ‘im say ‘nough to let me know that he’d done it sure, Lf I found out, too, that that wa’nt the only time. JT heard ’im i. talkin’ once about some woman he’d killed. Howsumever I didn’t Jet im, arter that, that I thought he’s bad. T yumered ‘im and got along as nobody else couldn’t. He told me he used to live in Philadelfy or some place out thar, nd gittin’ sick of it, went to trappin’; but he used to be o skeerish when he got in the States, that I knowed mkthin’ else made “im leave. One night he come to me : Independence, a good many years ago, in a great hurry, «i tole me he wanted to start fur trappin’ ground right . He wouldn’t wait even till mornin’, but wanted me to start that hour. Iaxed him what’s up, but he wouldn’t tell nothin’, and said ef I didn’t go, he’d start himself. I _hadn’t been in long with my furs, and it wasn’t time to - start agin fur two or three months. So I told ‘im I couldn't di for tly 1ce ich his am me ay, to, ast im ext me the Ine THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. q do it. He was mighty mad first, but kinder laughed purty soon, and told me he’s goin’ to start, and axed me ef thar war anybody axin’ about ‘im, to keep-mum. He tole me whar to find ‘im when I got out here, and went off in a big hurry. The next mornin’, sure, I seen two fellers pokita round and inquirin’ arter a feller that seemed mighty like Sam! They had some papers stuck up that folks said to.’ about Sam, and said ef anybody d’cotch ‘im, they’d get a pile. These chaps, with brass stars, looked through every house in the place, but it wa’nt no use. Sam warn’t thar and they didn’t arrest nothin’ but the attention of the wo- men, which they say is all them does what ar out East. Thar war a good many what had seen Sam about with me, and I got pulled and hauled by them gssifers, as they call ‘em, but in course I didn’t know nothin’ ’bout Sam, and tole ‘em so, and they had to go back without ’im. “ When the time come, I picked up my fixens and start-_ a ed for the trappin’ grounds, and sure enough I found Sar out here. When I tole ’im what a fuss had been mads about ’im, he kind of laughed as though it suited him. He staid the season with me, an’ went back agin to Indepen- dence, but he didn’t stick thar long. I tried to git red of ‘im but he allers jined me up ‘mongst the Delawares, arter I got well out on the perarie. One day Summerfield, here, met me, an told me as how he’d heard I’s a trapper, an |wanted to know what I'd ax ‘im ef I'd let ‘im and a friené go ‘long with me once. I tole ‘im I didn’t care bout sic” company, as thar war a heap o’ trouble, but the reason didn’t want ’im war ’cause I know’d ef he had any sperit he an’ Sam would be at it. He said, howsumever, hs pay me a pile, an’ stuck an’ hung so that I tole ’im I didn care, jes to gitred on ’im. The next mornin’ he com round to whar I’s hangin’ out, and had that crooked-legg et gawk with ’im. I told ‘im I guess he’d better stay wha jhe war, but it wa’nt no use. He had a couple o’ the pur tiest hosses I ever sot eyes on, an’ offered me one jes like a ee 8 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. of al ’em; but I tole ’im thar wa’nt nothin’ goin’ like my animile. He give mea bushel of the best baccy I ever seed, and ixinder got inter my ’fections. We started one fine mor- , nin’, an’ I struck north to git out the way of Sam, fur I Be xnowed ef he jined us thar’d be a muss, sure; but, we some ‘cross him the next day. , As soon as I had a chance, ie { tole Summerfield to be keerful, coz he’s a ba’r when his ™ dander was up. I didn’t think o’ tellin’ Crooked Pegs, coz | he didn’t look as though he’d hurt a beaver; but I soon the found out he’s ‘the one I orten told; fur yer remember ) boys, the squabble he and Sam got into. I didn’t think: 2” had much spunk till th Ww _ Crooked Pegs ha P ill then, but he doubled Sam up as he never war before.” Cal ~s ‘ Cnuaprer II. fale “ And they had talked from set of sun o 3 "Till the shining stars were every one ” Lost in the midnight’s harrowing hue Su Of dark, impenetrable blue ; 4 her "Till the moon, descending nude and still, ‘ Veiled herself behind the hill.” = “Ts'pose, Some’field,” remarked Vic, late in the eve-— | ning, “you and my little one, bein’ old friens’, you know” T€P —(here was a merry twinkle of the eye)—* would like to til: have a talk over things, so We'll give you a chance. Come, the “boys.” bri; ‘Thus speaking, he arose and motioned to Jared and Jim ?t! “2 to do the same. Ida, as soon as she divined his intention, lon; started up. Con “ Don’t let me drive you out. Where will you remain ted Se-night ?” ith “ Never mind, little one, about us. Come, Crooked trat Pegs,” said Vic, pleasantly. a th Potter reluctantly followed him and Wandanght, and, al- ‘tha ugh Summerfield united his remonstrances with those 84" ile. and 20r- ur I nee, his COZ oon ber ? ink: led. 'Vve- Ww ” : to me, lim on, ain ced THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 6 of Ida, they were not heeded, and ina moment they were alone. ; “ That Vannoven is an eccentric person,” remarked the” girl when he had gone. “Yes, but he and Wandaught areas good and open- hearted as any person I have ever known. Either would risk his life for you.” “Tam sure I am fortunate in being with such. Who is | that Jared Potter?” “He is an old friend of mine, who insisted upon accom panying me when I took the wild idea of visiting the Far West.” “That was a wild notion that possessed you. How came you to be seized with it?” “T hardly know; yet if it was a foolish undertaking and @ most unfortunate one in many respects, I consider it the most fortunate in another.” “In what respect, may I ask?” said she, innocently. Summerfield was about to reply, yet her blush betrayed hher, and he answered : ; “Yow suspect. At this moment I think nothing of the hardships and sufferings I have endured.” ‘This remark Summerfield expected would receive a reply, but there was none. He waited a few seconds, un- til the silence was growing embarrassing to himself, and then arose and replenished the fire. As it burned up brightly, he seated himself beside Ida, and then, alarmed at his own presumption, could find nothing to. say for a long time. Fortunately for him, she came to his aid. They Commenced a common-place conversation, which termina- ted in what might be expected. We might record it, but © ‘ithas always been a question with us whether it is right to transcribe a conversation which should never be heard by @ third party. There is a sacredness and interest about it a- that can never be felt by the reader, and many would re- oge ard with disinterestedness what were words fraught with Ay eee tes ee 10 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MIULION. hope and happiness to the hearers. Summerfield spoke of the feelings she had awakened when he first met her; of the many hours he had spent in thinking of her alone ; how his love had never slumbered, but increased steadily . and surely until the present time, and ended by offering _ her the pure, undivided love of his heart. And Ida, after a few minutes of silence, toe full of bliss to prevent her speaking, told Summerfield the same story that she had listened to. She confessed that she had loved him from the first ; had prayed for and hoped to meet him, and yet was often frightened when her own nature told her of the deep passion that she was nourishing. She had striven to forget it, but could not, and finally ended by accepting and returning his love. Then Summerfield spoke of his distant home, -of his adored sister, and declared that, were she living, he would only need Ida’s presence to complete his happiness ; and she related her own history, and stated that, when certain of the fate of her father, and with his consent if living, Summerfield might consider her as belonging to him. This was followed by plans and questions and angwers that need not to be referred to. It seemed as if they had not been talking long, when the gray light entering the mouth of the cavern warned them that the day was at hand. Summerfield started, and arose to pass out, but at the entrance encountered Vic, who remarked, pleasantly : “Don’t let me ’sturb yer. Haint had much time to talk, have you?” He then entered and saluted his “little one.’ Wan- daught was absent attending to the animals, while Jared was busy preparing the morning meal. Summerfield pas- sed out to where the latter was engaged, and commenced a conversation with him. He was gratified to see that he was in a better mood, aud appeared cheerful and pleased. The truth was, Jared had wisely concluded that it was hardly worth the while to make any effort to impress Ida ee — wa Se ) Ae Oe d ot f O OD Wn i THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. more favorably than he already had. Summerfield was in advance of him. In a short time, the company assembled within the cavern, and, after partaking of the morning meal, Vic spoke: “ Boys, the question is, what we're going to do? How long we're goin’ to stay here? Now, that my little one is well and Sam Radz’ll be here afore we could get out of sight of the monntains, and he’ll hunt a week fur us ef he thinks we’re "bout. It won't do for us to start now, fur ef we did he’d be arter us, and we’d lose all our furs sure, ef he did’t fotch us. We've got to stay here till we make him think we ain’t here. He’ll wait along while ’fore he gives us up, an’ we've got to keep mighty close. Ef any- thing turns up so that any of yer are treed in here, T'll show yer the way yer can give ’em the slip and git off cla’r ef yer works right.” Here the speaker arose, and approaching Ida, lifted a loose rock upward and disclosed a dark rent in the flinty floor. “ This,” said he, “goes down a few feet and then turns off, and arter going under some stones and bushes, you come out behind a big stone, a putty good distance from whar we come in. I don’t know how it got here, but [ s’pose some fellers have been here and used it like they did the ‘Hole.’ I stay’d here one winter when I’s trappin’. Wal, yer see it mought be of some use to yer at some time. I happened to see the stone loose one day, an’ arter lookin’ round found what it war. Wal, as I’s sayin’,”’ he resumed, “we've got to stay here some time, though p’raps we kin go to-morrer, provided Sam aint about. Me an’ Jim’ll lookges pe ef there’s any sign to-day, an’ st plan to be pursued e animals, 12 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. 3 being in a gap between two huge walls of rock, which was only approached by a rough, irregular footpath. kk These were visited at morning and night, and furnished with cotton wood bark and shrubbery, while, as if nature had intended it for some such use, a small stream of water a i trickled from above into a rocky bowl or basin, which , Was amply sufficient for them. I Ida rarely ventured more than a fiew yards from the mouth of the cavern, while the others made it a point never at such times to leave her within it alone. In fact there were two always present with her. Vannoven had not been gone more than a couple of hours when he returned. There was an expression, too, upon his face that excited the utmost alarm of Ida. “See nary thing?” asked Wandaught, carelessly. “Yas, sir; I’ve seen ’nough I recon. Sam Radzel ain’t half a mile off, an’ he’s got over twenty Crows with ‘im, > an’ there’s devil in his eyes. I seen ’em comin’. and wai- ted till they stopped, when I counted’em. Thay’re all daubed with war-paint, and are going to give this ole moun- tain an overhaulin’, I’m afraid, boys, we'll have to close in with ’em.” “Do you know how they intend to proceed?” asked Summerfield. “T s’pose they'll hunt one by one till we’re found, when they ll come down on us.” “ What a pity, Vic, you didn’t let me make daylight shine through that villain when I had a.chance.” _ “Never mind, you'll have another chance.” “This yer’d be fun,” said Wandaught, playing idly with his knife, “ef it wan’t for this little one. In course it won't do to git into a scrimmgg We've got to keep sly and git off ef we “ Heaven grant that which tpath. ‘ished ature water vhich | the oint fact ours pon ‘in’t ii m : vai- all un- 08 ed en ne THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. ia “Supposs fe gets me again, George?” said she, in a hus- ky whisper, looking in his eyes. : “ He will not get you,” returned he with emphasis, “No,” said she, after a second, and with fearful slowness and meaning, “he will never obtain me alive.” “Don’t feel thus,” added Summerfield, alarmed at her ap- pearence and manner. “ You are safe with us certainly, dear Ida.” “Don’t be skeert,” said Vic, noticing her appearance. “Sam Redzel won’t git his hands on yer as Jong, as we're ’bout em. I guess we'll be ’bout awhile too.” “T am sure I am safe with you; it was buta momentary fear,” returned Ida, much affected at the exhibition of good will by the rough trappers. “Tl be darned if I don’t blow every Injin sky high,” exclaimed Jared Potter, “before they shall hurt you.” This remark drew a smile from every one, which only increased his earnestness. “It’s true!” he added, shaking his head and bringing his clinched hand down on his knee. “ And if you don’t believe it just wait till the chance comes.” “T don’t doubt it, Jared,” replied Summerfield, “neither do I doubt the willingness of every one here to defend Ida, even unlo death. “ That's the talk!” exclaimed Vic, “ you ain't skeert now, little one, are you?” “No, no; I feel no concern for myself; bat I fear that some of you will have to suffer. I have a dread that one at least among us will fall by the hands of that man or his followers.” “ And what of it?” queried Wandaught. “Tm sure I wouldn’t feel squeamish ef I know’d it war g’wine to be me. We've all got to go under some time, and what's the odds when it is? Thar ain’t nobody, ’cept p’raps them here, what would cry much over Jim Wandaught, and ef I had my choice, I wouldn’t keer a beaver skin when I gits thrown in my tracks.” 2 4 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. “That's my idea,” added Vic, “I s’pecs some these times the varmin will get Vic, and I don’t stop to think or care about the time. If I’s sure my little one ’d git home all right, I wouldn’t feel sorry ef the Injins should wipe me out; but when they go at the business, in course I can’t help tryin’ to do them the same favor, and I’m thinkin when Vic does go under, there’ll be some tall kickin’ and fighten’.” “J don’t know as I am particular anxious about givin’ up the ghost,” remarked Potter, “and, come to think, I'll bo hanged ef I want to yet awhile. There is a gal—a lady, I mean—down in Louisville that would die ef she should learn Jared Potter was no more.” The fellow heaved a great sigh after he had delivered himself of this, and looked at Ida. It was his last attempt to produce an “ im- pression” upon her. He believed that if she entertained any passion for him, this remark would call it forth. She caught his glance, and replied: “T hope you will see her, Jared—for you deserve to— and make her heart glad.” “JT hope so,” he replied, solemnly. “ Wal, thar ain’t none of these gals to care fur me,” said Vic. F . “Nor me nuther,” added Wandaught. “There is one who always will,” said Ida earnestly. “T believe that,” said Vic. Several times through the day, one of the hunters crept to the mouth of the cave to look out for danger. In the “afternoon Wandaught detected an Indian a long way off, but none of them came near enough to awaken any ap- prehension. After a long time the night settled ovet the mountains, and all felt that another day was to dawn upon them. A faint moon had arisen, which rendere the rocks visible, and their gloomy shadows more gloomy than before. As usual, Jared set out to visit the animalg but he proceeded with extreme caution and stealth, ang d the jutting faces of . spel full, ‘jee en timeg ' care le all > me can’t akin and THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 15 spent a half hour in passing the hundred yards. He was fully armed with his rifle and a couple of knives, for he eemed it highly probable that he should encounter some enemy before returning.” He reached the spot, however, without detecting anything suspicious, and passed down among the horses. They all knew him and manifested no fear at his approach. He passed each one, and seeing that i they were provided for during the night, was about to turn | and ascend, when one of them gave a snort of alarm. As Jared stood in a sort of yawn or rent, it was perfectly dark around him, while above he could see the blue piece of sky and the edges of the rocks clearly defined against it. As he gazed up, he saw the head of an Indian above peering down upon him. He watched a moment, and saw it gradually slide into view until fully one half of his*body stood in bold relief against the sky. Potter imitated the whinney of a horse, and cocked his rifle at the same time. At first he felt disposed to fire, but deemed it imprudent to risk a shot. The Indian remained motionless a moment, and then slid himself over and bounded lightly down. The white crouched down-so.as to keep him against the sky, and waited his approach. “Ugh!” grunted the savage as he run against Vanno- yan’s horse. The latter, as if conscious that he was an enemy, kicked, with the volocity of lightning, the savage full in the breast, doubling him up in agony. Before he could recover, Jared arose like a cat, and clutching him by , the throat, pressed his knife to the hilt inhis body. There ; was a spasmodic quiver and struggle, and the Indian stretched out in the rigid form of death. “Thar!” exclaimed Jared, “I wish I could serve you all like that.” Seizing the body, he bore it out of the place. At first he thought of scalping it, but as he had never done such a thing, he could not bring himself toit now. He carried it a short distance, when he threw it down between two 16 EN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. mame. rocks and covered it with stones so as to conceal it from what others were roaming in the neighborhood. He then proceeded as cautiously back to the cavern, and, in answer to the inquiries, stated that he had seen nothing alarming. But, when Ida was sleeping, he told the others the whole circumstance. Cuarter Il, “ We have scotched the snake, not kill’d it; She’l close and be herself ; whilst our poor malice Remains in danger of her former tooth.” All through the night, Vic and Wandaught remained awake ; but when the sun rose over the prairie and bathed the mountain side with light, there seemed no sign of im- mediate danger. Jared Potter again stole out and visited the animals, and in returning passed by the spot where he had thrown the Indian. Several parts of the body were visible, and he covered it more securely with stones and dirt, and in passing back he encountered nothing suspicious oralarming. This surprised him, and he began to cherish a slight hope that the search had been abandoned. When at the mouth of the cave, he peered over the edge of a rock that fronted it,down into the valley beyond. At first, he detected nothing, but on gazing a moment he could see tiny figures far beneath him. They were moving along, and in several other parts of the valley could be seen other forms, but mere moving specks in the great dis- tance: At last, Potter concluded it was their intention first to search this part of the mountain, and then the upper. Could he and Vic have succeeded in concealing their trail when approaching from the prairie, and thus bafiled Red- zel in following them, they might have been able to remain within their retreat for months without fear of discovery. But Redzel remembered the spot where Ida had been taken from bi followe it bec®! gravell and Di given iw wh Du Wan cons Vie exp +o ¢ in in 2 5 cage eee THE TRAPPERS RETREAT. 17 from him, and, with the aid of his eagle-eyed savages followed the trail from this point for a long distance, until it became irrecoverably lost among the rocks and upon the gravelly soil of the mountains. However, with a sagacity and nicety of calculation, which his long experience had given him, he determined with certainty the neighborhood in which they were concealed. During Jared’s absence, the meal had been prepared by Wandaught, and after partaking of it along and earnest consultation was held. As usual, the opinion and will of Vic were the law of the rest. He stated that none need | expect Sam to leave until he had searched every spotlikely to contain them ; that is, every spot likely to contain them in that section. He was now exploring the valley, and in the course of the day either he or some of the savages would be above. The only way to escape discovery was by stratagem. If they could effectually mislead them until night, they might change their hiding-place to some distant part of the mountain, and finally baffle him. “ But,” said Vic, “it am the hardest thing fur me ter sneak ‘round tryin’ to keep out the way o’ that cuss and his redskins. Wagh! I’m itchin’ ter hey a scrimmage with them”. s ; “So’m I,” added Wandaught, “but in course we've got ter keep kinder low ‘long as thar’s somebody else in the matter.” Vic said, “In course,” and then proceeded: “Two or three of us must git out o’ here soon an’ make tracks in. some other parts up above, so as to make ’em bilieve we ain’t down in these parts, and ef they don’t find this place by night we'll give ’em the slip.” “ Vic, yer allers war some on planin’,” said Wandanght, admiringly, “an’ I ain’t efeard but what we'll get out all sqwar with our little one.’ : “T trust we shall,” added Summerfield. “T hope so too,” said Ida, and added warmly, “ but not 18 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. at the expense of any of your lives. I pray that we may | all get off safe at last.” “Well, who is going with you, Vic?” asked Jared. After a short conversation, it was decided that Wan- daught and Potter should accompany him, while Summer- field should remain with Ida. They expected to return be- fore there was any probability of their retreat being dis- covered, and even should the savages come upon it in their absence, there was little cause to fear. It will be remem- bered that but one person could enter at a time, and one person with a trusty rifle might effectually dispute the pas- sage of a hundred or thousand. This decided upon, the three, with many warnings from and promises to Ida, made their way from the cavern, and began cautiously ascending the mountain. Summerfield and Ida followed them out, and watched their moyements until they were lost to view among the wild regions above them. Summerfield then re-entered the cave and made pre- parations for resistance in case an attack should be made before the rest should return. In a few minutes Ida came jn and seated herself upon her accustomed seat, and watch- ed his movements. « What does that mean ?” she asked, as he carried one of the bundles of furs and deposited it a number of feet nearer the entrance. “(an you not comprehend ?” he returned with a smile. “Yes; I suppose you intend it as a means of defence. But do you think we shall be discovered ?” “No; but such a thing might occur, and of course, we should be prepared for any emergency. I do not think the others will be absent long, and there is hardly a shadow of probability that there will be any savages from the valley below before they return.” After amoment’s deep thought Ida replied, “I don’t know how it is, but I have not felt easy since I have known that Redzel was pursuing us. I have heard said that persons { are s0m about t 'Loften > presen 6 A , “Of « Of “h 1 { Tt is‘ tacit ” you. “oy evel son und con ant roe) ne ck bi ij a at J ve may | Wan- immer- rn be. g dig- 1 their mem- 1 one > Pas- from and held ents Ove re- ide me h~ | thathad saved him. There wasa providence in the matter THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 19 r are sometimes given a shadowy apprehension of what is about to transpire. I do not believe in presentiments that ‘Toften hear spoken of; but if there is such a thing as a presentiment, I have had one for the last day or two,” “A presentiment of what?” “Of the death of one of our number.” “Of which?” “T cannot tell, but of one of those who are now absent. It is this vague, mysterious feeling that has made me so taciturn and apparently gloomy since I have been with you.” “Tam not abeliever in the supernatural. I have known events to transpire for which I could give no earthly rea- son; and yet, because I could not explain it myself or understand it, I did not affirm no one else conld. On the contrary, I have often seen others unravel the most abstruse and complicated puzzles, which it seemed no mortal mind could comprehend. I once, with hundreds of others, wit- nessed a most wonderful and astonishing performance of chess-playing by some invisible hand. I was completely baffled, and, with thousands, believed that something more than human controlled the movement of the chess men; and yet, a few days after, Edgar A. Poe, with little study, unravelled the whole cheat, and explained it so clearly that none could fail to understand it. The only wonder then was that so many failed to see through sosimple a thing. Thus I believe it is with what some are pleased to call myste- rious movements of the Creator. They are nothing more than what simply take place in the natural order of things. A man’s horse once stumbled on a precipice, and the rider escaped, bya hair breadth, being dashed to pieces hundreds of feet below. He immediately published the fact among his neighbors, commenting upon the wonderful providence but no more than had been every time he had passed by there. He had ridden over the same path scores of times 20° TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. without his horse stumbling, yet failed to see providence in the fact, until death caught at him as he passed along. Then his eyes were opened. He believed that it was some- thing like a stepping aside by God to save his life.” “That is all very probable,” replied Ida. “ Many see miracles in everything. I do not believe in disembodied spirits wandering over this earth to terrify mortals, but there are authenticated instances of persons having fore- told events in modern times. Some have foreseen their own death, and yet their pretended prophecy was the offspring of a diseased mind, and their death, in all proba- bility, the result of a diseased imagination; yet, as I have said, there are circumstances that occur daily which have been foreseen. I have striven to shake off the oppressive foreboding of ill, but cannot. I hope it is but a wild fancy. of mine. If we reach home—that is, all of us—I will pro- mise neyer to believe in presentiments again ; but if one of our number fails to, through death, my present skepticism will be changed to firm belief.” « Ag we can hardly expect, Ida, to escape without en- countering Redzel and his company, I shall consider it nothing out of the common course of things should one of us suffer death, and should even two be slain, it would occasion no supernatural wonder upon my part.” “Nor mine; but simply make me a believer in ‘ presenti- ments.’” “Thave experienced no such a feeling of foreboding as have you, but since you have mentioned it, 1 cannot but feel its effect. I suppose Iam somewhat like Byron, who said that, although he believed it omened no ill to spill salt, yet, somehow or other, he didn’t like to spill it him- self.” 7 j “ And Byron only told the experience of others. Rid. cule these notions as much as we please, they still have their effect upon us.” -_“ But, after all—” ,. “Great heaven! what is that?” nce in long, jome- see died but ore- eir the Da~ ve 4] HE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. At that instant, with fearful distinctness, came the sharp crack of a half dozen rifles, accompanied by a number of wild whoops. They were distant, and yet the stillness of the region rendered them as audible as if but a few rods away. “Did you hear that?” asked Ida, with her finger on her lips and her face blanched with terror. Summerfield was bent in the attifiide of listening, and simply replied by a motion of the head. “Hush !” said he, seeing that she was about to speak. “Wait a moment.” For a few seconds they remained as motionless as two statues; once they heard the discharge of a single gun, and now and then could distinguish several faint shouts. Summerfield started for the entrance. Ida caught him. “Don’t go, I beseech you! No good can come of it.” “But perhaps I may be enabled to aid some one. Don’t detain me.” “Will you leave me?” she asked, in a touching tone, as she loosed him. - “T did not mean to,” he replied. “Only to go to the out- — side merely.” “You can do nothing there.” “No, I will not leave you, even for a moment,” said Sum- merfield, seating himself beside her and tenderly kissing her marble cheek. They then listened a moment, when they heard a number of yells repeated, and in a moment there was the hurried tramp of some one approaching at a rapid rate. Summerfield cocked his rifle and bent his eye _ to the narrow entrance of daylight. The tramp continued, and ina moment he saw the twisted members of Jared Pot- ter suddenly halt before it. Then the cave was darkened as he wedged his body rapidly in. “Quick, George, for God’s sake ! there’s forty after ie) and Sam’s among ’m,” he exclaimed, plunging in. Summerfield olted the bundle of furs farther ahead, ‘andi rested his rifle on it. 22 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. “Good!” said he, “they'll be here ina minute.” 1 gt And “ Are you hurt ?” | and Jin “Not much. Never mind about me. Waittill they try | Ash : to get in, and blaze away. Keep behind us, Ida, or youll | of Red get hit.” : for bu “Don’t fear for me,” she returned, retreating to a spot | and * where there was no danger of a stray bullet reaching her. _ mand “ Where's Jim and Vic!” asked Summerffld in a hurried upon whisper. | we “Don’t know; we all three run into a nest of ’em “fore | to G we knowed it. Iseen Jim jump square over one of ’em yoF and go down a place a hundred feet deep. I seen stars, | - too!” , dig . “Did they pursue you?” : = “Yes, yes! Look.” ; ha A number of moccasined feet. and naked legs could now be seen flitting before the entrance, and a loud triumphant | ys shout of exultation told the savage joy of those outside. “Shan’t I crack some of them legs?” asked Potter, placing pts finger on the trigger. “No; don’t crack anything but a head, and you'll have enough of them, too.” At this moment one of the forms stooped, and the horrid ; face of Sam Redzel was visible. ; | “ Hallo, in thar!” he bawled. } “ Halloah !” “That you, Crooked Legs ?” “Tf you mean him that mauled you half to death once, here he is.” “Hallo, Somefield, you thar too ?” “Tam here, Sam Redzel, as you will probably find.” “And me too, added Summerfield, imitating the voice of i Vannovan. : “Bah!” laughed Redzel, “you can’t come that. Vic | Vannoven and Jim Wandaught ’ll never cross my path \ agin.” THE TRAPPERS RETREAT. 23 “ And you can’t come that neither,” retorted Jared, “ Vic and Jim ar kicken, I guess you'll find.” ‘As he spoke he righted his rifle and took aim at the face of Redzel. Summerfield saw the movement, and drew back for him to fire; but, just as the finger pressed the trigger, and while Redzel was giving utterance to an insulting com- mand, he placed his hand beneath the hammer and let it fall upon it.” “Don’t, Jared; it would be a dishonorable act. Would to God that man were dead, but don’t do a thing that he would not himself.” “That he would not himself!” repeated Jared, with in- dignant contempt. “That demon would burn his mother when he’s six years old if she didn’t give him the biggest half of the pie.” “allo, Crooked Legs, come out here. These chaps want yer,” was heard from Redzel. “George Summerfield,” continued Jared Potter, as he dropped his gun and gazed in his eyes, “ you hindered me from killing that fellow just now. Don’t ever try it again If you do, I will shoot you, as sure as there is a God in Heaven !” - “Jared, what's the matter !” “ Don't do it again ; that’s all!” and he calmly resuméd his gun and raised the hammer again. Redzel, suspecting that his position was rather an un- safe one, had withdrawn, so that none of his body was now in sight. “What do you want?” bawled Jared. “ Bein’ you,” replied Redzel, with mock earnestness, oP ‘et yer take yer chice, to come out here an’ get eat by the lujins, or to let.as fotch you out.” “ Fotch away then,” replied Jared. "At that instant a body was visible at the entrance. In- stantly Jared fired, and a how! that made their ears tingle with horror told its fate. As his companions stooped: to . i “94 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. draw him away, Jared jerked Summerfield’s rifle from his hand and killed another Indian. “Thunderation!” he muttered, as he saw the result. “« Whar’s the old boy himself? I'd like to git a shot in his carcass.” The yells of rage that followed the deaths of these two Indians were absolutely deafening, and told too plainly ‘what would be our heroes’ fate should they fall into their hands. The bodies were withdrawn in a moment, and when the clamor had abated Jared called out: “Sam Redzel, I shot them two. I thought the first one might be you, but it wasn’t; you are very careful to keep your precious hide out of sight. Why don’t you show yourself?” “ Bah! you think I’m a fool, don’t you ?” “Ofcourse. I’ve always had that opinion since I whipped you so easy.” “ Don’t irritate him too much,” suggested Summerfield. At this instant, there was a discharge of a number of rifles, and their bullets rattled harmlessly against the sides of the cavern. “Try again,” called out Jared, “you might hit some- thing.” At that moment there was a sudden hush and they heard the discharge of two pieces, apparently at some distance. This was followed by an excited conversation among those upon the outside. “That's Jim and Vic,” exclaimed Jared. “Let ’em blaze away! who cares?” Then calling to Redzel: - “Thought Jim and Vic wouldn’t cross your path any more. Guess some of your chaps have crossed theirs.” . There was no reply to this, but the rapid mumbling and hum of voices continued, and in a moment they heard the treading of departing feet. “ What does that mean ?” asked Summerfield. n hig sult, | his two nly eir he \ i THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT, 25° “ They have sent off a lot to fight the boys, and the rest staid here to—” “ Hallo in thar !” “S’posen you bawl out afew more,times, just to try your voice.” “Is Somefleld thar ?” Rink | “Tam here. What have you to say ?” | “T s’spore yer got that gal thar?” “We have a lady here.” “ Wal, jest as yer likes. I want her.” “Youhaye wanted her several times, I believe: but that didn’t secure herto you, did it?” “T tells yer, I wants her, an’ I’m bound to have her.” “Well, get her then, and you can have her.” “Tl tell you what I'll do Summerfield. Ef you gives up that gal and don’t help Crooked Legs—coz me’n him have got ter settle an account—I'll let yer off and promise yer, yer shan’t be hurt.” : “Redsel, if you were not a fool, you would not make me that proposition. We will both defend her against you.as long as we are able, and I will assist Jared to shoot you at the first opportunity.” “That's the talk!” exclaimed Jared, approyingly. “Then, look out!” ‘Thundered Redzel, with a fearful oath, “We'll see how you like smoke.” There was a commotion among the assailants, and in a moment several commenced pushing brush and sticks into the entrance with poles, keeping their bodies concealed. : Jared succeeded, however, in breaking the arms of a ; couple of savages, who unconsciously exposed them, “What are they going to do?” asked Ida, in a whisper. “Burn us out,” returned Summerfield, with a smile. “That is, if they can,” he added, as he pointed backward towards the outlet that had saved ihree human beiugs before, TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. Cuaptrr IV. “Yet am I armed against the worst can happen; And haste is needful in this desperate case.” “Jared,” said Summerfield, as he witnessed these prepara- tions, “ it will assist us, [ think, if we make Redzel believe that we are alarmed at the present turn of things, and have no thought of eluding him.” “ Don’t know but what it would. Good idea. You do the talking, as you'll be the most likely to touch that ten- der heart of his: “Say, Sam !” “Wal, what’s up ?” “That's a mean trick,I think. If I couldn't dislodge a foe, J wouldn’t burn him out.” “Bah! you wouldn’t eh ? well I would.” “Tt is a cowardly resort.” “Do you give up?” “ Of course not, and what is more, we do not intend to either.” “Wal, smoke then. I give yer the choice I done a while ago. Ef yer ain’t a mind to take it, why yer kin take what yer can’t help. How long kin yer stand it?” “Sam, I didn’t think you were such a coward.” “Wagh! wagh! Reckon you'll find me sunkthin’ else fore long.” A While he was speaking, a savage stooped to light the fageots. As quick as thought he leaped to his feet and fell in the agonies of death. Jared had shot him through the neck. Another ventured more warily, but Summerfield caught a glimpse of him as he was in the very act of ap- plying the torch, and sent a bullet through his body. As the Indian disappeared from view, the dry twigs flared up into a blaze and ignited the rest. He had succeeded al- though it had cost him his life. In a few moments the whole tation enteri who « as he that and - as 58] nanc T the futh com Sun fort ten THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. : UF: whole entrance was in a blaze, but contrary to the expec tations of all, the smoke passed outwards, not a particle entering the cave. This was unaccountable to Summerfield, who expected that some smoke at least would enter; but as he felt a draft of air from behind, he turned and saw that Ida had displaced the stone that covered the outlet, and there was a constant rush of air inward. She smiled as she saw the expression of surprise upon his counte- nance, but neither spoke. The Indians, not content with simply starting the fire at the entrance, were continually making efforts to push it futher inward; but this was a perilous task, as they were compelled to stand directly before the entrance, and either Summerfield or Potter would catch the outlines of their forms and fire, and never miss. But their continued at- tempts were partially crowned with success, for quantities _of the burning embers yielded to those in front and were pressed considerably backward. Still there was no im- mediate danger from this. {heir respiration was free, and as yet they experienced no inconvenience from the heat. “Jared, it won’t do to make an attempt to leave here be fore night, will it?” “OF course not.” “ How far off would you suppose night to be?” “ About two hours.” “Ts that all? 1 thought it much more than that.” “Tt wasn’t far from nigi.t whey I got chased inter here, and in two hours it will be as dark as we could wish.” “You apprehend no d.nger before that time, do you?” “No; I guess we can siand it. We must pick off every Indian we can. There! {uere’s one less outside now,” he added, as he discharged his piece, and then resumed : “They will keep the fire going all night, until Sam con- cludes we are pretty near used up, and then they will crawl in and haul us out like roasted potatoes. I hain’t noticed where this hole comes out, but it can’t be a great 28 TEN CENT NOVELS FoR THE MILLION. distance off, and I can tell you, George, you musn’t think) “Sup you're half through the danger yet.” -b its “Of course I don’t; but I can’t help feeling joyous now| “ Do and then, when I think of the discomfiture that Sam will| danger experience when he finds that we are non est. No doubt,” .1ason added Summerfield, with a look at the embers, “the nest Ina will be warm but the bird will be flown.” placin Both watched the entrance incessantly, and the slightest “Tt exposure of their savage foes was sure to result fatally | goes | with them. Thus over two hours, unconsciously to Sum- | out | merfield in his excitement, passed away, and during that | being time séveral Indians had fallen by the hands of Potter and | do is himself. we “George,” said he, turning suddenly towards him, “do “I you know it is as dark as pitch?” We “No; but I supposed it was near time.” iz “Well, sir, we can talk about leaving now. Ida, seé rea here a minute.” " _As she approached, he continued : cal “These fellows will keep that fire going for two or three hours yet, and our chance of getting away is in those same vi two or three hours. They, in all probability, have no idea j of our eluding them by going out a back door, and all that mH is needed is cautiousness, and self-reliance. This under- ground passage opens a few yards distant, and near enough a to be fatal to us if the slightest mistake is made. Before going, I think it best for.one of us to examine the passage, { in order to be sure of the course to pursue. I will do it, I guess; and, George, keep blazing away if you get a chance while I am gone.” “Be expeditious, Jared, and each moment is of incal- culable value,” said Summerfield. “J will be back in a minute.” So saying, he let himself down the opening. He sank to his chin only, when stooping, commenced crawling on his knees. THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 29 ink| “Suppose the way is blocked up, or there are savages -tits mouth,” said Ida, turning to Summerfield. “Do not be so fearful, Ida. You seem to apprehend danger when there is no cause for it at all. You have no .vason for fear.” In a few moments, the head of Jared rose to view, and placing his hands above, he came forth among them. “Tt’s all right,” said he, anticipating their question. It Goes about thirty feet, all the way under rocks, and comes out behind one, where there isn’t any chance of savages being stationed. The way is clear, and all we have got to do is to be quick and silent.” “ow shall we proceed ?” “Twill go first, you next, and let Ida follow. Let me see. We have everything we can take, have we not?” “Yeg; but Vic will have to lose his furs; but if I ever reach the States, he shall receive their full value.” “That will make him madder than anything else, but it can’t be helped.. Are you all ready?” “ach signified consent, and he again stooped from view. | “Come on,” came his faint and mufiled voice, and Sum-, merfield sprang down. “ Now, Ida,” said he, “keep close to me, and be careful | and hopeful.” ow vill i 2st With this he also disappeared, and in a second called for her to follow. She did so without any hesitation, and commenced groping through a dark, damp and crumbling passage of earth and gravel. Tn a few moments Summerfield asked her to’ pause, Then she heard a movement and again groped on. A few moments after she was lifted to her feet, and found herself standing above ground. The chilly night air was blowing against her, and she could just discern the out. lines of Summerfield and Jared, so deep was the darkness. A short distance off she could hear the voices of the sav" 80 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. ages,and above: the black forms of the rocks, was too plain- ly visible, the reddening glare of the flames that their ene- mies had kindled for their destruction. “Here, George,” whispered Jared, “take my hand. It won't do to get separated.” Summerfield did so, and in turn took Ida’s,and the three © commenced moving slowly and cautiously forward. Jared was a few feet in advance, and was obliged to feel every foot of his way. Once or twice he paused upon the very edge of some awful precipice that yawned at his feet, and, without speaking to the others, changed his direction so as to avoid it. Thus they moved along for nearly a half hour, when Jared, whose powers of vision were some- times wonderful, saw, but a few yards ahead, two forms rise apparently from out the very earth! He halted as quick as thought and sank noiselessly to the earth, almost simultaneously with Summerfield and Ida. Without a word, the two unloosened their rifles, and held them on the cock, ready to be discharged at the, first necessity, The forms continued to approach, when, suddenly, they halted almost upon them, and one spoke in an under tone: “That you, boys?” All three rose to their feet at these words, for it was Vic who had uttered them. “Took us some time to find yer,’ remarked Wan- daught. “ Why, how did you know we were here?” asked Ida, nearly overcome with wonder and joy. “ Why, my little one, didn’t you s’pose we could see that ar light off yonder, and didn’t you s’pose we knowed you'd crawl out the fust chance?, We've bin watchin’ round ever since dark for yer.” “] was hoping for your appearance,” observed Summer- field, “but I had about concluded it was hoping against hope.” “ Well, I know’d it wasn't. Sam Redzel said as how lain~ ene- It Tee red ary nd 80 alf THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 31 you were out the way, and, of course, then I knowed you were kicking, ’caus Sam cam lie as bad as I could once.” “Wal, we're here, and I guess we'd better be some- whar else ‘fore long.” “But,” said Summerfield, suddenly, “what can we do without horses? Our own animals are too close to the savages to get them.” “They is, am they? Wal, I rather guess not.” Summerfield did not understand fully what he meant, but, without saying anything more, he followed them. They proceeded more rapidly now, as the way was better known. A short distance travelled, and they reached a spot where stood their horses. All were there, and seem= ed waiting patiently for their riders. “Well, if this dosen’t beat all!” exclaimed Summerfield, in admiration, “In course,” remarked Vie to Ida, “we wan’t goin’ to come to look for yer till we’d got the horses. So Jim, he sneaked up about dark and fotched ’em off. We brought ’em out here, and then commenced lookin’ fur yer. We thought we wouldn’t come onto you when you’s too close to the Injins, cause yer might think we belonged to ’em too, and thus hurt our feelin’s, and p’raps our hides too, Jest let me boost you up.” In five minutes, every one was mounted and on their way. Vannovan took the lead, Wandaught was next, and followed by Jared, while Summerfield and Ida came last. Thus they again resumed their homeward journey, and © with it the perils and sufferings that not even Vic or Wandaught anticipated. — TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION, Cuaprer VY, “ And hope is once again before us.” Two or three hours of rough and dangerous riding, their horses plunging and pitching over rocks, gullies and gor- ges, brought the fugitives to the base of the mountain. The night was still of an inky blackness, and the air cool and bracing. During the journey down the mountain, Vic and Wandanght, as might be expected, exchanged not a word either between themselves or with those of the com- pany. Jared now and then made some remark, yet the oc- casion, although far different in many respects, so forcibly reminded him of a previous one, that he was less loqua- cious