diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/66066-0.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/66066-0.txt | 4010 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 4010 deletions
diff --git a/old/66066-0.txt b/old/66066-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index d40ef31..0000000 --- a/old/66066-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4010 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Nat, The Trapper and Indian-Fighter, -by Paul J. Prescott - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Nat, The Trapper and Indian-Fighter - Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 41 - -Author: Paul J. Prescott - -Release Date: August 15, 2021 [eBook #66066] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online - Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - (Northern Illinois University Digital Library) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NAT, THE TRAPPER AND -INDIAN-FIGHTER *** - - - - - - NAT, THE TRAPPER - AND INDIAN-FIGHTER. - - - BY PAUL J. PRESCOTT. - - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, - 98 WILLIAM STREET. - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by - FRANK STARR & CO., - In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - - - - - CONTENTS - - - I. The Ledge 9 - II. A Wild Chase 15 - III. The Friend in Need 19 - IV. Lost Marion 26 - V. The Hole in the Hill 32 - VI. A Happy Meeting 41 - VII. Holed 49 - VIII. The Last Hope 60 - IX. Ho-Ho! and Away! 68 - X. An Unwelcome Visitor 73 - XI. The Last of Earth 78 - XII. Conclusion 82 - - - - - NAT, THE TRAPPER. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - THE LEDGE. - - -Toward noon of a pleasant June day, 18—, a man, mounted on a powerful -animal of the mustang breed, was riding slowly over the plain, some -distance south-east of the great South Pass. - -His appearance was striking. In hight he was rather more than six feet, -his legs and arms being long and lank in the extreme. His eyes were -small, gray and piercing, and remarkably deep-set; his face rather thin -and cadaverous, the lower part being covered with a scanty growth of -grizzled beard. Add to these not very handsome features a wide, though -good-natured looking mouth, and a nose of extraordinary length, and he -presented a startling, not to say ludicrous, appearance. - -He was dressed in a suit of dun-colored deer-skin; and a close-fitting -coon-skin cap, from which dangled the tail, covered his head. A long -rifle, which evidently had seen considerable service, rested across the -saddle-bow, and a large buckhorn-handled knife peeped from the folds of -his hunting-shirt. A powder-horn slung at one side, and a small tomahawk -stuck in his belt, completed his outfit. - -Such was the appearance of Nathan Rogers, well known throughout that -region as Wild Nat, trapper and Indian-fighter. - -As he rode slowly along, his eyes bent on the ground, a superficial -observer would have pronounced him in a deep reverie; but, from the -suspicious glance which he frequently threw about him, it was evident -that he was on the look-out for any danger that might be near. - -“Gittin’ purty near noon,” he said, at last, speaking aloud, as was his -habit when alone—“purty near noon, an’ I sw’ar I’m gittin’ e’ena’most -famished. I shall be a mere skileton, purty shortly, ef I don’t git a -leetle something in the provender line. Guess I’ll make fur thet clump -of timber, an’ brile a slice of antelope.” - -He raised himself in his stirrups, and swept the plain with swift, -piercing glances. - -“Nothin’ in sight,” he muttered, dropping to his seat. “Nary an Injun -tew be seen. Gittin’ mighty quiet, lately; hain’t seen one of the pesky -critters in a week. Git up, Rocky.” - -He turned his horse toward a small clump of trees about half a mile -distant, and rode rapidly forward. As he neared the grove, his former -appearance of carelessness gave place to one of intense watchfulness. -His keen gray eyes roved restlessly along the edge of the timber; his -movements were slow and wary—every motion being instinct with a caution -that long habit had made second nature. When at the edge of the grove, -he stopped to listen, rising once more in his stirrups to look about -him. - -“Nary livin’ thing here ’cept me an’ the squirrels,” he muttered, after -a protracted survey of the premises. “So, Rocky,” with a pat on his -horse’s head, “we’ll stop, an’ have a bite.” - -He slipped to the ground, unfastened the saddle-girth, and left the -horse to graze, and then, placing his rifle close at hand, built a fire -beside a fallen trunk, and proceeded to cut some slices of meat, a large -piece of which hung at his saddle-bow, and place them to broil on the -coals. - -He had nearly finished his repast, when he suddenly sprung to his feet, -grasped his rifle, and turned, in an attitude of defense, toward the -south. His quick ear had caught the sound of danger. - -He stood for some minutes, rifle in hand, peering into the green, -tangled woods before him, and listening intently. No sound met his ear -save the gentle rustling of the leaves overhead, and the occasional note -of some familiar wood-bird. - -“I don’t like this silence,” he muttered, glancing uneasily around. “I’m -sure that I heard suthin’, an’ silence in sich cases, ain’t a good -symptom.” - -He shifted his rifle to the other hand, and still keeping his eyes fixed -on the thicket before him, began moving that way, making a wide -_detour_, however, to accomplish his purpose. - -As he was creeping noiselessly forward, a slight sound met his ear, and -turning his head, he saw, above the top of a huge log, the -hideously-painted face of an Indian. Springing to his feet, he was about -to make a more decided movement, when a horrible chorus of yells filled -the air, and instantly, from every side, save directly behind him, -sprung a score of savages. - -“Gallinippers!” ejaculated the trapper, “here’s a scrimmage on hand.” - -He instantly raised his rifle and discharged both barrels into the -painted host that was rapidly rushing upon him, and then turning, darted -away, intending to reach his steed and make his escape. On reaching the -spot, closely followed by his pursuers, he discovered that his horse was -in the hands of a number of Indians, who had reached the place under -cover of the timber. - -He was now completely surrounded by the savages, who were pressing -forward, eager to capture him. To the right, left and rear were the -woods; before him the plain; on every side, the Indians. With a -comprehensive glance at the case, the trapper came to a halt, turned -toward the nearest of his foes, and swinging his rifle over his head, -with a yell that would have shamed a Comanche warrior’s best effort, -dashed forward. With one blow he felled a gigantic brave who stood -before him; another, and a second went down; and then, as the -panic-stricken rank broke, leaving a slight opening, he sprung through -and darted away to the right, closely followed by the Indians, yelling -at the top of their voices. - -On he ran, over fallen trees and under branches, and close behind came -his pursuers, straining every nerve to overtake him. So close were they, -that the fleeing hunter had no opportunity to look for danger ahead, and -before he was aware he ran directly into a small band of the enemy, who -were evidently lying in ambush. - -With shouts of triumph, the Indians gathered round, taunting him with -his coming fate. - -“The Long-knife shall die,” shouted a pompous chief, with a towering -head-dress of eagle-feathers. “He will kill no more braves.” - -“That remains tew be seen, ole smut-face,” retorted the trapper. “I -’spect ter hev the pleasure of scalpin’ ye yit.” - -The Indian glared at him with a look of ferocity and rage, which was -intensified by the cool, mocking smile with which the prisoner regarded -him. - -“What yer goin’ ter do with me?” asked Wild Nat, as he saw them -preparing to move. - -“Long-knife will see. He shall die,” was the reply. - -He was placed on a horse, his hands tied behind him, his feet lashed -together, and surrounded by his captors on every side. The Indians then -began moving away to the west. - -“Blast it all,” growled the trapper to himself, “this is a purty fix tew -be in. I’d like tew know how in thunder they got so clus ’ithout my -seein’ ’em. I know they wasn’t—hello! that explains it!” - -The incensed trapper gazed about in bewilderment. Directly on the left -was a narrow, swale-like hollow, which was completely concealed by the -tall grass of the plain, until directly upon it. - -“Thar’s whar ye skulked, is it, ole leather-chops?” he exclaimed. -“Thought ye’s smart, didn’t yer? I’d like tew snatch ye all bald-headed. - -“How in thunder did it happen that I never see that place afore?” he -continued to himself. “I sw’ar, I thought I’d tramped over every inch of -plain about here. No use in growlin’; but if I ever git away, I’ll bet -they’ll wish they’d died when they war young!” - -The Indians traveled steadily forward, and about the middle of the -afternoon, reached a high cliff in the Rocky Mountains, at the base of -which they halted, and began making some preparations that puzzled Wild -Nat considerably. He was not long kept in doubt as to their intentions. - -The cliff shot up perpendicularly, a distance of about ninety feet, -facing the east. The whole face was smooth, without niche or seam, with -the exception of one spot. This was a narrow, shelf-like ledge, about -thirty feet from the top, some three yards in length and about one in -breadth. - -As the trapper was looking at the precipice, with which he was quite -familiar, the pompous chief before mentioned accosted him: - -“Does Long-knife behold? The ledge shall be his grave! He will thirst, -but there will be no water; he will hunger, but there will be no food. -Below him, the birds will fly, the antelope will jump, and the buffalo -graze, but it will be nothing to him. Long-knife will not be able to -reach them!” - -Wild Nat looked at him, at first puzzled; but, as the full meaning of -his words broke upon him, his heart sunk. It would, indeed, be a fearful -death! - -But not to his captors would he show fear. - -“Kalkerlate tew set me up thar, eh?” he inquired, in so cool a tone that -the chief stared. “Be a splendid place to take a look at the country. -Guess I’ll make a map on’t while I’m thar.” - -“Long-knife sneers,” said the Indian. “He will soon see that the Wolf -speaks truth.” - -“How ye goin’ tew h’ist me up thar?” queried Wild Nat. - -“The Wolf has means,” replied the chief, walking away. - -The chiefs now gathered together and held a short council. At its close, -the trapper was taken from his horse and placed upon the ground, where -he was tied in such a manner as enabled him to stand upright. He was -then taken by several Indians and half-dragged, half-driven, up the -mountain to the brow of the cliff. - -Here, amidst the uproarious and triumphant shouts of his captors, a -stout rope of buffalo-hide was produced, and preparations made for -lowering the prisoner to the ledge. - -Wild Nat looked on with grim stoicism. Well he knew the uselessness of -expecting mercy at their hands. For years he had been a scourge among -them, and though several times a prisoner, he had always managed to make -his escape. His hatred of the Indians was intense; his vengeance -unfailing. - -After an uproarious tumult, the Wolf stepped forward and tied the -buffalo-skin rope about his own waist. His companions then lowered him -to the ledge, where he unfastened the rope, and it was drawn up. The -trapper was then taken up, his bonds tightened and the rope tied about -him, and, amid a hideous yelling, was swung off the cliff. - -He landed at last on the ledge where the Wolf stood waiting. He detached -the rope, and once more it was drawn up. The trapper’s weapons were next -lowered, and the Wolf placed the tomahawk and knife in the prisoner’s -belt and leaned the rifle against the rock, regarding him, meanwhile, -with a mocking smile. - -“Long-knife has his weapons,” he said; “he can shoot the antelope -beneath him.” - -“Blast ye, who cares?” retorted Wild Nat. “Think yer’ll tanterlize me, I -s’pose, leavin’ ’em here; but yer won’t.” - -“The Long-knife has killed his last warrior,” continued the Indian, -exultingly. “He will take no more scalps. Long-knife is conquered; his -carcass will be food for the vultures, and his bones will bleach in the -suns of a hundred years.” - -He fastened the rope about his waist, the trapper looking on in silence, -and mentally cursing his fate. - -“Ef I war only loose, I’d topple ye over,” he muttered. “I’ll bet thar -ain’t a bird livin’ thet would dirty his bill with ye, ef ye war dead -forty times.” - -The Wolf gave the signal, and was slowly drawn up. The Indians then went -to the plain below, where, in full view of the trapper, they executed -their war-dance, and exulted savagely for the space of an hour, at the -end of which time they mounted their horses and rode away. - -The trapper was alone. - -He watched them as they gradually disappeared in the gathering gloom, -and then looked at his narrow prison. What a place to meet death in! -What a fearful death, to die of starvation and thirst! But the trapper -had no weak spot in his nature and was not likely to give way to -despair. - -As soon as the Indians were fairly gone, he began trying to free -himself. In vain he struggled and writhed; the ligatures were too -securely fastened. Pausing, at last, from sheer exhaustion, he looked -about for means to accomplish his purpose. His hands were tied behind -him, so that the knife in his belt was wholly useless. As he speculated, -his eye chanced to rest on a single slender edge of rock, projecting -from the wall. To this he speedily wriggled himself, and though from the -extreme narrowness of the ledge, he was in danger of falling, he placed -his hands against it and drew the bonds back and forth across it, until -they snapped asunder. It required a great length of time to accomplish -this, but Wild Nat had no lack of patience, and he persevered. His hands -once free, it was only a moment’s work to cut the other bonds, and in a -short time he stood upon the ledge free, at least to move as far as its -narrow limits would permit. - -But that availed him little, comparatively. In that vast wilderness -there was scarcely a possibility of human aid, and he was powerless to -help himself. - -The narrow ledge was likely to prove his sepulcher. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - A WILD CHASE. - - -The sun was just visible above the burnished peaks of the Rocky -Mountains, and its slanting rays rested like a halo on the tops of the -trees forming a pleasant grove near the Sweetwater river. - -The river, meandering along between its verdant banks, shone and -sparkled like burnished silver, and rippled and chattered to itself, as -if it felt the exhilarating influence of the quiet breeze and pleasant -scene. - -In the edge of the grove above mentioned, an emigrant-train was -preparing its night-camp. The scene was a merry and exciting one. -Children ran laughing and shouting in every direction; groups of women -chatted in cheerful voices around fires, or strolled in couples under -the trees; men, in knots of two or three, laughed, jested, and told -“yarns;” here a boy was training a dog, and yonder a woman perched on a -wagon-tongue, with arms akimbo, and laughing, eager face, surrounded -with young girls, whose sudden bursts of shrill mirth woke the -slumbering echoes of the grove and river. - -A little apart from the busy scene stood two men, whom we wish more -particularly to introduce to the reader. - -The first was an intelligent, manly-looking fellow of about twenty-three -years. His cap covered a profusion of brown hair, brushed carelessly -back from his forehead, a slight mustache covered his upper lip, and -half-shaded his firm, frank mouth. - -For the past few minutes, he had been intently watching a small moving -speck away to the west, and now, turning his fine gray eyes upon his -companion, he called his attention to the same. - -The man turned about, and drawing his form to its full hight, took a -sweeping view of the valley. As he stood thus, he presented a splendid -picture of a free trapper. - -Medium-sized, with square shoulders, straight as a young pine and as -lithe, he was evidently a full match for any one. His fringed frock of -untanned buck-skin was belted tightly about his waist, in which stuck a -buckhorn-handled knife, and a small, handsomely-finished tomahawk. A -powder-horn and a six-shooter hung at his side, and he carried a long -rifle, that had evidently seen considerable service. - -After a moment’s keen scrutiny, he turned to the young man, with a broad -grin illuminating his rough features, and said: - -“That’s a small herd of buffler. They’re comin’ this way, an’ we’ll have -a few shots at ’em. Not much time tew be lost, either. Let’s tew horse!” - -The word spread through camp like wildfire, and long before the -stampeded herd came near, the men were mounted and ready for them. -Hearing the unusual noise throughout the camp, a couple of girls came -hurriedly from the edge of the grove, where they had been strolling -around, with faces full of alarm and apprehension. - -The tallest one, a pretty, slender maid, with dark eyes and floating -black curls, whose name was Marion Verne, ran up to the old trapper -before mentioned, and exclaimed: - -“What is the matter, Vic? Have the Indians come?” - -“Nary an Injun,” replied Vic Potter, springing into his saddle; “only a -herd of buffler. We’re goin’ to have a few shots at ’em. Ready, Kent?” - -The young man replied in the affirmative, and as the herd was yet some -distance off, he walked his horse to the trapper’s side, and stood -talking with him and Marion Verne. - -The herd came on grandly. It numbered only three or four hundred, and -was passing to the right of the camp, at the distance of half a mile. As -the first of the herd came opposite, Vic Potter gave the signal, and the -half-dozen mounted men dashed toward them. - -There was no evidence in the herd that they were seen or noticed until -they were very close, when some agitation in the outskirts, and running -to and fro, showed they were discovered. - -The hunters rode steadily abreast until within about twenty-five yards -of the herd, when they separated and broke into it. - -Vic Potter selected a large cow, and brought her down at the first shot. -Leaving her, he dashed after an old bull, which showed symptoms of -fight, and charged his horse several times. He succeeded, after -considerable trouble and several shots, in bringing him to the ground. - -Meantime the herd had passed on, leaving an immense cloud of dust, and -the hunters were preparing to cut up such of the game as they desired. -Vic Potter tied his horse to the horns of the cow he had secured, and -then looked around for his companions. All were near except Wayne Kent. -The trapper raised himself and gazed earnestly down the valley. - -Far away toward the south-east he descried a small, moving object. One -whose eyes were less keen would never have seen it. The trapper shook -his head at the sight. - -“The boy’s chasin’ a buffler, an’ he’s lettin’ his excitement run away -with his reason. Don’t he see thet the sun is down, an’ he’s plump tew -miles from camp, an’ goin’ like mad? He’s a new hand on the plains, an’ -don’t know nothin’ about Injun ways. Like as not they’ll gobble him up.” - -Muttering away, the hunter continued to watch the fast-receding figure, -until distance, and the fast-gathering dusk, hid it from view. - -Then, after securing the choicest portions of the cow, he returned with -the others to the camp. - -“Where is Kent?” was the question that greeted them on their arrival. - -“He’s off chasin’ a buffler, an’ I’m thinkin’ he’ll git inter trouble, -tew,” replied Potter, throwing down his load. It was now dark, and -considerable anxiety was felt for the young man. Among the ones most -interested was Marion Verne, though she said nothing, and was, to all -appearances, indifferent as to whether Wayne Kent was there or in Nova -Zembla. Such is the hypocrisy of the fair! - -Meanwhile, the dashing young hunter _was_ getting into trouble. - -He had singled out a huge bull, on entering the chase, and fired several -shots at him. But the animal seemed possessed of a charmed life, and led -him a wild chase. - -Excited by the sport, and eager to bring the noble animal down, he -followed him until the rapidly-gathering darkness warned him to stop. -Relinquishing his pursuit with reluctance, he pulled up his horse, and -stopped to look about him. - -To his utter dismay, he found himself completely out of sight of camp, -and, as the sun was down, he was without a guide. He did not stop to -consider long, as it was already so dark that objects were -distinguishable only at a short distance, but headed his horse in the -direction he supposed the camp to be, and pushed forward rapidly. - -The night proved to be a dark, cloudy one, so that he was without the -stars for a guide, and utterly at a loss. He wandered about, searching -vainly for the welcome light of the emigrant camp-fires, until nearly -morning, when, wearied with the unavailing search, he threw himself on -the ground, and securing his horse to a tree near, soon fell asleep. - -He had slept about an hour, he judged, when he was awakened suddenly, in -that strange way that probably every one has experienced at some period -during his life, namely, that of feeling as if there was some one -present, though he heard nothing. Listening attentively, he soon heard -the low whinny of his horse. Raising himself to a sitting posture, he -listened again, and soon it was repeated, this time lower than before. -Rising silently, he went to the horse, and putting his hand on his neck, -whispered: - -“What is the matter, Bayard? Danger?” - -The animal replied with an inaudible whinny, then erected his head, and -appeared to be listening intently. Following his example, the young man -soon heard the sound of voices at some little distance off and, after -assuring himself that they were coming no closer, he whispered to the -horse to “be quiet,” and glided away in the darkness. - -Proceeding noiselessly, and following the sound, he soon saw a sight -that made him start. Gathered around a smoldering fire, that flickered -faintly on their painted faces, were some twenty-five Indians! - -Our hero only waited a moment to count their number, and then left the -vicinity as noiselessly as he had come. Proceeding at once to his horse, -he untied and mounted him, and was soon once more on the move. He did -not know which way he was going, only that it was away from his -unpleasant neighbors, who, fortunately for him, had not suspected his -presence. