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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3883496 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #68371 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68371) diff --git a/old/68371-0.txt b/old/68371-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 3eb66d7..0000000 --- a/old/68371-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4069 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The luckless trapper, by William -Eyster - -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: The luckless trapper - -Author: William Eyster - -Release Date: June 21, 2022 [eBook #68371] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Northern - Illinois University Digital Library) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LUCKLESS TRAPPER *** - - - - - -THE LUCKLESS TRAPPER; - -OR, - -THE HAUNTED HUNTER - -BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER, - -AUTHOR OF "WILD NAT" (POCKET NOVEL 21.) - -VOL. V. -NOVEMBER 11, 1876. -NO. 62. - -NEW YORK: -BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, -98 WILLIAM STREET. - -Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by -FRANK STARR & CO., -In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - - - - - THE HAUNTED HUNTER; - - OR, - - BILL BLAZE, THE LUCKLESS TRAPPER - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - A CORPSE IN THE STREAM. - - -There is a peculiar hiss when a rifle-ball passes in close proximity to -one's head, a sound that no doubt chords with some musical note, yet -upon most ears the noise is apt to fall rather unpleasantly. So the -trapper, though thoroughly seasoned to danger and the thousand chances -and mischances of the bush and plain, dodged his head suddenly, with -a movement more energetic than graceful, at the same time uttering, -though not above a whisper, an ejaculation of surprise and discontent. -In the midst of his reconnoitering it seemed to him that he had been -reconnoitered, and that to some purpose. There was danger in the -atmosphere. - -Carefully he peered around him. He caught no sight of the hand that had -fired the shot; he could see nothing and could hear nothing that gave -sign of hostile intentions. Through the bushes that were spread before -him like a curtain he anxiously gazed, with one hand pushing them aside. - -"Where the dickins c'u'd that 'a' come from," he muttered. "Some one -hez hed a line shot on this hyer old hoss an' cum mighty nigh a-sendin' -him under. Ef I could only git a site at the varmint ther'd be a case -o' suddint death, sure--ah!" - -The soliloquy ceased, for on the small level spot on the opposite side -of the stream, standing out bold and full in the clear moonlight, there -appeared two men. The distance was not great, their actions evinced no -knowledge that any other human being was near them, and as they broke -into conversation every word they spoke was wafted distinctly to the -ears of the listener who lay concealed in the close hanging bushes. - -One of these two men was tall and shapely in build. His form gave token -of strength and activity, while the moonbeams that fell upon his face -lit up a countenance that was more than ordinarily handsome. One hand -rested upon the muzzle-end of a heavy rifle, the other was extended -in a shunning gesture, the palm outward as if waving back the man who -faced him. - -The other was, if any thing, shorter in stature, but made up for any -lack of hight in breadth of build. His shoulders were almost Herculean -in shape, his hands were large, his neck thick and powerful--altogether -his appearance promised strength rather than activity. His face could -scarcely be distinguished, but even in the shadow one could fancifully -map out a countenance indicative of boldness and resolution. - -Thus the two stood in the moonlight, scarcely three yards apart and -facing each other. - -"You're quick on the trigger," said the short man; "and if it had been -daylight I might have gone under. I'm not one to bear malice, though -it's a rough old joke to be shot at. If I was some men you'd not be -standing now." - -"I know it. Yet daylight or dark, if I had not discovered my mistake -in time, _I_ should have been standing and you down. As I pulled the -trigger I raised the barrel for I saw it was the wrong man. The right -one is near me somewhere though, and had you been he, the scores would -have all been wiped out by this time." - -"I thought so. I kinder saw you hitch up your iron, so I knew you had -made a mistake when you threw the tube to your shoulder. It was sudden -though--and not the first time a white man has drawn sights on me. I've -been watching you since you came around here; I've been waiting for you -to show your hand, and I want to know to-night what your game is. If -you are on the square, with no infernal curious kinks in yer nature, -well an' good. But if ye want to know more than ye see, if ye must -take a hand in what don't concern you nor your'n, then take a fool's -advice--an' _move on_." - -"See here, Martin, if that's your name, don't borrow trouble about me. -You're not my man. I don't want to know more than one thing, and that -is, where my man is. Then I don't want to do more than one thing. I -want to lay sights on him. After that it's a matter between him and -Killemquick, and the chances in Killemquick's favor." - -"That's all right; but s'posin' 'your man' is one of my men--I want -to know something about that; fur down here along Back Load Trail -there's a few on us as hang together mighty close. Ef you get them -double-sights pulled on some as I knows on, mebbe there'll be the like -on you with a quicker finger on the trigger." - -"Very well, old man, you know all I can tell you. My name is Winkle, -and I'm laying out for my man. I've heard of Back Load Trail and I've -heard of Dick Martin that rules it. I'm an honest man and a square man, -and I tell you there will be some fancy shooting done along here before -long. If it's to be war between you and me let us know it now and I'll -play my hand careful. Remember, I'm not going to interfere with you -except as I have to; but if so be that there's danger in the air for -one of your friends, more's the pity." - -"Yer mighty indefinite, stranger. Ef you've ever heard of Back Load -Trail, as ye say ye have, ye must know that outsiders that sometimes -try to ring in here, occasionally git the'r last sickness. We run -things down here to suit ourselves purty much, an' ef you've got a -grudge ag'in' any one it's all right, so he's an outsider, too. But, -ef it's ag'in' one of us Free Trappers, the bullet is already run that -puts yer light out. I don't know of any strangers on this trail but -yerself an' one more, an' he only come down from the mountains last -night. Ef it's him, all right. Ef it ain't--look sharp. Ef it's me, but -ye say it ain't, I'm here now!" - -The voice of Dick Martin rolled out round and full as he uttered the -words, "I'm here now"; there was even something heroic in his tone, -just as there was a world of bitter warning in the first part of his -address. But he seemed to make little impression on his _vis-a-vis_, -who looked at him steadily, and answered him coolly: - -"I neither know nor care if the man I'm seeking is a Free Trapper, or -whether he just came down from the mountains. I know I'm a dead shot -and I know I'll shoot him dead. When you find a corpse lying on the -broad of its back with its left eye shot out you may calculate that my -mission is accomplished and that I'm done with this region. As for any -threats you make, I care nothing for them, I fear for nothing, nothing -can harm me. I am above all chances, for I am a minister of Fate, and -until Fate has been served, the lead is not run nor the steel forged -that can harm me." - -"By heavens! yer either a gritty man or yer crazy. Ther's not many men -stood up lately and talked that way to my face. I like pluck and I like -grit, so I'm goin' to hold on a leetle longer till I see yer game. -It's not often I take a likin', but I half like you. I come down here -to where you were camped intendin' to do some plain talkin', but I've -altered my mind a leetle on it. Turn in, stranger, Dick Martin bids ye -good-night." - -Something in Martin's voice gave evidence to the other of the sincerity -of his words. Though, on their very faces, as much as from their -conversation, you could plainly see their wide dissimilarity, yet -Winkle's voice lost something of its hard, steely ring as he responded: - -"Good-night then. We understand each other pretty fairly. Watch my hand -and you may see what I play. I don't think it's against your game, -but if it is I say nothing against your doing your best. Each man for -himself and--" - -Whatever else the taller man was about to say was suddenly interrupted -by a wild cry proceeding from the opposite side of the stream, a cry -that startled both men. Martin dropped at full length upon the ground, -while Winkle brought his rifle to a ready and gazed in the direction -from whence came the sound. - -The bushes which lined the bank seemed to be violently agitated, there -was a noise as of two men engaged in a fierce and well-contested -struggle. This lasted but for a few seconds, then a dark body shot out -into the moonlight and fell into the water with a sullen splash. - -Both men cast curious glances at the spot where the body had -disappeared. Great waves circled out and out, but there was no further -struggling, and for a time no sign of what was the object that had -fallen into the stream. But at length, as the two spectators looked -curiously at each other, there rose into the clear moonshine, that lay -broad and silvery upon the surface of the water, the face of a dead -man; while from his breast, as a center, there irradiated a crimson -fluid that dyed the water with its stain. - -Henry Winkle took a few steps forward and gazed anxiously at the body -that was slowly drifting down with the current. Apparently he was -satisfied, for he turned around with what might have been taken for a -sigh of relief. But when his eye explored the little plateau it rested -not on any living thing--Dick Martin had quietly glided away. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - AN APPARITION. - - -Although there was nothing in the sudden disappearance of Martin that -could particularly alarm Winkle, impressed as he really was with the -present good faith of the man with whom he had lately been conversing, -still from some cause or other he felt by no means at his ease. Who -might be upon the other side of the stream yet remained a mystery, and -until that was solved he could not follow the advice lately tendered -him and "turn in." He gave a quick glance up and down the stream, a -sharp look at the bushes that lined the other shore, and then, with -a quick, noiseless step, turned into the woods from which but a few -moments before he had emerged. - -It was his purpose to move up the stream for some little distance, and -then, crossing over, beat carefully down the bank, keeping a look-out -for traces of the parties whom he had no doubt had been engaged in a -deadly struggle at the time the cry had interrupted his conversation. - -All about him was silent, and he met with no haps or mishaps for the -time. As he came down the bank, however, his eyes wandered in every -direction, every clump was carefully examined, and his progress was -necessarily slow. At first nothing rewarded his search; but at length -something caught his practiced eye and by even the uncertain light he -could plainly discover a trail, leading in the direction in which he -was proceeding. Immediately he halted for its examination. Almost a -glance showed him that it was a careless and unconcealed one, and that -it was made by a white man. A moment more and Winkle decided within -himself that it was made by the man whom Martin stated had just come -down from the mountains. It led on down the stream, and the explorer -followed cautiously upon it, not forgetting to look from time to time -at either side, in search of further information. When he arrived -opposite to the spot where he and the Free Trapper had held their late -conversation, the track suddenly turned at right angles and it seemed -to him as though the man who made it had from this spot acted with more -caution. And as he cast his eyes to one side he saw the marks left by -the footsteps of a distinct party. - -His movements were governed by the utmost caution, but he went rapidly -and noiselessly to the spot. The footprints that he there found -appeared to give him more trouble than the former ones, for it was some -time before his mind was fully settled; then he looked up with the -one word, "Indian," on his lips. He noticed that from their direction -both trails led into the bushes in such a manner as to cross, or at -least meet each other at about the spot from which the body had been -projected into the stream--and accordingly he noiselessly followed the -second trail, with every sense and nerve on the alert to catch the -first signal telling of the proximity of any living beings. It was not -long before he found the trail most suddenly ended, for he came to a -spot where the ground had been beaten and the branches and shrubs most -evidently disarranged by a short but desperate contest. It was too -dark for him to see if there were any traces of blood, but he had no -doubt in his mind but that they were there. Carefully pushing aside the -boughs, he saw that he was immediately on the bank, and in a position -not only to see clearly the spot where he and Martin had met, but near -enough to hear every word of what was then and there said. This much -he noted, then turned aside to seek for further traces of the probable -survivor. - -He was not there; and, it was some time before Winkle, practiced as -he was in woodcraft, could discover any sign to indicate in which way -the victor had left. Evidently the man had dropped his carelessness -and was now as cautious in concealing his trail--and he evinced no -mean skill in his efforts--as he was before thoughtless or careless -about the matter. At length, in the dim and hazy light, the search -was rewarded, and Winkle was enabled to tell in which way the man had -departed. - -Following a trail that is made carefully and with the intent of leaving -no trace, is at best but slow business. At night it is infinitely -worse. More than once in a dozen rods Winkle paused and scanned the -ground narrowly. At length he came to a halt, completely puzzled--no -mark of bruised grass, imprinted earth or broken twig was to be seen. A -few moments' hesitation and he decided to adopt the plan best adapted -to such a case. Going back to the last spot it was discernible, he took -a careful survey of the surrounding ground, and then turning to the -right he began circling, with a diameter of some rods. Even this method -at first seemed fruitless, but at length, as the perimeter of the -circle almost touched the bank of the stream, he found a faint trace -that sufficed to set him again on the trail. The man had evidently gone -down-stream for several yards, and then, turning to the left, either -taken to the water to conceal his track or else crossed over to the -opposite side. Which had he done? Without hesitation Winkle pushed -ahead, and on gaining the opposite bank discovered the trail, this time -leading _up_ the stream. - -This was a discovery indeed, and, while feeling some little uneasiness, -he felt more determined than ever to follow the trail and gain a sight -of this mysterious stranger. - -Under the shadow of the trees the traces grew more indistinct and -were once more lost; but allowing himself to be led by instinct, he -hurried on, with his rifle ready to swing to his shoulder at a moment's -warning. A noise fell upon his ears and he halted. At some distance, -and in the direction of down-stream, he heard horse's hoofs rapidly -approaching, the animal, however, being evidently under the control of -a rider. - -This appeared to put a new aspect on matters, for, although it might -be Martin, or a friend, the chances also were that it might be an -enemy. Rapidly thrusting his hand in his bosom, Winkle drew therefrom -a whistle, and placed it to his lips. A moment more and a sound -peculiarly shrill and trilling arose on the air. Then the man bent -forward in expectancy. Right ahead, at the distance of a dozen yards, -sounded the neigh of a horse, followed by the noise of a plunge, and -something that resembled the sudden fall of a heavy body. Then bursting -through the underbrush in answer to the call came a noble white steed, -that approached his master at a gallop and placed itself alongside of -him. From the direction in which the animal had come might have been -heard other sounds, but Winkle's whole attention was now given to the -approaching rider. He stood with one hand outstretched, and resting -on the neck of his horse, his eyes riveted on the open sward which, -between the trees among which he stood, glittered and shone clear. - -Behind him there was an exclamation, the sound of a struggle and the -voice of some one: - -"Dar now, dis chile has yer, suah! T'ink yer steal dat hoss, did yer?" - -But at the same time a horse and rider flashed into the anxious sight -of Winkle. - -And that rider was a woman! - -For just a moment were they visible, but that moment seemed sufficient -to produce a terrible effect on the gazer. He threw up his hand and -uttered a sharp, unearthly cry; his eyes eagerly followed the slight -and graceful form that so easily swung in the saddle; bent forward he -caught the last glimpse of her as her riding-dress fluttered away again -and was lost in the enfolding branches. - -Then followed the sound of another horseman. Again a steed and rider -glided across his plane of vision like a shadow on a curtain or a -moving figure in some pantomime. For a moment only it appeared in view, -and then disappeared in the same direction as did the woman. - -Emotion was fairly overmastering Winkle. He shook like an aspen, his -hands seemed to have lost their power; but hardly had the second figure -disappeared when his rifle had found its way to his shoulder. But if he -desired to use it with deadly effect, it was too late. Again stillness, -and moonlight, and the nodding trees alone lay before him, while the -retreating footsteps waxed fainter and fainter in the distance. - -Mechanically he turned and pursued his way; he heard nothing, saw -nothing--not even the dumb brute by his side, which faithfully paced -along with a step corresponding in slowness with that of its master. - -At length a huge rock or mass of rocks lay in his path. Moving a little -to one side he soon skirted them, and as he did so, a light, as from a -suddenly-stirred fire, flamed up before him, illuminating the side of -the bowlder and a small circle in front of it. - -Into this circle of light Winkle staggered, and with his rifle -convulsively clutched at a ready, stood gazing with a half-dazed look -into the fire. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - DOUBLY WARNED. - - -It was no particular feeling of fear that caused Martin to move away in -so quiet a manner, while the struggle was going on upon the opposite -side of the stream. But, as Winkle was to him a stranger, and there -might be some need of investigation, he thought it best that whatever -might be done, should be done by his own unaided exertions. Moving -cautiously, keeping himself well under shade and waiting patiently, he -saw the man, with whom he had been so lately conversing, look around -with a gaze of half wonder at finding himself alone, and then set -forward upon an exploring tour. Not long afterward, at a point some -distance down the stream, a man crossed; and, entering the woods, after -a moment's hesitation, struck off in the direction in which Martin -knew Winkle had camped, or intended to camp for the night. After a -little, hard upon the trail came Winkle, himself. He would doubtless -have followed on for the purpose of seeing the meeting between these -two persons--if meet they should--when he was startled by the sudden -appearance of the two riders. He, too, in a manner almost involuntary, -threw his rifle to his shoulder and, in fact, had the pursuer fairly -covered; but, instead of drawing the trigger, he lowered the weapon, -listened a moment, and then, utterly disregarding the motions of -the two men upon which he had been, but lately, so intent, followed -silently on in the direction in which the woman and the pursuing man -had disappeared. - -A walk of a few minutes and the aspect of surrounding things somewhat -changed--sufficiently at least to give token that some man or men had -made a permanent settlement near by. The sound of galloping horses -had ceased; as he advanced, he thought he heard voices engaged in -conversation. - -Nor was he mistaken. At some little distance from the edge of the -wood stood a cabin. In front of this the parties had halted. The man -was still mounted, but the woman stood by the threshold of the cabin, -facing her late pursuer, a steely look of defiance upon her countenance. - -The man was speaking when Martin came within hearing distance, and his -words fell upon the night-air coldly and distinctly. - -"Listen, Edith," he said. "You know me so well, that I need not tell -you that sooner or later I will be heard. I have not come all these -miles to have you put me off with a hand-wave, and a 'begone.' We are, -both of us, older than when we last met and care little for listeners; -but must I say now what I have to say, or will you accord me a more -fitting time and place?" - -"As between us, there never can be either a fitting time or place for -communication. All connection, all intercourse between us has ceased, -and forever. I would refuse to willingly hear you, if you came as a -messenger announcing my eternal salvation, and nothing that you can say -or do shall cause me to alter my determination. If you would be safe, -leave me. I am willing to forgive the past, even if I can not forget -it, and I would not see you harmed; therefore I warn you away from -these grounds. I caution you to return from whence you came, if you -dare. And if you dare not, then seek some other place. Away, begone! -for something tells me there is danger in the atmosphere for you here." - -"Edith, again, I say, listen. I would speak somewhat of the past; but -more of the future. Through me you have suffered, I admit, but through -me I would have you return again--return to joy and life and youth and -love. I have much that I would tell