than’usual. Besides he had several galling wounds, which prevented too joyous a flow of spirits. Summer- field remained close to Ida, admonishing her when some un- usual obstruction was in the path, and enlivening her with some cheering remark when the riding would permit. Suddenly, after a few moments of pleasant riding, Vic and Wandaught halted. As the rest came up around them the former spoke: “We're now on perrary, and thar’s good trampin’, We've got the best horses of the redskins, and I propose that we let ’em went.” “Tm agreeable, especially if this horse is willin,” said Jared. “ My little one,” said Vic, good humoredly, “are you afraid to ride fast?” “T can ride as fast as my animal can go.” “Good. Allready. Come on.” As he thus spoke, his horse broke into a gallop, as did also the others. Their beasts were magnificent ones, and chafed with anger under the restraint imposed upon them. Wandaught, with characteristic cunning and foresight, cha an ni » ve a “ ca lil 33 THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. had selected the fleetest and most powerful of the number, and the easy canter upon the level prairie, in the bracing night air, only awoke the slumbering fire within their veins. It was almost impossible to curb them, and almost unconsciously to the riders their gallop was increased. into oir | £ nearly a run, or) in. id. U. d “Oh! this is delicious!” remarked Ida to Summerfield. “ After being cramped two or three days in. that narrow cavern, it sends a thrill through one to fly over the ground like this.” “Jt is glorious,” he, added. ‘Doesn't it give you an overflow of spirits?” “Tt does indeed... It seems I could ride for many hours thus.” “ How does it affect that presentiment?” he added, low- ering his voice to a jesting undertone. “ Don’t refer to that,” she quickly returned; in a signifi- cant whisper. Hgur after hour they thus galloped forward over the level prairie. They were crossing the northern part of what is known as the Great. American Desert. They might be said, in fact, to be in another country, so differ- ent was it from the region they had just left. The air they found continually growing warmer as they receded. from the mountains, while the earth beneath them was dry and hardened, as though the sun had blazed upon it uninterrup- tedly for many a day, It was evident that the fierce storms of thunder, lightning and rain which they had expe- rienced, although but a few. miles distant, did not reach this section, The stunted prairie grass brushed their horses’ sides as they went. through it, and now and then the suffocating dust rose from their hoofs. “Soon it began to grow light ahead of them, and rapidly increased until the sun appeared, and the day. was upon them. Vic and Wandaught reined in, and in a fow mo- ments. they all came to a halt. E534. TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE ‘MILLION. '“T rather ca’culate as how there'll be some tall swarin’ ina little while up that way,” said Wandaught, jerking his ~ hand back of them. “Wouldn’t I like to hear that feller when he crawls in and finds there ain’t nobody there ; and when he don’t find his horses, won’t he rip and tear!” added Jared. The exhilarating ride had had its effects upon all. Even Vic's eyes sparkled with genuine, healthy humor, and Sum- merfield felt disposed to be funnier than usual. “ How does this set on your stummick, my little one?” asked Vic, as he surveyéd her glowing form with unfeigned admiration. “Q, Vie! Iam overjoyed with pleasure. Inever enjoyed such a ride.” “Jim, did you ever see such a birdy?” asked Vic, turn- ing with a happy grin towards him. “No, sir; ef you an’ me war young, Vic, and as purty as Sam Redzel, we mought make George step ‘round.” This sally was greeted with a hearty laugh, in whieh Ida could not help joining. The crimson glow on her face deepened, and she made an effort to pout, but she could - not resist the feeling that all experienced. “You ought to be ashamed of yourselves,” said she, glancing at Vic and Wandaught, and yet she admitted to herself that, next to Summerfield, their admiration would gratify her more than any other one she could imagine. “ Come,” she continued, “ let us go on.” “No; we'll stop awhile to let our horses rest,” returned Vic, springing from his. At this they all dismounted, and removing their saddles, let the horses crop the buffalo grass, which was quite luxuriant. Before Summerfield had turned his loose, Vie approached Ida’s to unfasten the sad- dle for her. Unloogening the girth, he pulled it partly off, and thew resting it on the side of the animal, be sas _ face and asked, in an undertone : _ “Yer ain’t mad at old Vic,-am yer, my little one ?” THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. ” «T don’t know,” she returned, shaking her head. “You must’nt talk in that manner.” “ Wal, you am a sweet, purty little thing, an’ I jest said so, that war all.” “ But, Vic, you must’nt tell me go.” “ T won't agin.” Ida really believed the rough but kindly trapper feared that he had offended her. She approached closer to him, and placing her white hand upou his ponderous shoulder, gazed into hig twinkling orbs as though she would read hig very soul. She saw one or. two. of the others were noticing her, and Jared had made an excuse to pass near her in order to hear her words. But she lowered her voice that it reached no ears but those she intended it should. “Vic, Ilove you as though you were my father, and I know you will neyer offend me.” et. . The hardy old trapper winced, and felt ag uncomfortable as if a rifle ball had struck him. Ida waited a moment, expecting him to speak, but seeing that some strong emo- tion was at work in him, she turned and approached the others. The day had now so far advanced that the prairie was visible for many miles. Away the faint swells stretched as far as the eye could reach, and before them the horizon closed down upon the level prairie, as though it were the ocean. Behind them rose the gigantic chain of the Rocky Mountains, veiled in a thin bluish haze, that softened their Jagged outlines and wrapped them in a soft splendor. And many miles in the distance roge the sharp point called the Peak. Several clouds were floating near its summit, which made the top resemble a white cloud in the sky. There was a majestic grandeur in the whole scene, as much in the vast, undulating and withered prairie, as in the mighty chain of the mountains that extended for thousands of miles over the continent. i Mah lls. 36 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. As the stn rose in the sky the air became milder and pleasant, so that Jared relinquished his idea of starting a fire. There was no food to cook, and none needed the warmth of it. “We ort ter have a’bite,” said Vic, “for it never sets well to ride far without it. Howsumever, I could go fur two or three months, but I s’pose my little ’un ort to hey sunkthin.” “T can stand it, Mr. Vic, as long as you can,” she return- ed, with spirit. The hunter laughed heartily. He had admired her beauty and appearance before, and now he respected her spirit. “You're one of ’em,” he returned approvingly. The men had seated themselves upon the ground, and Summerfield spread his blanket for Ida. “ There,” said he, “rest yourself, for I suspect we shall have a long ride.” “T hope so,” she returned. Then turning her face to- ward Vic and Vandaught, said: “Come, while we are idling away the time here, I want you to tell me about the trouble you had with Redzel’s men.” “Tt want much,” returned Vic, “but me’n Jim.made bigger fools of ourselves than we ever did afore. We knowed thar war trouble bout, and yet fur all that, we run our noses right into it. We orter been blowed to blazes fur it. The fust thing I knowed I didn’t know nothin’ in pertic'ler, ’cept as how we'd walked squ’ax into a thunder- in’ big nest of ’em. They rose right up ‘mong us, and com- menced crackin’ away. I seen Jim throw. a back spring and go over inter some place. whar I knowed he war all right, and I smashed a couple of faces and got into cover with only two or three holes in my carcass. Crooked Pegs, thar, was gappin’ "long ahind us, and when he geed_ the trouble yer orter seed him slide. Inever thort he could re Ep TUE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 37 use his legs as he did then. The way he straddled over the ground would have scart a grizzly. I couldn't se6 nothin’ else of ‘im but his feet; but they saved’im. There wa'nt one that could come a him, and so he got down to the Hole and give ’em the slip arter all. As the speaker finished, he turned toward J: ared, and; . seeing his expression, burst into another fit of unrestrain- ed laughter, “T can’t see what there’s to ee at,” said the latter, in- dignantly. “Wal, we does,” said Watidanght, joining them. “Why don’t you laugh yourself ?” “Some folks don’t know what manners is,” remarked the irritated fellow, with a meaning emphasis, and looking off upon the prairie. “And some chaps knows as what boo-hooing is.” “J think it’s time we started,” exclaimed the Pom eues fellow, suddenly springing to his feet. “So do I,” added Summerfield, rising, more out of sym- pathy for Potter than anything else. “And I have been thinking so ever since we halted,” joined Ida. After a few moré indul gences in laughter, the two trap- pers slowly arose and made préparations for starting. The horses had not wandered far, and in a few ‘moments were brought up, re-saddled and mounted.’ The Jine of. march was the same as before, with the exception that Wandaught rode four or five hitadred yards’ in’ advance; for the pur- pose of keeping a look-out for danger. Jared‘and Vic rode > side by side, just ahead of Ida and Sumimerfiéld, who kept up a continual conversation, The travellers continued dinthtentetedip upon their journey until nearly noon. The horses were kept upon a rapid, easy walk, as it was necessary to preserve their strength for any contingency that might ‘arise. All at once, Summerfield; while replying to a ude of 38 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. Ida’s, saw Wandaught suddenly halt and raise his hand above his head. “What does that mean?” she asked. “Some thing is wrong, I fear.” Vic and Jared had reined up their animals, and the four 4ood waiting the movements of Wandaught. _.# What is the matter ?” asked Ida of Vic. « Jim sees sunkthin’, and is waitin’ till he knows what it mought be.” The four now sat and gazed silently upon Wandaught, who, for full ten minutes, did not make a movement. Then he rose to his feet, and standing upon the back of his ani- mal, gazed. a, moment ahead. Then he reseated himself and turning his head, motioned for the others to come up. “Sion ?” asked Vic. “Sion,” replied Wandaught. “Tnjin?” “Tojin.” This was all unintelligible to Ida, but the rest understood it, and Summerfield explained it to her. There were In- dians approaching them, They now started slowly forward. After a while, Wan- daught stated that the party approaching did not number owvér half-a-dozen, and was no war. party. Jn a short time Tda-could see them nearing her, in their picturesque cos- 4umes. They appeared to fear no harm, and approached with such an air of confidence and security as to disarm all suspicion of evil intention upon their, part. In explanation 4 of this, Vie-replied they belonged to a friendly tribe. “What tribe?” asked Summerfield, “The Sioux.” : “The Suze, you mean,” interrupted Jared, to correct his “pronunciation. “Shet up,” retorted Vic, “ when I’m talkin’.” « You are wrong, Jared, and Vic is right,” said Ida, , “In course he is,” added Vic. THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 39 “But what are the Sioux doing in this section ?” queried - Summerfield. “They often tote around here after bufflers and to git sight of things. Hello, Jim’s gabbin’ with ’em.” The savages had come up, and were now holding a con- sation with Wandaught. In a moment the two parties were together. The Indians had halted, hoping to effect ¢: a barter with the whites. Summerfield saw that they had a quantity of buffalo meat with them, and with a few trifles he purchased suflicient to make a good meal for all their party. Among them was a shrivelled up old man, who attracted much wonder and attention. He was'seated upon _.a diminutive pony, and stared with a vacant, idiotic look at the strangers. The Indians could talk English quite well, and readily answered all inquiries in regard to him. ‘He was an old chief, nearly a hundred years of age, by the name of Tarmaham or the One-Eyed. Seeing that he was attracting attention, he drew a paper from his bosom, oe, with a childish laugh, said: “Me show this, if give something.” Summerfield handed him one of his knives, and received the document. As he opened it, he saw that it was a com- mission bearing date of 1816. At the bottom was the sig- nature of Governor Clark, of Missouri Territory. In 1812, this Tarmaham fought on the side of the Americans, and gained a high reputation for his daring onslaughts upon the British, Again, the Black Hawk war, he led the Red ‘Wing band, and was almost as famous as Tecumseh. Sum- merfield surveyed his withered form with admiration, and as he returned the commission commenced a conversation with him. But he saw he was Tarmaham no more. He was in his second childhood, and his miid was as weak and imbecile as an idiot’s. He gibbered incessantly, and was but the mere wreck of what had once been a majestic chieftain and warrior. [At the present writing, Tarmaham is still living in the . 40 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. State of Minnesota, at the marvellous age of one hundred and five years.] As there was nothing to detain. them longer, the party set forward again. Ida suffered considerably from thirst during the day, as the water in the American Desertis ex- ceedingly scarce. In truth, in some places the stranger would perish from thirst. Quite number of streams, how- ever, cross the upper part of it, and none of the company really experienced any danger on account of it. About noon they reached a narrow stream that had once’! been ariver. Its banks were white, and the sun had cut them into great curling cakes of fees A short distance down, they came upon myriads of tracks of horses, show- ing that a drove of them had quenched their thirst at this small stream. .. The water was cool and limpid, and in many places the tiny springs bubbled up through the silver sand, imparting a delicious coldness to it. Choosing a place, the party dismounted and made pre- parations for a quict and lengthy halt. Wandaught start- ed a fire from the buffalo grass and a few dried sticks that lay scattered along the stream, brought down a long time before, when its volume had been swollen by a torrent. cooking the meat that Summerfield had purchased of the Sioux, and a good substantial dinner was made from. it. While eating all kept a running conversation except Vic, who appeared sullen and displeased about something, that had occured. This grew so marked at length, that Ida ap- proached him, when he was sitting apart by himself, and asked him his treuble. At first, he refused to answer, but, being pressed, replied loud enough for all to hear. “T’ve bin thinkin’ as how them skins hev all gone to the devil—” » Ida placed her hand over his mouth. “Don’t talk that way, Vic.” “Wall, gone to—gone then. ‘Nuther tramp’s good fnr With these, after considerable difficulty, he succeded in’ aah) es A aT THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 41 Summerfield approached him with a smile. “What was the value of all your furs, Vic?” “Kit Cheatum promised me two or three hundxed dol- lars for ’em if I'd take ’em to Westport for him.” “ Will you sell them to me?” “Sell ’em to you?” repeated the trapper, staring at him as though he thought he had Jost his senses, “ Yes ; sell them to me, I mean. I want to buy them.” * See oe ole coon, ef you want to pick a muss, I’m ready fur yer,” said vi, rising to his feet and ap ptodching ummerfield, “Why, what’s the matter, Vic? Can’t you make’ a bar: sain? I -want to buy your furs, that’s all”—Summerfield, seeing that he had better explain himself, continted— “see here, my old friend, you and Wandaught have used every exertion in your power to save my life and that of’ Ida. Whether you succeed further matters not. I have already incurred a debt which I never expect to repay; and as a moiety of the payment, as a slight token of the gratitude I feel for you, I shall place five hundred dollars into your hands as soon as I can communicate with home , upon our arrival in Independence.” “No you don’t; you can’t come that, it would be steak in’)” returned Vic, resolutely shaking his head. “ Stealing /” exclaimed Summerfield. “ Why I took yout furs and let the Indians shoot into them until they were riddled and completely ruined, and now, because T offer to pay for what I did, you call it stealing. Oh, Vie!” “OF course,” joined in Ida, “you ought to receive pay: ment for them.” “Sarten, Vic, you're kinder green,” added Wandaught. Still the honest trapper suspected the truth—that he was only making it a screen to an act which his’ heart prompted. He continued shaking his head. ° “ Just let me get an idea into that wooden head,” said’: Jared, stepping hastily forward before Vannoven He 42 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. spread his feet apart, and raising the broad palm of his left hand before him, and dropping the index finger of his right into it, commenced : “ You see,” here the speaker frowned, and raised and let his finger fall upon his palm to give more emphasis to his words, “ you see, here’s the point—” “What, that ar a pint?” interrupted Vic, pointing to the fellow’s monstrous fingers. “Wait a minute,” said the latter, as the others laughed, “wait a minute, You see, this is the way of it. You got some furs (a fall of the finger) ; these furs you put in a cave (another fall of the finger); you went away and left them there (fall of the finger) ; you get into a muss with Injins (fall of the finger); steal their horses (fall of the finger) ; therefore, therefore, I say George owes you just five hundred dollars” (a triumphant flourish and fall of the finger at the last sentence). “That so?” asked the hunter of himself, scratching his head, and thoroughly puzzled at the explanation. “Of course it’s so, Plain as day. You see you just got the furs (here the hands dropped, and the speaker com- menced going over the grounds rapidly), got into a muss with Injins; therefore Summerfield ows you fiye hundred dollars.” That’s the fact,” returned the hunter, ashamed at ap- pearing ignorant. ; “And as Summerfield was present,” continued Jared, “when they were destroyed, you therefore owe me two hundred dollars,” - Vic raised his head and foot at this, and gave him a tre- mendous kick, saying : “Thar ’tis then !” This put the whole party into the best of spirits. Van- noven agreed to accept the sum offered, and Summerfield promised Wandaught as liberal a remuneration. As the stream afforded a good camping ground, it was — ae a Bg THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 43 decided to remain in their present position until morning. Accordingly, preparations were made for spending the night, and, keeping a good look-out, they seated thems selves upon the earth in social conversation. Cuarrer VI, » “ Oh! how sublime—how awfully sublime this spectacle on which we rivet our fascinated eyes, while our hearts leap to our throats, and our lips are compressed with an indescribable fear !” All through the afternoon, the company remained’ upon the spot chosen for the encampment. With considerable difficulty a rude lodge or tent had been constructed, in which it was intended Ida should pass the night. The others felt no misgivings or unwillingness to sleep in the open air. The two trappers would have preferred it to any other place, and the weather, although quite cool at night, was not enough so to render it uncomfortable to Ja- red or Summerfield, when wrapped up in their substantial corded blankets. Just at dusk, Vannoven, who had wan- dered down the stream in search of game, was fortunate enough to bring down a solitary buffalo, which had lost it-, self from its herd. This was a most timely provision, and was despatched and dressed in a short time.. With the assistance of Wandaught, the ponderous animal was rolled upon its face, its legs doubled under it, and the skinning process effected. Vic first ran the point of his knife along the spine, just cutting through the hide, and seizing the ~ skin in their hands, it was peeled down each side. Sev- eral choice portions were taken fram, inside, and, loaded down with buffalo meat, the two returned to camp. A fire was soon started, and a huge piece cooked. The buffalo, however, was poor, and its flesh tough and dry. All “ made bones over it,” however, without asking any ques- tions for conscience sake, , _ 44 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. This partaken of, shortly after, Ida, bidding each a - cheerful good-night, retired to her lodge. The rest re- mained outside upon the ground a long time afterward, conversing and relating stories. For two or three hours Summerfield had noticed a peculiar, smoky smell that per- vaded the air, but, after asking several times about it, he concluded it must come from their own fire. Quite a strong, chilling wind came down from off the mountains, and it was decided to keep the fire burning through the night. 