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - THE FRIEND IN NEED. - - -“Blarst thar durned painted hides! I wish they’d shot an’ skulped me, -’fore they left me in sich a trap as this. Been here tew nights an’ one -day, an’ am like tew be here, an’ make this my last restin’-place. I war -a fool for ever fallin’ inter ther clutches.” - -It was now the morning of the second day of Wild Nat’s enforced rest, -and he paced restlessly up and down the narrow limits of his prison, or -paused to gaze over the valley below. Frequently a bird skimmed beneath -him, or wheeled close to his niche, and then away, as free as the air. - -“Ef I only had you,” he muttered, watching one of those fleet-winged -creatures skimming airily beneath him, “I believe I could eat you, -feathers an’ all! Blarst the reds, anyhow! S’pose they thought ef they -left me my weepons, it would aggravate me, seein’ I couldn’t use ’em. -Wish they’d left me some ammunition. It wouldn’t done me any good, -though; if I shot forty birds, I couldn’t git ’em.” - -The pleasant June day wore on. Below in the valley the birds flitted -from tree to tree, and squirrels ran chattering over the fallen trunks, -or chased each other up and down the cottonwoods, and once a herd of -buffalo went tearing down the further corner of the valley, and -disappeared behind the woods beyond. - -Still scorched by the sun, and pierced with the pangs of hunger, the -trapper paced up and down his narrow beat, occasionally pausing and -talking to himself. So the time passed until noon, and the tired hunter -gave a glance at the sun, muttering: - -“Noon again. I’ve a notion to jump down. But I might as well die here, -as tew die jumpin’ off, an’ die I shall, for all I see. Cuss ’em, -anyhow! If ever I git out, I’ll make ’em wish they’d killed me on the -spot. But thar’s no use talkin’ ’bout gittin’ out. ’Way off in this -wilderness, folks ain’t comin’ ’long every day, an’ I’m dished, that’s -sartain. I never s’posed I war goin’ tew die like a rat in a trap, -an’—waugh!” - -The trapper paused abruptly, and strained his eyes to see some object -afar in the distance, that had attracted his attention. After watching -it a moment, he muttered: - -“It’s _somebody_, thet’s a fact. Like as not, an Indian.” - -He continued watching him eagerly for a few minutes longer, and then -ejaculated: - -“Beavers! it’s a white man! Whoop! If he war only comin’ this way, or -rather, if he war only comin’ here, for he’s got his nose p’inted in -this direction; but it’s noways likely he’ll come near enough for me tew -holler tew him. If my gun war only loaded!” - -He stood in silence, watching the approaching object—which was now -plainly visible as a man on horseback—for some time, and then a shadow -crossed his face, as the rider turned his horse in an opposite -direction. - -“Hel-lo-o!” shouted the trapper. “’Tain’t likely he can hear so fur off, -but I’ll try anyhow. Hel-lo-o!” - -The equestrian passed on without seeming to hear. - -“Whoop!” screamed Wild Nat, making every sound the human voice can -compass. “Who-o-o-p! Hel-l-l-oo!” - -The stranger seemed to hear, for he stopped to listen. - -“Hello! _Whoop!_ Hel-l-loo!” yelled the trapper, growing black in the -face with his efforts. “He hears!” he ejaculated, joyfully, as the -stranger turned toward him. “He hears, an’ I’m out of this trap!” - -The stranger approached to within a few hundred yards of the cliff, and -then, not being able to see any one, shouted. - -“Up here,” answered Wild Nat. “I’m dished, an’ would like yer -distinguished consideration on the best way tew git out.” - -The stranger looked up, and after taking a somewhat protracted view of -the situation, called out: - -“Well, you _are_ in a not over-pleasant place. Been there long?” - -“Ever since the night before last,” returned Nathan. “Can ye lend a -feller a helpin’ paw?” - -“Certainly,” replied the other, heartily; “but how is it to be done? -Some sort of a rope is needed.” - -“Sartin,” responded the trapper. “Must have one. Don’t scarcely think ye -can step up here, nor I can’t step down. Ye can git a rope an’ let it -down from above.” - -“But the rope?” said the other. “If I had an ax I could peel some bark, -and make one of that; but—” - -“I’ve got one,” interrupted the trapper. “Thar it comes!” - -The stranger took the hatchet, and tethering his horse, fell to work -with a will. It was a long task, however, and the sun was not far above -the mountain-tops when the rope was of sufficient length and stoutness -for the purpose required. - -“It’s done,” called out the laborer. “Half an hour longer, and you will -be a free man. It will be no small task to climb the mountain.” - -He took a survey of the cliff, and then, going several hundred yards to -the right, began the ascent. It was a tortuous winding, rocky way, and -it was some time before he arrived, panting and somewhat exhausted, at -the top. - -Securing the rope firmly, he let it down. - -“Is it long enough?” he called down. - -“Plenty. Touches the ground. Hurrah!” - -The trapper, lashing his rifle to his back, grasped the rope, and -steadying himself, slid slowly to the ground, where he arrived -considerably sooner than the stranger, and stood rubbing his nearly -blistered hands when his deliverer appeared. - -“All right!” he exclaimed, with a nod, and giving his suspenders a -hitch, took a stride forward and extended his hand. - -“Give us yer paw. Ye’ve got me out of a rather nice sitoation, an’ I’m -corrasponden’ly grateful. What mought yer name be, stranger?” - -“Wayne Kent,” responded the other; “what’s yours?” - -“Nathan Rogers, more commonly called Wild Nat,” replied the trapper; -“maybe ye’ve heard of me.” - -“I have,” replied Kent, “and am glad to be able to offer you assistance. -You look tired.” - -“Tired! Stranger, I don’t know the meanin’ of the word when I can git -any thing tew eat; but, jist at present, I hain’t hed a toothful in -three days. I’m holler clean tew my boot-heels. Got any thing eatable?” - -“Yes; I have a piece of buffalo-hump. I shot one this morning,” replied -Wayne, disengaging the meat from his saddle, and preparing to cook it. - -A fire was soon kindled beside a log, and the meat stewing and -sputtering on a stick beside it. The hungry trapper watched it eagerly, -and when done, lost no time in disposing of a considerable piece of it. - -“Thet was good,” he ejaculated, wiping his mouth; “an’ now, as it’s -’bout sundown, I guess we’d better be lookin’ ’round for night-quarters, -’specially as we’re in pretty open ground, an’ thar may be red-skins -about. That grove, half a mile off, is a good place. What ye say?” - -“I think we had better go there,” responded Wayne. “I wish I could find -my friends.” - -“Yer friends?” said the trapper, inquiringly. “I hain’t asked ye how ye -come tew be pokin’ round here alone. How was it? Ye ain’t trappin’ -alone?” - -Kent then went on to relate his adventures, and when he was done, the -trapper remarked: - -“Wal, they are not fur from the South Pass, by this time. As I hain’t -got nothin’ tew dew, an’ no hoss, I don’t mind goin’ with ye to ’em. We -can stay here till airly to-morrow mornin’, an’ then we can push on an’ -overtake ’em. Can’t really say that I can ’preciate this trampin’ ’round -on foot. I’ll pay them Injuns for takin’ my horse an’ puttin’ me in thet -trap. They’ll wish they’d died when they war young.” - -Kent laughed at the trapper’s earnest manner and emphatic nods, and -said: - -“I don’t blame you for feeling rather hard toward them about it. It -would have been a fearful death, to die of starvation and thirst.” - -The trapper’s face contracted. - -“I’ve had more cause than thet tew feel hard toward the red brutes. I -owe ’em a debt, an’ for ten years I’ve been makin’ payments on it, an’ -hain’t _begun_ yit.” - -The grove was soon reached, and selecting a suitable spot, the men -prepared to encamp for the night. - -About nine o’clock a storm came up; the thunder rolled and the -lightnings flashed vividly. Torrents of rain came down, and the wind -rocked the trees fearfully, sometimes breaking off a limb, and hurling -it down in close proximity to our friends, who experienced some -discomfort and inconvenience from the raging elements, being without -blankets, and obliged to endure the soaking rain. - -The storm was of short duration. In an hour the rain had ceased, and a -few faint stars struggled through the broken clouds, looking, to the -young man’s sleepy vision, as the wind-stirred boughs alternately hid -and revealed them, like so many erratic fire-flies, that danced and -gamboled among the swaying leaves; but even these were finally lost in -slumber. - -The morning broke clear and shining. Kent was awakened by a rough shake, -and the voice of Nat telling him, “it war time they war trampin’.” - -Starting up, he saw that it was full daybreak. Rubbing his eyes, he -arose and obeyed the trapper’s advice to have “a toothful of -buffler-hump,” which he already had cooked. - -After eating their breakfast, they started toward the South Pass, Wild -Nat saying that the emigrants would probably be there, or near there, so -they could find them by night. - -“If you only had a horse, we could travel much faster,” said Kent, as he -mounted. “As it is, we will have to change occasionally.” - -“I kin keep up with ye, as fast as ye’ll care tew go,” replied the -trapper, striding away. - -And he did. His immense strides were laughably grotesque, and his -appearance, as his tall, lank figure glided over the ground, was -ludicrous in the extreme. - -Changing occasionally to take turns in walking, and stopping only long -enough for dinner, sundown found them in a small wood near the -emigrant-trail, and not far east of the pass. - -“If they have gone ahead of us, it will be unfortunate,” said Kent, as -they wound along through the woods. - -“They hain’t,” said Wild Nat, clambering over a huge log, rather than go -round it, as Kent was forced to do, being mounted. “From whar ye said -they war when ye left ’em, they hain’t more’n got here. Emigrants must -allers camp in these woods, ef they git along here anywhar near night, -’cause, ye see, they couldn’t git through the pass by night. No danger -but what we’ll find ’em.” - -“I dare say they will be surprised to see me, as no doubt they have -given me up for lost,” said Kent, his thoughts reverting to Marion -Verne, and wondering if she would sorrow if she should never see him -again. - -“Don’t doubt it,” said Nat. “I rather think— Hark, what’s that?” - -Both men stopped and listened attentively. The sun was down, and the -forest beginning to grow shadowy. At first they could hear nothing, and -then suddenly a slight crashing of brush at a little distance drew their -attention. For a moment all was still; then they heard the noise again, -this time accompanied with the sound of footsteps, which rapidly -approached, and, in another minute, an unmistakable son of Ham, of the -darkest type, came in view, tearing along at a two-forty pace, oblivious -of them and every thing else, apparently, and muttering away to his -familiar spirit, in the very extremity of fear. - -“Hello, thar!” shouted Nat, “whar are ye precipitatin’ yerself tew, at -thet rate?” - -The darkey never looked up, only muttered something unintelligible, and, -if possible, increased his gait. - -“Hold on, I say,” cried the trapper; “what on airth are ye locomotin’ so -fast for? Jest stop a bit!” - -Seeing that the negro made no motion toward halting, the trapper, with a -bound, cleared the distance between them, and grasped him by the collar. - -“What’s the matter? What ye runnin’ so for? Ye needn’t be so all-fired -scart; I ain’t an Injun, but a full blooded white man, an’ a hansum one, -at thet. Jist down brakes, an’ ease up a leetle on yer speed!” - -“Hol—hold on, sah—I mean, let go!” roared the darkey. “Dar’s more’n ten -hundred Injuns back yender, an’ dis chile hain’t any notion to lose his -sculp. It’s de solemn fac’, sah. O-o-h! dar’s one ob de ’fernal cussess -now, an’ dis chile am a goner!” he cried, catching sight of Kent, who -was laughing till he could hardly keep his saddle. - -“Nonsense, Scip,” said the young man, as soon as he could speak, “don’t -you know me?” - -The darkey straightened himself up, and rolling his eyes toward Kent -with a laughable look of relief, in which terror yet had a prominent -part, ejaculated: - -“Am it reely you, sah? Laws, I thort you was an Injun. Anyhow, sah, dar -is lots of ’em behind. Mass’r Vic is dar, an’ I hain’t no sort o’ doubt -but what he’s dewoured long ’go. Hi, dar dey comes!” and the frightened -African made a frantic plunge, as the sound of footsteps was heard -approaching. - -The trapper held him fast, and in an instant Vic Potter strode into the -opening. Seeing Kent, he stopped at once, his face expressive of his -glad surprise. - -“Hello, my boy! I’m mighty glad tew see ye. I war ’beout sartin that the -Injuns had done for ye. If yer comrad’ thar— Varmints! Is that yer, -Nathan Rogers?” - -“Wal, I reckon it _are_,” replied Nat, loosening his hold of the darkey, -and advancing with a broad grin; “an’ ef that ain’t Vic Potter, then -skin me for a grizzly! How are ye?” - -“Hearty,” replied Vic, grasping the extended hand; “did ye ever know Vic -tew be any thing else? How do ye come on, arter three years?” - -“Smilin’ as a May mornin’,” replied Nat. “What was it scart this fellar -out of his seven senses? Injuns?” - -“Wal,” said Vic, “I’ve a notion thar’s some ’bout, an’ has been for -sev’ral days; but we didn’t see any thing only some tracks; an’ that, on -top of a raisin’-ha’r story I’ve jist been gittin’ off, started him. -Varmints! but he measured sile without wastin’ time!” - -“I should rather think he did,” said Wild Nat, laughing. “Whar’s yer -camp?” - -“’Bout forty rods off,” was the reply; “let’s turn toes that way. Jist -’tween us, now, I shouldn’t wonder if we had a scrimmage ’fore mornin’. -_They’re round._” - -“Seen any, Vic?” asked Kent. - -“No hain’t _seen_ any, but I’ve seen signs, which are all the same. I -told the train they’d better be cautious, an’ not wander off fur, an’ -keep track of the young ones. They are not fur off, an’ I know it.” - -“I shouldn’t wonder ef it war the same ones thet sarved me thet -ongentlemanly trick,” said Nat. “Ef it are, an’ I git at ’em, they’ll -wish they’d not made my acquaintance.” - -“Hark!” - -It was the wild, piercing scream of a female, for help, and sounded in -the direction of the emigrant-camp. - -Twice it was repeated—each time more wild and despairing than before; -then all was still. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - LOST MARION. - - -“Injuns thar! Come on, boys!” cried Nat, as he dashed away at the top of -his speed. - -Vic and Kent followed, leaving the quaking Scip behind, and soon arrived -at the edge of the wood, in view of the emigrants, who were running -hither and thither in the wildest confusion and alarm. - -A group of girls stood near, crying hysterically. - -“What’s up?” cried Wild Nat, bounding into the center of the confused -camp. - -“The Indians have carried off Marion!” sobbed one of the girls, while -the others huddled together with frightened faces, and fearful glances -toward the darkening woods. - -“How?” “When?” “Where?” were questions asked, simultaneously, by the -excited men, who at length drew from the frightened girls the following -facts: - -Marion Verne, in company with half a dozen other girls, had been -strolling about in the grove, and tempted by the beauty of the scene, -and the lovely and varied flowers that constantly met their view, they -had wandered further into the woods than they had intended, or thought -they were doing. - -Noticing at last, that it was growing dusk, they turned to retrace their -steps, when a small band of savages sprung from the bushes, and seizing -Marion, who was a little in the rear of the others, disappeared in the -woods before the poor girl could hardly comprehend her fearful -situation. The other girls ran crying in the direction of camp, and had -only just arrived there when the men came up. - -It was now deep darkness, and for a moment every one stood irresolute, -trying to think what to do. Wild Nat was the first to speak: - -“It never’ll dew tew stan’ here an’ think about it,” were his first -words. “While we’re thinkin’, the reds are actin’, an’ ef we stan’ here -idle long, we’ll run a good chance to be in the gal’s place.” - -“Fact,” said Vic Potter; “tharfore, fix yerselves tew welcome the -painted devils.” - -For a while the emigrants worked with a will, and half an hour later -every thing was in the best possible shape for defense. - -Guards were stationed every few rods, on every side, and Wild Nat took -his stand on the side from which the most danger was apprehended. - -Vic occupied his time in standing sentinel, and occasionally taking the -rounds of the camp, to see that every man was in his place, and every -thing as it should be. But the long night wore wearily away, and the -morning dawn came, showing the wide prairie and woodland, from which the -light was fast dispelling the shadows, but no signs of the dreaded -enemy. - -“It’s about as well for _them_ thet they didn’t tackle us,” said Wild -Nat. - -“It’s about as well for _us_, I guess,” said one of the men. “We are -only sixty, all told, and there is no doubt hundreds of the Indians.” - -“Wal,” said Nat, shutting one eye and aiming a tobacco-spit directly at -the tip of a small dog’s tail, “it’s jist as well for _them_, anyhow, -for thar’d be ’bout two dozen less ‘live an’ kickin’, at this present -speakin’, on _my_ account merely.” - -“Do you think you could dispatch that number in _one_ fight?” asked -Kent, smiling at the trapper’s remark. - -“I’m equal to an indefinite an’ unkalkulated number of ’em,” responded -the trapper, “an’ answer in the place of meat-vittals an’ drink to ’em. -I kalkerlate,” he added, squinting along his rifle-barrel, and waiting -to draw a fine sight on a large eagle overhead—“I kalkerlate thet I save -about five hundred bufflers every year by removin’ thar nateral enemies, -which ain’t qualified, so to say, to live on any thing but buffler, an’ -what they git for the hides. Thet eagle’s tew fur off tew shoot, ain’t -he?” - -“Laws!” said Scip, who stood near, listening in wonder to the trapper’s -words, “did ye ever kill enny Injuns, sah?” - -The trapper turned, and drawing his tall, ungainly form to its