you. I have sought you long and -faithfully; for three long years I have followed constantly in your -footsteps, but you have as constantly eluded me. Now I find you here -and I must speak." - -"Yes, you _have_ followed in my footsteps for three years, and for -four, and for five. Through you I have suffered; but never, never -through you did I or shall I sin. You over-shadowed, you darkened my -young life, made for me existence wretched, pursued me with a thousand -unmanly and mean arts, sought by foul means that which, I can tell you -now, you might then have gained by fair, sought to coerce when you -might have persuaded, actually hunted me down; and now you have sought -me out in this last retreat. Charles Endicott, I tell you beware. I -will not listen to you; I will not hear you; if you pursue I will fly; -if you speak, I will hold my hands to my ears; with me you can do -nothing. But I see trouble for you beyond, trouble black and deadly. Be -advised before it is too late. I am no prophetess or soothsayer, but I -tell you, sure as fate, if you linger here, you linger to meet your own -death. Go your way then; I am dead to the world; I am dead to you; why -should you waste time on a fruitless task?" - -"I know you, Edith, and I know your resolution; but, for all that, I -will not go. I am ready to meet death when it comes, for I am one of -those that believe the lot of man is foreordered, and no whining or -flinching can avail aught; but rest assured I shall not die without a -struggle. If you refer to the men of doubtful stamp who are supposed -to haunt this region, all I can say is, I am ready for them; though I -count on no danger in that direction. I have heard of their doings, -and I have heard, too, the name of one who is supposed to exercise a -control over their movements. Martin and I were once friends, and I do -not think I count in vain, when I reckon on his support in all needed -cases. Let this fruitless talk come to an end, and let me, if you will -not appoint a more favorable time, come to that of which I would speak." - -The man called Charles Endicott grew more in earnest. With a rapidity -and ease almost miraculous, he threw himself from his horse. So quick -was he, and so graceful, that before the woman fairly knew it, he was -standing near and facing her. She shrunk back somewhat, then raised her -hand with a proud gesture. - -"No nearer, sir, no nearer! Think not I am unprotected because you see -me alone." - -Endicott stood for a moment gazing silently into the eyes that met -his, fair and full, glowing and sparkling under the moonlight. There -was no quailing in them; no unsettledness of purpose; they did not -fall. He sought to read her soul through them; and all he could see was -unflinching resolution. Poor encouragement to proceed was that steady -stare; a chill crept along his spine, a shiver went through his brain -as he gazed into that face, handsome as a dream, but thin and colorless -as chalk. Her eyes dilated; her form, lithe and slender, straightened; -the proud gesture grew one of menace, and again her lips opened: - -"Yes, sir, I am no unprotected female _now_. I hold your life in my -hands in a dozen ways. Times have altered, sir. We stand on a new stage -with new spectators and a new cast of parts. A man more or less, is of -but little importance; your corpse, found with face turned upward and -dead-set eyes staring ghastly, would create little excitement among the -few who might learn of it. Perhaps they might bury it; maybe they would -leave that duty to the wolves. Who knows?" - -Endicott's face darkened, for the tone of the woman's voice had a -disdainful ring that cut into his pride like the needle points of a -tattooer. There was sharp pain and an ugly picture left behind. He -tried to smile at her earnestness, but it was a very dismal smile, and -his courage dropped away down toward zero. Not that he feared death--he -only found that he feared the woman! - -"Death's-heads and thigh-bones! Run out the black flag if you choose, -yet there will many a day pass before I walk the plank. I see no vision -of sudden death, feel no premonition of approaching dissolution. Say -your say, for you are honest at heart, and when I have listened to you, -you will listen to me, I know. And for my corpse--I entreat you to give -it a Christian burial, should it be found with a ball in the base of my -skull or an underhanded knife-thrust in the small of my back. Danger of -that kind though, is I trust far off." - -"Laugh if you will at my warning; yet, as you stand there in the full -moonlight, you make a fair target; and on my honor you stand this -minute covered by more than one weapon of death. You doubt me? Well, I -see a rifle-barrel aimed at your head by the hand of a man who never -yet missed his mark. I see it gleaming, and a wave of my hand brings -the leaden messenger. So go your way; if you remain here five minutes -longer, so help me Heaven, I will see you shot down with as little -mercy as I would a prowling coyote." - -How or exactly where she disappeared, Endicott scarcely knew. A mist -appeared to sweep across his eyes, and when the mist rolled away she -was gone. He stared a moment blankly before him, with the words of her -warning ringing in his ears, and a doubt as to what to do in his heart. - -"'Shot as a prowling coyote!' Faith, she is in one of her tragic moods -to-night, and I verily believe she would do as she says. She may speak -truly too about some one lying in wait; this is a queer region here, -and if all accounts be true, a bullet from behind a bush would be no -unprecedented thing. I will find my way back to camp as best I can. But -how came she here?" - -While muttering these things to himself he remounted his horse, turned -its head in the direction from which he had come and slowly and -thoughtfully began to retrace his steps. - -Charles Endicott was a young man. He was well built, strong limbed, -easy in his motions, with a clear, strong voice. His brown hair, long -and well kept, was pushed back from a square forehead; his gray eyes -looked out keenly from under long eyelashes; his nose was shapely, -mouth not ungainly, his beard and mustache full and silken. He settled -firmly in his saddle as though he belonged there, and his horse -bore him as though knowing its master. The manner of his hand upon -the bridle-rein seemed to tell that, though his thoughts might be -elsewhere, still there was will left behind--will and a soul prepared -for any emergency. A face seen by moonlight, it is said, is a heart -unmasked. It may not be so in all cases; but it was in this. There was -a heart then unmasked, a heart untrammeled by the fetters of conscience -or the gyves of moral law. The man was a plotter, the man was a -schemer. Perhaps his plots and schemes might come in contravention -with right? Then right must of needs go to the wall, for the measure of -expediency was the measure of equity with Endicott. - -As he passed from the clear space into the wood the animal he bestrode -gave a start, which, while it caused no particular emotion in the heart -of the rider, was still sufficient to make him look warily around. He -thought he saw a gleaming and a glancing some little distance off; he -imagined he could hear the tread of some one approaching. He was right -in his thought, and in his imagination. The gleaming and glancing -were the moonbeams shivering off of the long rifle, and the noise of -footsteps announced the approach of Dick Martin. - -Endicott at first sight of the man had thrown his hand warily in search -of a weapon. But, almost instantly recognizing the man, he suffered it -to drop by his side, and, reining in his horse, awaited the issue of -the interview which he foresaw was about to ensue. - -When Martin was within a few feet he paused, and the two gave a look at -each other as though they would read the man confronting to the very -soul. - -It was Endicott who first broke the silence. He urged his steed onward -a few paces, bent down in his saddle and extended his hand, at the same -time exclaiming: - -"Then it _is_ you, Martin. I had half-suspected as much when I first -caught sight of you, and it gave me a shock. We meet as friends, I -hope?" - -Martin remained standing unmoved, and as though he did not see the -proffered hand, and answered, in a cool, careless tone: - -"Yes, Endicott, it is I--no more, and no less. I know you've got nerves -that are tolerably steady, so I won't show any wonder at your taking -this meeting so coolly; but it's kind of unexpected. You've drifted a -long way out of your latitude to be floating along Back Load Trail. -What's wrong in the East? Are the fools all dead, are the geese not -worth the plucking, have the sheep come short in the wool crop, that -you come here? Or are you in the stream that sets to the gold-diggings?" - -"Bah, don't talk to me about the fools, geese and sheep that I've left -behind me! Tell me how it is here. You and I used to understand each -other pretty well, ay, and each other's secrets; so, come now; what's -the best news in this heaven-forsaken region. Dick Martin doesn't -locate here for nothing." - -"No, he ain't located here for nothing; you're right. That something -happens to be necessity. My luck in my little speculations ran out -first, and I had to leave. As to what I'm doing here--that's not to be -talked about. Maybe prospecting for gold; maybe Injun trading; maybe -putting daylight through stray travelers and vamoosing with their -traps; maybe any or all of these things--but not likely. I ain't here -for nothing. That's all I can say." - -"Martin, we have done business together many a time; we were allies, -if not friends, and I want to know how the case stands now. I don't -want to pry and peer into your private affairs. Maybe I'd be bringing -something to the light that wouldn't stand it so well; but, I've heard -somewhat of you as I came in this direction. Of course I didn't know it -was you I heard the talk about, and of course there is a chance of what -I heard being either true or false, with a little extra weight on the -truth. You remember how we separated, and I don't think you have any -thing to complain of, or any charges of ill faith on my part to bring -against me. Now, the question I want to ask is: Can we rely on each -other as we could of old? A plain yes or no will make the best answer -to the question." - -"Well, Endicott, I haven't heard of you particularly, either good or -bad, though I had an intimation that you were in the neighborhood. It -makes no difference what reports have gone trailing toward the East, -and I don't claim to know them; they're bad enough, no doubt. You ask -me a question, and if you must have an answer, why all I can say, is: -In some things, _yes_, in other things, _no_! Will that suit you, or -shall I go ahead and explain?" - -"What do you mean by yes?" - -"I mean that, in the first place, I would rely on you just as much as I -ever did, and not a particle more. In the second, whatever you get my -word to, that you can depend on my carrying through; but if you think -to find me ready to promise to any and every mad scheme, you are very -much mistaken." - -"Any thing that is honest, eh?" - -A grim smile flitted over Martin's face at the mention of the word -honest. It was gone in a moment