8 Shortly after this it was concluded best to turn in for the night. Wandaught agreed to perform the duty of sen- tinel, and, taking his rifle, he passed a short distance, so as to be beyond the light of the fire. Vannoven rolled him- self in his blanket, like a huge turtle in his shell, and ina few minutes was unconscious to outer things. Summer- field, at Vic's request, lay with his back to his, in order to preserve the warmth of their bodies, and in this position, with the exception of Jared Potter and Wandaught, the company were soon sound asleep. Summerfield had slept hardly half an hour, when he felt some one touch him, and, starting up, saw Wandaught leaning over him. ” “ Come, it’s time to git up.” “Ig itmorning? Isupposeso. That confounded fellow has spoiled this night’s rest.” “ No, ‘taint mornin’, but it’s just the same.” “ What's the matter ?” Wandaught pointed toward the west. Summerfield looked in that direction, and saw the hori. zon lighted up for a long distance,as though the sun were rising. This he knew could not be a fact, as it was there he had seen it sink the day before. Still he did not un- derstand the cause, “ What does that mean ?” he asked, aa “ Can’t you tell 2” ES, i & >, THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. “ Of course:mot. What is it?” a Wandaught, made no reply, but snuffed the air, which was strongly tainted. ~ “Tg the prairie on fire ?” asked Summerfield, springing to his feet. . “ That's it. You've got it at last.” At this point Jared approached, and in a moment there was a movement of Vannoven’s bundle, and he crept forth. He walked slowly up to the others, keeping his face turned toward the light, which was growing stronger every mo- ment. “ Tve smelt that ever since noon,” said he, “ but I did'nt think Sam Redzel war such a fool to burn the perrarie when he found we war on it, though I s’pose he war mad ‘nough when he knowed we'd gone off with the best of his hosses.” “ Why, is that his work?” questioned Summerfield, in astonishment. , , “In course ; don’t you know nuthin’ ?” “ How soon will it be here ?” “Couple of hours.” i “ Well, I should think it near time some provision were made against it.” “So sh’d I. Jim, s’posen we ‘fire ?”” By “fire” he meant setting fire to the grass around them —a precaution that all understood, and one which, as our readers are aware, {8 invariably adopted at such times. The two trappers approached the smouldering fire, and seizing a brand, each went a few rods east of the lodge where Ida lay, and twisting several bunches of the grass into compact masses, stooped and blew them into a blaze. This communicated with the rest, and ina few minutes there was a broad wave of flame expanding, crackling and flying’ with the wind from them. During this proceeding, Jared had secured the horses, which exhibited some signs of making a stampede, and Summerfield called Ida. At 46 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION, first she felt some natural alarm at the unusual aspect of the heavens, but soon understood that there was no per- sonal danger. There is a terrific sublimity in a burning prairie. The tumultuous ocean of fire and flame that surges forward like a tornado, outstripping the fleetest race-horse; the pointed spears of fire that twist and whirl in dazzling gyrations ; the unearthly reflection and glare upon the clouds above; the infuriated tramping and bellowing of the buffaloes ; the thundering tread of the snorting horses; the hissings and writhings of the scorching serpents, and the sharp crackling and roaring of the fire itself; all these are fear- ful exhibitions of some tremendous power, and are scenes which no pen can describe. The fugitiveS rode close in the blackened track of the fire they had kindled. The grass was so thin and dry that _ the flames merely flashed over them; yet the ground was heated, and in many places there were little twists of flame that snapped and crackled, and the horses sometimes leaped with pain as they trod upon a burning twig or root. Once or twice enormous snakes were seen, half-burned in two, and lashing the ground in agony; and the situation of the fugitives at least was a strange one—riding, as they were, between two mighty volumes of fire. When they had gone about half a mile, they halted, de- termined to wait till the morning. As they turned their — faces backward, they saw that the fire was less than a mile distant. There was, if possible, a more awful sublimity in its appearance. The revolving spouts of*smoke and flame could be plainly seen, and overhead were millions of sparks and cinders, that seemed to shoot upward, and when their force was spent, slowly floatin mid-air. The ynusual disturbance of the atmosphere had created a strong wind, which at times forced part of the flames to the earth “and held them still a moment, then raised them up and drove them like chaff before it, THR TRAPPERS’ RETREAT, Aq All had wheeled their animals round, and. stood facing the approaching element, like wild beasts at bay. Not a word was spoken, so complete was the spell. that bound each tongue. Once, Summerfield turned toward Ida, whose animal stood beside his. The lurid reflection of the power- ful light lit up her countenance with an unearthly bright- ness. Her bosom was swelling and heaving with excite- ment, and through her thin, parted lips he thought he? could hear the fevered breath comeand go. Her dark eyes were flashing, and as the wind lifted her floating tresses from her shoulders, there was, indeed, a wild sublimi ty in her loveliness. The horse, with his arched neck, dilated nostrils and glaring eyes, harmonized well with his rider. As Summerfield was gazing at her in rapt admiration, his ear detected a noise resembling the distant rolling of thun, der; he listened intently, thinking perhaps it might be the fire, but the sound was so different he was soon satisfied that it was not; and,although it might be mistaken for thunder , yet it had a different sound. There was a peculiar, inde- scribable noise, that might be compared to a trembling wave of thunder, and which, at last, Summerfield wag,con- vinced was the tramping of myriads of feet upon the prairie. He turned to Vic and Wandaught, but saw that they had noticed it and were conversing about it. “What is that ?” he asked of the former, “A drove of bufflers,” he replied. « Will they not trample us to death?” { “ P’raps 80.” ! With this consolatory remark, the two trappers dis- aounted, calling on Jared to see that their horses were re- - strained from fleeing in their absence. They then gathered . a number of burning twigs and sticks together, and blew them into a bright blaze. When this was finished, the thundering clatter of crackling hoofs upon the prairie had grown rapidly louder and nearer, until all knew that they were comparatively close at hand. The trappers waited a Seeeaneonay 48 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION, moment, and then, when they could discern the dark forms, fired into them, then seized several brands of fire and hurled them toward the approaching bodies. Onward they came, not checked in the least, but the stratagem of the hunters had saved the lives of the fugitives. At the point where the buffalo had fallen (for it could not have been otherwise) the herd divided into two great diverging bodies. These plunged on as irresistibly ag before, but left the spot in which our friends were standi and safe. It was a strange sight—this herd of a hundred thou- sand buffaloes plunging past them. On each side, before and behind, they surged forward like a vast sea, their pon- derous heads and backs pressed close together, and sink- ing and raising like the heaving water. Their hoofs gave forth a peculiar, cracking noise, like the rapid discharge of musketry, save that it was fainter and more continuous, Their long, pointed horns resembled the presented spears of an army, and their tails lashed the air as though in tor- ment. Now and then a sharp bellow would tell of some unfortunate one gored and trampled to death in an instant, and at intervals a huge body would be forced above the others, or would leap up and in a moment fall back and mingle again with the dark sea of bodies, Thus, for an hour, swept this mighty herd along. The dust from their hoofs wag nearly suffocating, and dimmed the glare of the fire so much at times that it was scarcely visible. When they had finally disappeared, the ‘trappers remounted their animals, and the company moved slowly forward in their track. Behind them, the fire had spent its force, and was now Visible far ahead and upon each hand, but was raging more fiercely towards the south. Vannoven informed them that this conflagration had not ex. tended over much surface, and would travel but a short distance further. This section being rarely visited by storms, was peculiarly liable to be overrun with fire. The ng perfectly open e e THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 49 grass, although stunted and sparse, was always dry, and burned readily ; yet, as had been shown, a fire originating here was not likely to extend to a very Breet distance, but was merely a local one. The fugitives had gone some two or three miles, when they saw that the morning had dawned. A halt was made, and they breakfasted upon a portion of the buffalo that still remained. Ever since the flight of the buffaloes, Jared’s horse had manifested an uneasiness and terror that rendered him al- most unmanageable. He coaxed and railed him, but as it did no good, began to fear the consequences. “Whoa, darn you!” he ejaculated, giving him a yank that threw him upon his haunches, “ What's the use acting this way! "T'wont, do yow no good,” he commenced, in a persuasive tone, as. the animal grew more docile, and began prancing gaily around. “That’s a nice horse. Whoa! whoa! nice horse,” aud he patted the animal kindly upon the neck. Perhaps the beast had discovered for the first time that he was not car- rying his Indian rider, and he was determined at all events’ that the one upon his back should be dislodged. “Skin me ef he aint scart,” remarked Wandaught, con- temptously. “ Who’s scart? Whoa, nice horse. WHOA!” he ex. claimed, as the animal commenced whirling around like a top: Summerfield sprang to the earth and caught his head, or there is no telling what would haye been tho result. “ By thunder! ef I don’t kill that infarnal thing!” ex. claimed Jared, furiously, springing to the earth, and hold- ing him by the bridle. Then, gathering his strength, he made amaddening kick at the animal, which wheeled around at that instant, as he divined his intention. The conse- quence was, the whole force of the kick was lost in the air, and, instead of being spent upon the horse, it lifted Jared 50 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. _ from his other foot and let him drop npon his back. Sum- merfield sprang and caught the animal again, or he would have escaped. Jared’s discomfiture was greeted with a hearty laugh, which enraged him only the more ; and, as he arose, he commenced crawling blindly around in search of something with which to strike the horse; but nothing, saye a long, charred stick, rewarded him. This, however, he clutched eagerly, and ruming up, struck such a blow that it broke in his hand, and the horse escaped him again. “T’d advise yer ter stop awhile till yer knows what yer doin’,” laughed Vic. : “Then he’ll stop a long time,” added Wandaught. Summerfield, striving vainly to repress his laughter, said : “Wait a minute, Jared, and cool off.” “Well, I think I’d better,” said Jared, suddenly stopping and laughing at the ridiculous figure he had made. “But if that ain’t the all-firedest quadruped I ever heard tell on,” he added, surveying him with anger. “Don’t swear so,” said Vic. He was closely watched, and at the conclusion of the meal Jared approached him again, and caressing his fore- head, addressed him: “See here, you, you might just as well knock under, be- cause you've got to. You can’t come any of your tricks over me. Iam used to such animals.” Supposing these words’ to have the desired effect, he sprang upon his back and tightened the rein. Immediately the evil spirit seemed to take possession of the animal, and he commenced his snorting and plunging as before. Jared again tried his persuasive powers, but finding them of no avail, at last lost all patience, and, striking his heels in his side yelled out: : “Go then if you want to.” _ As quick as lightning, the animal made a tremendous THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 51 bound, and shot off like a meteor, the rider shouting at the top of his voice. Away over the prairie he flew, until the amusement of the spectators was turned to concern for him. The horse was either enraged or frightened to mad- ness, and halted not in the least until he had carried his rider far beyond their sight. “Why what will become of him ?” asked Ida, turning to Summerfield. A “Tt is hard to tell. A strange spirit is in the horse, and it may be dangerous to him; but I guess J ared will master him, or,if he finds himself unable, let him go and return without him. Vannoven shook his head : “Crooked Pegs ll never bring that hoss back. The devil’s been in him ever sin’ daylight, and ‘ll never git out of him. He'll have to let him go and tramp back.” “He orter knowed ’nough to let the thing go without him,” added Wandaught. “He must be a good distance away. We will have to await his return, will we not?” “T s’pose so.” : As it was probable that it wonld be some time before he would return Vic dismounted, and was soon followed by the others. At this particular place the grass had been more sparse and scarce than usual, and the fire had made but comparatively slight ravage. The ground was simply embrowned in some places, while at others the flames had hardly discovered it. It had that impenetrable hardness however, which made it a source of wonder how the slightest vegetation could spring from such a bed. Meanwhile Jared Potter was going over the prairie at a fearful rate. His horse was under a full run, and what rendered it more alarming, he showed no sign of halting. He strained and tugged at the bridle, coaxed and yelled, and frightened him by a maddened shout. He tried the bridle again, and at last broke it, nearly dislodging himself 52 TEN CENT. NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. at the same time. He now wished to. check -his speed enough to spring from his back, yet this seemed as,impos- sible as to compel him to halt and return to the rest. Hoe made the attempt, however. Holding the main in his left hand, he reached forward and struck. the animal a heavy blow with his fist in the most sensitive part of his head. This had the desired effect. It stunned and confused the — beast for a few seconds, and, frenzied with pain, he broke into an irregular canter. Jared seized this opportunity and made a flying leap to the ground. The speed of tho animal was greater than he had calculated upon, and as he landed he turned two or three summersaulis before he could regain his feet. But he checked the momentum, and as he rose, and turned his bewildered gaze around him, he saw his rifle going end over end, while the horse was careering gaily over the plain, the fragments of the_ bridle flying in the air, and showing his heels at a merry | rate. ° “ Go,” exclaimed Jared, shaking his fist savagely at him. “Tl be hanged if you ever serve me such a trick again. I wish I could get a bullet through that head ot yours.” But he had nothing to do but to pick-wp his rifle and re. trace his steps. He was bruised considerably, and heartily bewailed the luck that had deprived him of his horse, Wondering how his misfortune would be remedied, he trudged slowly onward, guided by the marks that the hoofs of the animal had made in the ground. This dis. tarice, having been passed by the horse under full run, it seemed nearly interminable to Jared; but, although it was a sorry piece of work enough to journey over the ground, yet he was doomed still to see more trouble before reach- ing his destination, Upon casting a look around him, he saw, not more than half a mile distant, several mounted Indians approaching him. He halted several seconds and gazed point blank at them, until he was certain that his w® * 7) 3H TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 53 eyes had not deceived him; and then, hitting the top of his great hat with his hand, so as to prevent its blowing off, broke into a cantering run upon the back track of his runaway horse. Although considerably hurt, he managed to get over the ground in a manner that greatly surprised his pursuers. His manner of running was peculiar, His back was bent, and his shoulders raised, so that his conical hat appeared as if it were pressed down upon his shotl- ders, while, instead of running after the usual fashion, he bowed his arms, and bounded over the ground upon a regular canter, taking astonishing leaps at each effort. The Indiang, raising 4 shout, set their horses after him, yet they were compelled to put them to the top of their speed before they could gain a foot upon him. They had seen his misfortune, and, after vainly endeavoring to recapture his animal, set out after the rider. They gained but slowly upon him, and, as soon as they were within good speaking distance called to him, in broken English, to stop, Instead of obeying them, however, he struck into a more desperate run, and it was not until another good mile had been passed over, and they had ridden directly in» front of him several times, that he noticed their commands. Then, finding it was useless to attempt eluding them, he came to a-stand-still. Their procedings had convinced him that théy were friendly Indians, and, as a natural conse- quence, his concern and terror were turned into indignation at being stopped and compelled to submit to their questions. : “J would like to know what the deuce you want,” de- _manded Jared, gazing furiously up into their faces. There were four of them, and, instead of answering, they indulged ina tantalizing giggle at his expense. “See here, recon you'd better stop that, or—” and he pointed mysteriously towards the place where he judged Vic and the rest to be, and gave his head a meaning shake. The savages probably understood him, and were restrained 54 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. from doing violence. They belonged to a tribe, that had the reputation of being friendly to the whites, yet. this friendship was often assumed. When a band could in- dulge in a robbery without a chance of detection, they were pretty sure to do it. These in question supposed that Jared was but a short distance from his camp, and ac- cordingly deemed it imprudent to indulge in any of their proclivities, although all cast a longing and envious glance upon his rifle, : “Come, don’t you hear? I want to know what you want?” “Poor chap. Horse run away. Me sorry,” returned one, with a broad grin. “Well, you need’nt be sorry. No one asked you to. Wait till your pity is wanted “Poor, poor brudder,” continued one, with mock gray- ity. The savages indulged, for some time, their tantalizing propensities, and then suddenly wheeled around and rode off upon the prairie. As soon as Jared was sure they were gone, he broke into his canter again, determined not to halt until he was among his friends. And, in the meantime, they began te entertain a doubt of his return, The probability seemed to them that his horse would carry him so far, that he would find it im- possible to retrace the animal’s steps. Ida’s “presenti- ment” occured to Summerfield several times, but he did not mention it. The fact was, she was striving to forget it herself, although it forced itself before her the more she strove to banish it from her mind. — Wandaught, as usual, was the first to notice his ap- proach, and announced it in a characteristic manner : “Thar comes Crooked Pegs ona full canter.” . Ina short time he was among them, and narrated the particulars of his mishap, not omitting his interview with the Indians. This he magnified too much, however, for «fh .eAPPERS’ RETREAT. 5 his own good. He affirmed that they attacked him and he repulsed them single-handed. ‘This created an endless amount of merriment at his expense, and he was com- pelled to acknowledge that his reputation for veracity was rather poorer after this narration than before. Cuarrer VII. “ The enemy comes on in gallant show, Their bloody sign of battle is hung out, And something to be done immediately.” Although the fugitives generally travelled rapidly, yet) as has been shown, they suffered considerable delay, and had in reality made but poor progress, Summerfield sometimes wondered whether Redzel would attempt a pursuit; but, as neither of the trappers spoke of it, he concluded that there was little to fear from such a thing. And yet both Wandaught and Vannoven were convinced that Redzel was already upon their trail. They conversed » about it when together, but deemed it best not to alarm the rest by disclosing their suspicions. Accordingly, when they were compelled to submit to a halt, they mani- fested no uneasiness or anxiety to press forward. Since Jared had lost his animal, however, they determined that no time should be lost in plodding on as heretofore ; and, instead of adhering to the general wish of all to strike their tent for the night upon his return, Vic informed them that they should not halt again before dark. They spent no more than fifteen minutes in eating their meal, and Ja- red mounting behind Summerfield, they struck their horses into a brisk gallop. Jared would ride about an hour with each, and thus they succeeded in getting over ground about as rapidly as though he had a horse of his own. In the afternoon, the fugitives experienced a singular and disagreeable feeling. They reached a portion of the 56 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. prairie where the vegetation had been more luxuriant than at any point passed over, and here the ground was of a perfectly black color, which was unrelieved by a single object. Everything wore the same dreadful monotonous appearance, until it seemed to all, excepting the trappers, that they would become blind.’ It affected their eyes in such a manner that their horses, and even each other’s forms, seemed to be of the same color. At length this annoying sensation became almost intolerable to: Summer- field. To escape it, he often closed: his eyes, and rode a long distance without opening them; but even then that terrible blackness swam before them, and when he opened them it seemed as if he would grow crazy over the painful nervousness the appearance of the prairie caused him. Ida and Jared suffered considerably, but neither Vic nor Wandaught experienced the least inconvenience. At last they reached the boundary of the fire, and were shortly relieved of the annoying sensation, although it was not until they had passed over considerable ground that ev- erything resumed its natural color. Toward night, they came across several buffalo skins, crisped and dried in the sun until they resembled parch- ment. They often found a number of bones, and a hide warped and whitened in the sun, the remnant of a buffalo that had perished years before. Numerous names were frequently found written on these skins. Some, in fact, were literally covered with them, and more than once, as Summerfield, prompted by curiosity, dismounted and examined them, he read an interesting narration of some party’s experience that had passed over the ground long before. These, in parts of the prairie, especially near the Great Oregon Trail, are often. found, and form an interest- ing episode in the traveller’s experience in this cheerless region. The prairie passed over in the afternoon was mostly of the rolling kind, and was much better watered than the ee a THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. “ 57 portion over which the fire had raged. In some places it was well timbered, and resembled another country, which, in fact, was the case, for they had passed the confines of the Great American Desert, and were again upon the hillowy, fertile prairie. The company continued moving forward, and, as Vic had declared was his intention, did not draw rein until it was dark around. They then halted upon a small stream, fringed by a number of cottonwoods, and in a short time Ida’s tent was erected, as it had been the night before. After par- taking of the evening meal she retired to this, and Summer- field, Jared and Wandaught stretched themselves before _the crackling fire ; Vannoven remained on duty as sentinel through the night. Jared strove to engage Wandaught in conversation, but he was more reserved than usual, and in a short time the three wrapped their blankets around them and sunk to sleep. Vannoven had strong suspicion that his company would be visited before morning, and instead of remaining in one position, he continued walking around the camp at intervals all night, on the alert for the slightest sign of danger. But the company were undisturbed, and at an early hour they arose refreshed, and made hasty preparations for resuming their journey. Ida was in better. spirits than usual, and seemed to have forgotten all “ presentiments” and appre- hension in the joy she felt at the fine progress they were making. Summerfield, too, as he reflected that they had placed a good distance between themselves and the moun- . tains, partook of her buoyancy of feeling ; and Jared ap- {peared to have entirely forgotten the loss of his horse, and the -fact that he was travelling upon the charity of his friends. The trappers alone failed to partake of this hope- fulness of. spirits. : There was a sudden and unexpected change in the weather during the forenoon of this day. The air was still tainted with a smoky smell, and the conflagration of the 58 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. — prairie had crcated a great disturbance in the atmosphere. There were short but strong gusts of wind at intervals, and then a sudden turn to cold. In two hours it was as if they had passed from a tropical into a frigid climate ; and, to make the change more wonderful still, a snow storm com- -menced at noon! Huge flakes were blown almost hori- zontally against the travellers, and were whirled around their heads until they were perfectly blinded in the white mist. In twenty minutes more there was not a particle of snow in the air, and hardly a flake visible upon the ground. Jared concluded that “ things had got out of order ; shouldn’t wonder if that hoss was the cause of it all.” When the snow-squall ceased the air seemed to possess an unwonted brilliancy, and objects could be seen at nearly double the distance they could before. As the fugitives were now in dangerous territory, Vic rode quite a distance ahead, while Wandaught, who possessed a keener vision, remained about the same distance behind | vn They had not journeyed over a mile thts, when Wan- daught suddenly rode up among them. “ Any danger?” asked Summerfield, noticing a wild ex- pression upon his face. “Yas, sir; thar is! Thar’s a lot of redskins follerin’ us !” Vic, who had also returned to them, exchanged a mean- ing glance with the speaker at these words. Every one was silent a few seconds, when Wandaught said : 3 “'Thar’s no use of hidin’ the matter, boys. Sam Redzel and his whole pack have been after us ever sin’ we left the mountain, and they're in sight now.” All turned their eyes instinctively at these words, and sure enough, far behind them could be seen a number of moving specks in the distance. Hada shot struck Ida she cowd not haye been more startled than she was at this in- _ telligence. She had ceased entirely to fear Redzel, and this sudden consciousness that at this moment he was so near oh THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT, --ai« 59 was almost'a revulsion from hope to lespair. Summerfield, too, was surprised more than alarmed, and asked : “Are you sure, Jim, that you are not mistaken?” “Tn course I are. I’ve been expectin’ ’em all day.” Now that all realized fully the st:te of things, a short con- sultation or council of war was heid. Had Jared his horse they would have feared noth ag, and, as it was, the course decided upon was to run at ail events. This determined, Jared mounted behind Wand::ught, and the fugitives struck their horses into a full gallop over the prairie. And now commenced a run for life. From the very commencement it was evident that the pursuers had the advantage. All were well mounted upon equally good horses, while the additional weight of Jared embarrassed the progress of the fugitives. He changed from one to another, until, as a last resort, Summerfield gave up his horse to him, and mounted Ida’s, holding her in front of him. “What will be the end of this?” asked she, as she felt Summerfield’s arm pass around her quivering form and draw her fervently to him. “ Heaven only knows. They gain upon us at each mile, and sooner or later we must fight?” “Can we not elude them until night, and then escape under cover of darkness ?” “JT fear not. It is now carly in the afternoon, and if they continue gaining upon us as they have thus far, they will be up to us long before night.” ~ “Are we upon the Oregon Trail ?” “No:; although we are not very far from it. It is Vic's custom to avoid the Trail, as he believes he can cross the prairies ina much shorter time by taking another route. Were we upon it, we might possibly come upon some emi- grants; my life was once saved in this manner; but it is hardly probable, and we may as well pursue our journey as we are, relying upon Providence and ourselves,” 60 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION.” They conversed together, and at intervals Summerfield glanced behind him, and every time he did this he was compelled to admit that the pursuers were gaining at arate that wa8-fearfully certain and rapid. “Thar’s our only chance, boys!” called out Vic, pointing in a southeast direction. As Summerfield turned his eyes in that direction, he Baw, several miles distant, a huge, dark rock, that some freak of nature had raised seemingly out of the prairie itself. It was of great size, very irregular in its outline, broad at the base, perfectly perpendicular on one side, while upon the other it was inclined like a very steep plain. It was one of those strange refuges that are found in some parts of the Far West. Upon the prairie, many miles from the slightest elevation, these piles of rock are found, whose construction is a source of wonderment to the curious. Some of them are so admirably adapted for defence as to compel the belief that they were erected at some remote period for that purpose. What is equally sirange, is that they are often found in sections where the slightest pebble is unknown for miles. It may appear improbable that the refuge in questton should be discovered at the precise moment it was needed, but it was not chance that brought them upon it. Both the trappers knew of its existence, and had shaped their course in the morning so as to pass it. They well knew its value. Ag Vic spoke, Summerfield comprehended his meaning, and said to Ida: y “That is fortunate, ee We can make a stand upon that rock against an army.” At this instant they heard the faint shout of their pursuers. “1 fear nothing,” he added, “ we can annihilate the whole company from that stand-point.” Ida made no reply, for her heart was too full for any, & & THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 61 When within a couple of miles of the rock, Jared’s horse suddenly stumbled, throwing him several yards over his head. He was not injured much, and turned to remount his animal. But he was still down, and in spite of his utmost efforts could not be made to regain his feet. Summerfield called to him to hurry, as every second was precious. He still endeavored to raise him, but find- ing it utterly useless, turned, and striking into-his own can- ter, was soon up to the others. And thus they continued their flight. The pursuers saw the misfortune, and divined their intention ‘in hastening towards the rock, and strained to the utmost to overtake ‘them before it could be accomplished. Jared ran as he never ran before, and the others rode as they never rode before. Redzel’s exulting shouts could be heard, and sevy- eral shots were sent from his company. At last the fugitives thundered their panting horses up to the rock. “Jump and up with you!” exclaimed Vic, springing from his horse, and, with characteristic foresight, carried the buffalo meat with him. Summerfield grasped Ida’s half- fainting form, and, with almost superhuman strength, bounded up the steep face of the rock, followed by the panting Jared. Vic was directly behind them, and Wan- daught came leisurely up in the rear. As they reached the top,a score of bullets rattled off splinters of rocks around them, yet fortunately touched none. The rock was surmounted by a perfectly horizontal cap, circular in form ‘and about thirty feet in diameter. Around the edge ol F this were piled a number of stones, open only on the side * by which the fugitives had reached it. On dashed Redzel with nearly forty shrieking savages. They intended to follow the fugitves and capture them by absolute force, and made an impetuous rush up the steep ; but the rapid, deadly discharge of the rifles from above told too fearfully upon them. The foremost were shot 62 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. through and rolled like logs, in their agony, to the ground. Several, with insane frenzy, made their way to the top, and there met their fate. Jared clove the head of one nearly in twain with his clubbed rifle, while Vic, concentrating the terrible strength of his frame into his arm, struck a savage a blow that cracked his skull like a cannon shot, and sent jhim spinning full a dozen feet in the air. Wandaught caught another, and, with a lightning-like movement, run his knife to the hilt in his body, and then grasping him around the waist, sent him headlong to the ground. There was but one avenue of approach, there was but one vulnera- ple point, which was now invulnerable, and the savages could stand this terrific resistance buta short time. Break- ing in complete bewilderment, they fled wildly back, and at a few hundred yards distant gathered together to holda consultation over the best means of dislodging the fugitives and avenging the death of their comrades. “Whoop!” shouted Vic, giving way to his feelings, “that ar’s the tallest kind o’ fun.” “Pity they stopped so soon,” added Wandaught, com- placently wiping his brow. : “There was some excitement in that, I allow,” said Ja- red, seating himself near the latter. ‘ “T guess they were taught one lesson not to be forgot- ten very soon,” said Summerfield. “I imagine they will consider somewhat before they make another such a rush. But where was Redzel all this time? I saw nothing of him.” “He took precious care of his old hide,” replied Jared. “T saw him standing at the bottom, yelling like all fury for the others to go up, but was very careful not to at- tempt it himself.” “Tt’s qua’r he can’t be knocked over. I shall try to pick him off the next chance we git, and then we'll be done with his botherin’.” It was now quite late in the afternoon. The weather We ee 5 ae, THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 63 seemed to grow colder again, and the savages made pre- parations for encamping upon the ground. The horses, which the fugitives had left at the base of the rock, had: been captured, and of course they retained their own, so that they had little fear of an escape being attempted be- fore morning. Vic had a quantity of the “buffalo. mest cooked, as was his invariable custom, and of this they partook sparingly. Ida retained her portion without tasting it. She knew not how soon they would suffer for it. Water could not be obtained, and this simple fact occasioned more alarm than did all the others combined. * Cuaprrer VIII. “1 have seen Hours dreadful and things strange ; but this sore night Hath trifled former knowings.” Gradually the night closed around them, and the savages lighted their watch-fires at different points, so as to sur- round the fugitives. Although the weather through the day had been singularly variable,and the heavens were full of straggling clouds, yet a moon arose late in the evening, and the prairie was bathed at intervals in its full flood of light. A sort of couch was made in one corner, where Summer- field placed Ida as tenderly as an infant, admonishing her, of course, to sleep quietly and sweetly until morning. Four fires were blazing at as many points around the rock, at a considerable distance, and about these could be discerned the shadowy forms of the savages stretched upon the earth, or passing between them. Once or twice Vic and Wandaught succeded in picking one of these off ; but the distance was too great and the aim too uncertain to spend many shots in the attempt, and they contented them- — 64. TEN GENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. selves with merely keeping a watch to prevent an approach. Each trapper, with Jared and Summerfield, took it upon _ himself to watch one of the fires through the night. “Tere, boys, see here ; what does this mean ?” suddenly _asked Jared, in a suppressed -voice, turning around and pointing out upon the prairie. Wandaught approached, and peered cautiously over a moment, then stepping back, ‘said, in a low but joyful whisper : “Thar’s three or four sneakin’ up to get them carcasses down thar... Let’s wait till they git close, and then blaze into ’em.” f Several dark forms could be seen stealthily, silently and slowly approaching the rock. Wandaught remained in an immovable position, gazing upon them with as much zest as would a hunter upon his prey. “Now, boys!” said he, in a husky, almost inaudible i whisper. Vic and Jared sprang noiselessly to his side, and as silently pointed and sighted their rifles. Then there was a simultaneous crack of them, anda wild, deathly howl of agony pierced the air and rolled far over the prairie, and several forms could be seen clutching the earth in their a death struggles. “ Have they attacked us again?” cried Ida, starting up. “No; we have just fired upon them, that is all,” replied Summerfield, approaching her. “ Please lie down again and let nothing disturb you, for I assure you there is no cause to be alarmed.” : She obeyed as quietly as a child, and Summerfield ap- os the hunters again. As he gazed down he could just discern the outlines of the four Indians stretched full length upon the ground. One lay flat upon his back, bis limbs extended in the rigidity of death ; another, upon his side, with his arm beneath his head, ds though he were quietly sleeping, while a third was doubled up like a twisted knot. All were dead. 4 As THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 65 A That was a night that was never forgotten by the fugi- tives. Notone slept asecond. Ida, although she feigned sleep, did not close aneye. Nowand then they exchanged a word or two in an undertone, that rendered silence only ' the more oppressive, and once in a while, perhaps, Summer- field and Jared would change their positions but only for a few seconds. Several times the former approached Ida and gazed down into her sweet face with a look of tenderness mingled with pity that so frail and beautiful a being should be doomed to such tortures, both of body and mind. Now and then a ragged cloud floated before the moon, . and its shadow glided along the ground, like some phan- tom sailing swiftly over the prairie, and then again all stood out in bold relief upon the darkened earth. The heads of the trappers séemed as parts of the rock itself, so immovably remained they in their position. Not a movement. below escaped them. The warning of. those who had attempted an approach was not disregarded by the others. They knew better than to venture within the range of those fatal rifles. All through the night, the fires were kept burning ; and, to more effectually guard the fugitives, Indians.were con- stantly repassing to and fro, and approaching the rock as. near as safety would permit. Slowly and painfully the night wore away, and at last the welcome light of morning illuminated the prairie. The watch-fires slumbered, and the Indians congregated again in one body and held another consultation. Redzel was in the costume of a savage, and could only be distin- guished from the others when he was comparatively near the fugitives ; and he generally managed to keep himself moving among the others, so it was about impossible for them to get a shot at him. Wandaught remained on duty while Vic turned and dis- 3 66 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. tributed the morning meal. and partook heartily. “at away, my little one,” said he, noticing that Ida hesitated, “no matter ef ’tis the last. We won't die that way.” “How then? by thirst ?” she questioned. “No; nor that way either.” Summerfield and Jared looked to him for an explanation, and he answered : “ Thar’s nobody goin’ to set roostin’ up here like we just have, nother night. Ef we’re here when it gets dark, afore it gets light agin we're goin’ to be down thar,” he added, with a meaning gesture. “Do you mean that, instead of waiting for them to at- tack you, you will attack them?” asked Ida, amused, in spite of herself, at his manner. “That’s the talk, my little one. How'd you like it?’ “Well enough, for I suppose it must come to that sooner or later; but it. seems a mad adventure for four of you to rush among nearly ten times that number.” | - “[’ve ventoored greater things than that in my day.” “But,” remarked Summerfield, “I can’t help thinking ‘they will make a final effort, aia the crisis will come sooner than you anticipate.” “Praps so!” returned Vic, vigorously asians 4 a huge hae of buffalo meat. «__T’d like to get off, if possible, without fgets anid Jared, but I have’ come to the conclusion that it can’t be hatin ; and, being it can’t be helped, why the sooner it is done the better. Them’s my sentiments.” At this point, Vannoven rose and exchanged places with Wandaught, who seated hims elf and commenced eating, . with a cheerfu} countenance. “TJ suppose you are aware,” said Summerfield, “that Vic intends to attack those fellows to-night, if we remain here until that time ?” All felt considerable hunger _ 2 . rifle? Don’t mean nothin’, of course.” _ THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. | 67 “Yas, Lheerd you talkin’, and have come to that’c’lusion myself.” “Do you not think, Jim, they will attack 2s before that time ?” “No, sar; they won't do no such thing. They got ‘nough of that vist! day, an ’ll now try to starve us out.” Abt parame Jared, his eyes lighting up at this intelli. gence. “That's their idee, and the only way we kin help it is to tumble down thar and make a scatterin’ among ’em.” The pointed remarks of Wandaught made each thoughtful for a time. Jared sat cross-lepged, gazing mechanically at each piece -of meat that entered his mouth, which operation ~Was. so spirited that he seemed as if continually bowing to him, while Summerfield sat apart with Ida. “Vere, Jim, you're wanted this way ; you too, Somefield, E called Vic, turning toward them. The two addressed arose, and, with Jared, serene him. -* “What's up,” asked Wandaught. '. “They want to.hold a gabble; I b’leeve.” _ “Oh, T see... Here, George, you must do the talkin’” Summerfield stepped forward and gazed down tpon. the “prairie... Redzel was. standing a.short distance off, holding’ a fluttering rag, fastened to a stick, as a signal that he wished to pial some communication with those above. Summer- ~ field saw that he held his rifle in one hand, and aoe algo noticed it. “Make him drop that before you hear him,” said he. “I guess there is no danger,” said Summerfield, hesitat- cinglys “Make him drop ce added Vic, in a manner that said there owas no need of: questioning | the propriety. of such a requirement, “See here, Redzel,” spoke Summerfield, stepping out to view. “What do you mean by retaining” that rifle?” “Retainin’ that rifle?” he repeated, holding it out at arm’s length, and gazing contémptuously at it. “Retainin’ that 68 TENT GENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. “Well, then, for the appéarance of. things, place it a few feet from you upon the ground. I hold no arms, and it is no more than just to require the same thing of you.” “Never mind that. I was just goin’ to ask if—” “Redzel, do you intend to hold that rifle while you speak ?” “Tn course I does. As I’s sayin’ ——” » “Then I shall hold no commuuication with you,” returned Summerfield, stepping back from Tew. : “Wal, rl doot then, bein’ it’s you,” said Rede, hastily, muttering an oath at the same time that did not escape the ears of those above. Summerfield looked down again, and saw that he had laid it at his feet. “Step ten feet away from that,” called he to him. “D—d pertickler!” replied he, sullenly moving three or four feet from it. Summerfield noticed these suspicious man- ifestations, but concluded to listen to the communication with- out requiring more from the incensed man. “Well,” said he, “I am now rene to hear what you have to say. ” “Bust, I want t6 know whether you mean to stick it out?” “IF you knew more than a fool you wouldn’ t ask that “question, Redzel.” “Next, I want to know how long you think o’ stickin’ thar?” “That depends on circumstances—just as the notion takes the rest. Perhaps we will descend and give you a call dur- ing the day. Perhaps not until to-~ al ic Yas, do; we'd be glad to see you.” « Hardly as glad, I suppose, as your friends that spent part of last night where you are now standing,” said Summerfield sarcastically, . Redzel winced under this pointed thrust, but rallied quickly. “ We'd be glad to see you anyhow; don’t miss comin’.” “You needn’t fear, Jared heré wants to make a closer acquaintance with you, He says he would like the fun of thrashing you again.’ — This brought an oath from Redzel too féarful to transcribe - in this place. He replied, OTHE. TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. “~~ 69 TP} give him the chance, and you too, if you want ip. “But this has nothing to do with the business on hand. Have you anything more to ask or give ?” : « [ll jest state my intentions, that’s all. You've got that gal up thar, and T hain’t chased her this fur fur nothin’, I didn’t bring @ lot of friends to the mountains, and then foller her out here far nothin’, I’m bound to have her, and if you don’t come down from thar, we'll séarve you down. Ef you're a mind to give her and Crooked Pegs up, Til say nothin’ to the rest; but ef you don’t, I'll do what I said. ‘That's all.” “ Provided, Mr. Redzel, you can. J will not say anything, Sam, except I am pretty firmly convinced that you have no sense, or you would never conie here to prate as you are now doing.’ teres «Then you don’t agree to what T offer?” questioned Red- zel, eagerly, moving stealthily nearer his rifle. “Never ask again, for you always will be told xo!” replied Summerfield, stepping quickly and quietly back from views _ «JT declare,” exclaimed Jared, in a half whisper, “ you missed getting a hole through you that time by a close rub.” UThat's g0,” added Vie, “if you'd stood ‘nother second ‘you'd liave tumbled back. That fellow meant sunkthin’ by pringin’ his shooter with'him. “Sam "ll do anything, and the meaner a thing the sooner.” sSteadf seg ‘ “He has got to be shot afore he’s out*of our way,” said Wandaught. “He'd follow Summerfield and Ida to the States ef they should git away from him now, and stick em both some night. ae” put I’m’ sure now, to git out of his way we've got to git him out of our way fust.” .. “ And the question is when he shall be disposed of?” «He seems to know that a shot is wanted at him, and keeps well out of our range.” “Wal, boys,” said Vie, “ we must keep our eyes on him to- day, and the one that gits the fust chance, blaze away at him, and mind not miss him. How do you stand it, my little one ?” he asked, turning suddenly toward Ida, with a broad smile, “Pye hardly had time to notice you far the last while, but ‘Jeft it for Somefield.” 