full -hight, gazed on the negro in dead silence for a few moments, evidently -too much astonished to speak, at this exhibition of ignorance and -apparent incredulity. - -“Africa,” he said, solemnly, after an impressive pause, “did ye ever eat -any pertaters?” - -“Reckon I hab,” said Scip, with a broad grin, “’bout forty bushels a -year.” - -“Wal,” continued the trapper, planting his rifle down solemnly, and -gesticulating with his left hand, “I reckon thet for every pertater ye -eat, I hev knocked down, tipped over, dragged out, sculped, mewtilated, -an’ otherwise disfiggered, one dozen Injuns. An’ I’m good for as menny -more.” - -During this address, Scip stood listening, with the grin on his black -face gradually expanding, until, as Vic told him, his “mouth war in -danger of runnin’ inter his ears,” and when the trapper finished -speaking, he stood silent for a moment, evidently thinking how to -express an opinion without giving offense. At last he broke out with: - -“Sah, am dar any Injuns left?” - -“Plenty of them,” responded Nathan; “they’re thicker’n skeeters in -August.” - -“Wal, den,” said Scip, after a moment, “I don’t b’lieve ye ever killed a -dozen for every tater I eat. What did ye do wid dar sculps, jest tell -dis chile dat, will ye?” - -Vic came up before the trapper had time to reply, and called him away to -participate in a council, the result of which was that the train lay by, -while twelve of the best men, led by Wild Nat, were to take the trail. -After considerable trouble this was found, and traced for about thirty -rods, where the captors had evidently joined a party of nearly or quite -two hundred. From there the trail was so cleverly covered that when, -after going a short distance, it struck a sandy tract, only partially -grassed, it broke into three sections, thus baffling pursuit for a -rescue. - -The men returned to camp, when it was decided that pursuit was simply -impossible; and with gloomy forebodings and sad hearts, the -emigrant-train prepared to move on. During these preparations, Wayne -Kent stood a little apart in silence, his usually bright, frank face -overclouded and troubled. - -Wild Nat stood near, watching the breaking up of the camp, one elbow -leaning on the saddle that covered the back of a large mustang, which he -had procured from the train, and the other hand holding “Roarer,” as he -termed his rifle. - -When every thing was ready, Vic shook hands with Wild Nat, saying: - -“As I didn’t engage tew guide the train only jist through the pass, I -dare say ye’ll see my ugly picter some time in the course of a month. -I’m kalkerlatin’ ter trap up this way somewhar.” - -“Come up on Deep Creek an’ ye’ll find me,” said Wild Nat; “the beaver is -so thick thar, thet they cover the ground, an’ thar tails lap by a -piece. I’m bound for thar, at this present speakin’.” - -“Will you take me along for company, Nat?” asked Kent, suddenly. “If you -want a companion, I will act in that capacity. I have some curiosity to -try a trapper’s life.” - -“Take ye along?” said the trapper. “In course! Yer as welcum as the -posies, my boy, an’ I hain’t enny kind o’ doubt but what, in _time_, -ye’ll git tew know a thing or two about Injuns. All ready tew go?” - -“Yes,” was the response; “all ready, and waiting.” - -Bidding the emigrants good-by, the two men rode away, and were soon out -of sight of the long train of white wagons left behind. For some time -Kent was silent and thoughtful. He was thinking of Marion Verne, and -wondering what her fate was. A desire to find, or at least be near her, -had led him to stay with Wild Nat, rather than any great love for -trapping, though it was curiosity to try life in the wilderness that led -him to leave his home in Ohio and join the train. It was there he first -saw Marion Verne, an orphan, who, in company with one of her mother’s -sisters, was going to California. His musings were suddenly brought to -an end by Wild Nat exclaiming: - -“Thar’s suthin’ off yender. It’s Injuns tew, but they don’t see us. I’ll -snatch ’em bald-headed if they cum close enough.” - -“The party appears to be a very small one,” said Kent, rising in his -stirrups to look at the distant object, which was so far off as to look -to him like an indistinct mass, which might be buffalo, or Indians, or -whites, though Wild Nat declared it was a party of seven Indians. - -“My eyes are purty considerable sharp,” he said, in answer to Kent’s -wondering remark, concerning the keenness of his vision. “In fact, I -never yit saw the man who could see as fur as I could. Them Injuns are -goin’ off north. I’d like tew have a chance to sp’ile sev’ral of thar -purty picters. Blarst thar karkasses, anyhow!” - -“Nat,” said Kent, suddenly, “what makes you feel so bitter a hatred of -the Indians?” - -“Beavers!” ejaculated the trapper, “I should think I’d hed _reason_. -Younker, ten year ago I hed a little cabin an’ a wife an’ tew children. -I war livin’ peaceably an’ mindin’ my own consarns. One night a band of -Injuns come, took me prisoner, an’ butchered my wife an’ children afore -my very eyes. Then they burnt my cabin, an’ took me off for torture. I -got away the second night, an’ left seven dead red-skins as part pay. -Since then, I’ve been an Injun-hater, an’ I’ll lift the head-gear off of -every red devil thet I cum acrost.” - -The trapper relapsed into silence, and spoke no more until they came -upon several buffalo, feeding at some distance from the main herd. One -of these the old trapper shot, and, after securing a considerable -quantity of the meat, they again rode on, and sunset found them near -Deep Creek, a small stream that had its source in the mountains, and -after making a winding course for many miles, was finally lost in the -Sweetwater river. - -Wild Nat halted at a little distance from the stream, among a thick -growth of timber. - -“Guess we’ll stop here. Tie yer hoss an’ I’ll show ye my den. This ar’ -’bout as nice scenery as ye generally find. This stream hurryin’ along -over the stuns, an’ the woods here, an’ the mount’ins up thar—I can’t -see how any one can like the towns. Give _me_ the wild peraries, an’ the -woods, an’ mount’ins, an’ git away with yer towns an’ cities! Here, -foller me.” - -The two men turned back from the stream, and pursued a narrow, deep -ravine, extending back toward the mountains that towered above them; the -sides of which were covered with luxuriant bushes and wild vines tangled -about them, often forming impenetrable thickets. - -Among these the men advanced, the trapper leading the way, and neither -of them aware of the dark face that looked after them from a thicket of -bushes, nor the pair of malignant eyes that followed their movements -with such keen scrutiny. - -The trapper continued up the ravine the distance of ten rods, and then -thrusting aside the thick vines from one side, removed a large stone, -revealing a small, dark opening. Into this he crept, hastily calling -Kent to follow. The young man obeyed, and in an instant the stone slid -into its place, and the twisted vines, relieved of its support, fell -down over it, effectually concealing all trace of the opening. - -A moment after, the bushes, a few yards off, parted slowly, and the -dusky face became visible. For many minutes the glittering eyes gazed -about, and then a look of disappointment succeeded the previous one of -triumph. After remaining in silence for a short time, the savage -cautiously ventured forth. He had lost sight of the men and was trying -to regain the lost clue. Stepping carefully forward, he bent down and -earnestly examined the ground. But he was foiled; the ground betrayed no -print of footsteps. After searching vainly for some time, the baffled -Indian turned and strode away, shaking his tomahawk in futile rage at -the silent covert behind him. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - THE HOLE IN THE HILL. - - -“Total darkness down here, isn’t there?” said Kent, putting out his hand -to see how wide the passage was, and finding hard walls within a foot of -where he stood. - -“Yas,” answered Wild Nat; “but thet’s nothin’. Foller yer nose, an’ I’ll -foller you.” - -The young man cautiously advanced, feeling his way, and after going some -ten paces, suddenly emerged into a cavern—how large it was impossible to -tell, owing to the darkness. It was evident, however, that there was -somewhere a communication with the outer world, as the air was not -stifling or mephitic, as usual in caves, but quite fresh and agreeable. - -“Do we stop here?” asked Kent. - -“Yas; I’ll have a light in about a minnit,” replied the trapper, groping -about in search of some torchwood, which he soon found and lighted, -revealing the size of the cave. It was a small, oval-shaped room, not -more than sixteen feet in length, and proportionately narrow. On two -sides there was a small recess, beyond which were several openings or -chambers communicating with each other by rugged passages, some of which -were several rods in length—mere rifts in the rock. - -Kent amused himself with looking at the different rooms, while the -trapper built a small fire, and went out to take the horses to a more -secure place. In one of the chambers adjoining the first cavern was a -small pool of clear, cold water on one side, evidently a living spring, -for the water ran bubbling over the stones, disappearing on the other -side of the cave. The curious Kent followed the passages from one cave -to another until he had passed five, and then came to a large hall or -room, with which the cavern terminated. After examining these several -subterranean wonders as well as the dim light would permit, the explorer -returned to the outer room, and sat down to await Wild Nat’s return. - -It was some time before the trapper returned, and when he made his -appearance his usually long face was considerably elongated. - -“What is the matter?” asked his companion, noticing the hunter’s looks. - -“Wal, sir,” said Wild Nat, “jist tew tell the truth in plain langwage, -kalkulated for everybody’s understandin’, thar’s an Injun been doggin’ -our steps. Gallernippers an’ centerpedes! I’d like to scratch his bald -head!” - -Kent smiled, despite his anxiety, at the trapper’s manner, and said: - -“Dogging our steps, eh? How did you find it out?” - -“Found out by virtew of my opptickles, in course! When I went out I see -sign plenty—broken twigs an’ misplaced bushes thet I knew dogoned well -we didn’t dew, an’ then I perceeded tew look about a little, an’ on -lookin’ about I see the catapiller’s tracks. Yes, I did.” - -“Do you think he saw us come in here?” asked Kent. - -“Can’t say,” replied Nat. “Might or mightn’t ag’in. I’m sumwhat afeard -he did. But, ef he did, an’ I git a chance at him, I’ll bet a holler -cottonwood full of beaver-tails thet he’ll wish he’d died afore he saw -me.” - -“What will be the consequence if he has seen us?” - -“Be down on us with a whole tribe, like bagpipes and wolf-preachin’; but -I’m not goin’ tew leave this place jist yet, till I see. When I pre-empt -a spot, I generally squat thar for sum time, as I shell on this present -occasion, ef nothin’ turns up wuss’n a red nigger’s moccasin. Let’s have -a little grub. I’m ’ginnin’ tew feel empty as an old sugar-cask.” - -Seizing the piece of broiled meat, the trapper tore it in twain and -tossed his companion half. This being discussed, ere long they relapsed -into slumber. - -The next morning the two men were out early, setting traps. - -“We’d better keep our opptickles peeled,” said Nat, “or we might git -sick with lead pills on the stomach. I persume tew say thet thar’s -copper-skins ’round. Jist toss me over thet hatchet, will ye?” - -When the traps were set, both men proceeded up the stream. As they were -passing through a small open spot, they were suddenly surprised by half -a dozen Indians, who rushed out at them from the bushes. - -“Yahoo!” shouted Wild Nat. “Here’s for a scrimmage. Come on, ye -yaller-skinned alligators. I’m ekal tew any ten of ye!” and drawing his -bowie-knife with his right hand, and his revolver with his left, he -plunged at them, striking right and left, and firing at the same time. - -Wayne, meantime, was not idle. With his rifle he brought down one of the -savages, and then, as the other barrel was empty, he clubbed it, and -swinging it about his head dealt blows right and left with terrible -fury. - -In a moment half the Indians were down, and the remainder, surprised and -bewildered by the decision and effect with which they were met, when -they had counted on a complete surprise, took to their heels and -vanished in a twinkling. - -“Purty well done,” said the trapper, coolly. “We’ve unkivered four -greasy nobs, an’ the rest, residew, an’ remainder has measured sile. He! -he! I guess they thought the climate warn’t healthy—not adapted to thar -peculiar constitutions, so tew speak. Let’s lift ha’r.” - -“Heavens!” ejaculated Kent, “you are not going to scalp them?” - -“I consider I _be_!” returned the trapper. “Wild Nat Rogers ain’t the -feller tew let ’em off with thar top-knots unmerlested. Kinder mortifies -’em, ye see, tew hev thar ha’r lifted, an’ any thin’ to morterfy a red -nigger, I say.” - -“Only the savages practice that barbarity,” said Kent. “Why are you -better than they if you follow their customs?” - -“By virtew of bein’ born a white man,” replied the trapper, proceeding -to remove the scalps of the fallen foe, while his companion went aside, -not caring to witness the operation. - -The scalps the hunter carried to the cave, where he hung them up as -“trophies,” he said, “an’ ter remind him of the scrimmage.” - -“Well,” said Kent, “I’d rather the ‘noble red-man’ should keep away from -here. I don’t relish the idea of having them discover this cave, and -likely enough keep us in here until we starve.” - -“I should objeck tew thet thing, myself,” said the trapper, “but, I -guess they won’t find us. I’ve ockepied this domicil for several -seasons, an’ I hain’t been walled in yet. Fact is,” said the old hunter, -waxing eloquent, “I never was born an’ reared for the purpose of bein’ -killed by an Injun. I’ve lived in this kentry for a number of years, an’ -been in some four hundred an’ thirty-two scrimmages, reckonin’ it by -arithmetickal progression, an’ snatched some half-dozen copper-skins -bald-headed in each one; an’ I’m now goin’ on my fifty-tooth year, an’ -at this present speakin’ I’m a whole individual, an’ endowed with sartin -unailyunable rights, among which is life, liberty, an’ the pursuit of -Injuns.” - -This was said while the old trapper proceeded with the manufacture of a -pair of moccasins which he “wanted tew fool the reds with. Ye see,” he -said, cutting away at the leather, “thar’s Injuns ’round, an’ I want tew -scout a bit, an’ seein’ these moccasin-tracks they’ll naterly suppose -it’s an Injun made the tracks.” - -Several days passed without any signs of Indians, and the young man was -enjoying himself. This wild, free life greatly pleased him. He went and -came, with no cares nor duties to hinder or perplex. - -One day Wild Nat was busy cleaning his gun, which he averred had been -“consarndly bamboozled in some way. Why, it’s a solemn fackt, thet -yesterday when I shot at thet wild turkey it held fire, an’ it’s suthin’ -it never done afore since I got it,” he continued, giving the wiper a -vicious jerk. - -“Well,” said Kent, taking up his rifle and examining the priming, “I -believe I’ll go out a while, and see if I can get a wild turkey. I can’t -say that I appreciate buffalo-hump as a regular diet.” - -He shouldered his rifle and started, followed by the trapper’s warning -words: - -“Keep yer eyes open for Injuns, or they might ask ye to taste tomahawk. -I don’t doubt but they’re ’round.” - -“All right; I will keep a sharp look-out,” was answered, as the young -man emerged from their retreat in the hill, and started up the ravine. - -Passing from the gorge, Kent turned up the creek, which he followed for -a considerable distance, and then struck off to the south. From this -point there was a beautiful view of the mountains, and the young hunter -resolved to explore further. Accordingly he shaped his course toward the -desired point, and walked briskly for the space of half an hour, paying, -meantime, but little heed to Wild Nat’s injunction about keeping a -look-out for Indians. His thoughts were with Marion Verne, and he -wandered on abstractedly, till the extreme beauty of the scene before -him drew his attention, and he stopped to look about him. - -Before, the mountains reared their heads, and at the left a high cliff -shot upward, crowned with a few stunted cedars, and draped with a -profusion of wild vines. He stood on a slight eminence, which sloped -away to the right, terminating in a series of gorges, deep and shadowy, -and covered with a thick growth of slender trees, laced and interlaced -with bushes and vines, till they were almost impenetrable. Around him -huge trees reared their heads, and bushes and vines grew in the wildest -confusion, and high in the ether a large bird screamed harshly as it -flew slowly over. - -As the young man stood silently contemplating the scene, and wondering -at the deep silence which pervaded it, he was startled suddenly, by -hearing deep, guttural voices near him. - -He had barely time to spring aside in the bushes, when, standing -precisely where he had stood a moment before, he beheld eight or nine -hideously-painted savages. Evidently the noise of his retreat had -startled them, for they stopped and listened attentively. He scarcely -dared to breathe, so close were the savages to him—the nearest one -standing not more than six feet distant. He was so situated that he -could see the Indians, while they could not see him, but, unfortunately, -in his haste, he had neglected to get his gun concealed, and about six -inches of the muzzle protruded from the bushes. He dared not withdraw -it, well knowing that the slightest movement would betray him, and with -bated breath he stood, hoping they would not discriminate between it and -the stems of the bushes. - -The hope was a vain one. The Indian nearest him turned his head an -instant, and his eyes fell on the unlucky rifle. With a ferocious grunt, -he darted forward, followed by the rest. For Wayne there was nothing to -do but run, and, firing both barrels at the advancing foe, he turned and -fled toward one of the gorges before mentioned, the whole pack at his -heels. - -The young man was an expert runner, but running on open ground was quite -a different thing from running in this wilderness, as he soon found. -However, he made pretty good progress, scrambling over logs, leaping -rocks, and dodging under lodged trees, over stones and dead boughs, -“ducking” his head to avoid limbs, and diving through thickets of vines, -with a celerity which would have astonished any one new to the business, -and utterly impossible, had it not been for the “motive power” behind. - -Gradually he found he was distancing his pursuers, though they still -were not far behind. Hurrying forward, he scrambled through a tangled -thicket, and plunged down a narrow gorge, half filled with bushes, -through whose rocky bottom a little stream bubbled, and which terminated -in a sort of broken dell, intersected by ravines and gulf-like fissures -in every direction. Darting into one of these, he followed it until the -sound of pursuit grew faint, and then, panting and exhausted, he sunk -down against the rocky bank and drew a long breath. As he sat there, -mentally congratulating himself on his escape, and thinking of the -discomfiture of his enemies, his musings were suddenly interrupted by a -vise-like grip on his arm, and a guttural voice saying, in most -execrable English: - -“Ugh! White man go with us.” - -Looking up he found himself surrounded with Indians, painted similarly -to the ones he had just left behind. - -He was a prisoner! - -In an instant the woods rung with the wild whoops of his captors, and -directly the Indians who had pursued him arrived, rejoicing at the -capture, and brandishing their tomahawks with savage glee. After a short -consultation, the white man was bound securely, and mounted on a small -nag, whose powers of locomotion evidently had been exhausted years -before, and the whole party set out on the march. - -As they journeyed on, the young man’s thoughts were of any thing but a -pleasant nature. A prisoner in the hands of these merciless savages, -with no one who knew of his whereabouts, what hope was there? If Wild -Nat knew of his plight there might be a rescue, and yet, what was one -man against so many? - -They traveled steadily on until late in the