though, and he proceeded: - -"Yes, any thing that's honest. Now what is it that you have to propose? -I don't suppose you would have made so much of an introductory if you -had not had something behind it." - -"You are partly right. My motto is business first and pleasure -afterward, else I would have had a thousand things to say with regard -to our mutual lives in the past few years. Yet I hardly know what I -would say. I did not seek you; yet, since I have met you, I want to -know if I can count upon your assistance in a little matter which, -springing up suddenly, has found me unprepared to meet it." - -"Then you didn't hunt up Back Load Trail for any special reason?" - -"No, indeed! It is just my lucky chance. The party I am with are camped -half a mile over yonder. I left them for no very definable reason, and -thereby met with an adventure that may have a great influence on my -actions, perhaps on my whole future life. When we camped over there by -the side of the stream, I thought it was but for the night, now I may -linger in this neighborhood for a day or so. The question is, if I need -a friend will you stand behind me?" - -"What's this adventure, and how do you want me to stand behind you? If -what I think is true, you may have more need of it than you think for." - -"Well, Martin, I scarce know in what manner I would have you aid me; -perhaps after all only by a neutrality. As to the adventure--I met with -a woman." - -There seemed to be nothing either astonishing or disconcerting in this -revelation. After waiting in unbroken silence for any remarks that -Martin might feel inclined to make, Endicott proceeded: - -"It was rather strange for a man to ride out of camp with no aim or -object and to stumble upon a woman; stranger, too, when that woman -chanced to be one whom you had known long before, and for whom you had -been long searching and in vain. I do not know what may come of it; but -I know what I want to. How is it? There is no one of our little party -that I care to trust--if I need assistance within the next twenty-four -hours will you give it, and where can I find you?" - -Martin looked up slowly and deliberately. - -"It seems to me you're putting things on their old basis, what one of -us plans the other is to help carry through." - -"Why not? Neither you nor I have grown what the world calls better -since then, and of course the understanding would be now as it always -was--nothing for nothing, all for whatever pays." - -"No, I don't suppose we have grown much better; but there may have been -a few changes. As to the woman you speak of, here is all I have to say. -If you have any plans and can carry them out openly and above board, -no force, no underhanded means, no fraud, I'll not lay a straw in your -way; maybe I can help you." - -"If not?" - -"This. Just you attempt the slightest bit of compulsion, or the first -grain of trickery--try any thing that's not honest, make a move toward -abduction, or take a step toward foul play, and I'll lay you dead in -your tracks." - -"What do you mean?" - -"I mean what I say. I give you fair leave and fair warning, too. I -don't intend to interfere in any thing _she_ wishes to do, but I mean -she shall not do what she doesn't want to do." - -"Do you mean to say that _you_ will exert any control over her actions?" - -"Yes, just so far as to let her have her own will. She's one of the few -persons that I have cared for, and when time stops and the sea gives -up its dead, you may, _perhaps_, see me go back on my dead sister's -daughter." - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - BILL BLAZE, THE "SNOLLIGOSTER." - - -At the very edge of the camp-fire lay two men, mutually clutching each -other, although hostile operations seemed, for the nonce, to have been -suspended. So near to the fire were they that one of them, without -relaxing his hold, had been able to give a log thereon a rousing kick -which had caused the light to flare up, thus enabling him to obtain -a fair view of the other. As Harry Winkle staggered into the circle -of light the two men loosened their grips, and with deliberation rose -to their feet, one of them returning to its sheath a knife, the other -dropping to the ground a hatchet. - -"A'mitey Moses, but yer kim neah gittin' a crack across yer skull. What -yer want to steal dat hoss fur--eh?" - -"Pompey, there war a nigger nigh onto goin' under about two minnits -ago, an' so yer had better not be axing fool's questions. How d'yer -s'pose I knowed whose hoss that war? The durned red niggers cleaned -me out, root an' branch, 'bout a week ago, an' cum clost to rizin' -my ha'r. I've bin trampin' on the back trace, an' when I cum acrost -a animile handy I wouldn't 'a' bin Bill Blaze ef I hadn't gone fur -him--'special arter what I met to-night. What yer doin' here? Last time -I see'd yer yer war on the Big Red with Cap. Le Compte." - -"Hi! You t'ink so! Somebody mite 'a' bin hurt ef I hadn't'a' knowed -it was you when you talk; but dunno 'bout it's bein' dis chile. I's -not bin with dem Hudson Bay fellers sence dat winter when you got so -bad bit up wid dat grizzly. I's on my own hook now, an' takin' care o' -Mass'r Winkle. An' bress my soul, dar he am now!" - -The speaker, who was an African of the unmitigated breed, caught sight -of Winkle standing upon the opposite side of the fire. - -"Mass'r, dis yere am Mister Bill Blaze. I knows 'um well, an' he's a -fust-rate feller, ef he _war_ a-goin' fur yer hoss. Nussed him up when -he war tore all into leetle bits." - -Winkle appeared to be somewhat recalled to life by this address of his -sable attendant; and turning, looked the man thus recommended full in -the face. - -Blaze, once introduced, did not stand upon ceremony; but advanced -across the intervening space, extending his hand as he walked. - -"Yes siree, I'm that identikle individool, Bill Blaze, jist frum -the mountings! I kin trap more beaver, eat more buffler, steal more -hoss-flesh an' raise more top-knots than any man frum here to the -Columby River. I'm a blarsted bulldorg an' a high-heeled snolligoster. -I kin lick my weight in b'ar's meat, an' my name's Bill Blaze. Waugh!" - -"I've heard that name before," said Winkle, taking the offered hand, -"and you're welcome. I'm a little abroad just now, and don't feel like -my own self--for I've seen a ghost." - -"Thunder! You look kinder skeery; but ghosts ain't nothin'. I've seen -more ghosts than any man a-trampin'. Had 'em for pards onc't. Fact. -Three on 'em an' myself camped in a shanty down on Black-horn Lick -fur nigh onto a month. There war a woman with her throat cut, an' a -half-breed with his brains stove in, an' his skulp a-danglin' ahind, -an' a black b'ar with his back bruk. The way they tore around that -'ere shanty war nasty. Why, down thar on that thar Lick, ghosts war as -plenty as ha'rs in yer head. An' yell? The catamounts got so 'shamed of -their own mule music they packed their trapsacks an' got. Yer couldn't -find a painter nigher ner fifty mile. No, stranger; don't talk to Bill -Blaze about ghosts, fur he's bin thar!" - -Winkle appeared to be little moved by this address. His face still -bore marks of evident perturbation, and there was an absence of mind -depicted in his manner and actions that seemed to strike Blaze as -rather unwarranted. To some remark made he answered rather shortly; -but he accepted of the hospitalities offered him, so far at least as -to seat himself by the fire, and, in default of other entertainment, -entertained himself by the sound of his own voice. - -"No, ghosts don't bother this hyar hoss. Nor red-skins nor grizzlies -neither. I kin trap more beaver, kill more b'ar, shoot straighter, run -quicker, jump further, lie faster, stampede more animiles, an' carry -more pelts than any bloody bulldorg ever invented. But, I'm the man -without luck. I've wrastled with the old boy fur thirty years; he's got -an under holt on me; but, I'm dead game, I am! Luck or no luck, I'll -hang like seventeen pair o' tongs and a last inch gamecock. Waugh!" - -The negro listened to these announcements, if Winkle did not. He was -accustomed to this style of thing and had heard Blaze before. - -"Mass'r Blaze, 'pears to me de bad luck ain't so mitey bad; I's -t'inkin it's toder way cl'ar. Any odder man 'ud bin gone under--dun -gone suah--ef he'd had de half what you's had to go tru. You's allers -a-sayin' you's nary luck, an' allers a-gittin inter de w'ustest kind o' -skrimdigers--an' still you am heah. What's de trouble now?" - -"Wal, Pomp, I allow it's no luck as pulls me through, but just pure -grit and muskle in this huyer hoss. I war camped out in a bully old -spot last week; meat plenty, beaver to be had for the taken of 'em, -and every thing going along on a string. Didn't think thar was Injin -within twenty mile, an', blast me, ef they didn't cum down an' clear -us out quicker than the jerk of a dead deer's tail. Bob Short an' I -war thar together, you see, an' Bob struck all right, but they got my -old sorrel mare, an' all our provender, an' I just cum down from them -are mountings after a chase o' four days, poorer ner Job's turkey, an' -nothen left me but Slicer an' this huyer old shootin'-iron. An' this -huyer very blessed night, as I were movin' along promisc'us, thar war a -rifle-ball went _sizz_ a-past my head-piece, ad' I squatted an' see'd -two men a talkin', an' found that thar bit o' lead warn't meant fur me -an' while I war a-listenin', _sock_ cum somethin' right acrost me, an' -hove a yell wuss ner forty catamounts fitin' in a small box. I know'd -it war a copper-belly an' clinched. We hed it, pull an' hug a bit, -an' then I got Slicer out. That thar red-skin won't cum a-pryin' an' -a-peerin' down along Back Load Trace soon ag'in. Nary; not much; waugh!" - -The story of the trapper began to interest Winkle; he thought less -and less of the ghost; he descended from the clouds and listened with -earnestness to what the man was saying. He thought of the corpse that -Martin and he had seen drifting down the stream, and believed that the -Indian would _not_ come prying and peering in that neighborhood soon -again. Perhaps, too, this man might be of service to him? At any rate -it would do no harm to meet him cordially. - -"Then you are the man who had the tussle over there with an Indian? I -heard the yell, saw him shoot into the stream, and went across to see -what it was about. I was following your trail, when I came across a -sight, or rather a sight came across me, that unhinged my nerves. But, -how came the difficulty with the Indian? What was he doing there? Is -there danger from others that should be specially guarded against?" - -"Yes, siree, I'm the man! The diffikilty perobably arove from his not -keepin' both eyes peeled. He was so bent on hearin' that he couldn't -take time to see, an' tumbled onto a hornet's nest. He clinched right -in then by instink, an' as it war die dorg er eat the hatchet, I hed to -let it inte him, though I'd as ruther not. What he was a-doin' I dunno. -Injin deviltry are various. Thar oughtn't to be a red-skin within fifty -miles o' huyer. Thar may be a couple more on 'em or thar mayn't. What -they'd be arter I can't say. Martin ought to know'd ef thar war any, -an' I guess he's got his men out by this time a-lookin'." - -"It will be best then to keep a bright