70 TENT CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. “O Vie,” she replied, “you ought to be ashamed of your- self for neglecting me as you have, and Wandaught too. I- have hardly had a word from you for the last day or two.” s That's the fac’,” rejoined the trapper, “ bat when we git done with this muss, then T’ll falk as much as you wish. You'll wait till then, won’t you?” “T suppose so, because I shall have to.” “ Yas,” added Wandaught, “we can’t talk much now *cauise we've too many other things to ’tend to; but we will arter a while. George is doin’ well ’nough.” “T talk some, don’t I?” asked Jared mournfully. “A little,” returned she, laughing at his appearance, Nothing worth recording transpired through the day. No attack was made, and it was plain that: Redzel intended to follow out his threat to the very letter. The savages remained ata good distance, some reclining upon the ground, others lounging leisurely about, and all disposad to enjoy themselves as best they might. The weather remained cold and windy, and finally a raw, gloomy night settled over the prairie. Redzel, feeling confident that no attenypt would be made to escape during the night, had but one fire kindled; yet with -eustomary caution, a number of the Indians prowled around the rock to see that the fugitives endeavored to carry out no plan they might have concerted. All took their stations again. The two hunters were talking together in a low and earnest tone. When they ceased, Vannoven stood a few mo- ments buried in deep thought, ae facing around, said : “Boys, we've a chance, and it’s time to take it!” Onarrer IX. 4 As Vic uttered these thrilling words, Summerfield and Jared gazed up in astonishment and wonder. They knew that some new and unexpected scheme had been decided upon from his manner, and that immediate action had been determined. The trapper looked calmly down at them S methane: ¥ Bt “HE TRAPPHKS’ RETREAL. TT a moment, as if waiting for his words to have the neces- sary effect, and then seated himself by them, while Wan- daught commenced walking slowly and cautiously around the edge of the rock, scrutinizing every foot of ground that was possible. “Yes, boys,” said Vic, “ thar’s a new idee ‘round. We've got neighbors not far off, besides these chaps down here. Jist stand up here and you kin see.” * Ashe spoke, he arose and stepped to the spot where he had been standing when conversing with Wandaught, and pointed out upon the prairie. It was so dark that they could just follow the line of his finger ; and following this, they saw, far away, a small, bright fire burning, appearing in the distance but a small brand or point of flame; yet they knew it was the camp fire of some body of persons, for the rays fromit came over the plain, like the moon’s light upon the water. After gazing steadily at this a moment or two, they turned their eyes toward the fire of Redzel, which was in a slightly different direction. Several forms were visible around this, stretched, in apparent sleep, upon the earth, but all else was shrouded in the impenetrable darkness. : “Do yer all see that ?” asked Vic, referring, however, only to Ida, “Yes, very distinctly,” she returned. & Wal, let’s squat agin, and I'll tell yer what's to be done.” And doing this, he proceeded : i “hat fire off there b’longs to either redskins or whites, and I opine to the whites, coz if they war Injins these down here would ’av found ’em out by this time; but if they war whites, they’d let ’em go, fur they've got their hands full now. Jim says they’re white, too, and the idee is this—one of us can git away from here easy enough, and we must git out thar and bring ’em down here, and we'll have some tall times here to-morrer. As Crooked Pegs, here, am so good in © gittin’ over ground, I think he’s the chap to go.” _ © Them’s my sentiments exactly !” responded Jared, enthu- siastically, starting up as though he were to go the next mo- een Je. 3 ers ao TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. After some preliminary arrangements Jared started on his errand. : "4% “Fyer!” called Vic, impatiently, “what’s the matter? You don’t want your shooter. Jist_see that yer knives are all right, and then dig. You'd better not go down thar, as ‘they mought be lookin’ fur some of us, but jist drop over by Jim.” : “Now, Jared, be careful,” said Ida, impressively placing her hand upon his shoulder. “Don't be afraid for me,” he returned, cheerfully. “ And be cautious in approaching the strangers, whoever they may be,” added Summerfield. “Ef these chaps down here should happen to catch you,” said Wandaught, earnestly, as Jared stood by his side, “jist raise a yell, and we'll be down thar and bring an end to this botherin.” In an incredible short space of time, he was as near the camp-fire as he durst approach. It was burning vigorously, but he could not detect a single being round it. He discerned several bundles, or imagined he did, partly in its light, but he could not make outa single one. He made a complete circle around the camp, and then had rot seen a human being. This ‘puzzled him considerably, and, plunging his hands into his pocket, spreading his feet apart, and dropping his head, he commenced ruminating upon the wisest course to follow. Before he had formed any conclusion, he was startled by the commanding question : * “White or red ?” “ White—white!” he returned, instantly approaching the fire. As he did so, a couple of forms came from opposite directions in the darkness, and stood around him. One was a large, massive, loose-jointed, bony specimen, full six feet in height, who held a monstrous rifle in one hand, and a huge piece of tobacco in the other, from which he twisted a pro- digious mouthful as unconcernedly as though he saw no one before him. Jared gazed wonderingly at his gigantic frame, and, with his instinctive knowledge of human nature, rightly concluded that he was an honest-hearted hunter and trapper } BS THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 73 and, as he noticed his ponderous shoulders and great swelling chest, he felt he had already gained a valuable ally, He had large innocent eyes, a broad but pleasant mouth, a homely nose, and a few straggling yellow hairs upon his unshaven face. He was an individual, as he termed himself, “ exten- sively laid out.” : The other was a man of about medium size, with a smooth, cheerful face, bright, pleasant eyes, and a peculiar ease and gracefulness of motidn;that always made:a favorable impres- sion upon strangers, * Jared also noticed another person, who had risen to a sitting position as the others had gathered around, and he observed, too, that he himself was regarded with interest and Without any suspicion. ey Wal, friend,” said the second mentioned individual, “ what’s the’ story a! “Well, quite a considerable one. In the first place, I will introduce myself: I am Jared Potter, Esq. Iam a delegate, or, more properly, a committee, elected by a unanimous vote, without a dissenting voice, to confer with you, and that is- my business at present. The truth is this, friends, you have all seen that big rock some miles off, hayen’t you ?” “Yes,” returned they, interested in his narration. f Well, three or four days ago, me and three other gentle- men got eae by Engins, and were drove up there, where we have been ever since. There’s thirty or forty of them, camped around that rock, led on by a white rascal. They have tried to get up among us two or three times, but can’t come it, and have made up ) their minds to starve us out. They have got our horses, so we can’t run away, and, you see, we're in a regular built scrape. Well, we'd concluded to do : something mighty desprit, when one of our chaps arena to set eyes upon your fire here, and made up his mind - were white, and nominated me, on account of my superior qualities, to visit you, and I’m here for that purpose.” “Didn't I tell yer, Jake,” said the smaller person, address- ing the larger, “there's sunkthin’ wrong up that way, just ‘afore dark.” “Y-a-s, b'lievo yer did say sunk’in’ or other ’bout it,” 74. TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. , plied the Hoosier, discharging a mouthful of tobacco juice in : the fire, thereby blacking a large quantity of the glowing embers. ; During Jared's narration, the third person had arisen to his feet, and as he looked upon him, he saw a finely-formed, mid- dle-aged man, with a melancholy expression upon his coun- tenance, who regarded him with much interest. “ Wal, friend,” continued the smaller man, addressing Jared, “you're in trouble, and in course, we're bound to be in it too. We are ready to go with yer, ain’t we, boys?” : _ “Y-a-s 1” drawled the larger man, taking another chew. j om “Will you go with us?” asked Jared of the man who had not as. yet spoken. i “Of course,” he returned in a softened voice. “It would be criminal cowardice not to assist friends when hard pressed, as you say you are.” . “Well, spose we tramp, tlien.” With this the four started, after replenishing the fire and ¥ visiting their animals, which were picketed but a short dis- tance off. Jared led them, and was as loquacious as usual as long as there was no probability of his being overheard by any of his enemies. An hour after, when all nature was still upon the prairie, the fugitives heard the suppressed signal of Jared. Wan- A a daught returned it, and afew minutes after he and Summer- field saw several dark forms at the base of the rock. “All right!” whispered Wandaught. An ifstant after, Jared stood amongst them; then came the Hoosier, who appeared absolutely to take but one straddle 1 _ to reach the top; then the elderly one, who clambered noise- e ly up, and finally the smaller person, who came up as nim- oly and quickly as a panther. “Wal, friends,” said he, cheerfully, as he drew near, “ we're here to help yer.” ,. or a “And we're most mighty glad you've come,” said Vie, ap- ___, proaching, and extending his hand. oo _ As the person addressed took his hand, he looked closely ~ vat him, and asked : a. a. “THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT, = - 75 “ Ain't this Vie Vannoven?” “That's my handle, but you've got the best of me. I don’t know yours,” “Now, don’t yer?” asked the stranger, in a clear, half. feminine voice, and with a suppressed laugh. Vie bent forward, and scrutinized his features as closely as he could in the darkness, “Vve heerd that voice,” he repeated, slowly. Yas, skin me,” he exclaimed, dropping his hand and starting back. “Is that you, Kit Carson ?” ; 3 “That's my name,” he returned, enjoying the start of won, der among the others, “What! are you Kit Carson?” asked J ared, hardly believ. ing his senses, “Yas; thal’s my name, I b’leve.”’ “Darned if I haint read about you in the newspapers. I didn’t think I’d ever sce you. They say you’re something uncommon.” — d “Let me make you ‘quainted with my friends,” said Car- son, “This feller ig Jack Gavin, from Illinois; and this is a friend that’s goin’ back to the States,” Vannoven grasped each of their hands and returned the cordial pressure, and’ in turn introduced his own company. “T s'pose you know this chap,” said he, alluding to Jared, “so I'll pass him. Do you know Jim Wandaught, Kit ?” “T b'leve not.” “Wal, this ar him. He’s a good beaver, but won't shake paws.” f Wandaught returned the salutation of each, and then re- sumed his placed as’sentinel, “This ar George Somefield, a purty nice chap, too.” “Glad to see you!” said Carson, taking his hand. Summer- field felt honored, indeed, as he grasped the soft palm of the most renowned Indian fighter the world ever produced: He answered him gracefully, and then shook hands with the Hoosier, who gave a brief “ How’'r yer ?” and with the other man, who seemed little disposed to converse. “ How do you do?” said J ared, approaching Carson, deters et ee 7% TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. mined to enjoy the privilege the others had. Carson answered him good-humoredly, and shook his hand warmly. Vic turned to introduced Ida, but she had withdrawn‘and seated herself, and he concluded not to refer to her. “Wal, Vic, what’s to be done?” asked Carson, turning to- “ward him. | “We're treed, you see, Kit?” , ' “You four fellers treed by a few redskins!” repeated Car- son, with a slight sarcasm in his tone. “ We wouldn’t ‘ve been if we war alone; but, you see, a ‘woman’s in the matter,” answered Vic, pointing toward Ida, “O, that’s it,” said Carson, lowering his voice, with his nat- ural gallantry, and gazing toward her. . “ How long yer been here ?” ; “ This ar the second night.” “Don’t you want sunkthin’ revivin’ like ?” “Wouldn't mind it, that’s a fact.” “Here, Jake,” called Carson. “ A little sperits is wantin’. The Hoosier approached and produced from some unseen pocket a capacious flask of brandy, which he handed to Vie. He took several swallows, and passed it to Wandaught, who, in turn, handed it to the others. Jared took a rather ldérge quantity, for it was a long time since he had tasted it. Sum- merfield approached Ida, and compelled her to take a small quantity, for he’ knew she needed it as well as himself. After this it was returned to the owner with its ogryeatl seemingly undiminished. Carson, Vie, and Wandaught sgutalned on duty during the night, ‘while the others disposed themselves as best Mey could. Summerfield was cautious enough to keep out of reach of Jared, to avoid the vexation he had caused him once before. All were fatigued, and all slept soundly until morn- ing. ‘ ; Nothing of note occurred during the night. Redzel kept his fire burning brightly, and when some Indian approached and replenished it, he seemed to be the only living object in the neighborhood, so still and gloomy was every thing around. The camp-fire of Carson’s could be seen until near morning, ,” “Sal THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 77. when it died out. He and Vic remained in earnest conversa- : tion the whole night, interrupted now and then by quiet draughts from the friendly flask that had served them before. They were old acquaintances and friends, and enjoyed each other’s society as only two genuine trappers can. ‘Vannoyen seemed to have entirely lost all antipathy to the companion- ship of his fellow-beings that he evinced when we first made. his acquaintance. The prospect of the next day’s occurrences, added to the effects of the flask referred to, made another person of him. Finally morning dawned upon them, and there was a movement among the Indians below. But, as they looked up and saw the forms upon the rock, they concluded that all was right, and sunk back again into a sort of half-sluggish, indifferent slumber. Redzel was not seen, and remained a long time in a deep, heavy sleep. : Summerfield was the first to awake and arise. He greeted Wandaught warmly, but receiving no reply, approached him and laid «his band familiarly on his shoulder. The trapper turned toward -him and muttered a good morning, and then lay down upon the spot where Summerfield had spent the night, and in a few moments was asleep. Summerfield passed on and greeted Vic and Carson, each of whom re- turned his salutation with much friendliness and pleasure. . A few moments after he felt a hand laid upon his shoulder, and looking up, saw the middle-aged man spoken of standing by his side. There was a deathly paleness upen his fea~ tures, and his whole system was terribly convulsed .by some emotion. Summerfield was startled, and knew not what to do. «Good morning,” he ventured, in order to bring him out. “ What is her name ?” he asked, pointing his quivering fin- ger toward the sleeping form of Ida. “Tda Vennond,” returned Summerfield. - “OQ God! so I thought,” he added, turning yet paler, as if fainting. Summerfield sprang forward and caught him. — “What is the meaning of this? What is she to you?" asked he, eagerly, 73 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. “ She is my daughter /” he returned, recovering himself, “How is this 2” “asked Summerfield, hardly knowing what” he said. ““T am her father.” At this point Ida awoke. “Ask her to come here,” said the man, in a pleading tone, turning his back toward her. “Tda, step this way a moment,” called Summerfield. She tripped lightly forward, her radiant form all aglow with pleasure. “Tet me introduce you to your father.” “What!” Summerfield made ‘no reply, for her father had turned his face toward her. Ida’s face flushed a moment as she gazed bewilderingly into his, and the next instant she sprang for- ward and was clasped in his arms.» Their joy was too great for utterance, and their mutual sobs were all that was heard. Summerfield turned away, not wishing to interfere with or interrupt such a scene. The others, who had witnessed it, comprehended its meaning, and showed ‘their sympathy in silence.. “What's the matter?” questioned Jared, starting up, and gaping wonderingly at them. “The little one is dead, and he’s tryin’ to revive her !” said Vie, gravely. _“ Here, you, you can’t do her any good that way,” said Jared, darisestly, striving to separate them. But Summerfield pulled him quietly to one side and admonished him to let them alone. As the father released hig daughter, he sat down beside her, and was not interrupted by those around. They Sengined seated fully an hour, engaged in earnest conversation. Ida related the whole particulars. of her life since their separation, up to the present moment, not omitting a single particular that, she could recall.. And the father stated the principal inci~ dents of his. He had remained in Oregon a number of years, succeeding better than he anticipated, when he determined to send for his daughter. He had sent for her, but hearing ‘THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. . 79 nothing for a long time, made up his mind to yisit the States himself, When about to start, he felt such a desire to leave - the new country he was in, and spend the remainder of his days in his native State, that he disposed of his possessions and set out with that intention. He was accompanied by a number of emigrants returning, discouraged, to their old homes. They proceeded so slowly that he could hardly re- ~ gtrain his impatience, and gladly joined a couple of trappers who overtook them on their way. He had been with them put three days when he discovered his long-lost daughter. A short time more was spent in conversation, when. the father arose and addressed the others. fir “My friends, you will pardon this exhibition of feeling which I have shown when I explain it. Little did I dream last night, when I reached this spot, that T had found my long - Jost daughter, my only relative on earth, whom Lhad not seen for a long number of years. However, such is the fact, and only a‘short time since J was made aware of it, I have not concealed the heavenly, the perfect joy which it has given me. She has told me the whole circumstances of the noble interest you have manifested in her behalf, I cannot thank you now _as I should, but I will assure you, Mr. Vannoven, Mr. Potter, and the friend who lies sleeping there, that when we reach the States again, I will manifest my gratitude in 2 more substan- tial way than by bare, naked thanks. And, Mr. Summerfield, from the depths of my overflowing heart I thank you; for to you four, under Heaven, is the preservation of my daughter owing. ‘ “But let me say,” persisted Summerfield, “ that J deserve no thanks. Ihave done nothing. These three others have saved my life and your daughter's also,” “Tt seems to me,” observed Jared, “ that it's getting time to do something. The Engins down below, and Mr. Redzel, will get out of patience.” © Mr. who?” asked Vennond, with a start. : “Mr, Sam Redzel, the gentleman that’s trying to cut me ‘and Mr. Summerfield out of your daughter's affections.” . 80 TENT CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. “ He is the one who has pursued her thus far, and to whom ' she has’ agtetred without mentioning his name ?” “The same.” - “JT understand venyéliings now, It was not, all love and passion that has led him to follow you thus far. . It was vin- dictive hatred, revenge!” - * What. do you mean, father?” asked Ida earnestly. “Never mind, darling. It is not a story for your ears. At: any rate not ventil Sam Redzel, your mortal enemy, is dead.” But go on friends. What is the intention, Carson?” “We're goin’ to make a rush down among em——” “ Hallo! up thar!” came the voice of Redzel at this mo-. ment. Carson paused, and Vic looked down to see what was wanting. “ Whar’s Jim Wandaught ?” he asked. “ He’s here. What do you want to know for?” “T want to talk with him a moment.” Accordingly Summerfield stooped and gently awoke Wan- daught, and communicated the intelligence to him. .CHapter X. As soon a3 Wandaught understood what was wanted, he _ sprang without hesitation upon the wall, bis fine muscular form standing out in relief against the sky. Jared out of curiosity, looked over, and seeing that Redzel held his rifle in his hand, whispered : “Jim, make him drop that gun before you talk to him.” “ You'd better do it, Jim,” said Vie. “Sartinly, friend, don’t stand that,” joimed Carson, and Summerfield also said : “ Wor Heaven's sake, Wandaught, don’t run into such dan- ger as that.” But Wandaught, instead of receiving these friendly warn- ings as he would at any other time, appeared slightly touched and displeased that all should offer advice to him, and, with- out following their entreaties, simply returned : yy ® THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 81 » “Sam wouldn’t do nothin’ mean to me.” The others said nothing at this, and the trapper turned his face toward Redzel and demanded ; ©°* Wal, Sam, what you want of me!” “ Jim, I wants to ax one fayor.” “ Wal, out with it, and if I kin give it, I will” “In the fust place, me and:you are old friends, ain’t we ?” “In course, and I hope we allers will'be.” S “We've been together considerable!” “That's the fact, and I’ve done you some good turns, hain’t I?” “Yeah; and I’ve allers felt a good ’eal of gratitude fur it.” “ @lad to hear it.” ; And I don’t want to quarrel with yer, Jim, nuther.” “Nor me with you; but what’s yer favor you've been talkin’ ’bout ?” : ‘ “ Wal, Jim, bein’ you and me are such fast friends, I wants to ask yer if ye won't do yer best to put that gal and Crooked , Pegs in my hands! Cuss it! I’m tired of waitin’ ; I mought as well had her the last two, three days and nights I’ve been here.” There was a suppressed laugh from those behind Wan- daught when they heard this. _He answered : “Sam, I want to ask yer one favor.” “Wal, what is't, my ole friend?” “TJ don’t want yer to ever ax me that agin.” “Why don’t yer want that ax’d ?” “Gause it won't do no good.” “What! won't yer grant me that little favor.” “Why, Sam, would it be the right thing ?” “Ar yer goin’ to grant it?” he interrupted, impetuously, “T told you no, fur if I did—” : Wandaught’s words were interrupted’ at this point by the sharp crack of a rifle, and, placing his hand to his breast, he stepped quietly down, saying: i “I’m done for, boys!” t ; “My God! Wandaught, are you shot?” cried Summer. field. 