afternoon; then halted in a -wood, and all dismounted. Wayne was considerably puzzled by the -proceedings. The Indians held a short council, and finally an old, -grave-looking fellow, who, Kent thought, might be a chief from his -appearance, and from the deference paid him, arose and made a speech of -some length. The prisoner, ignorant of the Indian tongue, of course did -not comprehend a word, but he saw that the chief’s wishes met with -approbation, from the nods and grunts of the august assembly. - -The chief sat down and the consultation ended. Kent was most -unceremoniously taken from his horse and bound to a small tree. The -savages evidently were greatly pleased, and while wondering what it all -meant, their prisoner saw several Indians busily engaged in gathering -wood, which they deposited near him. The mystery was explained! He was -about to be burned at the stake! - -The Indians, of whom there were fifteen or sixteen, began to yell and -jabber violently, and jumped about, brandishing their war-clubs and -tomahawks alarmingly near the prisoner’s head, who heartily wished they -would strike a hatchet into his skull, and save him from the fearful -death before him. He could meet death bravely in any form, but to be -burned at the stake—to die by inches in excruciating torture—the thought -was one of horror. - -The wood was piled about him, at a little distance, to the hight of a -couple of feet, built up artistically with dry fagots, that looked as if -they carried in their gray hearts a world of heat and flame. - -At last all was ready; the match was applied, and the little tongues of -fire began to curl up among the fagots, creeping slowly, but surely, -among the dry wood, and lapping hungrily about the sticks as if -impatient for its victim. - -The young man resolved to die bravely, and as the heat increased so that -he began to feel its effects, he mentally commended his soul to heaven -and breathed a prayer for the safety and welfare of his aged parents, -who would mourn his unknown fate. - -The savages were executing a wild war-dance, mingled with shouts and -songs, and accompanied by waving of clubs and tomahawks, and brandishing -of knives. In the shadow of the falling twilight their dusky forms -swayed to and fro, and their painted faces, lit by the increasing -flames, looked more like the faces of fiends than human beings. - -The forked tongues of fire crawled on, increasing in strength and fury -every moment. Already Kent began to feel their scorching effects. His -knees were almost blistered, and the dense, rising smoke nearly -suffocated him. - -Suddenly he heard the brands behind him rattle as if thrown aside by a -hasty hand; the same instant he felt the bands that bound him loosened, -and a voice which he instantly recognized as that of Vic Potter, -shouted: - -“Run for yer life! Take thet, ye yaller rips!” and he fired his rifle -with such effect that two savages rolled in the dust, and, drawing his -knife, struck another who stood in his path; then snatching Kent’s gun -and powder-horn, which leaned against a tree near at hand, he bounded -away into the woods, closely followed by Kent, and vanished in a -twinkling! - -So intent were the Indians on their barbarous work, that this sudden -onslaught of the guide completely surprised them, and with such -suddenness and celerity did he do his work, that, before they could -recover the shock, he was out of sight. - -Then, with wild whoops of disappointment and rage they started in -pursuit. - -“Foller me,” said Vic, as he sprung before the young man, “an’ in tew -minits we’ll be out o’ danger, so tew speak. Hear the cusses yell!” - -The trapper made no slow work of measuring the distance, and Kent was -not far behind. After five minutes of hard running and dodging, the -trapper darted round a dense thicket, followed by the other. Kent was -surprised to see a man seated on a horse and holding another animal by -the halter. - -“Up behind me,” shouted Vic, springing into the saddle. “Fleetfoot is -good for both of us.” - -The young man mounted with a bound, and the horses dashed away. - -“Varmints!” exclaimed the trapper. “Jist hear ’em holler! Guess they’ll -find the game has guv ’em the slip. Ye see they started after us afoot, -an’ in course they can’t catch us thet way, an’ it’ll take ’em some time -tew go arter their hosses.” - -“You arrived just in time,” said Kent, as they swept along. “Ten minutes -later it would have been too late.” - -“Zackly,” responded the trapper. “It war lucky I happened along. Ye see, -Scip and I—” - -“Is that Scip?” interrupted Kent. “I hadn’t thought to ask who it was, -and the darkness prevented me from seeing. How are you, Scip? So you -concluded to try life on the plains a while, eh?” - -“Yes,” replied the negro. “Vic said mout as well. I’s rader feerd ob de -Injins, but, he says, dar’s no danger. Looks like it, ye bein’ tied up -ter brile! Wish I’d staid wid de emergrants.” - -“There’s no danger, so long as you keep out of their way,” laughed Kent; -“but the trouble is to keep out of reach. I flatter myself that the time -I made this morning would be hard to beat, but I fell into their hands -after all.” - -“How war it?” asked Vic. - -The young man then related the circumstances of his capture, adding: - -“We have distanced our pursuers. There is nothing to be heard.” - -“Gone arter thar animiles,” said Vic. “Which way is the cave?” - -“South-west,” replied Kent. - -“Guess we’ll p’int for thar, then,” said the trapper. - -The horses’ heads were accordingly turned in that direction, and the -little party swept on. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - A HAPPY MEETING. - - -Two months passed succeeding the events already recorded. - -The scene is laid in an Indian village on the banks of the Sweetwater -river, and the hour just before sunset. - -In a lodge, considerably larger than the others, the curtain-door of -which is lifted, sits a young girl, gazing out upon the river and -woodlands. - -Her head is supported on her hand, a look of deep sadness overspreads -her features, and her soft, dark eyes are full of tears. It is Marion -Verne, who, since the night of her capture, has been a prisoner among -the Indians. She was adopted by the sachem of the tribe, to be a -companion for his daughter, and had been treated with kindness. But she -felt as if utterly forsaken—so far from home and friends, with no one -but savages for company, and with no prospect of escape. Could she spend -her life with these creatures? she asked herself for the hundredth time. -No; a thousand times no; and yet how could she avert her fate? Of late a -new trouble had come upon her. A young chief, named the Panther, had -offered her the honor of becoming his squaw, and as An-ga-ta, (the -sachem,) favored his suit, the poor girl was in despair. - -Her musings were suddenly interrupted by the entrance of Neenah, the -daughter of An-ga-ta. - -“My sister is sad,” she said, in broken English, which she had learned -from Marion. “Can Neenah help her? She does not like to see the Dark -Eyes unhappy.” - -“Would not Neenah be sad if An-ga-ta wished her to marry a brave she did -not love?” asked Marion. - -The Indian girl nodded. “Neenah would. Does not the Dark Eyes love the -Panther? He is very good and brave. Long ago he had eyes for Neenah and -ears for her words. Since Dark Eyes came he sees only her,” said the -girl, sadly. - -“Why does he leave you, to seek one who is of another people?” asked -Marion. - -“His heart has forgotten Neenah,” replied the girl. “He is now talking -with An-ga-ta. He wants my sister.” - -“Oh!” said Marion, “I can not marry him! If your father would only let -me go to my people!” - -At that moment a shadow crossed the doorway, and the great sachem -entered. Seating himself gravely, he continued in silence for some -minutes. - -“The Panther seeks the Dark Eyes,” he said at last. “He would have her -to tan his skins, and keep his lodge-fire burning. When three suns shall -pass, the marriage-feast will be eaten and the Dark Eyes be given to the -Panther. Let her prepare.” - -So saying the chief arose, and folding his blanket around him left the -lodge, leaving Marion bewildered and despairing. She sat for a long time -weeping bitterly, and paying little heed to Neenah’s expression of -sympathy, and then retired to her couch. - -All the long night she lay awake, thinking over the chief’s words, and -trying to devise some plan of escape. So far from finding any, she only -grew bewildered thinking of it, and with the first rays of dawn fell -into an uneasy sleep. - -The day passed drearily enough, and night came again and passed, and yet -Marion was undecided how to act. The morning of the second day she -arose, and dressing herself hastily, went out. She had always been -allowed to walk about the village, the Indians knowing that there was no -danger of her attempting to escape. To escape from them would only be to -fall into the claws of some wild beast, or perish in the wilds from -hunger and exposure. The day wore on while she rambled about, or sat in -the shade of bushes on the river’s bank, gazing into its shining depths, -and thinking of her circumstances. This was the last day of her -freedom—if the morrow found her here, she would be made the wife of the -Panther, according to Indian law. The thought was horrible! Every moment -she grew more desperate. What could she do? Could she fly from the -village and find her way to civilization? It was one hundred miles to -Fort Laramie; could she ever reach there on foot? There was a bare -chance of her falling in with some emigrants, yet it was hardly a -chance, at all, so improbable was it. There were nine chances out of ten -that she would perish before she could reach any fort or settlement, but -death was far preferable to living with an Indian. She determined to try -for her life. - -Going leisurely through the village with some flowers in her hands, she -attracted no unusual attention, and arrived at the chieftain’s lodge -just after the hour of noon. She waited patiently till night, and -retired as usual. She was somewhat puzzled to know how to leave the -lodge without Neenah’s knowledge, as they occupied one couch. Trusting -to Providence, she lay down as usual, and waited. For a while the Indian -girl tossed about the couch, but, at length, her deep, regular breathing -gave evidence that she was asleep. But not yet could our heroine start. -The village had not subsided into quiet. - -She waited, hoping and fearing, until it was midnight. - -Neenah still slept. - -Rising silently, Marion robed herself, and with great care not to arouse -the Indian girl, nor the chief, stole into the outer room of the lodge. -She knew that, in there, was some jerked venison, and a small cake, made -of corn meal. These she meant to take with her. - -In this room slept the sachem, and Marion’s heart beat rapidly as she -entered. If he awoke, and saw her! His couch was in one corner, and the -girl slowly and silently crossed the room. She had reached the venison -and cake, and was returning, when the sachem moved, and evidently -thinking he heard something, half arose! Quick as thought, Marion sunk -down and waited. The chief glanced around the apartment, and not seeing -the crouching figure, and hearing nothing, with a sleepy “Ugh!” composed -himself for sleep. - -Breathlessly, Marion crouched on the floor, not daring to stir, lest he -should be aroused. - -Ten, fifteen minutes passed; then the girl rose softly and flitted out. -Gliding through her room, she noiselessly untied the outer door of skins -and passed out. Closing it behind her, she paused a moment to look -around. Every thing was quiet and in darkness. The night was rather -cloudy, but still light enough for objects to be quite distinct at a few -rods distant. - -With a beating heart and a murmured prayer, the maiden threaded her way -between the lodges, keeping in the shadow as much as possible, and -moving with the utmost caution and silence. Meeting with no obstacles, -she very soon cleared the village, and stood outside in the silence and -gloom. - -For a moment her heart failed her. Before her lay the wide forests and -extended plains, the abode of wild animals and savage Indians, and but -for these, and an occasional trapper, utterly in solitude! - -Marion was not very courageous by nature, and the darkness and wildness -before her made her tremble with dread; but, one thought of what lay -behind nerved her, and she stepped boldly forward. At any moment her -absence might be discovered, and this made her quicken her steps. The -clouds obscured the stars, but, turning her face in the direction she -supposed Fort Laramie to be, she hastened forward, not dreaming that, in -her haste and excitement, she was going directly from it! - -Wearily the girl traveled on, growing at length so tired that she could -hardly stand; but, anxious to get away still further from the pursuers, -who, she felt certain, were, before this time, on her track, she -stumbled forward, until the first yellow light in the east drew her -attention. Then, to her despair, she discovered her error. All these -weary miles she had gone the wrong way! - -Worn out and exhausted, she searched for a spot where she would be -screened from observation, to lie down and rest. Besides, she dared not -travel by day. Selecting a little thicket of bushes and vines she threw -herself on the ground, and tired and weary, soon fell asleep. - -All day long she thus rested, waking but once or twice; but late in the -afternoon she was aroused by a rough touch on her arm. Starting up, she -beheld the Panther bending over her, and several other Indians standing -near! - -Once more a prisoner! - -The chief took her up without a word, and placed her on a mustang, which -he evidently had brought for her use. Thus mounted, they started toward -the village, the other Indians following at some distance on foot. The -Panther made no remark, but he kept his hand on her bridle-rein. - -They rode slowly for some distance. The wretched maiden had not uttered -a word, and seemed to be totally passive. The Panther congratulated -himself on his easy success. But, while Marion was silent, she was not -unnerved. True, she was almost in despair, but she resolved that she -_would not_ go back to the village. Yet, _how_ to escape? - -While she was revolving the matter in her mind, the Indians behind got -into some kind of a dispute, which attracted the Panther’s attention. -Halting, he for a moment dropped the rein and began to talk to them. -Taking advantage of his inattention, Marion suddenly raised her -deer-thong whip and struck her horse a stinging blow. The enraged animal -started off like a shot. - -The savages behind, in their hot anger did not stop their dispute, until -the chief yelled furiously at them, which he did in a very menacing -manner. Seeing there was no likelihood of overtaking his charge, he -called out to the others to shoot her horse, himself setting the -example. - -Meantime Marion, with the courage born of desperation, was urging her -horse forward in the deep twilight of the woods, when a shower of -bullets flew like hail around her. One, more steadily aimed than the -others, struck her steed, and he fell beneath her. Springing off, as she -felt him sinking, she darted forward into the thickest of the -undergrowth, the fearful yells of the savages making her blood curdle. - -As she worked her way forward in the thicket, she caught a glimpse, as -she passed it, of a large cottonwood, growing within a small clump of -bushes. Into this cover she drew herself. To her great surprise, she -discovered a small opening in the giant tree. It was so nearly hidden as -to be almost invisible. It appeared large enough to afford a retreat, -and she hastily wedged herself in it, arranging the little clump of -surrounding bushes so as to entirely hide it. - -She had barely done so when the Indians burst into the opening, and ran -whooping and yelling in every direction around the tree, and passing so -close that Marion trembled lest the loud throbbing of her heart should -betray her. - -The savages beat the bushes all around, and for some distance in -advance, of course without success. The constantly deepening darkness -made every minute add to her security. In a half-hour’s time the savages -were gone. Waiting awhile, she at length, with excessive caution, -ventured out, and hurried away from the spot as fast as possible. After -walking about three miles she came to the edge of the plain. It was very -dark, and afar off she heard the howl of the wolves. She shuddered lest -the fierce animals should get on her track. There was but little light -from the stars, but shaping her course by the little there was, she went -wearily on. She was getting fearfully tired, and feeling almost as if -she did not care whether she lived or died, when she caught sight of a -small light, apparently a couple of miles distant. It was evidently the -camp-fire of some one, but whether of friend or savage foe she could not -tell. - -After considering the matter awhile she concluded to go forward, feeling -confident that she could get close enough to ascertain whether it was -whites or Indians before she would be discovered. Accordingly she -hastened on, and when within twenty rods of the fire, began to be very -cautious. The fire had died down to a bed of smoldering coals, and the -light it afforded was not sufficient to reveal the forms around it. - -As she flitted about, continually changing her position to enable her to -see better, and gradually drawing nearer the fire, she was electrified -by hearing a rough but good-natured voice exclaim: - -“Would it be ill-mannered in me tew politely ask ye whar ye might be -goin’?” - -The maiden stopped with a joyful cry. It was the voice of a friend, -although a stranger. While she stood silent, a tall, slab-sided, -long-nosed man advanced from the darkness, and came up to her, trailing -a long rifle. - -“’Tain’t offen I see a woman,” he said, looking at her as if struck by a -sudden idea; “tharfore ye’ll considerately excuse my manners. Jist let -me ask if yer name is Marion Verne?” - -“It is,” replied Marion. “May I ask who you are, and how you happened to -see me?” - -“Nat Rogers, at yer sarvice,” replied the trapper, for it was none other -than he. “An’ as for seein’ ye, I ginerally have my optickles peeled. -I’ve been follerin’ ye ’round ever since ye ’gan tew look at thet fire -out thar. Ye’ll find some friends out thar. Let’s be pokin’ thet way. I -konklude thet ye got away from the Injuns.” - -“I escaped last night,” replied Marion, as they approached the fire. - -As they came up, Vic Potter sprung to his feet with wild ejaculations, -and Marion saw behind him a dark visage, distorted with a broad grin of -wonder and pleasure. - -“Varmints! Is it actually Marion?” cried Vic, taking her hand and giving -it a hearty shake. - -“It certainly is,” replied the girl, with a smile. “Why—Wayne!” - -The young man came forward, his handsome face aglow with pleasure. - -“I’m glad to see you,” he said, simply; but the words brought a blush to -Marion’s face. “How glad you may imagine, when I tell you that I never -expected to see you again. How in the world did you come here?” - -“I will tell you presently,” she replied, shaking hands with the -grinning Scip. And then she relayed to her earnest listeners all that -had befallen her. - -“It is fortunate I found you. I don’t think I could have reached Fort -Laramie alive.” - -“Know ye couldn’t,” said Wild Nat. “Ye’d starved tew death ’fore ye got -half-way there.” - -The little party felt very merry and laughed and talked till a late -hour. Wild Nat was “moved” to relate some large stories. - -“Golly,” said Scip. “Dese skeeters is mighty sassy. Der _awful_ big, -too! Yah, but dey bites sharp!” - -“Pooh,” said Wild Nat, “these ain’t _nothin’_ tew what I’ve seen. When I -war down in Texas I seen _skeeters_. They war big as woodpeckers.” - -“Oh, g’way now!” remonstrated Scip. “’S if I didn’t kno’ dar neber war -no skeeters big ’s dat ar’! ’Tain’t in de line o’ reason, dat ain’t.” - -“It’s so,” said the trapper, gravely. “Ye see, Scip, in the hot -countries they grow bigger. I’ve seen ’em quite often as big as young -turkeys, an’ skeeters the size of woodpeckers warn’t nothin’ uncommon!” - -Scip said no more, but became very serious. - -“Let’s roll up an’ snooze,” said Vic. “I’m gittin’ sleepy, an’ we must -be off airly. The Injuns will be arter the lady, an’ we’ll stan’ a -chance of gittin’ rubbed out ef we don’t make tracks lively. S’pose -we’ll have tew go tew the cave for the present, an’ lay low till thar -animosity cools off a little, ’fore startin’ for civilization.” - -“How far is it to the cave you speak of?” asked Marion. - -“’Bout fifteen miles,” replied Vic. - -And then they lapsed into slumber. - -Morning broke bright and clear, and the little party were off for the -cave in good season. There was no immediate danger apprehended, and they -rode at a moderate pace, enjoying the fresh breeze and the exhilarating -influence of the ride. When about ten miles from their rendezvous, they -perceived a large herd of buffalo quietly feeding about a mile distant. - -“I’d like some sport with ’em,” said Wild Nat. “It’s tew bad tew let -sich a chance as thet go. But we’ll have tew, I opine. ’Twon’t do tew -keep the little ’un here an’ have her in danger of Injuns.” And the -trapper gazed after the herd with a sigh. - -“Tell ye what I’ll dew,” said Vic, halting his horse. “I’ll take Marion -to the cave, an’ ye can all stay an’ hunt ef ye like. ’Twould be a good -plan tew hev some fresh meat. What say?” - -“E-pluribus,” exclaimed Wild Nat; “jist the show! Kent, ye jist hand -Marion tew Vic, an’ in about tew jerks of a beaver’s tail we’ll snatch -some o’ them bufflers by the tail, an’ pull thar skins off over thar -horns.” - -Accordingly, Marion, who for want of a horse had been obliged to ride -behind Kent, mounted behind Vic, and the two kept on their way to the -cave, while the others started on the hunt. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - HOLED. - - -Leaving Vic and the girl to pursue their way, we will follow the -hunters. - -They had an exciting chase, and brought down several fine animals, from -which they elected a considerable quantity of the choicest portions, and -then prepared to start for the cave. - -As Wild Nat untied the halter of his steed from the horns of a buffalo, -he suddenly straightened himself up, and bounding into the saddle, -exclaimed: - -“Look thar! We’re in for a race.” - -Kent turned, and looked in the direction indicated, and saw, not forty -rods distant, a large band of mounted Indians coming toward them at a -furious gallop. - -“Turn toes!” shouted Nat. “Don’t let the grass grow under yer feet -nuther,” and in an instant the three were flying over the prairie, -followed by the whooping savages. - -At first they all kept together, but in a short time the mule bestrode -by Scip evidently came to the conclusion that there was no necessity for -him to exert himself quite so much, and slackened his pace, so as to be -several rods in the rear of Kent and Rogers, much to the dismay of his -rider, who alternately addressed himself to the mule and to his friends -in advance. - -“G’long, ye obstinate beastess,” he exclaimed, with a terrified glance -over his shoulder. “Don’ ye know we shell be clean gobbled up an’ eat, -we shell? G’long, I tell ye! In ’nother minnit we shell be cotched ef ye -don’t hurry. _G’long_, ye lazy debbel! _G’long!_” - -Then raising his voice: - -“Hol’ on dar, boys! ’Tain’t fair to run away from a feller in dis way, -’clar’ ’tain’t! Hol’ on; dar’s no sort o’ danger. What ye goin’ so fast -for? - -“Git up! G’long! Oh! o-o-h! Gorry, we shell be killed,” he spluttered, -as an arrow flew past him. “Now, see here, ole hoss, you _mus’_ go -faster, deed ye mus’! Don’no’ what ye mean by gwine so slow. Don’ ye -know— - -“I say dar, ye fellers is scart! Dar’s no sense in yer gwine so fast, -fur dar ain’t a _spec’_ o’ danger, not a _bit_! Jes’ see how cool dis -chile takes it! Don’ look well fur ye to go so fast, nohow. Hol’ on now! -I tell ye dar’s no— Oh, de Lor’! _G’long!_” - -The frightened darkey “ducked” his head, as an arrow struck the -fore-shoulder of the mule, and was agreeably surprised to see that this -time his “G’long” was heeded, for, the mule, feeling the arrow, kicked -his heels in the air, and with a snort was off, with such an increase of -speed, that in a moment he had overtaken the others, and thereafter, the -only trouble his rider had, was to keep him from going too fast. - -“Ye ain’t takin’ it so _cool_ as ye was, be ye?” asked Wild Nat, as the -negro shot past him. - -“Ye’d better go faster,” answered Scip; “dey ain’t fur behind, an’ it’s -much dang’rous to have ’em so clus. Will dey cotch us, t’ink?” - -“Guess not,” replied the trapper. “In half an hour we’ll be on tew Deep -Creek, an’ I guess we’ll fool ’em then. Ef we don’t,” he added, under -his breath, “it’ll be apt tew go hard with us, for the buffler-hunt -tired our hosses somewhat.” - -Silence ensued between the trio, who anxiously watched the distance -between themselves and pursuers, and were gratified to observe that it -did not perceptibly lessen. - -On they went at a steady gallop. Wild Nat had said that as long as it -was possible to keep out of reach at that pace, it was best, as their -animals would soon need their strength for the final stretch. - -The Indians were about thirty rods distant. Ten, fifteen minutes passed, -and then the fugitives approached the bank of Deep Creek. - -“Foller me,” exclaimed the old trapper, as his horse plunged into the -stream, followed by the others. - -They were in the woods, so that their pursuers were hidden from view, -and Kent was surprised to see that the trapper headed his horse up the -stream, thereby going closer to the Indians, who were up the creek a -short distance, and not far from the bank. - -“Keep clus tew me,” said Wild Nat, “an’ keep perfectly still.” - -“Are you mad?” asked the young man. “We are throwing ourselves into -their hands.” - -“Be we?” said the trapper. “Wal, I guess not. D’ye want tew be sculped?” - -“Of course not.” - -“Then foller me an’ keep still. Don’t shake yer jaw-bones so, Scip; -they’ll hear yer teeth chatter.” - -In dead silence the little party kept up the stream, while the yelling -Indians followed their land-trail, and arrived at the stream about the -time our friends were twenty rods above. - -“Keep powerful still,” admonished Nat, as he turned his horse’s head to -the shore. “Don’t make a sound. Ef ye do, we’re jest as good as -baldheaded. Keep clus tew me.” - -The others were not disposed to disregard this advice, and in a moment -they were all on dry land. - -“This way,” said the trapper, starting off through the woods. “Step -karful, Rocky.” - -The horse seemed to understand and made but little noise. After going at -a trot for a short distance, the trapper struck into a gallop, in which -he was imitated by the others. Ten minutes’ sharp riding brought them to -the little rocky gorge, leading to a small rock-inclosed dell, where the -horses were generally kept. - -“Step lively,” said the trapper, as he dismounted; “’twon’t be long till -the reds will find they’re fooled, an’ then they’ll be arter us.” - -“Well,” said Kent, “why didn’t they follow us? What prevented them from -seeing we went up-stream?” - -“Sandy bottom. Don’t rile much an’ settles so quick they couldn’t see -we’d been thar,” replied the trapper. “They naterly s’posed we’d gone -_down_, as thet war away from ’em. Wagh! Old Nat’s good for ’em yit. -Now, let’s _git_ for the cave!” - -With great caution and the utmost silence, the fugitives hurried through -the forest, and in due time found themselves at the cave. Vic and Marion -were beginning to wonder at their long absence, and were agreeably -surprised at their sudden appearance. In reply to their questions, Wild -Nat related the incidents of the race, adding: - -“I reckon they’ll feel ruther cantankerus about losin’ us so slick, but -I don’t feel pertikularly sorry for ’em. Ef it hadn’t been thet thar war -quite so many of ’em, we’d ’a’ stood an’ had a scrimmage. I’d like tew -have deprived ’em of their sculp-lock. He he! I tell ye, Vic, it war fun -tew see thet darkey! His teeth chattered so, when we war in the woods, -they follered us by the sound! It’s a fackt! I war ser’usly ’larmed for -fear we should have tew chew his buffler-hump for him. Reckoned his -teeth would all shake out.” - -“Oh, g’way now!” said Scip. “It’s no such t’ing, Vic; he’s foolin’, he -is! Warn’t I ’way behind, takin’ it cool, when ye fellers war runnin’ -like mad? Jes’ ans’er dat, will ye.” - -“Yes, ye war takin’ it cool! Ye war so scart ye almost fell off yer -mule! Gallinippers! Ye ought tew heard him holler ’G’long!’ Wagh! Wagh!” - -And the trapper “laughed till he cried” at the recollection, while the -indignant darkey relapsed into sulky silence. - -Wild Nat had jeered at the negro so frequently concerning his cowardice, -that he was getting to be sensitive on that subject. - -“How long will we have to stay here?” asked Marion. - -“’Bout two days, I reckon,” replied Vic. “Thar’s one thin’ thet I don’t -see how we are goin’ tew’ git around. Thar’s no hoss for Marion, an’, -blow me, ef I know whar we ar’ goin’ tew git one.” - -“It’s a poser,” said Wild Nat, “but I’ve heern say thet perseverance an’ -sweet ile will overcome any thin’, an’ we’ve got the perseverance, if -not the ile. Mebby buffler-fat would ans’er, though.” - -For the remainder of the day no one left the cave, but at dark Wild Nat -went out to attend to the animals, and insisted on having Scip accompany -him. That worthy rather demurred. - -“Yer afraid!” said the trapper, contemptuously. - -“Ain’t neither, tell you. Nebber war scart in my life,” retorted the -darkey. “De trufe is, my head aches, an’ I don’ feel like walkin’.” - -“Head aches!” ejaculated the trapper. “Wal, I should think it would! Ef -my teeth had danced a double-shuffle for the length of time yern did, I -couldn’t speak in a month. Don’t the hinge of yer jaw want ilein’?” - -“Ye shet yer mouf!” replied Scip. “’S if I didn’t know ye’s a-lyin’. My -teeth never chattered! I dunno what scart means; nebber war scart in my -life!” - -“I guess ye never war,” said Wild Nat. “Not more’n a thousand times. It -war a sight, Vic, tew see him drum his mule an’ holler—” - -“Shet up!” roared Scip. “Where’s my hat?” - -And jamming his tile down over his woolly head, the darkey left the -cave. The trapper followed, and in silence they took their way to the -dell. Arrived at the narrow gorge which led thither, the trapper told -the negro to remain there while he went and attended to the horses. - -“Keep a sharp eye out for reds,” he added, “an’ if any of ’em gobbles ye -up, jest holler an’ I’ll be here in time tew sculp ye.” - -With which comforting remark he vanished in the darkness, leaving the -terrified African to his own reflections. He by no means relished the -idea of being there alone, but knowing there was no alternative, he -fortified his courage as well as he was able, and tried to think there -was no danger. - -“No sorter use in me standin’ here,” he grumbled, after some time; -“ain’t a spec’ o’ danger of eny one comin’ ’long. De trufe is, he’s -coward hisself. What’s dat black t’ing? Oh, de Lor’! S’pose it should be -an Injun! ’Tain’t dat; it’s nothin’ but a stump. Why don’t dat feller -come ’long?” - -He leaned against the rocky wall, and peered fearfully around him, as if -expecting to see something advance from the darkness upon him. To his -terror his expectations were realized. Before him, at the distance of -half a dozen yards, rose up a tall, dark form, which advanced toward -him, with uplifted arm. - -“Oh, de Lor’, I’m a goner!” yelled the terrified African, as he turned -and ran precipitately toward the cave, followed by the object of his -fright, at a little distance behind. - -“Ha! ha!” chuckled the pursuer, in a voice that sounded suspiciously -like the trapper’s. “He feels like runnin’ ef not like walkin’! Guess -I’ll stop; he’ll think I’m arter him all the same.” - -And the mischievous trapper slackened his pace, and walked leisurely -along. Not so with Scip. He made the best time he was capable of, and -that was by no means slow—stumbling over sticks and stones in his -headlong career, and not once stopping to look behind. As he bowled -along, head down and arms flying, he was suddenly grasped and thrown to -the ground. - -Wild Nat, walking slowly at some distance behind, was startled suddenly -by a succession of yells and shrieks of the negro, of such an earnest -and explosive kind, as convinced him something serious was the matter. - -Grasping his knife and revolver, he bounded forward, and in a moment had -reached the scene. In the darkness he could only distinguish several -dark forms struggling on the ground, among which he had no difficulty in -recognizing Scip, from the volley of exclamations and ejaculations, -interspersed with grunts and groans, which issued from his mouth. - -The trapper fired his revolver at two of the enemy and then grappled -with a third, leaving only one for the negro to contend with. The -trapper’s adversary was a large, muscular Indian, and for a time it -seemed doubtful which one would come off conqueror. They rolled over and -over in the darkness, sometimes the hunter uppermost and anon the -savage. At length the trapper, whose right hand held the throat of the -savage, and whose left pinioned the arm of his adversary, discovered -that the Indian, with his unoccupied hand, was endeavoring to draw his -knife. Still keeping his hold he waited till the knife was partly drawn -from the sheath, and then letting go his hold on the savage’s throat, he -grasped the knife and plunged it into his red bosom almost to the haft. - -Shaking himself loose from his now helpless foe, he turned to see how -the negro fared. - -“Take dat!” he was saying, “an’ dat, an’ dat! Yah, yah! Guess ye never -see dis nigger butt! I’ll learn ye to tackle niggers what’s walkin’ -peaceably ’long an’ mindin’ dere own concerns. Don’t ye wish ye’d never -see’d dis chile? Yah, yah!” - -“Want enny help?” asked Wild Nat. - -“Not a spec’! Dis chile’s good fur one Injum. He’s mos’ dead now. Take -dat; durn ye,” and with a tremendous whack on his adversary’s head, the -negro rose to his feet. In the excitement of the flight he had forgotten -his cowardice and fought with a purpose, and to a purpose, as his -prostrate foe showed. - -“We’d better be gittin out o’ this,” remarked the trapper, as he coolly -replaced his knife. “It’s noways likely these are all thar is about. And -in view of this fact, it might be as well for us tew emigrate.” - -Accordingly the two men left the spot in silence, and with great -caution. The trapper well knew that the four Indians were not alone, and -that in all likelihood there was a large party not far distant. - -When near the cave they encountered Vic, who had sallied out on hearing -the firing, and together they entered the cavern. - -“Are you all safe?” asked Kent, anxiously, as the tall form of Wild Nat -appeared from the passageway. - -“Safe an’ sound,” responded the trapper, as the others entered. - -“What was the trouble?” asked Kent. - -“Wal, ye see,” said the trapper, with a sly twinkle, “Scip war walkin’ -peaceably ’long, when he war set upon by four of the red niggers. -Naterly enough, he didn’t like tew be disturbed in a quiet walk, an’ -he—wal, he hollered a few, an’ I ’rived in time tew make the ’quaintance -of three on ’em, an’ he finished t’other one.” - -“Guess he wished he hadn’t ’sturbed a peaceable nigger,” said Scip, -loftily. - -“How’d ye come tew be down thar, when I told ye tew wait in the gorge -till I come?” asked Wild Nat, gravely. - -The negro was taken slightly aback. - -“I—wal—ye see—I—I got tired waitin’ fur ye, so I started this way. I -went slow, an’ knowed ye’d cotch me ’fore I got here,” stammered the -confused darkey. - -“Yas. Mought I ask what ye call goin’ fast, ef yer gait was _slow_? I -shouldn’t like tew run a race with ye ef _thet’s_ a slow gait with ye. -Why didn’t ye hug thet feller thet ’peared to ye thar in the gorge, -’stead o’ runnin’ like a streak o’ lightnin’?” asked the trapper. - -Scip stared. “I didn’t—I—I _never_ run!” he ejaculated at last. “Whar -was you?” - -“Wagh,” laughed Wild Nat. “I crept up thar an’ riz up suddently afore -ye. Reckon yer blood must be kinder stagnated standin’ so long, an’ -thought, a leetle exercise mought be good for ye. Ha! ha!” and the -trapper laughed till the cave rung. - -“’Twould ’a’ done ye good tew seen thet race,” he continued. “I’ve seen -locomotives runnin’ full steam down grade, but it warn’t a cirkumstance -’long side o’ thet darkey! He looked like a streak o’ greased lightnin’, -an’ went about as fast. Ef I could locomote in thet style, I wouldn’t -look at enny hoss thet ever lived. I’d give up trappin’ an’ go tew -carryin’ telegraff dispatches. ’Lectrical telegraff wouldn’t be nowhar, -for speed.” - -And again the trapper indulged in a hearty laugh, in which he was joined -by the others, with one exception. Scip did not seem to see where the -laugh came in, and sat in somber silence. - -Shortly after this, they prepared for the night. Several skins were -spread down and quite a comfortable couch formed for Marion, and the men -stretched themselves out on the cave floor. - -The following day wore wearily away. About noon Vic took his rifle and -started out, saying: - -“We’re ’bout out of grub, an’ I want tew stretch myself. Don’t worry -’bout the red-skins. Ef they hear my gun, which ’tain’t likely they -will, as it’s got the faculty of not soundin’ off, they’ll know it’s a -trapper or an Injun, an’ it’s the gal they’re arter. Ef they git arter -_me_, I’ll bet they’ll have a chance tew measure sile.” - -The cave was dreary enough. The only light was that afforded by a torch, -and as, of course, the inmates were doomed to idleness, time passed -rather slowly. Marion expressed a wish to see the cave, and Kent -procured a torch and led the way, followed by Scip and the maid. - -“Will you come?” asked Kent of the trapper, who made no movement to join -them. - -“No, guess not,” was the reply. “I’ve ’splored it often ’nough. Go -ahead.” - -The trio proceeded through the various rooms, wondering and admiring the -structure, and to Marion, who had never before been in a cave, it was a -wonderful place. - -“One thing about this puzzles me,” said the young man, holding the torch -aloft, as they stood in the furthest apartment, “and it is this. There -is a slight circulation of air through the cavern, very perceptible when -the stone is removed from the entrance; but there is no trace of an -opening anywhere. I have searched repeatedly without success.” - -“This apartment is higher than the other,” said Marion. “How gloomy it -looks! Hold the torch this way, Wayne; I fancy that spot looks peculiar. -Ah! it is an opening!” - -“True,” said Kent, “but it is high up. And the wall is on such an angle -that climbing is impossible. I regret it, as I have some curiosity to -know where it opens. It seems strange that it should admit no light. It -is at least twenty feet from the floor.” - -Having thoroughly explored that part of the cavern, the party slowly -retraced their steps to the first room. Vic had returned, and the two -trappers sat in a dejected attitude, which struck Kent with a thrill of -apprehension. - -“What is the matter?” he asked. - -“Ye look sort o’ down in de mouf,” said Scip, without waiting for a -reply. “Yer lubly countenances is drawed down to a ’larming length. -What’s up?” - -“Matter enough,” said Vic, replying to Kent’s question. “_The Injuns -have discovered the cave, an’ we’re boxed up!