look-out?" - -"'Twouldn't be onsensible. Leastwise, though I don't think thar's -much danger, it won't hurt to keep one eye open, for I've found it -don't altogether gee right to be too confiding in this section with -anybody--white er red. I'd advise it. I'd advise it, partickler, arter -the talk I heard between you an' Martin. You see, I hain't any doubt -but what yer a good man an' a game man; but, supposin' he was to tell -it to some o' his cronies around here, an' one on 'em should be the man -yer after--I wouldn't put it a-past 'em to slip in here an' slide a few -inch o' steel in somewhar nigh yer jug'lar." - -Winkle meditated some little time before he responded; then his words -dropped out slowly and distinctly. - -"I am safe from any thing in that shape. It is no mere bravado on my -part when I say so, but a belief so settled that it must be true. I -bear a charmed life while that one other man lives. I have passed -through all straits during the past three years, and from desperate -encounters have come forth unharmed; from beds of deadly sickness have -come up sound and well. I have changed in that time wonderfully, and -the change was not for naught. I do most firmly believe that destiny -has something in store for me; till to-night I thought I knew what it -was. Now I am uncertain; but that it is something more than a stab in -the back or a chance shot in the _melée_ of a night attack I have no -doubt." - -"That's all right. I only give my 'pinion on the matter, seein' as may -be I've tramped around here ruther more nor you hev. Jest keep yer -weather eye open--you an' Pomp here is all I mean. And ef any thing -_should_ turn up while I'm in shooting distance, yer kin kalkerlate -that Bill Blaze'll give yer a hint on it." - -"Well, well," responded Winkle, "I am not likely to have much -dealings with any one hereabouts; but I begin to think my intentions -have deceived me. I have been lingering in this neighborhood for -several days; but I will do so no longer. To-morrow I will move on -westward--and perhaps, if you have nothing better, you could find it to -your interest to go along." - -"That's my identikle name--Moovin'-west Blaze. But I'm steerin' in -toward the settlements to see if thar's anybody sich a blarsted fool as -to trust me fur an outfit. The season's jist commencing, an' ef I hev -any thing like nateral luck I kin pay 'em back when I cum in ag'in and -hev a few pelts in my sack." - -"I can arrange that matter, I think," responded Winkle. "I have an -extra horse, and, in fact, nearly every thing you need. I was going on -to the trapping-grounds. Suppose you remain with me a couple days, and -if nothing turns up I will leave this region. If I should, however, -accomplish any of my aims, you shall have what you need anyhow." - -"Durn my Trojan! I'm your man. I kin put in a week here, easy. Hev yer -seen Martin's head-quarters yit? If yer hevn't yer ought to call in on -him." - -"No; I didn't know that I was so near to it. I have been near here for -some days--within ten or twelve miles perhaps--but I only came into -camp here to-night." - -"Yer must go in then. Some on en 'em nosed ye out long ago, an' if yer -don't they may come playin' tricks on yer without sayin' any thing to -Dick. Maybe ye kin git some hints of what yer arter down thar." - -"You are right. It may be as well to look a little in that direction. -I've hardly been systematic in my plan of procedure. That comes, -though, of trusting to chance and drifting in the direction Fate seems -to call me. And, by the way, are there any females with the party?" - -"Wal, to-morrer morning early will be time enuff to talk it over. I'm -goin' to turn in now and git a snooze. I've had a blarsted long tramp -to-day, and them legs o' mine ain't exackly a steam injine--though," -by way of a saving clause, and to prevent the idea of any derogatory -admission, "I'm a bloody, blarsted bull-dog and a high-heeled -snolligoster on wheels." - -To make arrangements for the night occupied but a short time; and soon, -wrapped in a blanket of Winkle's, Blaze was wooing - - "Sleep that knits up the raveled sleeve of care, - The death of each day's life, sore labor's bath, - Chief nourisher in life's feast," - -while silence and darkness reigned around. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - THE SCREAM AT NIGHT. - - -How long Blaze had been slumbering he could scarcely have even guessed; -but suddenly, and without any assignable cause, he found himself -wide awake. He looked around; he listened. He saw nothing but dim -shadows, heard nothing but the regular breathing of the two sleepers -by his side. Yet his first thought was of danger. He was accustomed to -premonitions. Men who live in an atmosphere of peril meet with them, -understand them, act on them. - -He leisurely and thoughtfully unrolled himself from his blanket and -arose to his feet. "Most durn queer," he soliloquized, turning his eyes -in every direction. "This old hoss's narves must be gittin' weak, er -thar's sumthin' wrong a-brewin'. Don't often feel this here way; last -time I did was t'other night, when the copper-bellies was a-cumin' in -onto us without words er warnin'. I'll jist scout around a bit, an' see -if enny thing's broke loose." - -Taking his rifle with him, the trapper noiselessly stole away from the -vicinity. He moved around the camp in a gradually increasing circle, -pausing but once in his pace, and that was when he was opposite to the -point where he believed Martin's cabin lay. Full ten minutes passed, -when he heard footsteps and the voices of men engaged in conversation. -Sinking upon the ground at the foot of the tree by which he was -standing, Blaze watched and waited. - -Both men were strangers to him; but one of them already has been -introduced to the reader, under the name of Endicott. He had had time -to leave Martin and meet with another man, who seemed a friend; and to -him was imparting information, both as to what had already occurred -that night in the vicinity of Back Load Trace, and as to what might -occur. His words, that spoke of violence and treachery, appeared to -fall upon sympathizing ears. As they drew nearer, all the time becoming -more deeply interested in their conversation, Blaze gave a start -of surprise and recognition; he crouched closely in the shadow and -listened with redoubled interest. - -Charles Endicott has been already described, and his companion merits -notice. He, too, differed in something from the class of men one -naturally expects to find on the very outer verge of semi-civilization. -He was a man of perhaps thirty-five years of age, of medium hight. He -walked with a steady, stealthy, cat-like pace, his head, for the most -part, bent down; but now and then it was lifted, and he cast a sharp, -steady gaze around him. The features were firmly cut, the eyes were -steady; yet an undescribable something seemed to be shifting across his -face, which would say to a stranger: Beware of Eben Rothven! - -"Yes, Eben, it does make a change in the programme, I'll admit, but, -it's a change to the advantage of both. Don't you see that?" - -"I see that we waste here a couple of weeks, and no one knows what the -end of it all will be. You can't count on a woman, and especially such -a woman as you say this is. Break them down physically and mentally, -trample the life out of them, and then they'll rise again. Out of a -wreck that, were it of manhood, would founder with the first breath of -wind, will rise again a good stout ship. You think you can waken the -old dream in her, do you? Why, man, I'm surprised at you! The deadest -thing on the earth is a dead love, and there is no mending a broken -idol. Take my advice and let her go. She will be a burden that will -sink us both. We are on the trail to fortune now; don't let us lose it, -or fly wild at the first scent that crosses it." - -"You're welcome to your philosophy about dead idols and the like; -welcome to shake your head and prophesy; but, what I want is your help. -Of course I will get it in some shape or other; but, I prefer it to be -freely and enthusiastically given." - -"How much does my help enter into your calculations? I tell you frankly -that I am none of your dashing adventurers, ready to ride into Martin's -camp of Free Trappers. So far as a word of advice and a sacrifice of -time goes, you may count on me; but, don't expect me to stand behind -you, to assist in any mad experiment you see proper to try." - -"My 'count' is upon your services as a Reverend--a title and authority -that, as far as you and I know, is still legitimately borne. I want to -use you; a piece of joinery of your handiwork will last for all time. I -can not believe that the cause by fair means is hopeless, and shall try -them first; after that, why, there are a few stout hands and bold heads -at our back, and we must e'en make the most of our stock in trade. To -be sure, we are on the road toward fortune in other directions; but -this is a _certainty_. The woman is worth her weight in gold, almost; -and, besides, it's no new dream with me. It's not so many years since -she was an idol of mine." - -"Yes, I've heard of it--and I think, too, that you handled it--or would -have handled it--not over tenderly. Do you think she would forgive -that?" - -"That was no fault of mine. I would have done better if the fates had -let me; but they were against me. What could I do, hedged in as I was? -If I could have sunk my past record, and stood out a new man, I'd not -have let 'e'en the winds of heaven visit her face too roughly.' Perhaps -I've got colder and harder since then; but, if so, I think my tongue -can move as glibly and smoothly as ever, and there are fair excuses to -be made for all that was seemingly wrong in the past." - -"There is a limit, you may find, to human credulity. You can not wash -out the recollections of the past. Do you think it was any light cause -that drove her out of the world, out of society, refinement, and all -that women of her stamp hold dear? Every day she has spent here, every -rude face and lonely hour that she has seen or felt has cried out -against you. Why, man, you murdered her name, and that is a crime no -woman could ever forgive." - -Endicott was silent a moment before the impressiveness of his -companion. Then, by an effort, he broke into a short laugh: "'Is Saul -also among the prophets?' Since when has Eben Rothven set himself up as -a judge of the workings of the human soul? Of course, what you say may -be true as holy writ. But what of it? Fair means or foul--I don't mince -matters. This is no new plan of mine, and so, when opportunity comes, -I can decide on my course quickly. Delay never makes a man. She knows -nothing of the financial aspect of the affair, even now; while I did, -years before it was revealed to the world, or to those who chose to -notice. The time for action has come. Are you with me?" - -The man called Rothven hesitated a moment, as if weighing the matter in -his mind; then answered simply: "I am." - -"Come on, then," and the two left the spot. - -Much of this conversation was Greek to Blaze, but, somehow, he got -it in his head that it related to his new-made friend, Harry Winkle. -He seated himself leisurely against the tree to think it all over. -Both these conspirators were strangers to him, they