82 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. “Yas; I’ve got my last shot; but don’t make any fuss over it. It can’t be helped.” And the trapper, refusing all assistance, seated himself upon _ his blanket, and reclining a second, finally lay down with one hand beneath his head, as though he were sleeping. When the fatal shot was given, Carson and Vannoven knew its meaning, and both sprang up to return it, But Redzel had caught a rifle from a savage standing by, and sev- eral muzzles were waiting them, so that they were unable to remain in view long enough even to aim at him, Seeing this, they withdrew, and with all the others, gathered around Wan- daught, who was fast dying. Ida had sprang forward with her father, and lifting the head of Wandaught from the jagged rock, placed it in her lap, removed his rough cap, and brushing the matted hair from his forehead, kissed it, and asked, with streaming eyes: “ Are you dying? , say you are not!” He: looked up with a grateful smile—a smile that gave divine beauty to his countenance—and endeayored to speak, But the blood commenced gurgling in his throat, and as he began spitting it his utterance was stopped. The father an- swered : “ He will die, dear, in a few moments. No earthly power can save him.” Ida, with her father and Summerfield, did all that could be done for the dying man. The others, seeing that their assist- ance was not needed, stood in mournful silence, gazing upon the affecting scene. Jared was leaning against the wall, and had not stirred or uttered a word since the shot had been given. His face was as bloodless as Wandaught’s, and his fixed eyes, set teeth and clenched hands, showed that some powerful passion was burning in his breast. The Hoosier was a few feet from him, his jaws forcibly set upon a piece of tobacco, and as motionless as himself. Of course it could not be expected that he should feel such grief as the others. Kit Carson and Vic stood side by side, each leaning upon his rifle, and each looking at the face of Wandaught. © a THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. — In a few moments, his throat cleared and his voice re- turned. : “ Boys, I've got to leave yer, but I don’t feel very sorry, ’cause all of us must go some time, and it don’t make somuch | difference when it is, I didn’t think Sam would shoot me; but I orter minded ye. I feel rather hurt, but it'll soon be done with—” His voice was checked, and he vomited a aayuinn guenlity of blood. Soon, however, his eyelids dows opened to their fullest extent, ‘and he arose to the sitting position, and gazed with / an awfal wildness around him. Then that serenity that some- times precedes death came over him, and he met each look with a faint smile of recognition. “Wandraught, have you anything that you would ried to have done after your death? Have you any friends that you would wish might be informed of this? Have you any desire at all that we can gratify ?” asked Summerfield ten- derly looking in his face. He shook his head. “No; I hain’t got no brother nor sister, nor father or mother i ti this world. I kindy think I will see my good old mother = the ae where I am going. Don’t know. I hope so,” a “Wandaught,” proceeded Summerfield from an ‘irgent 4 sense of daty, « do you think of that God whom you so soon must meet? Do you not feel a burden on your soul at this dying hour?” “Yas, Ido. . lever knowed much about that God that you Hae told me of, George, but I’ve often prayed to some One that I could feel was watchin’ me, and T’ve:been askin’ him now to take care of my old soul. Ida, won’t you pray for me ?” ; A tear started to every eye at this simple request of the trapper. Ida bent her head close to his, and in a sweet half- whisper, just loud enough to be heard in Heayen and by the dying man himself, uttered an earnest prayer. As she ceased those standing by saw the color rise to Wandaught’s face, and a sudden change pass over it. , ~|* 84 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR. THE MILLION, “T am goin’,” he said cheerfully. “I feel, oh! so glad, T can’t tell nothin’ ’bout it. I'll just have time to bid you all good-bye. This will be the fust and last time I ever shook _ hands,” he added, with a faint smile, as he extended his hand to Vennond, eo “Good-bye, I haven’t knowed you long, but long ’nough to see you're good. We'll meet agin.” Vennond would have held the hand longer, but he knew how close death was, and, like a true gentleman, he relin- quished it to Gavin, after returning a hopeful good-bye to him. io : “ Good-bye, friend, meet me too.” “ Good-bye,” answered the Hoosier, stepping back, as though terrified at this near approach of the grim monster himself, Carson took his hand next. ~ “Good-bye, Kit. You're a great hunter. O, be a good one.” Carson made no answer, but was much affected. Wan- daught then took Summerfield : “A long farewell to you, George. You're good, You've often talked to me ’bout my soul, and it hasn’t been all for nothin’ neither. May you and Ida live long together; you war born fur each other. Good-bye,” © “Good bye, Jim. I am glad that you are thus happy. I'll never forget you. Our farewell will not be so very long either,” : . Wandaught cast his eyes toward Jared, who started, and approached him. “ Jared,” said he, “ will ye forgive me for the manner I’ve treated yer?” “© Jim, don’t talk so!” answered he,-putting both hands to his face and crying like a child. “You've never treated me bad. Good bye! good bye!” And he seized his hand, shook it impetuously, and ran to his place at the rock, where he seated himself; and, as the big _ tears rolled through his fingers, and his frame shook like an aspen, they showed how great his grief was. “ And Vic, we must part, and will it be forever ?” he asked, ob ra ” — HE TRAPPERS “RETREAT. - - Sie with touching earnestness, as he took Vannoven’s hand and their eyes met. : “T hope not,” returned he in a choking voice. . “ So do I. We've been together a good deal, and may be, one of these days, Vic, we'll trap together agin whar there ‘Il be no sich fellows as Redzel to hinder us. It’s sorter hard to leave yer, Vic; but if I’s sure of seein’ you agin, I wouldn’t eare. When I’m gone, you keep my shooter to remember | me; and, boys, put me in the ground here, by this rock.! Good- be. VaG?- The two closed hands, and each turned their heads. Van- noven never saw him again in this world. He stepped away, carefully shading his face, but: his herculean strength and will could not conceal his terrible emotion. “ ‘And now, Ida, a good-bye to you. Ihave died for you, but I would die agin a hundred times for such a dear, sweet, little creatures Once in a while. think of old Wandaught when he’s gone, and when you get up above ax to see me the fust one. Good-bye.” “Good-bye. O!—~’ . She could say no more, but returned the strong grasp of the rough hand that held hers. Her eyes were full of scald- ing, blinding tears. She felt the pressure suddenly increase, and as she cleared her vision, she gazed into Wandaught’s eyes. And thus, with their eyes upon each other, without the slightest stir, except from one or two sobbing around, without a word from any one, the soul ofthe trapper de- parted. . His ideas of Heaven were quaint and simple. He believed it a place where he should again live in the flesh—a place where the beaver and otter flourished, and where he should | meet his old friends and hunt again for many many long years. He imagined that the few who reached it from the “ States” would be furnished with another clime, and never disturb his; yet believed he would be permitted to roam where he pleased; and visit theirs as often as he chose. Summerfield and Vennond were the only ones beside Ida who saw him die, She did not realize it, and looked up in- 86 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. quiringly to her father, as she saw how filmy and glassy ' Wandaught’s eyes had become. “ He is dead,” he answered softly. Then she ‘pently lifted his head from her lap, and Summer- field and her ‘father carried the inanimate form to the wall, and there depositing’ him tenderly upon his blanket, covered his form with another, and, without speaking, turned to Car- son and Vannoven to see wehint was to be done next. The latter had choked back his grief, and there was a terrible calmness upon his features, ~ “Sam Redzel must pay for that,” he replied, in a tone that was awful from deep meaning. He then turned to Carson, and conversed in a half whisper for a moment, and it was evi- dent from their appearance that they had agreed upon the course to pursue. During this time Jared had stood with his arms folded over the itrazale of his rifle, gazing stoically at the covering of Wandaught. Suddenly he turned around and spoke : “ Boys, I've one favor to ask of you. Jim was my friend. Sam Redzel has killed him, and swore that he’ll have my life too. The first chance you see to shoot that viper, let me’ know. Let me do it, and that will be all I ask.” All promised that his wish should be gratified. On the side of the wall toward the savages were several orifices that were . large enough to admit the barrel of a rifle, yet they were so irregular, and the wall was of such thickness, that the position. of the gun could be raised but slightly. They had been con- structed, it seemed, for the purpose of firing upon an enemy at some distance. As the savages were now congregated, they stood before this, and at the very point where a’ shot eould be made to reach them. The Hoosier placed himself before one of the apertures, and gazed intently upon them. Tt was hardly five minutes before he turned and exclaimed : “ Ha’r's yer chance |” r Jared sprang forward and peered through. There, directly before his vision, he saw Sam Redzel standing and pointing toward the rock, and gesticulating madly, as though giving directions to his savage allies. With hardly the slightest | | | | | | THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. -- “87 -quiver, he pushed his rifle through, and, dropping upon his knee, took deliberate aim at the villain’s breast. Every breath avas held as his finger pressed the trigger. Jared fired quickly, and waited to see its effect. His nerves, in spite of his forced ‘ealmness, were somewhat unsteady, and the shot was not as Zood as he expected. Yet it was mortal! As the smoke cleared away, he ‘saw Redzel stagger a moment, fling his arms wildly above him, and, with a half howl and shriek, pitch forward upon his face. He saw this, as did the others, and, with a calmness that was certainly singular, to say the least, he drew his rifle forth, and, turning to Vannoven, said, in tones scarcely loud enough to be heard : ‘ «J'ye killed him! What are you going to do next?” Cnraprrer XI. “ We're goin’ to kill the rest,” returned Vic. “’Sposen we imbibe, friend.” The Hoosier produced his exhaustless flask, and each tool a long draught of its fiery contents. Vannoven then stepped to the opposite side, and, with the assistance of Carson, rolled a large stone from its place. This done, he spoke: “We must hop down thar and make a rush. See. that yer knives and shootin’ irons are ready.” The leadership, by mutual consent, had been given to Car- son. He stood as calm and collected as though he were no avenger! Gazing around upon each, he spoke in that low, musical voice of his: “ See that allis right. Blaze away as soon as you see ’em. Now.” As he uttered the last word, he bounded away, and almost simultaneously six human forms shot around the rock, six rifles were discharged, and as many savages rolled writhing in their own blood! ‘Then, like as many infuriated animals, they bounded over the intervening ground, and in an instant were among their enemies raging like lions over their prey. » 838 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. The battle was short, but so terrible that no pen can de- scribe it. The savages, instead of withdrawing upon the fall of their leader, maintained their ground with determined ob- stinacy ; and, at the moment the six whites burst upon them, were preparing for another attempt to dislodge the fugitives. The onslaught of the latter was so sudden that it was fatal. They were thrown into confusion, yet, in spite of it, made a bold stand, and struggled with the fury of desperation. And thus it was contested, and thus it was gained. No earthly power could have withstood that charge of the whites. _ Jared Potter was so insane with excitement that he could never recall the slightest incident of the fight after hearing the command of Kit Carson. He grasped a savage the first one, and slew him as he would an infant, then sprang into the air with a yell, and brandishing his rifle over his head, leaped upon another and bore him to the ground. Thus he fought, impelled by the uncontrollable passion that was burning him up. : Vennond and Summerfield remained side by side, and fought with more coolness than any, yet there was a fierceness about their movements that never possessed them before or since. The Hoosier went at it like some ponderous machine, work- ing wildly from the excess of power that was driving him forward. He seemed to push instead of strike, and pull in- stead of jerk, yet.no obstruction or impediment could avail against his irresistible strength. He appeared actually at times to crush and break the Indians in two! And all.the time his huge jaw continued regularly closing upon an enor- mous mouthful of tobacco, and once or twice he ejected large quantities of juice in the face of his struggling victim! Vic Vannoven, for the time being, was a demon in his fury. The first blow he made, he drove his knife through and through the body of an Indian; and, as it slipped from his grasp, he wheeled himself round and brought a blow with such force inthe face of another, that it was absolutely crush- ed to a jelly! A terrific kick sent another a dozen feet doubled up like a knot in his agony; and, as he drew his ? "THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 89. other senile, he plunged deliriously at the others. His simple grasp appeared sufficient to mash the very bones of his ene- mies, and not a savage could stand for” an instant before the ef madman, as And yet Kit Carson, the small, san SRE agent at Santa Fé, performed more incredible wonders than this! There was not the wild impetuosity in his movements that charac- terized those of Vannoven ; but there was an inconceivable celerity and quickness, hoes fatal in its results than his. THe ‘fought with a knife in either hand, leaping in every direction with an agility that was astonishing, and unequaled by the others. - There is a feat that is sometimes performed by the trappers in the West upon horseback, yet few indeed are those who ever acquire the necessary dexterity to accomplish it. The trapper, in making his charge, takes a knife in each hand, and, lowering his head, urges his horses directly between two sav- ages, and in the passage slays them both! Very few, indeed, can do this, and yet Kit Carson did it on foot! At two sep- arate times he slew two his enemies at the same instant. Such terrible slaughter could not last long. In a few mo- ments the remaining savages broke and fled. Light only were able to avail themselves of this resource, and it availed these nothing. As they leaped away, they were followed by Carson, the Hoosier, and Vannoven, who elaupinisted them as they ran! Summerfield Vennond, and Jared halted and drew breath. as they saw not an Tndian upon his feet. All were stretched before them, either dead or dying! When they had rested, Summerfield arose and gazed after his companions; but the pursuit of the Indians had carried them beyond his sight, and he proposed to the others to await their return upon “thie rock. As they were starting, Jared said : “Boys, I don’t see that Redzel around here. Can’t be he’s run off with the others, and if he hasn’t, where is he ?” ‘They examined each form, and true enough, Redzel was gone! All weré puzzled to account for this. Jared, in his . ee 4 GO | TEN GENT NOVELS “FOR THw MILLION. opinion of the villain, really believed the Evil One had-assisted him bodily away. Summerfield also feared much that Red- zel had escaped, and that all trouble with him was not yet over. Full of these feelings, the three approached the rock. Ida stood waiting them, and had witnessed all of the fearful con- .test. She had seen the flight of the savages and the pursuit, and knew that none of her friends had been slain. Yet the awful groans that reached her ears, and the terrible scenes she saw, prevented anything like a joyous feeling. She in- deed was glad that the savages had been routed, but mourned deeply that it was accomplished by annihilation only. As Summerfield passed around the rock, he recoiled with shivering horror at the sight that met his gaze. There, stretched upon the earth, lay the still gasping form of Redzel! He was bleeding profusely from the wound that Jared had given him. He had stopped the flow with his hand until he reached the rock, against which he crept, hoping to die with- out being seen by any one. Singularly enough, his wound was nearly i in the same place as Wandaught’s, varying enough only to prolong his torture. His hands and clothes were dab- bled in his blood, and there was a ghastly horror in his appearance that was awful ! As his rolling eyes met those of the others, a sndden pang of the acutest torture shot over his features. All feelings of hatred or revenge were driven from the hearts of the obser- vers as they gazed upon this sickening spectacle. Summer- field felt for the miserable wretch, and approached and asked, in a sympathizing tone: “(Can I do anything for you, Redzel Y Ie made a strong effort to speak, but his mouth was too full of blood, and only a gurgling moan escaped him. He, however, motioned feebly with his left hand for Summerfield to remove his right, which was lying beneath him. He raised him tenderly, and as he pulled the hand forth, the dying wretch, gathering his strength, struck savagely at the breast of his friend, passing so close as to cut his garment! Seeing that he had failed, he wl back, with a half uttered oath that a a , THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. _. oot sent the blood from his mouth ‘in every direction, and gave up in despair. “Kill the fiat snake!” exclaimed Jared, clubbing his rifle, and raising it to strike. Summerfield cag th his arm. h You are saved that trouble. He is dead!” Such was the case, but how different had it been from Wandaught’s ! “Te is with his Maker,” said Vennond, solemnly. “We have nothing more to do with him.” They then ascended the rock, where Ida was anxiously awaiting them. She had seen Redzel crawling painfully toward, and had known, although she could not witness, that che had died near her. As they reached the top of the rock, they looked out, and far away could see Vannoven returning. But he ‘was alone, on horseback, and leading four others. This occasioned sxnigh wonderment, and none “could accorfht for it, except by the supposition that Carson and his companion were returning at -Some distance behind. But whon Vic reined up beneath them, n6 other’ person was in sicht. “ Where’s Carson and Gavin’ ?” asked Summerfield, looking down upon him. “ Half way to Independence by ee time, Kit came ’cross some fellers, who said le war wanted out thar, and.he ’cluded to start without waitin’ for us.” ; In the attack, there had been a stampede of the animals belonging to the Indians, and they were flying over the prairie in every. direction. The Tloosier secured a couple, upon which he and Carson continued their pursuit, Vie also -secured one, upon which he was enabled to capture several others, with which, as has been shown, he returned, ‘ be Bs Well , continued Summerfield, “ how. soon, shall. we leave ?” at aha BBNS2 Yoinavom “Right off” Wh: aed i We e must bury Wandaught, you know, first.” At this Vie dismounted and, securing bis animals, ascended the rock. The form of the dead trapper was then lifted and borne gently down, followed Ly Ida. = After.a few-minutes’ 52 TENT CENT NOVELS FOR THE “MILLION. consultation, it was determined to bury him within a few feet of where he had been slain. Accordingly all set to work, - and, with much labor, scooped out a grave sufficiently deep to contain him. Into this he was placed, and, while the others - bowed their heads in sorrow and reverence, Summierfield knelt and uttered a petition to high Heaven. This done, they commenced covering his body, and, in a few minutes it was hid from their sight, and not one could repress the tears that rose to his eyes. Nota word was spoken as the earth was packed over him, and when finished they seid toward Vannoyen. “Now git on,” ‘said he, “and let's leave this place.” “Wait a minute,” said Summerfield, “let us give Redzel a burial also. We shall never regret it.” As he spoke, he passed around the base of the rock, and the others instinctively followed. Vic gave a perceptible start when he saw the frighfful appearance of the dead body pre- sented. All set to work vigorously, and in a short time an- other grave was dug, into which Vennond and Summerfield deposited the form of Redzel. Neither Jared nor Vic would touch it. ; This unpleasant duty finished, the company now made ready to take their leave of a place that had been so prolific with misery to them. No prayer was said over Redzel, for Summerfield felt that it would have been mockery to attempt it. ‘ It was near noon, and, without waiting to partake of any food, the company were soon en route for the States. Vie lad found a good quantity of meat among the savages, which he -hesitated not to appropriate to the use of his friends, so that there was nothing to fear from that source, When they departed, they turned their backs upon a heart- sickening scene. Scattered over a large surface of the prairie, were lying over a score of bodies, cut and mangled in every conceivable manner! There thiey were to lie until torn asun- der by fierce animals, or until they had rotted beneath the scorching sun, - The weather continued. pleasant through the day, being L$ » > “que TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. | ~~ 93 “warm toward noon, and sometimes quite cold at evening, and they made good progress. At night they camped upon the Open prairie, and all except Vic, who was sentinel, slept soundly. In the morning they shaped their course more in a northeast direction, so, that, by the middle of the day, they _ struck the Great Oregon Trail. It had been traveled so slightly of late that none but Vic knew when they had reached it; and he and Wandaught were the only ones who were aware when they crossed it before. In the afternoon, they met a large outward bound emigrant train, and at night their camp fire was in sight of another one belonging to a similar body. They were now s0 close to the States that there was little to fear from savages, and the next day Vic assured them that they were riding through the country of the friendly Delawares and Wyandots. Late in the afternoon, they reached the Missouri river, and “Were now again, after years of absence, upon the confines of a civilized State. Strange were the feelings of Summerfield ~as he gazed upon the “ Mad Missouri,” and he could not help reflecting upon the time when he crossed that river and landed upon the spot where he stood. There was a wild, "and to him inexplicable desire to visit the perilous regions of the Far West. That desire had been gratified; he had trav- eled over a great portion of our western territory, and had tasted its dangers and hardships. Te was satisfied ; and, as he turned his face again toward the prairies, he felt that the wealth of the universe could not tempt him to journey over it again, ~ And it seemed to Ida as though she had entered a new world, Already the clamor and confusion of civilization was around her. As they crossed the river and were conveyed to Independence, for three or four miles the hurrying tide of humanity, the sounds of industry, and the innumerable mul- titudes around, called up emotions that had slumbered so long that they were well nigh forgotten. > Accompanied by Vie, they repaired to one of the hotels. Here, with the exception of the latter, they all supplied them- selves with clothes more fashionable than the ones brought with 64 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. them. Vennond was anxious to pass to his native. place in Louisiana, but found it more advisable to wait until the mor- row, when Summerfield determined to start also. In the early part of the evening, Summerfield walked out with Vannoven. It was near the Presidential election, and there was much excitement in consequence. In passing by a tavern, where there was an excited crowd gathered, a half- crazed politician rushed out, and, catching him by the coat, demanded : “ Who'’re you for?” “T?” questioned Summerfield, who had not