_” - -Marion sunk down pale with apprehension. - -“Oh de Lor’!” ejaculated Scip, “_what’ll_ we do?” - -“How did it happen?” asked Kent. - -“Wal,” said Vic, “it war in this way. I war ’way up the creek two three -miles, an’ I had a little bout with three copper-skins, an’ worsted two -on ’em an’ t’other one took leg-bail. I kep’ a sharp look-out, an’ I’m -powerful sartin there warn’t any o’ ’em follered me, but the fact is, -the _woods is full of ’em_. I seen more’n forty signs. I come back here -an’ hadn’t been here long when I heerd a noise at the doorway thar. I -jest peeked out of the passage, an’ thar war a pesky red-skin peekin’ -in! I got my gun up a leetle the quickest, but the imp see’d me an’ -drawed back, an’ slammed the stun down in a jiffy. Then we heerd them -jabberin’ out thar, an’ hootin’ an’ yellin’.” - -“That must have been the noise I heard when in the further cave,” -remarked Kent. “It was so faint I supposed it was Nat, and thought no -more about it. If there was only another outlet to the place! We -discovered a small opening in the last apartment, but it is twenty feet -from the floor, and can not be reached.” - -“Why?” asked Nat, “can’t we climb?” - -“Law,” put in Scip, “the wall slants toward the middle of the room at -the top. It’s like clim’in’ the underside of a ladder that’s set -slantin’. Can’t be done, _no_how.” - -At the close of this scientific explanation, the trapper started up, and -taking the torch, said: - -“I’m goin’ tew see. Come, Kent.” - -The young man followed, but in ten minutes they returned, saying that it -would be impossible to escape through there, even if it led to the outer -air, which was by no means certain. - -“It’s entirely unpossible to reach thet hole,” said Wild Nat, throwing -down the torch he held. “It can’t be done. We’re in a trap, thet’s -sartin. We mought dig out ef the mountain warn’t so all-fired steep. As -it is thar’s no chance tew come out fur enough from the alligators tew -escape unseen; an’ thet ain’t the worst on’t nuther. Ninety-nine chances -out’n a hundred, thet we’d come tew rocks thet would stop our tunnel.” - -“It’s a tight place,” said Vic. “Fur’s I’m concerned, I shouldn’t mind -runnin’ out thar an’ fightin’ my way, or die tryin’ it, but the gal’s a -different matter.” - -“Then I suppose we must content ourselves to stay here and starve,” said -Kent. “Of course the Indians will stay here.” - -“In _coorse_,” said Vic, “but then, _suthin’_ may turn up. We won’t give -up anyhow. Be ye purty courageous, Marion?” - -“I can stand it as long as any one,” she returned, bravely. - -“Thet’s the talk!” said Vic. “Thar’s no danger of starvin’ for three -days anyhow. This buffler-hump an’ haunch of venison will last thet -long, an’ meantime we can use our wits tew find a way tew git out.” - -The rest of the day passed slowly enough. None of the captives felt very -cheerful, and but for their serious situation, Scip’s lamentations would -have been ludicrous. He wished he had never come among “the Injuns,” and -declared if he “ever got among white folks ag’in, guess nobody’d cotch -him runnin’ ’round among wild Injuns!” - -Night came at last, and the inmates of the cave retired as usual, with -the exception of Wild Nat, who acted as sentinel. He took his station -near the passage, and with old “Roarer,” across his knees, kept watch -through the long night. - -It was nearly morning, being the “darkest hour just before dawn,” when -the hardy trapper, who had not once closed his eyes, heard a slight -sound near the entrance of the passage. Instantly he was on the alert, -and with ear strained, and eyes wide open, bent slightly forward, -peering into the darkness. - -The grating sound continued a moment, then a faint ray of light pierced -the obscurity, and the outlines of a man’s head and shoulders appeared. -In another moment the loud report of a rifle reverberated through the -cavern, and with a howl of pain the form disappeared. - -“Wagh!” chuckled the trapper, dropping the butt of his rifle to the -ground. “Guess _thet_ feller won’t have any call to ’splore this ’ere -vicinity jest at the present speakin’. Reckon thar was an idee struck -him—or suthin’ else! - -“All unanam’us!” he continued, as the sleeping men sprung up with -exclamations of surprise, and the startled Marion asked what the matter -was. “All right; I jest had occasion tew deal out justice tew a feller -that was tryin’ tew sneak in without a pass! I sot as judge an’ jewry, -an’ convicted the chap of evil intentions, an’ abated him, as a common -nu’sance.” - -“Zac’kly so,” said Vic. “I shouldn’t ’spose they’d be sich fools as tew -think we’d sleep with both eyes shet. Guess they think we’re _green_.” - -“Reckon they’ll find we’ve got our eye-teeth cut,” said Wild Nat, as he -rammed down a bullet. - -“Oh, golly,” sighed Scip, “I wish I war safe in the States. ’Tain’t no -fun ’tall, to fight Injuns.” - -“I wish we were safe out of here,” said Kent, with an involuntary glance -at Marion. - -“I’m with ye thar,” said Vic, emphatically. “Freeze me ef I ain’t.” - -“I wouldn’t mind it so much ef ’twarn’t for the gal,” said Wild Nat, in -a low tone, “tho’ in course, I hain’t enny hankerin’ tew starve in here. -My motter is, ’plenty of br’iled buffler-hump, an’ onlimited liberty.’” - -The Indians were evidently satisfied with their attempt, for they made -no further movement. Dawn soon came, but brought no change to the -imprisoned party. The day wore on, noon followed morning, and evening -noon, as Kent’s watch showed; and still there was no change. Immured in -the bowels of the mountain, afar in the vast wilderness, with no human -being who knew of their situation, save their merciless foes outside, -how could they hope for aught save death? - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - THE LAST HOPE. - - -It was the morning of the fourth day since the Indians had discovered -the cave. The beleaguered whites had repeatedly endeavored to reach the -opening in the last cavern, and had dug a tunnel in two directions, but -were stopped both times after going a short distance by immense rocks. -Their food was very nearly consumed, in spite of the fact that they had -placed themselves on limited rations. - -Vic, Wild Nat and Scip were prowling about the various rooms, -endeavoring for the hundredth time, to discover some mode of escape, -while in the outer cavern Marion and Kent, sat engaged in conversation. - -“I could meet death bravely for myself,” Kent was saying, “but for you -to die in such a fearful manner, away in this wilderness—oh, my darling, -it is so hard!” - -Marion looked up with a brave smile. - -“Death will not seem hard, knowing that you love me,” she said, simply. -“We will go together.” - -He bent and kissed her. - -“God bless you!” he said. - -Silence fell between them then, broken by the entrance of Wild Nat, -followed by the others. The tall form of the old hunter looked taller -and more lank than ever, as he strode into the room and sat down with a -sort of snort. - -“This ’ere thin’ is gittin’ ruther tiresome,” he said, giving his speech -emphasis by a series of nods. “I’ll be teetotally flumbustercated ’fore -very long. _Wouldn’t_ I jist like tew git a chance at them -yaller-skinned coots out yonder! I’ll bet my jack-knife ag’in a chunk of -lead, thet they’d wish they’d died years ago! Fact is,” went on the -hunter, with a benignant grin, “I don’t believe it agrees with me tew -not have ’nough tew eat. Some folks may git along ’ithout grub, but I -sw’ar I can’t! My constertution ain’t adapted, so tew speak, tew livin’ -on air. It ain’t, I vum!” - -“Nor me nuther,” said Scip, lugubriously. “I hain’t had a square meal in -four days. I can’t live on nuffin, an’ dar’s no use in t’inkin’ ob it. -Ef I can’t hab suffin eatable ’fore long I shell be dwindled away to a -skilleton. I wished I’d nebber come West.” - -“We have heard nothing of the Indians since day before yesterday,” said -Kent. “Is it not possible that they may have left?” - -“Humph!” said Vic, who sat near; “ef you knowed ’em as well as I dew, ye -wouldn’t think of sich a thing. They are layin’ low, in hopes thet we’ll -be fools enough tew think they’re gone, an’ come out. A tomahawk waits -for the fust man thet shows his head.” - -Scip noticed Kent’s remark, but did not hear Vic’s reply, and appeared -to be busily considering the chances of such a thing. - -“Like ’nough dey have gone,” he said, after a little; “’twouldn’t do no -hurt to see.” - -“Wal,” said Vic, “s’posen ye go out an’ see.” - -“Oh Lor’!” ejaculated Scip, “I can’t. S’pose dey was dar, whar’d I be? -You g’long!” - -“Wal,” said Vic, “I’m about caved in for want of some grub, an’ we are -all in the same fix. I’m a-goin’ tew take jist one more tower of this -honeycomb, an’ see ef I can’t find a hole out. Ef I can’t, we’ll begin -another tunnel. We won’t stop tryin’; it’s root hog or die.” - -“It is useless to try to find an opening,” remarked Kent. “We have -searched over and again, and had there been one we must have found it.” - -Vic took a survey of the cave, however, as he had done a dozen times -before, and without success. - -“Now, then,” he said, “let’s dig another tunnel. It’s doubtful, but -thar’s a chance for success. Let’s begin here.” - -It was with hope at a very low ebb that the men began the work. Their -success had been so poor hitherto, that they were beginning to despair. -One man worked at a time, and in order to advance as rapidly as possible -they changed every twenty minutes, and the digger fell back to help to -remove the dirt. For instance, Vic dug, pushing the dirt a little behind -him. Scip came next, who pushed the dirt still further back to Kent, who -advanced it to Wild Nat, whose business it was to keep the mouth of the -hole clear. In this way they progressed rapidly, and in four hours had -tunneled the distance of eighteen feet. Hope now began to rise. The soil -was quite easily removed with their knives, and they had as yet -experienced no difficulty with stones. - -“We’re gittin’ along purty well,” remarked Wild Nat, as he industriously -plunged his knife in the soil. “At this rate— Hello!” - -His knife had struck something that sounded like stone. A gloom fell on -the little party at the sound. Without a word the trapper continued his -work, and in a moment the cause stood revealed. A huge rock—how large it -was impossible to tell—obstructed the tunnel, and effectually cut off -all hope in that direction. Dead silence reigned for a moment; then: - -“Couldn’t we dig round it?” suggested Kent, eagerly. - -“Not much use to try,” said Vic. - -“We’ll see,” said Wild Nat. - -They fell to work with a will. Fifteen minutes’ effort proved that it -was impossible, and the work was abandoned. With sinking hearts the men -returned to the cave to relate to the waiting Marion the result of their -undertaking. - -“Wal, what next?” said Vic, throwing himself at full length on the -cave-floor. - -No one replied. “Next” looked very much like starvation to all. Silence -reigned for some time, then Kent said: - -“I propose that we take some method to find out if the Indians are -really there yet.” - -“In course they be,” said Wild Nat; “but it’ll do no hurt tew see.” - -There was a stout stick in the cave about six feet in length. Taking -this, the old trapper walked into the passageway. - -“Stand behind me, Vic, and be reddy to shoot the first critter ye see. -Stand out of sight, the rest of ye.” - -The trapper then advanced, closely followed by Vic, till he could reach -the entrance by means of the pole he held. Then he took off his cap and -hung it on the end of the stick, and pushed gently against the stone. It -gave way after a moment, and the trapper pushed his pole forward till -the top of the cap was in sight from outside. Silence followed, and he -advanced it a few inches. Instantly a wild whoop rent the air, and half -a dozen tomahawks were buried in the cap, as the savages dashed forward -to the opening. One of the Indians exposed his person to view, and -instantly Vic sent a bullet into him. The howl that followed proved that -the wound was fatal. Wild Nat instantly drew back his stick, and the -half-raised stone fell back to its place, while the two trappers backed -into the cave. - -“That’s over,” said Vic, “an’ jist as I told ye. Thar’s one red-skin -less tew dance over our bodies, an’ thet’s one comfort.” - -“I’m clean dun starved,” said Scip, after a pause, with a sidelong -glance toward the little pile of dried buffalo-meat, all that remained -of their provisions. - -“Wal,” said Wild Nat, “so be we all, an’ as it’s now purty near night, I -don’t know but we mought as well finish the meat. We may as well eat -while thar’s vittals, as thar’s only ’nough for one meal anyway, an’ not -half a one at thet. Fall to!” - -The half-starved party needed no second bidding, and in a short time the -last morsel had vanished. - -“Marion,” said Vic, “yer as near starved as eny of us, an’ ye don’t say -a word. Yer the bravest gal I ever see’d.” - -“No use in complaining, when it’s unavoidable,” she said, with a faint -smile. - -“Wal,” said Wild Nat, “I’ve got one more idee. Ef thet fails, then -good-by tew Betsey. Our epertaphs is writ!” - -“What’s the thin’ tew be done?” asked Vic, while the others listened -eagerly for the reply. - -“Ye all know thet hole in the furder cave? Wal, we’ve tried tew reach it -an’ couldn’t. Now, in place of rocks an’ thin’s to stan’ on, which we -hain’t got, only ’nough in all tew reach ’bout seven feet, tharfore I -purpose tew let ’em reach thet fur, an’ thet two of us, Vic an’ I, as -we’re tallest, stan’ on thar, an’ one of ye climb up on us an’ reach -thet hole. It kin be done, an’ it shell.” - -“And if we could get out there, no more of us than two could go, and -Marion not at all,” said Kent. - -“In course not, but, ef it goes to the outer world, I’ll go an’ git some -game, an’ throw in for ye tew eat while I’m gone, an’ then I’ll p’int -for somewhar arter help, ef I can’t dew no better. But ef I kin git out -thar I’ll soon find a way tew git ye all out. Make a bark ladder or -something like it, tew climb on. Whar thar’s a will thar’s a way. It -only remains tew be seen ef one of us kin git out. So no more jabber -till thet’s decided.” - -Wild Nat and Scip repaired to the spot, leaving Kent to watch, lest the -Indians should suddenly make a dash into the cave, of which, however, -there was little danger. - -The men first piled up all the rocks and stones they could find in the -cavern, and when completed the platform was between seven and eight feet -high. - -“Now then, Scip,” said Wild Nat, “ye must climb on our shoulders. Think -ye kin do it?” - -“Guess so,” responded the negro; “used to be great hand to shin up de -trees arter coons.” - -The two trappers placed themselves side by side, in a convenient -position, and, though Nathan was considerably taller than Vic, an extra -stone under the latter’s feet made up the deficiency. Scip was an expert -climber, and he soon stood upright on their shoulders, whence he could -reach the hole. - -“Now ’vestigate, an’ be quick,” said Wild Nat, as the negro straightened -himself up. - -Scip ran his arm into the dark hole the whole length without touching -any thing. Then, having been given the torch, he turned it so that the -light should reveal the interior of the passage. It seemed to be a long -one—how long it was impossible to say, since it extended beyond sight; -but narrow, so very narrow after the first two feet as to render it -impossible for a person to pass through. - -Scip related these facts to the others, who were considerably -discouraged by his report. - -“Is thar any light at the other end?” asked Vic. - -“Not dat I can see,” replied Scip; “it’s jist as dark as a pocket.” - -“Try yer knife an’ see ef the rock can be cut,” said Wild Nat. - -“Can’t make no ’pression on it,” was the answer. - -“Wal, git down then. _That’s_ all bu’sted.” - -Scip turned to descend, but, somehow, in the act he lost his footing and -rolled heavily down, striking the wall a hard thump with his head, and -bringing up on the floor of the cave. - -“Golly,” he muttered, rising to his feet, and rubbing himself dolefully, -“dat ar’ war a hard tumble. Like to broke my skull.” - -Wild Nat paid no attention to the negro’s complaints. He was looking at -the wall with a new idea. Jerking out his tomahawk he hit the wall -several times, and then jumped off the platform with a subdued yell. - -“Wagh!” he ejaculated, “thet are’s wuth a fortune. Whoop!” - -“What’s up?” queried Vic, who had been looking at Scip, and had not -noticed Nathan’s maneuver. - -“Suthin’ wuth while,” responded the trapper; “jest hear this, will ye?” -and he tapped the wall a second time. - -“Varmints!” ejaculated Vic, “it’s holler!” - -“In course it is, an’ thar’s a cave t’other side. Maybe thar’s an -openin’ out on’t tew. Ye see, the wall is limestone, I s’pose. What d’ye -think o’ thet?” - -“Whar’s my knife?” replied Vic, rather irrelevantly. “Let’s _dig_.” - -All three fell to work resolutely. The limestone crumbled away under -their knives slowly but surely; slowly but surely the cavity grew, till -in fifteen minutes the point of Vic’s knife went through with a plunge -to the other side. This was a fresh stimulus, and the knives flew fast. -In a few moments, during which no one spoke, an opening sufficiently -large to admit a man’s head was made; then Wild Nat took the torch and -thrust it through the hole, and by its light anxiously surveyed the -cavity. It was a room, about fifteen feet in length, and of an oval -shape. The trapper only waited to take a hasty survey of the place, and -then fell to work again with renewed energy. In fifteen minutes more, -under their united efforts, the hole was sufficiently large to allow -them to pass through. - -“We won’t bother to tell Kent and the little ’un, till we see ef our -molasses ain’t all soap,” said Wild Nat, as he crawled into the room, -followed by the others. Seeing that there was an outlet to the room, the -explorers did not wait to examine it, but hurried forward into the -passage. It was a narrow, winding corridor, with damp, moldy walls, -which terminated in a series of small caves opening one into the other -by means of small openings at a little distance from the floor. - -The party gave a brief glance to each successive room as they passed -through, and soon reached the fifth and last one of the series. Here -they found another narrow passage, differing from the other only in the -fact that they appeared to be steadily ascending. - -“Best tew keep purty still,” said Vic, in reply to some remark of -Scip’s; “thar’s no knowin’ how clus we may be tew the painted devils -outside. Ef we’re only fortunate enough tew— Varmints, thar’s a glimmer -of daylight!” - -The little party hurried forward, keeping as still as possible, and soon -reached the opening. A faint ray, only, of light entered, and Vic -dropped beside the hole, and placing his head as near as possible, -listened attentively. - -“Silent as the grave,” he said, after a moment. “I guess we’re quite a -ways from the mouth of t’other cave.” - -He reached out his hand and tore away the weeds and stones that -obstructed the way, and then cautiously advanced his head until he could -see into the world beyond. - -Twilight was settling down, but it was still light enough to enable him -to see that they were much further up the hill than the entrance to the -other cave, and some distance to the left of it. He could not see the -Indians at the mouth of the cave, but could hear their voices. Taking a -closer look of the place, he recognized it, and knew they were about a -hundred yards from the other cave mouth; Deep Creek flowed tranquilly -along about forty feet below him. - -“We’re all right,” he whispered, as he drew back and Wild Nat took his -place. “As soon as it’s dark we’ll bid adoo to this hole, an’ turn toes -for Fort Laramie. We’ll hev tew keep powerful still, an’ work our -passage with shut-off steam, or we’ll hev a score of red devils arter us -in jest no time.” - -“Look here,” said Nat, as he concluded his survey, “ye see it’s gittin’ -dark fast. In half an hour it’ll be as dark as a pocket. Tharfore ye go -back an’ tell Kent an’ Marion, an’ git reddy tew tramp, an’ I’ll stay -here, an’ purty shortly go out to the gulch whar the animiles war hid, -an’ git them ef the reds hasn’t made off with ’em.” - -“Tain’t likely the hosses is disturbed, as the reds wouldn’t take ’em -till they cl’ared the kitchen for good, an’ they hain’t done thet yit.” - -“Ye know whar that all-fired big cottonwood leans over the creek?” added -Wild Nat. “Wal, steer for thar as soon as it’s dark. I won’t be fur off. -Signal, owl’s hoot.” - -Vic nodded, and started for the first cave, followed by Scip. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - HO-HO! AND AWAY! - - -The lovers were beginning to wonder at the long absence of their -friends, and both anxiously awaited their return. - -“What success?” asked Wayne, eagerly, as Vic entered. - -“Knives is trumps!” replied Vic, “or I’m a knave. We’ve found a way out, -so jist pack up yer duds an’ prepare to slide.” - -Intensely delighted they were soon ready, and in half an hour Vic -thought it was dark enough to start. Accordingly they left the scene of -their troubles, and threaded the damp passages and low caverns to the -other entrance. - -“Keep powerful still,” admonished the trapper, as they neared the -outside. “Don’t speak after we reach the open air, an’ walk mighty -keerful; thar’s no tellin’ how clus the Injuns are. Varmints, but it’s a -dark night! So much the better for us; now keep still.” - -The trapper cautiously left the cave, followed by the others. When once -outside Vic took the lead, and the others kept close to him, and in most -profound silence they shaped their course toward the spot designated by -Wild Nat. - -A considerable time elapsed before they reached the leaning cottonwood. -Wild Nat was not there, somewhat to Vic’s surprise and uneasiness, and -the party quickly secreted themselves in the dense bushes near, so that, -in case any straggling Indian came that way, they would be secure. Vic -waited in some suspense for ten minutes, and then as the trapper was -still absent, he concluded to give the signal. - -Twice the long, solemn hoot of the owl rose on the air, so perfectly -natural that Kent was surprised, and then, in a moment, came the -answering hoot, thrice repeated, away to the left. - -“All right!” said Vic; “he’ll soon be here.” - -Ten more minutes passed, and then, clear and sweet, only a few yards -distant, sounded the night-bird’s note, “Whippowil! whippowil!” in quick -succession, twice repeated. - -“Keep still!” admonished Vic; “I’m goin’ tew see what’s wanted. Thet’s -Nat.” - -The trapper dropped on his hands and knees, and crawled away. The trio -in the thicket waited with intense solicitude for his return, but so -silent was his approach, that he stood beside them before they were -aware of it. - -“All right!” he whispered. “He’s got the hosses up here a few rods away, -an’ we must go to ’em. Come on.” - -Again in silence the little party took up the line of march, and, -piloted by Vic, soon arrived at the spot, where, close to the edge of -the creek, stood the trapper and the horses. - -“Mount,” he whispered, as they came up. “I’ve confiskated a Blackfoot’s -animile, an’ as I dunno what sort of a kitten it is, I’ll ride it, an’ -let Marion hev mine. Up with ye, little ’un!” - -A moment sufficed for them all to mount, and then they started under the -guidance of Wild Nat, who rode at once into the creek. - -“Where ye goin’—” began Scip. - -“Keep still,” ordered the hunter, “ef ye want tew keep yer skulp. Don’t -splash the water so.” - -All advanced with as much silence as possible. The very horses seemed to -use caution, and all went well. Wild Nat followed down the stream for -the distance of about four miles, determined to balk their enemies if -possible. No alarm was heard behind them to indicate that their absence -had been discovered, and they cherished strong hopes of escaping without -detection and pursuit. - -At the end of four miles the trapper led the way out of the creek, -taking the left bank and heading his horse in a north-east direction. -Considerable care was taken for some distance to cover the trail, but -when a mile from the creek, the party abandoned the precaution as no -longer necessary, and increased their hitherto slow pace to a gallop. - -The darkness which had thus far been dense began to show signs of -lifting. The clouds rolled away and allowed the stars to shine, and the -dim light thus afforded enabled the fugitives to see their way. For -several miles they continued their pace, and it was only when the cave -was a good ten miles behind, that Wild Nat slackened his speed, and -broke the silence which had thus far reigned undisturbed, save for his -laconic directions given at intervals. - -“Thar,” he remarked, letting the reins fall loosely on his horse’s neck, -while the others imitated his example, and all subsided into a walk. -“Thar, I guess we’re about safe as fur as _them_ Injuns is concerned. I -flatter myself that they don’t foller us very easy. Ef we don’t run -afoul of another batch on ’em, we’ll stan’ a good chance of gittin’ -off.” - -“Golly!” ejaculated Scip. “I wish we could git somethin’ to eat. I’m -jest clean starved.” - -“Of course! Who ever knew a nigger that had enough?” responded Vic. -“Wait till it’s light. I ain’t filled tew overflowing with vittals -myself, and mean tew walk into a butcher-shop soon.” - -“How did you contrive to get the horses, Nat?” asked Kent. - -“Oh, I jest went round kinder cautious, an’ found they’s thar whar we -placed ’em, an’ then I scouted round an’ see’d thet the reds warn’t near -enough to hear, an’ led ’em out. Ez I couldn’t take but one at a time, -it took me quite a spell, but arter I got our four out, an’ safe in a -thicket, I jest detarmined tewr have another one. So I begun lookin’ -round, an’ I found the Injuns’ hosses out a piece from the creek, an’ -jest quietly took one on ’em. I reckon they’ll blow _some_ when they -find we’ve gone an’ took the best hoss they had, but thet won’t disturb -us in pertic’lar.” - -“It’s rather remarkable that they hadn’t found ours before this time, -isn’t it?” asked Kent. - -“Wal, no, I dunno as ’tis,” replied Nat. “Ye see, thet’s a plaguey neat -place tew put ’em. Ye can’t git in only one way, an’ thet’s rather on -t’other side from the cave. Gallinippers, but the hosses war glad tew -see me! Every one of ’em showed they war glad to see somebody ag’in.” - -“I’m all-fired mad tew think thet the pesky varmints hev discovered thet -cave,” said Vic. “It’s teetotally tew bad. Now it’s jest gittin’ in the -edge of the best trappin’ time, an’ tew hev them upset our plans in this -way is enough tew rile anybody.” - -“What direction are we going?” asked Marion. - -“North-east,” replied Wild Nat. “We’ll strike the emigrant trail a -leetle arter sunrise, ef we hev good luck.” - -Steadily throughout the night the little party kept on, and at sunrise -reached the Sweetwater river. This they forded, and half an hour later -they struck the trail, a little further down the river. - -“Halt here for breakfast,” said Wild Nat, stopping in the edge of the -woods, and slipping the saddle off his horse. “We’re ready ’nough for -it, I guess.” - -“Yes, but whar’s the vittals?” asked Scip. - -“Can’t ye see them ducks yender by the river?” asked Vic. “We’ll hev -some of them ef nothin’ else turns up.” - -The whole party now dismounted. Nat proceeded to care for the animals -and prepare a fire, while Vic and Kent took their rifles, and started -toward the river. - -Marion wandered about the edge of the grove, and plucked a few -wild-flowers with the dew still on their bright petals, half forgetting -her hunger in her admiration of the lovely scene before her. - -The sun was just up, and the cool green woods were deliciously fresh and -pleasant, with the dew on the leaves and grass, while the birds burst -out in trills of melody among the branches. A squirrel ran along her -pathway, stopping a moment to turn his head on one side, and scan her -with his little bright eyes, and then with a “chit-er-e-e,” was off -among the bushes. - -Over the river the flocks of ducks rose and fell, and merrily through -the forest rung the echoes of the hunters’ guns, showing they were not -idle. - -As she stood contemplating the scene, Scip loudly called her, and going -to him she found him sitting on the ground, close up to the hollow end -of a fallen tree, with something in his hands. He evidently was pleased, -for his capacious mouth was stretched in a broad grin, showing at least -twenty-four of his thirty-two glistening ivories. - -“Yah, yah! Jest see here, Miss Marion.” - -“What is it?” asked Marion, curiously, as she approached. - -“Chickens,” responded Scip, holding up to view the mother partridge, and -then cautiously withdrawing himself from the log, he revealed to -Marion’s admiring gaze a nest full of downy chicks and one or two eggs. - -“How pretty!” she exclaimed, admiringly. “But how did you catch them, -Scip? I always thought they would run.” - -“Dey would,” replied Scip, with a chuckle, “only ye see dey couldn’t. As -I’s comin’ ’long I jist see her settin’ here, and grabbed her ’fore ye -could wink. Den as I sot ag’in’ de log, why ob course de chicks couldn’t -git out.” - -“They are frightened,” said Marion, touching one of the downy backs. -“Let the mother go, Scip, and come away.” - -“Y-e-s,” replied Scip, hesitatingly; “but I’s hungry, Miss Marion.” - -“Nonsense! You don’t want to kill the bird and let the poor little ones -starve?” said Marion. “Vic and Wayne will get plenty of food. Do let her -go.” - -Scip rose rather reluctantly and released the bird, with a longing look -at her plump proportions, but getting a glimpse of the sportsmen -returning with hands full of game, he followed Marion with alacrity. - -“Jist look here, will ye?” said Vic, holding up to view a brace of ducks -and a large goose. “Don’t thet look like eatin’?” - -Kent followed with several more fowls, and they fell to work to prepare -them for cooking. Hunger made nimble fingers, and in an incredibly short -space of time half a dozen birds were impaled on sticks around the fire, -soon sending forth the most appetizing odors. While the process of -cooking was going forward, Vic was digging in the woods near and soon -appeared with his hands full of white, fleshy-looking roots, washed -clean in the river, which he pronounced good to eat, and the -finely-browned birds being pronounced done by Wild Nat, the hungry -travelers hastened to discuss them. The fowls were excellently flavored, -and although in some places hardly done and guiltless of salt, our -friends were not disposed to be particular, and it is doubtful if they -ever ate another meal that relished so well. The old proverb says: -“Hunger is the best sauce,” and in this case the half-starved fugitives -found it so. - -“Wal, I ’low thet we’d orter be movin’,” said Vic, when the repast was -over. “Thar’s no knowin’ how many of our hospertable friends are arter -us, an’ I, for one, hed jist as lief git tew Fort Laramie ’fore they -overtake us, as not.” - -“Count me in dar,” said Scip. “I’ve had ’nough o’ _dem_ for once.” - -The horses were caught and saddled, and once more they were moving. Vic -rode a few yards in advance, and Wild Nat about the same distance in the -rear. Sharp look-out was kept for enemies, but, fortunately, none were -seen, and the rejoicing travelers kept on their way unmolested. It was -no part of their programme to dally by the way, that the Indians might -overtake them in case they were following, and they traveled steadily, -only stopping two hours at noon to allow their tired horses to feed and -rest. Meeting with no obstacles and encountering no foes, their progress -was rapid, and sunset found them about seventy miles from Fort Laramie. -Here they encamped for the night, selecting a sort of grotto in some -rocks, where they would be sheltered from observation. No one felt -disposed to sit up “star-gazing,” and as soon as it was dark they -prepared to “turn in.” The most sheltered situation was chosen for -Marion, and a rude couch formed by means of boughs and blankets. The men -lay down beside the fire, one remaining up to keep guard, and -occasionally changing with the others, that all might receive the sleep -so much needed. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - AN UNWELCOME VISITOR. - - -Morning came clear and pleasant, and the travelers were early astir -preparing breakfast, and getting ready to resume their journey. - -“Grizzly ’round not long ’go,” said Vic, as he turned a huge dice of -meat before the fire. - -“Indeed!” exclaimed Kent. “Why do you think there was?” - -“Seen his tracks,” replied Vic; “fresh, too.” - -“I hope he is not near here now,” said Marion, involuntarily, as the -tales of the grizzly bear’s ferocity she had heard flitted through her -mind. - -“Wal,” said Wild Nat, “I shouldn’t be s’prised ef he warn’t more’n a -hundred miles off. A grizzly ain’t a very nice playthin’. I could tell -some yarns about ’em thet would make ye open yer peepers. They are jist -the all-firedest, meanest thing tew fight thet ever run. Take a big one -an’ I’d ruther fight twenty Pawnees single-handed, unless I’d got the -advantage of him. They’re jist the orneriest critters thet travels.” - -“Thet’s a fact,” said Vic. “I hev an idee thet— Varmints, thar’s the ole -fellow himself!” - -Every man grasped his gun and turned on the defensive, as a huge grizzly -bear suddenly appeared from behind the rocks and bushes on the right. -Marion shrunk back with a white face, and stood watching his movements -breathlessly. - -He was a most majestic fellow, large and ferocious in appearance, and -evidently had no intention of leaving immediately. Walking up toward -them he stopped a few yards distant, and raising his huge body on his -hind legs, deliberately surveyed the party before him. - -“Oh, de Lord,” ejaculated Scip, “we’s all dead men.” - -“Shet yer trap,” growled Wild Nat. “Down on yer knees, all of ye an’ git -yer knives out.” - -The men all dropped as directed, and as the bear slowly advanced, Wild -Nat hastily removed the cap from his gun, replacing it with a fresh one. -The bear advanced to within a few feet of them, licking his huge jaws, -as if in anticipation of a coming feast. Kent raised his rifle to fire. - -“Hold thar,” exclaimed Nat; “don’t fire, for yer life! Now, Vic!” - -The bear was now close, and, raising himself, rushed forward with a -ferocious growl. At that moment, Vic drew his attention by throwing his -cap aside, and in the momentary pause Wild Nat raised his rifle and -fired both barrels into the monster’s eye. With a fearful roar the -grizzly pitched forward and lay stretched lifeless on the ground. - -“Thet war a neat little transacktion,” said the trapper, coolly -surveying the beast, “an’ we ’scaped bein’ strung tew mince-meat by it. -It war a good shot.” - -“Why did you tell me not to fire?” asked Kent. - -“Why? Beavers an’ catamounts! Ef ye’d fired, ye’d ’a’ bin dead in tew -minnits. _You’d_ have aimed at his head, an’ ye mought as well try tew -shoot through one of them ’ere rocks as tew try tew kill a grizzly by -shootin’ his head. Ye can’t dew it nohow. It jist maddens ’em an’ then -thar’s lively times. I had a grizzly chase me once.” - -“Golly,” ejaculated Scip, “I bet I’d run!” - -“Humph,” said Wild Nat, contemptuously, “ye mought run an’ be hanged. -Much good it would do ye. I had a dorg in them days, an’ by virtew of -his sooperior powers as an animile, I managed tew sarcumvent the -critter. He war a powerful animile, thet dorg war. He’d run a leetle the -fastest of any thin’ out. Lay to: this meat’s done.” - -“What sort of a dog?” asked Scip, as he obeyed the trapper’s orders. - -“Hound,” replied Nat; “he’d ketch a live deer in forty rods when the -deer had ten rods the start. Howsomever,” added the trapper, “thar war -one disadvantage about him. He’d git tired. After a run of ten miles he -war clean tired out. But, he would go like lightnin’. Take it on open -ground an’ he couldn’t well be beat. It’s dangerous runnin’ dorgs in the -woods. Bill Stevens hed a splendid hound thet would jist measure sile -tew beat all. When thet critter got a-goin’ it war hard tellin’ what he -war, for all ye could see war a streak, an’ I’ve seen a streak ahind -thet dorg twenty yards long, he went so fast; ’peared like he spread -over thet distance like a komit’s tail, ye know. But his speed war the -’casion of a great catastrophe, to him. Howsomever, it war a gain in the -long run.” - -“What was it?” asked Kent, laughing, as the trapper paused to help -himself to another piece of meat. - -“It happened in this way. We war out huntin’ one day, an’ got arter a -deer. It war in the woods, an’ the dorg got his eye on the game an’ war -jist streakin’ it over the ground, an’ bein’ so engaged he didn’t notice -whar he war goin’ an’ so happened tew run ag’in a tree an’ split him -clean in two, length-ways. Bill jist run up an’ grabbed up the pieces, -an’ clapped ’em together, an’ the dorg started on. As he started, Bill -see’d the mistake he’d made, but it war too late then. In his hurry he’d -clapped the dorg together so two legs war up an’ two down, an’ though he -felt sorry at the time, he see in a short time thet it war a great -advantage, for when two of his legs got tired the dorg jist whipped over -on t’other two, an’ kep’ on same as ever.” - -Shouts of laughter greeted the recital of this extraordinary occurrence, -but the trapper never relaxed his grave aspect, standing with the utmost -gravity amid the peals of laughter which convulsed the remainder of the -company, apparently unconscious that he had said any thing particularly -funny or incredible. - -“See here, Nat,” said Wayne, as Vic proceeded to cut off some portions -of the bear-meat, “why did you order us to drop on our knees before you -fired?” - -“For this,” said the trapper. “I warn’t sure how the beast would act. -Thet’s the Injin way of doin’. All git on their knees, an’ when the -grizzly comes up one of ’em tackles him, an’ thet draws his attention, -an’ then the others pile on tew him, an’ he’s gener’ly dispatched ’thout -any one gittin’ ser’usly hurt. It’s all the way ye kin do when ye don’t -hev guns, or a chance to use ’em ef ye do hev ’em.” - -“Exactly,” replied Kent. “I understand now, but it strikes me I -shouldn’t like to have a battle with one every day.” - -“No more should I. But it’s ’bout time we war on the move, I reckon. -It’s gittin’ late,” said Vic, rising to his feet. - -“Thet’s so,” exclaimed Wild Nat; “so let’s tew hoss. Come on, Kent.” - -Ten minutes later they were on their way. - -It was a beautiful day, with an unusually clear atmosphere, and the tops -of the distant mountains shone blue through the haze. Their way lay -through a pleasant country, and, as they were gradually leaving the -regions of the mountains, the timber increased in plenty and variety. -Toward morning they came in view of Laramie Peak, while far to the -south-east rose the dark summits of the Black Hills. - -“How far distant is Fort Laramie?” asked Marion, as she gazed through -the blue distance toward the hills. - -“’Bout twenty miles,” replied Vic. “We hain’t made a very big journey -to-day. Got started too late. Howsomever, we’ll git thar in purty good -season to-morrow.” - -“Gallinippers!” ejaculated Wild Nat, suddenly, in a suppressed tone. -“Thar’s Injuns!” - -“Where?” was the simultaneous question from the startled party. - -“Thar!” replied Wild Nat, pointing toward the north-west with his right -hand. - -Four pair of eyes examined the horizon in the direction indicated, but -two only saw what they sought. Vic, sharper sighted than the others, at -once detected the enemy. - -“Where are they, Vic?” queried Marion, shading her eyes with her hand, -and gazing earnestly away toward the point indicated. “I can see -nothing.” - -“Look here,” said Vic. “Ye see thet hill ’way yonder? Wal, jist tew the -left of that ye can see—if yer eyes are sharp—a lot of leetle dark -movin’ objects. Them’s ’em.” - -“Oh, yes! But how far distant they are. Mere specks on the horizon,” -said the fair girl, as she watched them. - -“Humph! It won’t take ’em long to git nearer,” said Vic, “but as we’re -purty clus to the fort I don’t feel very uneasy. They hain’t seen us; we -are a small party, ye know. Move on!” - -The march was resumed and they were soon out of sight of their dreaded -enemy. Sunset found them about twelve miles from the fort, when they -concluded to pass the night, as their animals gave evidence of -considerable fatigue. They had not allowed them much time to feed or -rest since morning, and a good camping-spot being found, they prepared -for the night’s repose. The spot selected was in a small clump of -timber, through which ran a clear, purling brook. A fire was kindled -beside a fallen trunk, some meat for supper roasted, and then the little -camp relapsed into slumber. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - THE LAST OF EARTH. - - -It was near morning when Kent was awakened by a hand on his shoulder and -a gentle shake. - -Starting up, half asleep, he asked in a whisper: - -“What is wanting?” - -“Git up,” was the reply, in the well-known voice of Nathan Rogers. -“_Thar’s Injuns clus at hand, an’ we can only save ourselves by -slidin’!