did not belong to -Martin's men; who were they? He might perhaps have learned more as -to that by following them, but he neglected to do so. And, pondering -over the thing, he must have fallen asleep, for consciousness faded -away. For how long, he could not at once, perhaps, have told, but he -came back to life with a sudden shock, that brought him upon his feet -like the thrill of a strong galvanic battery. He was wakened by a -woman's scream, long, shrill, cutting into and through his ears like an -Indian's death-wail. - -He listened to catch it again, but it was not repeated. For a moment -all was silence; then he heard the steady beat of horses' hoofs -stretching away at fullest gallop, and then, the sharp, quick report -of a rifle. He heard the footsteps coming nearer and nearer, and he -crouched in the shadow of the tree, with his hand upon the lock of his -weapon, almost nervously waiting for whatever might follow. - -Suddenly he felt a hand laid upon his shoulder. He started, and -turned with a quick motion of offense. It was Winkle, rifle in hand. -The moonlight fell past the tree full upon his face, on which was an -excited if not a wild look. - -"Am I crazy to-night? or did you hear it, too? I've seen a ghost this -night, and now, again, I heard it scream for help. What was it, Blaze?" - -This he hurriedly asked. - -"If yer a lunatic there's a pair on 'em, fur I heard it too. Lay low -here a minnit, an you'll see some more on it." - -The hoof-beats sounded nearer; they swept on and on toward them. Then -three horses emerged from the trees out into the light, and neared the -spot where the two men were concealed. - -"Is it he?" whispered Winkle, hissing the words out between his -clenched teeth, and with a sharp click the hammer of his rifle went -back. - -But Blaze, quickly reaching back, seized his arm. - -"Hold hard, there's more ner he thar." - -The horsemen raced by like a tornado. It was a party of Blackfeet! And -across the saddle-bow of the savage nearest to Blaze, was flung, or -held, the form of a woman! In a moment Winkle's eye had caught sight of -that which Blaze had perceived--the woman. For a moment he seemed to -lose all control of himself, all power for action. Just one glimpse of -a white, wild face, and a hand clutching fiercely. - -"Did you see it--did you see it?" he asked. - -"Yes! I seen it! They've just went an' gone an' done it. Thar's grit -in the red-skins, thar are. But you'll be able to see another corpse -along Back Load Trail afore many hours. Dick Martin will be behind 'em -in the shake of a buck's tail--Hello! What's bu'sted?" - -The man by his side had sunk, stiff and motionless, upon the grass. - -"Blast my tail-feather, ef the young cuss hain't fainted. Thar must be -somethin' _wrong_ in the upper story, sure!" - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - A DOUBLE TRAIL. - - -On the prairie, alone by moonlight, there is a lonesome solemnity -that startles, appalls. Look in one direction. For miles and miles -there stretches away a tract of rolling land where the grass grows, -the buffaloes graze, the coyotes howl, but no human form can be seen, -no tree waving--a loneliness of nature that you think must somehow of -necessity be interminable. Turn and look in another. Down from the -tableland there stretches a long, grassy slope, where the foliage is -more than ordinarily luxuriant, and at the foot of the declivity is the -long line of timber which marks the course of some stream. There the -broad elm flourishes, the lofty cottonwood shoots upward, and the white -sycamore trees stand gleaming ghostlike under the mellow moonlight. -Perhaps, further away to the left, where the rich bottom is broken by -rising ridges of rocky bluffs, you see the gloomy spread of the cedar -tree reaching upward its dismal-looking arms. Wherever the rolling -prairie-fires have been unable to sweep, there you see the shade of -timber and bush; everywhere else is the blue and red stem, the blue -and bunch-grass or the short, crisp buffalo-grass; and far off in the -distance, with a quiet grandeur of its own, you see the trace-line of -the mountain range. - -Some such grand and lonely scene would the reader have noted had he -been standing in some favorable position on the high prairie near Back -Load Trace, a few moments before the occurrence of the incidents just -detailed. - -It can well be imagined that Blaze was not the only one startled into -action by the occurrences of the night. The shot, by one of Dick -Martin's men on guard, aroused the Free Trappers, and also caused -Charles Endicott and his companions the keenest alarm. Had their -destined prey been seized by other human wolves? If so--who were those -wolves? - -As for Blaze he lost but little time. Almost Herculean in strength, he -gathered on one arm the two rifles, while with the other he bore Harry -toward the camp. On the way he met the negro, who relieved him of the -rifles, and, upon reaching the side of the now smoldering camp-fire, -produced a bottle of spirits and a canteen of water. - -It was but a short time until consciousness returned to the fainting -man. He opened his eyes, raised himself, sat upright, looked Blaze full -in the face. - -"You saw it all, did you? Now tell me, who was that woman?" - -"That bit o' caliker, mister, tho' I dunno as I ever seen it afore, war -most likely a woman that Dick Martin claims a sort o' relationship to, -an' she's bin livin' round hyar fur some considerable time. Frum yer -ackshuns I'd think yer must hev hed a priur morgidge on it, an', ef so, -ye'd better be up an' stirrin', fur by the mitey the durned Blackfoot -is goin' to foreclose." - -"Ready, quick, quick," was Winkle's terse answer, looking from one man -to the other. Then he turned, and burying his face in his hands lay -stretched for a moment prone. When he sprung to his feet there was a -new light in his eye, and redoubled strength in his arm. He vaulted -into his saddle, gathered up his reins, and turning to Blaze, in a -firm-set whisper, muttered: - -"Lead on--to life or death--but I must see _her_ again." - -So, fully armed and fairly equipped, the three men rode out from under -the shadows and cast themselves, with clenched teeth and iron will, -upon the trail. All this took but a few moments to accomplish, since -the three men had within them, each separately, the highest development -of trained sagacity. - -As they came out upon the prairie, Blaze took a sweeping glance around -him, as though he would fain impress upon his mind every minutiæ of the -lay of the country. - -"Dog-gone the'r hides, thar's just two routes for 'em, an' on'y two, to -take, an' ef I know'd which one it war it's cussed leetle trailin' I'd -do to-night. In this yere leetle game it takes too much eye-pullin' to -run nose-down. It ain't accordin' to reason to s'pose we won't hev to -look out fur all the cussed red-skin tricks ever invented. They've got -one on me a'ready due, so ef I don't squar' with 'em afore beaver-pelts -is prime, I hope I may never tote a trapsack, er p'izen a buffler-wolf -ag'in." - -This was said more in the manner of a soliloquy than of a direct -address; in fact, it is doubtful if either of the others could have -heard his low-toned words. Winkle meant work; and so, for the present, -thought little of speaking or of listening. Blaze meant work, too; but, -talk to him was second nature, and when there were no ears open to hear -he would rather press his own into service than, no pressing emergency -demanding it, keep silent. Having a full twenty minutes start, they -reached the spot where Martin and men had first been at fault long -in advance of those worthies, and, as they had not a third trail to -confuse them, and perhaps being more trail-wise, Bill did not have to -spend many minutes in finding the tracks left by the two parties of -Indians. - -"One on each route, by mitey! Now, which to foller?" - -He gave both the benefit of a close scouting. On the one leading to -the right he found the imprint of a horse's hoof which he recognized -as having been with the abductors. He noticed, too, that one was -double laden. After a bit he came upon some shreds of a woman's dress. -He showed these marks to Winkle, being careful, for the benefit of -Martin, whom he shrewdly suspected would follow hard after, to leave -them untouched. Harry's heart bounded more buoyantly at sight of these -indications, and Blaze took one more look around him before all three -dashed on with redoubled energy. But, as the trail at length lay before -them plain and undisguised, Blaze's enthusiasm suddenly fell away down -below zero. From time to time he glanced at it and at length reined in -his horse. - -"Dog-gone my knock-kneed tail-feather!" he exclaimed, "I ain't fit to -lead blind rabbits to water!" - -Winkle looked at him in astonishment. - -"What is the matter now? Why do you halt?" - -But Blaze paid but little attention to his query. - -"What a gaul-blasted fool this hyar old hoss are. Tuk right in the fust -pop by a bit o' baby-play. Can't yer see? That gal couldn't a-tore -them bits off o' _her_ dress. It stan's to reason not, sure. Why, cuss -'em, thar's two Injuns ridin' double here, dead shot. I thort it was -too soft a thing. That led hoss in t'other party is the one ez has the -gal on. Jist seen it in time. I'd gamble high thar's ez purty a leetle -hornets' nest a-hangin' under the fust bit o' timber we'd come to, ez -you'll find frum hyar to the Big Red." - -How this suggestion was received may well be imagined. - -"What are we to do then?" queried Harry. "Must we go all the way back -and start fresh on the other trail?" - -"Wal, not quite that bad; but, somewheres blamed nigh. Change my -hind-sights, ef they ain't a-strikin' fur Crooked Cañon, full -drive--we're goin', from the taste I've had of the hosses, to be jist a -leetle too late to see 'em git under kiver." - -"You think we can find them yet, though?" - -"Think! I know it. Thar ain't no trouble about that; thar's only two -trails, an' like a blarsted green purp I've bin a-barkin' up the wrong -one." - -"Then the sooner we look for the right one, the better." - -"That's so, only it's provokin' to hev bin losin' all this time. Come -on now, an ef ever an arrer went straight--an' the copper-skins kin -sling 'em nasty, I kin take yer to the spot whar they're headin' fur -to-night. I've bin ham-strung an' sot down on, which ain't very lively -fur the boys!" - -Without more hesitation or further parley, Blaze turned to the left and -led off at a rate which he judged best suited to continued effort. Not -for a long time did he utter a word. But when the silence had begun to -be monotonous, he broke it by bringing his hand down with violence upon -his thigh, exclaiming: - -"Cussed ef sand-paper ain't slick as grease along side o' this streak -o' roughness. Won't some one draw a bead on me afore I get my ha'r cut -fur nuthin'?" - -"Why, what is the trouble now? I hope we are not at fault again?" -anxiously remarked Winkle. - -"No, _we_ ain't; but it's three to one an' fifty cents a dozen but what -Dick Martin an' his boys are. I war so bloody, blarsted particular to -leave every thing es I found it, and when they come up, like es not -they'll just skyugle straight along on our trail, an' so they're losin' -time, an' maybe get tuk in, when we mout just as well as not all be -layin' on that trail together. It's too late to fix her now; so here -goes." - -Winkle's momentary uneasiness having been allayed, the three rode -rapidly but moodily on. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - LARIAT DAN'S DISCOVERY. - - -We have said that the shot which Blaze and Winkle heard had also -aroused Endicott and his party. Lariat Dan, a trailer, trapper and -guide of the party, and whose experience had been immense, and whose -word could not be doubted, said that he had heard, in addition, a -woman's scream for help. At this, as it were by instinct, Endicott and -Rothven looked at each other. Could it be that the woman of whom they -had been conversing but a short time ago, had since been in mortal -danger? Endicott wondered, too, whether the conversation he had with -Martin had any thing to do with it, or, if some sudden peril had come -to the girl as she wandered, as of old, beneath the moonlight? Then -Grizzly Dave, a voyageur of some renown, and also of his party, said -that he "smelt Injun," and thereat Endicott hastily gave orders for an -immediate preparation for a quick move. Accordingly there was a bustle -and buzz around the camp, for a few minutes, every man with nervous -rapidity attending to his duty. - -By the time that Martin and half a score or more of his trusty -followers foamed into Endicott's camp, every thing was in a condition -that spoke well for the training and agility of the small brigade. -So ready, too, were Endicott's company for defense, that more than -one saddle of the Free Trappers might have been emptied as they came -charging up had not Lariat Dan been acute enough to distinguish the -thunder of their horses from the sweep of Indian ponies, and informed -Endicott of the number and quality of their approaching visitors. In a -moment it seemed to him that he had caught by intuition a glimpse of -the position of affairs, and he confronted Martin so earnestly that -that worthy's suspicions as to foul play emanating from that camp were -at once dispelled. - -"Now, then, ef yer man enough to follow Dick Martin, you've a chance to -ride behind him. Ther's been some carelessness to-night that'll cost -more than the sleepy cusses' brains are worth. Jump into the saddle if -you're ready. What you leave in camp is safe as a church, and come on. -The red-skin rascals shan't get clear without hard riding and harder -fighting." - -"What is it? Out with the whole of it! We heard the shot and a scream, -and got ourselves together for any thing rough that might turn up." - -"Come on. I can tell you every thing as we go. That fool of a girl -has been gobbled up by the copper-skins, and that when I had six good -men out for them. She'll be fifty miles away up in the mountains by -morning." - -The truth, as it was spoken rapidly by Martin, stirred Endicott into -instantaneous action. - -"Never mind cacheing the dunnage, I'll bear the damage. Is every thing -ready for a start?" he exclaimed. - -"You can just gamble on that yere," was the response of Lariat Dan. - -"Then mount and away. Twenty-five dollars apiece extra pay for the -extra work, and every thing else goes on the same!" - -"That's the right ring! Count us boys in on this yere frolic--up and -git," said Dan. - -Endicott's followers fell in with those of Martin, and the whole body -swept rapidly away, Martin, some yards in advance, heading toward the -trail of the Indians, which passed the camp not many yards distant. -Those few yards were soon traversed, and, with scarce an effort, the -trail was found. There it lay before them, fresh, full and deep. As -they ranged upon it, Endicott drew up to the leader. At the pace -they were going, a free, steady gallop, conversation could be held -with perfect ease, and he wished to gather the particulars of the -catastrophe as well as learn the probable result. - -"It seems to me the girl is born to be the center of a mix, and just -lives to make and be in trouble. I've got the whole thing down to a -point now--might have seen it at once if I hadn't had my ideas turned -off thinking of what you had been saying to me to-night. What there is -in her white face and staring eyes I can't see; but she's bewitched -a dozen or so, and in the lot there's a red-skin that's been into my -camp two or three times in the last year. That red-skin has made the -difficulty now." - -"Then there's little danger of her coming to any immediate harm?" - -"Not so much if they don't tomahawk her as we catch up." - -"But will we catch up? What are the chances?" - -"Will we? You talk as though you had never done business before with -Dick Martin. Of course we will! What he puts his hand to goes through. -That's what has made him out here. We _must_ catch up. The scent is -fresh, our cattle good, and if we let them get away from us into the -mountains we ought to lose our hair before we get back. Ther's a smart -sprinkling of a chance for some of us to do that, though, anyhow." - -"And suppose they do get into the mountains?" - -"Well, then, we have a heavy contract to carry, that's all. Ah, what's -that?" - -The sudden exclamation was caused by the speaker's catching sight of -the spot where Bill Blaze and party had come upon the trail of the -Indians. Conversing as he was, and rapidly as he was riding, Martin's -eye was never for an instant blinded, but made constant use of the -moonlight, which, before many hours, would fail them. He glanced -backward, caught the direction and comprehended in a moment. - -"That's the party that were camped down there," pointing with his -fingers in the direction of Winkle's lately left camp. "Only there were -two men and three horses then. They must have found a third rider. -Wonder if it could be the trapper that is just down from the mountains? -They are on the trail hard--and the more the merrier." - -Again they dashed on at a rapid rate. Now the silence was unbroken -by speech. Well mounted and well armed, Martin hoped to overtake the -red-skins before the moon should set, or they have an opportunity -to find cover. The three men who had so unexpectedly come to his -assistance had evidently a start, and they might be riding in view. -Perhaps they might so embarrass the retreat that he would soon come up. -Once at close quarters, unless against overwhelming odds, he could rest -confident in the prowess of his men. - -A mile more was soon devoured; then the whole cavalcade came to a -sudden halt at the exclamation from their leader. - -A new addition had been made to the number of the forces on one side or -the other, and, anxious as he was to push on, Martin was here compelled -to pause and make a thorough examination; the result of which proved at -once embarrassing and unexpected. On inspection it was evident that at -this spot a small party of Indians had halted for some hours. The grass -was beaten down and upon the ground was the imprints of moccasined -feet. At first there was a difficulty in finding any further traces of -the horsemen of whom they were in pursuit. Martin and two or three of -his most experienced trailers gave their keen eyes to the work, while -Lariat Dan, Grizzly Dave and Mike Motler went circling round on their -own account. Endicott and Eben Rothven remained motionless, conversing -between themselves. Rothven had entered upon this ride with manifest -reluctance, and would even now fain have persuaded his friend that -their best policy was to withdraw from a pursuit which was attended -with positive danger, and the result of which was so dubious in its -nature. But Endicott was neither to be persuaded nor warned, and -listened with half-closed ears to the words of his partner. - -Almost simultaneously Martin and Grizzly Dave uttered an ejaculation. -Each had found a trail leading away from the halting-place. Dick had -already found the path made by the halting squad, and, by careful -scouting, had satisfied himself that it had been traversed by three -mounted men, and a led horse. And looking a few yards further he found -the footprints of the same four horses leading back in almost the -exact direction from whence they had come. Having noted this he turned -to examine into what Grizzly Dave had found. - -It was evidently a trail, though a faint one. Just a shadow of a track -left, a bruising of the grass as though by the muffled feet of horses. -And by the side of it another track, that of Harry Winkle and his two -followers. They cautiously moved on a few paces, keeping, with some -difficulty, the marks in view. When they came to a spot in the prairie -that was soft and rather bare, the hoof-prints of the three horses -could be quite plainly discerned. More than that, one of those horses -was doubly laden, as could be told by the depth of his tracks. Then -Lariat Dan made another discovery which he showed in silence. It was a -little shred of stuff which Martin at once recognized as a shred from -Edith Van Payne's dress. - -"We have it now, boys; come ahead!" shouted the leader, and again they -pressed on, guided partly by the feebly discernible Indian trail, -partly by the bolder one of the three white men. But, moving with as -much rapidity as they could, time, and valuable time, was consumed, and -so far it could not be disguised that the red-skins had traveled two -miles to the white men's one. - -Another mile brought a fresh development. The pursued had thrown away -all disguise and all attempt to conceal their trail, apparently being -more desirous of making a rapid flight than aught else. - -As they galloped on, now Lariat Dan drew up alongside of Endicott and -spoke to him in a low tone: "Fall back an' out a little; I want to tell -yer somethin' you mout not hev noticed." - -Something in the tone of the speaker struck strangely the one -addressed, and without hesitation he did as requested. - -"I rayther think ther's more in this than _all_ on us can cipher out -at onc't, an' so I thort I'd tell you, kinder private like, thet this -huyer is all durned foolishness, an' we're losin' time. Jist call me -a double-barreled ground-hog ef the gal hesn't gone t'other way. It's -the purtiest piece o' red-skin devilment I've seen fur a coon's age, -an' I'll allow it did take in this old hoss at fust; but, I kin see -with half an eye now, that them are cusses blinded that trail just enuf -fur it to be found an' time fooled away on it an' the devil's dance -played, an' then the two lots'll git together ag'in an' be up in the -cover. Ef yer want to see the gal yer best plan is to corner right -off. I kin see with both eyes shut whar the're slidin' fur, an' ef the -hosses kin go the pace, I kin purty nigh make up lost time enough to -put yer thar before 'em." - -"And how many of the Indians do you think we will find 'thar', waitin' -for them and ready to gobble us?" - -"Nary durned one! The other is the nasty trail to foller. Ther'll be -jist three o' them, and you and yer partner throwed in. Ef yer say so -I'll tip our boys the wink an' we can take the route by ourselves, -er ef yer wants it, I kin tell Martin an' maybe the hull lot will go -a-b'ilin' off. Don't think too cussed long, for time's preshus." - -In the gambling game that Endicott was ready to play, no hand could -have been dealt him which would better suit his purposes, provided the -statements of Dan, so