the remotest idea of who the respective candidates were, “I? why, I don’t know.” “Come, we must know.” “Why, Harrison,” he answered at a » venture. The politician started back as though he had grasped a erazy person, and, without saying a word, abruptly departed. The truth was, Harrison had been dead several years. At Summerfield’s request, Vic consented to sell his shee and accompany him home. - Shortly afterward, Summerfield returned and. found. Ida attired in a new and beautiful dress, Her beauty was much enhanced by the change, and he was in raptures over her appearance. Late in the evening, they gathered together and _ held a consultation, and each imparted his plans to the other. Vennond expressed his determination to return to his former home in Louisiana, and spend his days there. In the course @f his conversation, he related Redzel’s fatal connection with himself, and explained what he meant by what he said §vhen he first knew that it was he who had been the cause of all of Ida’s trouble and persecution. . Samuel Redzel and Samuel Vennond, were born within a few days of eachother, inthe parish. of , State of “Lonis- jana, and were playmates from childhood. — Their natures were as different as it is possible for two natures to be. The ‘former was the personification of meanness and the possessor ~of every vice, while the latter was an honest and noble- ent farmer’s. boy. At school, for a time, they, were / AS} - Se ob ‘THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. ~~ "95 ‘rivals ; and when they grew to manhood they ‘vere rivals in. ‘love. As might be expected, the virtues and good qualities of Vennond insured his triumph over the rival; and, at an early age he led Annie Courtland to the altar, in the presence of the malignant and vindictive Redzel. This was never forgotten by Redzel. On the night of tho bridal he swore a terrible revenge, and a revenge that he exe- ‘cuted! Louisiana, at that time, was infested by a lawless band of horse-thieves and kidnappers, whose depredations _ became, at last, so numerous and intolerable, that a “ Vigilance Committee” was formed that visited retribution upon the offenders in a short and summary manner. Some suspected Redzel of belonging to this consummately organized band, and for a year he was narrowly watched by several spies of the “Committee,” The consequence was, he was detected in the very act, captured, and sentenced by Judge Lynch to suffer the extreme penalty of the daw upon the spot. His fate appeared so certain, that he entertained no hopes of respite himself, and gave up in stolid, sullen despair. Vennond was A leading member of the “Committee,” and, by begging’ and imploring, he succeeded in haying the wretch transferred to prison to await the tardy action of the law. As might be expected, aided by some of his confederates upon the outside, he broke jail that very night and escaped. He repaired im- mediately to Vennond’s house, and found his wife alone with a babe but a few months old. Here, after subjecting her to the grossest insults and treatment, he murdered her in cold blood, and then fled the country. When Vennond returned, a short time after, he found the ghastly corpse stretched upon the floor, which was covered with her blood; and, in the bright moonlight, he saw Ida sleeping peacefully and calmly upon her dead mother’s breast! For awhile he was transfixed with grief and horror, and was at a loss to divine who could have committed the deed; but in the morning, when the intelligence spread that Redzel, the most desperate member _ of the gang of horse-thieves, had escaped, his own heart told him who the perpetrator was. Regrets at his own course Were Rumerous but useless, and he determined that, if human 96 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION. power could, accomplish it, the villain should be recaptured and receive the punishment he so richly deserved. A thor- ough search of the neighboring swamps and lagoons was com- menced, and in one of the wildest and most inaccessible spots the rendezvous was discovered. Nearly all of the band were together, and, after a bloody and desperate struggle, were mostly captured. A number drowned themselves to escape the terrible punishment that awaited them, while one or two of the most noted effected their escape. This effectually’ broke up the organization. Some who turned State’s evi- dence, and a number of others, were pardoned, who, rather than suffer the disgrace they had incurred, left the country. A number, however, were so signally punished, that it struck terror to the hearts of all, and restored peace to the parish. - From some of these, Vennond learned that Redzel had been the leading spirit of evil among them, and through his instru- mentality the organization had been effected. One of those who turned State’s evidence stated that he had seen him upon the night of his escape, and immediately after he had commit- ted the horrid crime spoken of He was then in company with another member -of their band, and judging rightly that the country was becoming too hot to hold them, had deter- mined to go to St. Louis. Vennond, in company with two friends, started instantly for that city, determined to have him vat whatever cost. - After much cautious inquiry, théy learned that he had left the day before, in company with a trapper, for Independence. He had parted company with his com- panion in this city, and the latter had gone to a neighboring village. In St. Louis a murder had been committed by him, and two police officers joimed Vennond, and accompanied them to Independence. They made all haste thither, and arrived late in the evening. Without waiting until the mor- row, they separated for the purpose of searching the city and gain what information they could of him. Redzel met Vennond and his friend in a tavern and recog- nized them, although they did not know him. He remained long enough in the place to know that several officers were after him, when he repaired to Wandaught’s lodgings and in- © eee ee ee es ~~ ny Bit bl ‘ WHE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. Ov formed him that he should immediately leave-for the trapping grounds. Wandaught, suspecting the true state of things, offered him a horse, but Redzel felt that it would be ‘more pleasant to steal one, although he might possibly get a poorer one. Accordingly he erossed the~Missouri, and suoeceeded in making off with a magnificent animal, that belonged to an emigrant train about starting. With this he struck in a north- - east direction, different from the usual course, and ina short time was out of danger. The next’ day Vennond learned of his departure, and. crossed over to the trapping ground, and ‘was here informed by the emigrants that some rascal had run away with the swiftest animal they owned. The officers found that their prey had escaped them, and reluctantly re- turned to their homes, capturing Redzel’s companion out of revenge, and sending him to prison for life.. Two years after, they: signed a petition for. his pardon, and congratulated him on his deliverance. Such ig human nature. it was a late hour when they retired. Several times Sum- merfield was upon the point of speaking to V ennond about his intended marriage with his daughter, but was restrained by the presence of Vic and Jared. When they had left, how- ever, he called him aside and stated his intentions in a frank and manly manner, and asked his consent. This was given without. any hesitation or unwillingness, and they separated for the night. To the morning they all met prepared fora temporary sepa- ration., Vicwnd Jared bade Ida and Vennond good-bye, and left the room, while Vennond shortly after made some ex- - euse and left Summerfield and his daughter alone. This was what he wished, and he had half an hour for conversation, He seated himself beside her, and spoke in-a half-earnest tone. -. “ ‘ “Tda, do you remember: little tall wo once had, under not quite so favorable circumstances 1 “Oh, yes, sve had ‘a great many pleasant chats for all our Bituation, was not as we ‘might have wished,” she replied, blushing slightly, and-pretending not to comprehend him, “That is true: but T~ ~~ to the one in the cave.” 98 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION, “ When we made our way out, J don’t think it was very pleasant,” “No, no; you little witch, I mean when we were all alone, and I asked you whether you would be my wife, and you said you would some day. Don’t remember that I sup~ pose ?” “Let me see,” she repeated, slowly and reflectively, as though endeavoring to call up some forgotten circumstance, and yet unable to repress a smile at Summerfield’s quizzical appearance, Ah! there was no danger of her forgetting that conversation. He waited a second, and then catching her impulsively in his arms added: e ."You remember well enough; but it doesn’t fhake much difference whether -you do or do not. J do, and of course, will hold you to your promise.” Then releasing her, and imprinting 2 warm kiss upon a warmer cheek, he continued, in an earnest tone: “Tda, your father has given me his consent, and you have, To-day I shall leave for home, and if I find my sister alive and well—as God grant I may—I shall visit your home and claim you at once, At any rate you shall soon hear from - n At this point, tho little foolish creature went to crying. In afew moments, however, she looked up, more beautiful than ever, and smiling through her sparkling tears, asked “You will come, will you?” “Yes,” returned Summerfield, giving another burning kiss, which was returned. Shortly after they were joined by Vennond, who under- stood everything, and laughed and joked greatiy, wondering what had grieved Ida so much, and made Summerfield so aglow with pleasure, At length they parted, Summerfield for Eastern Missouri, they for Louisiana. Summerfield » 13 soon joined by Vic and Jared, The two latter continued conversing all the time, but Summerfield was . too full of his own thoughts to answer their numerous ques- tions, and he remained in deep meditation all the way. At ~ ‘ first Ida ocoupied his thoughts, but as the scenes around him . THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT. 99 began to wear'-2 familiar aspect, they brought back old agso- Ciations of home, and his sister was uppermost in his mind. * Soon the stage halted at the gate, and witha beating heart he sprang out, bounded up the steps, and jerked the bell vio- lently, while Jared and Vic came leisurely behind. In a mo- ment he heard a shufiling step in the hall, and, after much fin- gering of the lock, and turning of the key, and suppressed muttering, the door was opened, and a brawny Irish .servant inquired: “Whath be ye after wantin’ ?” “Ts Miss Summerfield, Marian Summerfield, in?” “ FWaix an’ she is,” attered interrogatively. “Well, I-want to see her.” “ And ghat fines “ “None of your business. Get out of the way.” And, without- heeding her imprecations, he pushed her aside, and walked into the sitting-room. There, seated at the plano, sat his sister, playing dreamily with the keys. She did not hear him as he entered, and he stepped softly to her side, and gazed at the piece before her. It was a mournful song which she was singing in a low cad sweet voice. Placing tits hand lightly upon ‘her shoulder, he said: “Why, Marian, you have improved considerably.” She could not have been more startled had some disembo- - died spirit stood beside-and addressed her, “O George! is that you ?” : “T think so,” he returned, as he embraced: her, And then he seated iicisolt beside her ‘atid told her everything—that is, everything he could. He was particular not to omit anything concerning Ida; and, before he had half finished, his sister saw, with her womanly instinct, how matters stood between them. ‘Then he stated that he should visit her the next day, and she should accompany him, and ended abruptly by inquir- ing what had become of Jared ‘and Vic. Jared, in the mean- time, had made his way into the kitchen, helping himself libe- rally to the good things generally foand in that department. Being called by Summerfield he came up instantly, and seeing an, exclaimed, . ay Aad Se “Tow’re you, sis,” and then kissed her, as he had been wont when she was a mere child, Govering her with crumbs and fragments of victuals during the operation, Vic was out doors, and being called in, he was introduced > to Summerfield’s sister, and they all sat down to a bounteous family~ dinner: ; The evening was spent in conversation until a late hour. Vannoven narrated many incidents of his life that were new to both Jared and Summerfield. Marian stated that she never gave up all hopes of seeing Jared and, her brother, although so many rumors constantly reached her ‘of the Indian depre- dations up in the plains, and of the murder of emigrants. . Before Summerfield left, he placed his estate in charge of a man who had been a warm friend of his father. This person managed affairs admirably, and our adventurer found he was more wealthy than he would hayé dared to suspect.” In the morning, Summerfield, accompanied by his sister, - set out for Louisiana, and reached the residence of Ida the next day. As might be supposed, she and Marian were ardent friends at once. There was a great deal of unimpor- tant talk, as there is always at such times, and at last the great wedding day was fixed. And of the wedding it is perhaps useless.to speak. Jun- dred$ of others are daily taking place which are as muci as was. this one. The nuptials were celebrated at. Mr. Ven- nond’s residence. Vic “Vannoven, the hearty trapper, and Jared, the eccentric fellow, were two important personages, and wére consequently present. The former, at first, was embarrassed by the gorgeous splendor of the scene; but his comrades understood his nature, and succeeded in making him feel perfectly at home. He grew very loquacious, declaring that Ida “ war as purty as. a young beaver,” and Summerfield, “wal, thar, he allers thought he’s a fine chap.” Probably, the excellent wine had some efiect upon him, for, before tlie com- pany broke up, at Jared’s suggestion, he performed for the com- pany a genuine Sioux -war-dance, without omitting a single how! or yell, and ended the matter by hugging Ida somewhat aftér the fashion of a grizzly bear, and kissing her eyes! His + % 7 ae performance éreated much merriment, for they all knew, his rough and generous nature. Jared never remembered that he had once entertained a tender fecling for Ida himself; but joined in the proceedings with a gusto and heartiness ‘equal to those of the trapper, He executed some marvellous gyrations in the dance that he undertook, and showered his congratulations upon every one’ he spoke to. Nothing. occurred to mar the pleasure of the eae; except an inadvertent remark of Vannoven’s that, “ef Bien war thar, thar’d be a tall time, no mistake,” This brought.a tear to more than one eye. In the morning, as Vannoven was about to’ start to Ste Joseph to see a brother trapper, Vennond called him into an adjoining room, where Summerfield and his young bride were seated. “Vic,” said Summerfield, arising, “I-want to pay you for those furs I bought of you some time ago, Perhaps you res member ?” The astonished and bewildered trapper was standing with hat in his hand, hardly comprehending what was meant Before he could meats Summerfield pisses five hundred dol- lars in solid gold in it, and “ the little one,’ ’ arising at the same be approached. “Now, let me pay a part of my debt,” said she, smilingly, ag she placed another handful of the giitering coin in it, “ And suppose we square accounts,” observed Vennond, in a, business-like manner, stepping eras and adding a lage. number of bills to the pile. “Bars and beavers and bufflers. You're goin’ to kill a chap,” exclaimed Vic, gazing wonderingly at the treasure — him. “Not at all, not at all, my dear sir; that is a -—part of our ebt. Whenever you need more, you shall have it,” re- turned Vennond, hardly able to repress a smile at his ontieal Appearance, “Vio,” said Summerfield, earnestly, laying his hand upon his shoulder, “there are fifteen hundred dollars that you are entitled to, and that belongs to you. You have earned far 102 TEN CENT NOVELS FOR THE MILLION, - more, and shall have it too. I cannot ever feel that I have paid you all that I owe you. I wish you to consider ‘that my home is your home ag long. as we live. J shall be gone a couple of weeks, and at the end of that time I want you to visit_ me, as I have a proposal to make to you. Will you promise. The trapper gave his consent, and, after hearing the same story repeated by Vennond, and giving him the same promise, he shook hands with them, and a half hour after was on his way to Independence. Before going, he deposited twelve hundred dollars of the amount given him with Vennond for safe keeping. With the rest he repaired to St. Joseph, met his companion, and had the most glorious spree of his life, Vie Vannoven was a'trapper. And now, perhaps, it will be aoe that our story should end. A few more words, and it shall, Many are of opinion that marriage must be the last and te act; and, hére, with a word or two, we dismiss our characters forever—dismiss them because nothing more has oceurred in their lives that would interest’the reader, Two weeks after, Summerfield returned from his wedding tour, and was visited hy Vannoven. ‘The former proposed to him fo settle down and spend the remainder of his days with himself’ and* wife; and give up»his wandering, » perilous life. More to gratify him shan from any desire of his own, he con- sented, and spent the following summer with them, But both saw that the trapper was not contented. It was too late in his life to make such a great change. In the fall he met a companion, and informed Summerfield and his wife that he guessed. he would go up and see how things looked at the trapping grounds. “Neither opposed him, but furnished him with ‘a splendid horse, and made him promise to spend all the time he was in the States with them. . Shortly after the trapper left, and, true to his. promise, _ visited them in the ensuing spring. He has made several jour- neys since,'and at each return visits Summerfield and “his little ’un.”. Yennond, some time after, removed to Missouri, and he and Summerfield are now associated in business. He pa ey obo} F THE TRAPPERS’ RETREAT, 103 still retains the trapper’s money, the interest which he pays - him being sufficient to meet all his wants. Summerfield now and then adds to it, so that he has quite a snug little capital. In the firm of “ Vennond, Summerfield & Co.,” the “Co,” means Jared Potter. He fills a position which requires little physical exertion, and is contented with it. Some years since he was sent to New York upon business, which proved rather disastrous to him. Some heartless fellow fleeced him out of every cont, and he was obliged to send home for funds to defray his expenses. His business: done, he concluded to take a trip to Philadelphia, and in returning, as fate would have it, he got into the train which met with the Greaf Bur- lington accident, and, although but slightly injured, was half frightened to death, He hastened home, and his history of the terrible affair was retailed to every willing listener for two or three years, At the end of that time, he was despatched to New Orleans, and when about half way there accidentally fell into the river. ~ He was picked up by ® passing steamer, and, without waiting to get a glimpse of New Orleans, has- tened back to St, Louis, These little pieces of misfortune brought him to the conclusion that he was not made fora traveler. He accordingly resolved neyer again to quit ‘St. . Louis. He stuck to his resolution, and became corpulent, prosperous, and happy—and to our knowledge was never again tenderly affected; as he had been among the Black Hills. Pa . ue : & F [© TEN CENT SONG BOOK No. 2. r THE YANKEE SAILOR. SONG BOOK, Containing a choice selection of Songs suitable for every class, TEN CENT SONG BOOK No. 8. THE RUSSIAN BEAR AND AMERICAN EAGLE SONG BOOK, - TEN CENT STORIES No. 1. THE GHOST OF WELLDEAN. An excellent Tale by a first-class author, full of- ludicrous and startling incidents, and will be highly relished by all Jovers of the yaarvelous. TEN CENT NOVEL No. 1. THE HUNTERS. This is.a thrilling story. of the woods and prairies of the West, - abounding in “ hair-breadth escapes,” related in a most attractive ptyle, j : A TEN CENT NOVEL No. 3. <> PRE TRAPPER. , _ A-sequel to “Tho Hunters,” in which the stirring incidents of that famous story are sustained with even increased power, and’ , {ith brought to a most interesting conclision. fe press, and will soon be published, 4 | ere] . TEN CENT NOVEL No.3. —. bio <¢ THE PATRIOT WIGHWAYMAN. a — ; nd other Biscuit, Buns and T TEN CENT SONG BOOK, No. 1. This song Bo0k contains the very finest songs,—new and old. They slected with great care and taste, and will be found a delight- 1 come” for the Kitchen and Parlor. pO gigtegig tia a TEN CENT LETTER WRITER, nould pe.in every house. It is a complete guide to Letter Writing show- | ~plaitly how to write letters upon almost every imaginable subject, and ving numerous examples of Model Letters upon Love, Friendship, and siness, $0 that the most illiterate may easily learn how to compose an “fe tive and correct Epistle. i re + eee é TEN CENT COOK BOOK, Pastry Cook and Confectioner’s assistant, containing the most ap- i ved and choico Receipts for making all manner of Pastry, Pasties, E Puddings, Pies, Jellies, Blane-Manger, and Creams; also Bride kes, Savoy, Sponge, Almond, Ratafia and Rout Cakes, Macaroons, Rock ea Cakes. The best method of preserving fuit, and the art of Sugar Boiling, making Candy, Lozenges, Drops, Wwist, Carraway-Comfits, &e., &e., &e. = TEN CENT CATTLE DOCTOR, ‘Phis néat little Treatise gives a description of all the Diseases of Cattle, Jtth the best mode of preventing and curing them, No Farmer in the >untry should be without it. ee a ee TEN CENT HORSE DOCTOR, hows the best manner of keeping the Horse in health, and of curing mis after he bas become sick, It shows the best means of Training o ang Horses, and the proper Food that’ should be given them. price of all these bsoks Ten Cents, sent postpaid om receipt of price. ERWIN P. BRADLE & Co.” » ie 181 WILLIAM STREET, ¥. ¥. Far be i a the Mountains! ‘TRWIN P3 BEADLE 5 Ten Cent Novel No. 1. NOW READY. eo THY HUNTER: db didkdlta dbSt jah wid 4 on, Life on the Mountain and Prairle, BY CAPT. LATHAM C. CARLETON. This Story is written in the glorious old style of Cooper; indeed, one can scareely realize that he is not reading one of the incomparable Indian Tales of that great Novelist, when he is perusing this interesting and exci ~ ting Novel—‘ The Hunters.” “The anecdotes there related have reference © to the: niouritains and emis tes of the Far West, andthe scenes described are part of their history. "-The reader is introduced. to.the wild. customs pa and mode of-life among the American Indians,, Their ferocity in war, aid. ; ' their. cruct treatmentof their prisoners, are portrayed in a true and vivid — light, which is siordating than any thing in the realm. of fic’ tion, In i | contrast with this, we have the bold and daring character of the honest” t trapper fully Mustrated. “ No reader who ioves to tiabe the footprints of these aningonistic clase ; among nature’s mountains and forests, should deny themselves the plea. — sure of. reading “The TUNTERS; or, Life Among the: Mountains. and ‘Prairies,’ IRWIN -- BEADLE & CO., PUBLISHERS, f 137 WILLIAM ST., N. Xe