_” - -Wide enough awake now, the young man rose to his feet, and saw that Vic -stood near, with the horses ready saddled. - -“How close are they?” he asked. - -“Not forty rods off,” was the startling reply, “an’ we’ve got to be off -at once.” - -Stepping along a few feet to where Marion lay in innocent slumber, Kent -stooped and touched her arm. - -“Marion,” he whispered, gently, “Marion, awake.” - -The girl moved uneasily, and the loved voice mingling with her dreams, -she murmured: - -“Wayne, dear Wayne. Oh, be careful! They will kill you if they discover -you. Have a care!” - -“Poor child,” murmured her lover, “even her dreams are haunted by the -thought of our foes. Marion,” he added, louder, “awake.” - -She started up in affright, and collecting her scattered senses, asked -what was wanted. - -“We are forced to continue our journey,” answered Kent; “the Indians are -near enough to render our presence here dangerous.” - -She sprung to her feet, frightened but calm. - -“Wayne,” she said, steadily, “you do not tell me all. I am not afraid. -How near are they?” - -“Forty or fifty rods,” was the answer. “We must make haste. Are you -ready?” - -“Yes.” - -He assisted her to mount, the other three men being already in the -saddle, and then springing to his seat, they were off. - -It was dark—so dark that they were in some danger of encountering foes, -or making some noise that might betray them; but, the dexterity of the -old trapper carried them safely to the edge of the plain, where they -halted a moment to make sure of their bearings. - -“All right, this way,” said Wild Nat, in a suppressed voice, as he led -the way in the darkness. “Keep powerful still.” - -Fortunately, the trapper’s expertness and knowledge of woodcraft enabled -them to avoid the Indians, who were lurking on the opposite side of the -timber, unaware, as yet, of the proximity of the whites. - -Silently the little band, led by Wild Nat, kept on in the darkness, and -were soon two miles distant from the grove, and under the shelter of -some low hills and timber. The east was beginning to grow light, and -morning would soon be there. They kept on at a sharp trot for a few -miles, the darkness slowly lifting till the eastern horizon was bathed -in rosy light, and the last shadows of the night vanished in the west. - -A desultory conversation was maintained by the rest, in which Wild Nat -did not join. He appeared unusually grave and preoccupied. Marion -watched him furtively, and at length thinking his grave demeanor caused -by apprehensions of danger from the Indians, she spoke to him. - -“What is it, Nathan? Is there great danger?” - -“No, guess not,” he replied, absently. Then rousing himself to consider -her question, he continued: “Probably they’ll find our trail, but I -guess we’ll be near enough the fort tew distance ’em. Shan’t worry, -anyway.” - -An animated discussion of the probabilities of their being pursued -sprung up, while the trapper relapsed into his former gravity and -silence. - -Mile after mile detached itself from the distance, and stretched itself -away behind them, until only a few remained between them and their -destination, when, suddenly, a long shout reached them, and looking back -they beheld a slight eminence about half a mile distant, covered with a -war-party of Indians. - -“We’re in for it,” muttered Wild Nat. “Forrard all!” - -The fugitives quickened their pace at once, and whooping and yelling the -Indians followed, and the race was fairly begun. Our friends felt but -little anxiety, as their horses were comparatively fresh, and the -distance to Fort Laramie so short, but a race with Indians, even under -the most auspicious circumstances, can not fail to be exciting. - -For a time the two parties maintained their relative positions, and then -the Indians began to gain slowly. Already the fugitives felt -comparatively safe, so near were they to their destination, and the -knowledge of this fact served to stimulate their pursuers with renewed -energy. On they flew, their horses straining every nerve, their -battle-axes and war-spears glittering in the sun, and a deafening roar -of whoops filling the air. - -“Thet’s lovely music,” remarked Vic, with a grin, “an’ thar’s the -akompanyment,” he added, as a shower of arrows flew around them. -“’Tain’t no use tew dodge, after they’ve gone past,” as Scip made -frantic efforts to elude the flying arrows. “We’ll be out of danger in a -few minits. See, thar’s the fort!” - -Amid a shower of death-winged missives the little band of fugitives flew -on, up the little rise that led to the fort, closely followed by their -pursuers, who were evidently determined to abandon their purpose only -when forced to do so. Occasionally a bullet, from a rifle in the hands -of the savages, whizzed through the air with its peculiar whistling -music, losing itself in the space beyond. - -Suddenly Kent, who was near Wild Nat, observed a deadly pallor -overspread the trapper’s face, and saw him reel in his seat. With a -presentiment of danger, the young man caught the falling man and -supported him, until in an instant they were all safe within the walls -of the fort. - -Vic caught sight of him and hurried to him. - -They laid him down carefully, Marion holding his head, and bathing his -brow with water. - -He opened his eyes with a faint smile. - -“It’s all over,” he said, looking up. “Vic, my boy, we’ll go trapping -together no more. I’ve hunted my last buffalo. Good-by.” - -Vic grasped his hand and wrung it without a word, turning away to hide -his emotion. - -The old trapper looked from one to the other. - -“Good-by boys, I’m going! Good-by, little ’un; don’t forgit me. Don’t -cry, it’s best so. We’ll meet ag’in, I hope.” - -He closed his eyes with a smile, holding one of Marion’s hands in his. -The pallor deepened on his rough face, the labored breathing grew -fainter. - -“He is asleep,” said Marion, reverently, with fast-dropping tears. -“Asleep forever in this life.” - -Kent was kneeling beside him, holding one hand. - -“Yes, he’s gone,” he said, in a low tone, rising to his feet. “The -bullet passed near his heart.” - -Marion disengaged her hand from the tight clasp of the trapper, and with -earnest sorrow for the life gone so suddenly, withdrew from the room. - -Vic came up, brushing his rough hand across his eyes, as if ashamed of -his emotion. - -“He is gone,” he said, with a glance at his peaceful face, “an’ a braver -man never lived.” - -The baffled Indians had withdrawn, fearing pursuit by the garrison. - -Much to the surprise and pleasure of the party, they found at the fort a -party from the Willamette River Mission, on their way to the States, -with whom they might travel in company. - -They remained at Fort Laramie over one day. Wild Nat was buried near the -fort, and a rude slab to mark the place was erected by Kent and Vic. It -was with sincere grief that they mourned the rough but kindly friend who -had been with them through so many perils, and gave his life for their -safety. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - CONCLUSION. - - -Pass over two years, and come with me to a beautiful country-place, a -short distance from Cincinnati, Ohio. - -In the midst of a lovely garden stands a fine white house, whose shady -piazza is overrun with climbing roses and scarlet creepers. Large trees -throw their cool shadows over the roof and furnish homes for numberless -birds. - -The front door is open, and a dark-eyed woman, young and fair, is sewing -by the window. At a little distance from her is a white-robed baby -playing on the floor, to which her eyes wander with a tender glance. - -There is a step on the piazza; a manly form darkens the door; a cheery -voice chirps to the laughing baby, and the mother looks up with a smile. -It is our old friends, Marion Verne, now Marion Kent, and Wayne. This -beautiful country-place is their home, and a happier family it would be -hard to find. - -“Marion,” said Wayne, as he tossed the crowing child, “do you know what -day this is?” - -“No—yes—it is Wednesday, the seventeenth of September, I believe.” - -“Yes; but do you remember that this is the second anniversary of Wild -Nat’s death?” - -Marion looked up with a graver face. - -“Two years have brought their changes, Wayne. I wonder where Vic is?” - -“Trapping beavers and fighting Indians I daresay. I wonder— Ah, there is -company.” - -Marion turned to look from the window. - -A man mounted on a large gray horse had ridden up to the gate and -dismounted. As he stepped from behind a clump of lilac bushes, Mrs. Kent -started up with an exclamation: - -“Why, Wayne—it is—_yes_, it is Vic Potter!” - -Wayne started toward the door, meeting the trapper at the threshold. - -“Welcome, old friend!” he said, heartily. “Welcome!” - -There was a hearty greeting and hand-shaking all round, as he entered. - -“I’m powerful glad tew see ye,” he exclaimed, as he took a seat. “I got -a notion thet mebbe ye’d like tew see Vic’s ugly pictur’ ag’in, so I -jist extended my travels a little, an’ here I be! Is this here youngster -yours, Marion?” - -“Yes,” was the smiling reply, as the trapper took the little fellow from -his father’s arms. “And what do you think it’s name is, Vic?” - -“Hain’t no idee,” said the trapper, reflectively. “Wayne, mebbe, arter -its father.” - -“No,” said Marion, “we have named him Victor.” - -The old hunter looked up with a delighted grin. - -“Did ye now? Wal, thet’s suthin’ I didn’t expect. He’s a fine little -fellow, an’ I ’spect tew have the pleasure of l’arnin’ him how tew trap -beavers one of these days.” - -At this moment the dining room door opened, and a shining black face -looked in. We have no difficulty in recognizing it as belonging to Scip. - -“Gorry mi’ty! Is dat ar’ you, Vic?” he ejaculated, as his eyes fell on -the trapper. “He! he! I wasn’t ’spectin’ to see _you_.” - -“Nor I you,” answered Vic, as he shook hands. “What ye doin’ here?” - -“Oh, Miss Marion, she keeps me about de kitchen. ’Spect I’m good to -scour knives,” answered Scip, with a broad grin. - -“Indeed, he is invaluable,” said Marion, as she led the way out to -dinner. “I couldn’t do without him.” - -“You are not going back very soon, are you?” asked Wayne, when they were -seated at the table. - -“Next week,” replied Vic. “I can’t stand it ’mong civilization very -long. I’m only to hum on the plains. It’s lonesome tho’,” he added, in a -changed tone, “’thout Nat.” - -“Poor fellow,” said Wayne. “He at least had the privilege of dying with -friends around him, though an Indian bullet laid him low.” - -“He war a good fellow,” said Vic; “thar war none better nor braver.” - -“Nor one more kindly,” said Marion. “He was a rough diamond but a true -one. I mourned him as a friend.” - -Thus was the trapper, whose lonely grave in the wilds of the Far West -might move the wonder of some chance passerby, remembered. - - - THE END. - - - - - BEADLE & ADAMS’ - New Twenty Cent Novels! - - - ALBERT W. AIKEN’S - Celebrated Dick Talbot Romances! - - -The immense popularity of the four romances of which Dick Talbot (“Injun -Dick”) is the center of interest, impels the publishers to put them into -volumes of convenient size and attractive style, each volume to be a -complete story, and to be sold at the remarkably reasonable price of -Twenty Cents. - -Unable to keep these most noted of all Mr. Aiken’s productions in print, -as _serials_, in the New York Saturday Journal, their appearance in book -shape will be welcomed by those who, having read all or a portion of the -romances, as serials, wish to reperuse them, and to have them in -permanent form; while, to those who have heard of the stories, but who -have not been able to obtain them, this announcement will be received -with satisfaction. - -To readers in general it may be said with truth that in this series they -have several of the most brilliant novels which American literature has -offered—a combination of Bret Harte, Gustave Aimard and Charles Reade, -that gives us the New School of Romance of which every American may well -be proud. - -The following is the order of issue: - - Rocky Mountain Rob. Now ready. - Kentuck, the Sport. Ready. - Injun Dick. Ready. - Overland Kit. Ready. - -Sold by all newsdealers; or sent, post-paid, to any address, on receipt -of price—Twenty Cents each—by - - BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, - 98 William Street, N. Y. - - - DIME DIALOGUES, No. 11. - - Appearances are very Deceitful. For six boys. - The Conundrum Family. For three males and three females. - Curing Betsey. For three males and four females. - Jack and the Beanstalk. A dress piece and fairy tale drama. For five - characters. - The Way to Do it and Not to Do it. For three females. - How to become Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. For one male and one female. - The Only True Life. For two girls. - Classic Colloquies. For two boys. - I. Gustavus Vasa and Cristiern. - II. Tamerlane and Bajazet. - Fashionable Dissipation. For two little girls. - A School Charade. For two boys and two girls. - Jean Ingelow’s “Songs of Seven.” Arranged as a dress piece and - recitative, for seven girls. - A Debate. For four boys. - Ragged Dick’s Lesson. For three boys. - School Charade with Tableau. From School Festival. - A Very Questionable Story. For two boys. - A Sell. For three males. - The Real Gentleman. For two boys. - - - DIME DIALOGUES, No. 12. - - Yankee Assurance. For two males and one female, and several subsidiary - characters. - Boarders Wanted. For two females and one male and several subsidiary - characters. - When I was Young. For two girls. - The Most Precious Heritage. For two boys. - The Double Cure. For two males and four females. - The Flower-garden Fairies. For five little girls. - Jemima’s Novel. For three males and two females. - Beware of the Widows. For three girls. - A Family not to Pattern After. For ten characters. - How to Man-age. An acting charade. - The Vacation Escapade. For four boys and teacher. - That Naughty Boy. For three females and one male. - Mad-cap. An Acting Charade. - All is not Gold that Glitters. An Acting Proverb. - Sic Transit Gloria Mundi. A Latin Acting Charade. - - - DIME DIALOGUES, No. 13. - - Two O’clock in the Morning. For three males. - An Indignation Meeting. For several females. - Before and Behind the Scenes. For several boys and girls. - The Noblest Boy. For a number of boys and teacher. - Blue Beard. A Dress Piece. For several girls and boys. - Not so Bad as it Seems. For two girls and several subsidiaries. - A Curbstone Moral. For two males and one female. - Sense vs. Sentiment. A Parlor and Exhibition Petite Drama. - Worth, not Wealth. For four boys and a teacher. - No such Word as Fail. A Dramatic Proverb. For several male characters. - The Sleeping Beauty. A Fairy Tale Drama. For a school. - An Innocent Intrigue. For two males and one female. - Old Nably, the Fortune-teller. For three girls. - Boy-talk. For several little boys. - Mother is Dead. For several little girls. - A Practical Illustration. For two boys and one girl. - - - DIME DIALOGUES, No. 14. - - Mrs. Jonas Jones. For three gents and two ladies. - The born genius. For four gents. - More than one listener. For four gents and one lady. - Who on airth is he? For three girls. - The right not to be a pauper. For two boys. - Woman nature will out. For a girls’ school. - Benedict and bachelor. For two boys. - The cost of a dress. For five persons. - The surprise party. For six little girls. - A practical demonstration. For three boys. - Refinement. Acting charade. For several characters. - Conscience the arbiter. For one lady and one gent. - How to make mothers happy. (Temperance.) For two girls. - A conclusive argument. (Temperance.) For two boy speakers. - A woman’s blindness. (Temperance.) For three girls. - Rum’s work. For four gents. - The fatal mistake. For two young ladies. - Eyes and nose. For one gent and one lady. - Retribution. For a number of boys. - - - DIME DIALOGUES, No. 15. - - The Fairies’ Escapade. A dress piece. For numerous characters. - A Poet’s Perplexities. For six gentlemen. - A Home Cure. For two ladies and one gentleman. - The Good there is in Each. For a number of boys. - Gentleman or Monkey. For two boys. - The Little Philosopher. For two little girls. - Aunt Polly’s Lesson. For four ladies. - A Wind-fall: Acting Charade. For a number of participants. - Will it pay? For two boys. - The Heir-at-Law. For numerous male characters. - Don’t Believe What You Hear. For three ladies. - A Safety Rule. For three ladies. - The Chief’s Resolve. Extract. For two males. - Testing her Friends; or, The Widow Brown’s Will. For several - characters of both sexes. - The Foreigner’s Troubles. For two ladies. - The Cat Without an Owner. For several characters. - Natural Selection. For three gentlemen. - -☞ Beadle’s Dime Dialogues are for sale by all newsdealers; or will be -sent, post paid, to any address, on receipt of price, TEN CENTS EACH, by - - BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, - 98 William Street, New York - - - - - THE ILLUMINATED DIME - POCKET NOVELS! - - -Comprising the best works only of the most popular living writers in the -field of American Romance. Each issue a complete novel, with illuminated -cover, rivaling in effect the popular chromo, - - And yet Sold at the Standard Price—Ten Cents! - -Incomparably the most beautiful and attractive series of books, and the -most delightful reading, ever presented to the popular reading public. - -Distancing all rivalry, equally in the beauty of the books and their -intrinsic excellence as romances, this new series will quickly take the -lead in public favor, and be regarded as the Paragon Novels! - - NOW READY, AND IN PRESS. - - No. 1—Hawkeye Harry, the Young Trapper Ranger. By Oll Coomes. - No. 2—Dead Shot; or, The White Vulture. By Albert W. Aiken. - No. 3—The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. By Edward S. Ellis. - No. 4—Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chief’s Vengeance. By Capt. Mayne - Reid. - No. 5—Nat Wolfe; or, The Gold-Hunters. By Mrs. M. V. Victor. - No. 6—The White Tracker; or, The Panther of the Plains. By Edward S. - Ellis. - No. 7—The Outlaw’s Wife; or, The Valley Ranche. By Mrs. Ann S. - Stephens. - No. 8—The Tall Trapper; or, The Flower of the Blackfeet. By Albert W. - Aiken. - No. 9—Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Santa Fe Trail. By Capt. J. F. - C. Adams. - No. 10—The Island Pirate. A Tale of the Mississippi. By Captain Mayne - Reid. - No. 11—The Boy Ranger; or, The Heiress of the Golden Horn. By Oll - Coomes. - No. 12—Bess, the Trapper. A Tale of the Far South-west. By Edward S. - Ellis. - No. 13—The French Spy; or, The Fall of Montreal. By W. J. Hamilton. - No. 14—Long Shot; or, The Dwarf Guide. By Capt. Comstock. - No. 15—The Gunmaker of the Border; or, The Hunted Maiden. By James L. - Bowen. - No. 16—Red Hand; or, The Channel Scourge. By A. G. Piper. - No. 17—Ben, the Trapper; or, The Mountain Demon. By Maj. Lewis W. - Carson. - No. 18—Wild Raven, the Ranger; or, The Missing Guide. By Oll Coomes. - No. 19—The Specter Chief; or, The Indian’s Revenge. By Seelin Robins. - No. 20—The B’ar-Killer; or, The Long Trail. By Capt. Comstock. - No. 21—Wild Nat; or, The Cedar Swamp Brigade. By Wm. R. Eyster. - No. 22—Indian Jo, the Guide. By Lewis W. Carson. - No. 23—Old Kent, the Ranger. By Edward S. Ellis. - No. 24—The One-Eyed Trapper. By Capt. Comstock. - No. 25—Godbold, the Spy. A Tale of Arnold’s Treason. By N. C. Iron. - No. 26—The Black Ship. By John S. Warner. - No. 27—Single Eye, the Scourge. By Warren St. John. - No. 28—Indian Jim. A Tale of the Minnesota Massacre. By Edward S. - Ellis. - No. 29—The Scout. By Warren St. John. - No. 30.—Eagle Eye. By W. J. Hamilton. - No. 31—The Mystic Canoe. A Romance of a Hundred Years Ago. By Edward - S. Ellis. - No. 32—The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes. By Roger - Starbuck. - No. 33—The Scalp King; or, The Squaw Wife of the White Avenger. By - Lieut. Ned Hunter. - No. 34—Old Lute, the Indian-fighter; or, The Den in the Hills. By - Edward W. Archer. - No. 35—Rainbolt, the Ranger; or, The Ærial Demon of the Mountain. By - Oll Coomes. - No. 36—The Boy Pioneer. By Edward S. Ellis. - No. 37—Carson, the Guide; or, the Perils of the Frontier. By Lieut. J. - H. Randolph. - No. 38—The Heart Eater; or, The Prophet of the Hollow Hill. By Harry - Hazard. - No. 39—Wetzel, the Scout; or, The Captive of the Wilderness. By - Boynton Belknap, M. D. - No. 40—The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Man of the Prairies. By Edward - S. Ellis. Ready - No. 41—Wild Nat, the Trapper. By Paul Prescott. Ready - No. 42—Lynx-cap; or, The Sioux Track. By Paul Bibbs. Ready Feb. 1st. - No. 43—The White Outlaw; or, The Bandit Brigand. By Harry Hazard. Feb. - 15th. - -☞ Beadle’s Dime Pocket Novels are for sale by all newsdealers; or will -be sent, post-paid, to any address, on receipt of price, TEN CENTS EACH, -by - - BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, - 98 William Street, New York - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - -—Silently corrected a few typos. - -—Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook - is public-domain in the country of publication. - -—In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by - _underscores_. - -—Created a Table of Contents based on the chapter headings. - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NAT, THE TRAPPER AND -INDIAN-FIGHTER *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where - you are located before using this eBook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that: - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation's website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without -widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. |