positively made, could be relied on. There was a -risk to run; but the actual rescue of Edith Van Payne by himself, and -the consequent possession of her, surrounded only by his own men, was a -trump card that he was bold enough to make an effort to possess. - -He was willing, for such an unexpected good fortune, to break, at a -moment's notice, with Martin. - -In fact, as the reader may have surmised, he had already half decided -upon, but a few hours before, the abduction of Miss Van Payne by -himself and his men. Now he thought he saw the game played to a -successful termination, and seeing that, he was willing to blind his -eyes to the difficulties and dangers between. He looked at his henchman -with an approving smile, and slowly said: "You have done well. Let -Dave and Mike know and we will follow your lead in search of the other -party." - -Rothven was close at hand, indeed he was hardly likely to be found -among the first riders, and when Charles Endicott in an undertone -requested him to gradually reduce his speed, he did it without urging. -He thought it was a sign that they were about to relinquish the chase; -a something which certainly met with his full approval. So quietly -and skillfully was the thing managed that, before their defection was -discovered, the five men had dropped behind, had turned their horses' -heads, and, under the skillful guidance of Lariat Dan, were stretching -out over the plain at a gait that plainly evinced that they were -desirous of making up for lost time. - -Since the utmost silence was maintained, it was some time before Eben -could form any estimate of the direction in which he was going, or -learn the cause of their withdrawal. When at length an explanation was -vouchsafed him, he drew up like one who seems to think he has fallen -from the frying-pan into the fire; but he did not appear to think it -worth while to reason with the rest. Only he grumbled out that he -thought, if they must go on such a fool's chase, leaving their own -legitimate interests, he conceived that at least a decent regard for -their own safety, not entering into the question of effectiveness, -might have been exercised, and instead of plunging off into darkness -and danger alone, they might have followed on with the main body. - -Dan, their present guide, took this murmuring quite pleasantly. - -"Yer ha'r'll be just as safe when daylight comes, as ef ye'd follered -to a stray shot with Martin an' his trappers. Thar's no tellin' how -many o' them will go under afore mornin' yet." - -"Yes, come now, don't be grumbling; but save your breath for some -emergency. We have a long ride before us and something of business at -the end of it. I never went more gayly to a ball than I go to my work -to-night." - -"Oh, I'm not grumbling, and when the time comes you will find me as -ready as the readiest. Only I've a respect for the old Napoleonic -maxims about the heaviest battalions, and the strength of union." - -"Them's only jineral principles," interposed Grizzly Dave. "When yer -come down to the fine p'ints, ye'll find that, when ther time fur a -galvanized bu'ster to go in out of the wet has arrove, the identical -cuss that shoots plum center slides along with it, an' yer bound to -drop. Ef Dick Martin's hand's out, there's the man pullin' in the -stakes this very minnit." - -What answer Rothven might have made can not be recorded, for far -behind them they, with sudden startlingness, heard the peal of firearms. - -"Thar's business now, an' you was just a-grumblin' thet yer head wasn't -bein' run slap inter the hornets' nest," said Grizzly Dave. "They've -run somethin' to a hole." - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - THE FREE TRAPPERS TRAPPED. - - -It might hardly be credited; yet at least twenty minutes elapsed before -the absence of Endicott and his men was noticed. Martin, himself, had -full occupation in following the dim trail, while his men, not having -yet fraternized with the strangers, accepting them on trust, from -Martin's orders, as allies, were alike careless of their absence or -presence. - -When the desertion was discovered, Martin still continued in apparent -indifference to it. After looking from one to another, in temporary -doubt, one of the men rode to the side of their leader, and imparted -to him the fact, that Endicott, Rothven, and three other men had -disappeared from their number. - -Whatever he may have felt inwardly, there was no outward manifestation -that this intelligence was unexpected, or even new. He received it with -a careless nod and wave of the hand, and his only remark was: - -"That's all right. Never mind about them; they're all old enough to -take care of themselves." - -The man drew back, completely deceived by the manner of Martin, and in -consequence, there was an idea in the minds of most then present, that -he had not only been cognizant of their departure, but that it was more -than likely that the absence which had seemed so mysterious originated -from his orders. - -Inwardly, Martin was more troubled than he would have cared to have -owned. It reawakened the ugly suspicions which had led him toward the -camp of Endicott, upon the first discovery of the abduction of Edith. -Could he have imagined how any understanding with the Indians could -have been effected, he would have altered his plans immediately. Once -or twice he did think of turning back to find and follow the trail of -Endicott. - -Perhaps it would have been as well to have done so. It was leading -toward his niece, though there had been no complicity with the -red-skins. The defection might, however, have been caused by cowardice; -so he reasoned, or it might be that Endicott had other schemes on -foot, which on mature deliberation he judged to be of more importance -than knight-errantry, and dangerous pursuit. The latter view seemed -plausible, since he knew him to be a man of schemes and speculations; -one, too, not apt to be led away from his course by any motives of -sentimental humanity. - -By this time the conformation of the ground over which they were -traveling, began somewhat to change. Although, following the high -divide, the road was still good, yet on one side or the other frequent -ravines ran away; in front wound a stream, its line of timber showing -black under the moonlight. To this the trail directly led. The near -bank was precipitous, presenting in most places, a barrier against -fording. Yet here and there old buffalo water trails had worn paths to -the stream, one of which the driving rain, with its temporary torrents, -had washed down, until the descent was not only practicable but easy. -Down one of these paths led the trail, crossing the stream, and leading -up through a rift in the timber, which stood thickly on the opposite -side. - -As it happened, the moonlight streamed directly through this rift, -reaching every part of the path, shedding sufficient light to make -every object therein distinctly visible. As he gave a glance down the -bank, at the moment of beginning the descent, Martin noticed this, and -that, an impenetrable gloom overspread every other surrounding object. -Although not expecting danger, and almost certain that he had three -times the number of men that he might by any possibility meet with, yet -it seemed better to him to order a halt for a moment, while he took a -closer view. In obedience to his order, his men drew rein just before -coming to the brink of the bluff, while he glanced carefully around, -listening with suspended breath. - -No sound, save the noise of the night-wind and the rippling of the -water fell on his ears. So, with carbine at a ready, he began the -descent. Just before he reached the water's edge a beaver on the -opposite bank dropped off, making so little noise that ears less acute -than those of Martin would have doubtless failed to notice it. Every -visible sign betokened loneliness and safety. Pushing on across he -wound his way up the opposite bank. The ascent, making a reversed -curve, was gradual. He passed on perhaps three hundred yards until he -could see, at some little distance ahead, the point where the crown -of the bank turned onto the second bottom, and then began to retrace -his steps. Arriving again at the stream, he drew to one side until -almost concealed by the shadow of an elm, and then, in a tone low, yet -sufficiently loud to be heard by his men, gave the order to advance. - -Just as the foremost two, but a few yards away, came in sight, he heard -a slight, hissing, rustling noise, and something touched him lightly on -the shoulder. To him it seemed like a whisper from Death; for he knew -they were ambuscaded in the cañon. The touch was given by the feather -end of an Indian arrow. The very silence that followed the advent of -this messenger of hostility was appalling. Yet withal he retained his -self-possession. - -In a moment he had taken in the whole position, and decided as to the -force of the aggressors, and the course to be pursued. He judged that -a few men had been stationed in the shadows to watch, to attack, to -harass, to delay. As they were there it seemed but little difference -whether he had them on front, flank or rear, as far as danger was -concerned; and that it would be best to dash past them as rapidly as -possible. They were probably too few in number to make any thing like -an open attack, and it was only while they were in front that there -could be danger. - -Acting on this supposition, his voice suddenly broke the stillness, -ringing out clear and full upon the ears of the startled men: - -"Forward at a gallop, men, and fire at sight or sound!" - -Then ensued a noise of hastily advancing horsemen, who charged into -the line of moonlight with reckless obedience to the command of their -leader. - -Again close to Martin, evidently hurtled in the direction of his voice, -there fell an arrow. Then, as with a yell that was scarcely a cheer his -men came plunging across the stream, half a dozen shafts fell in their -midst. - -Keen eyes and ears were open, and as Martin fired his carbine in the -direction from whence he judged the arrows had come, the sound of its -report was caught up by the rattle and crash of the firearms in the -hands of his men. It seemed to be a blind affair, in which luck would -be apt to go further than judgment. Again came a flight of arrows, -whistling into the ranks of the white men as they swept by, Martin now -at their head, and the revolvers of the assailed cracked viciously as -reply. In a moment more, the danger, for the present, was past, and -the whole party passed out of the dangerous defile and galloped a few -hundred yards upon the comparatively safe prairie. - -Then they drew rein to inquire into the amount of the damage done. - -Not a man was missing; but two or three sat but loosely in their -saddles; while there were two men who had lost their horses and come -out on foot. By good fortune the wounds of the injured men proved but -slight, and with a little rude surgery they were both willing and able -to proceed. - -What injury, if any, had been inflicted upon the attacking party it was -impossible to determine. All the firing on the part of the assailed, -had been at random, even though one or two had thought, as they pulled -the trigger of their revolvers, that they were marking down black -shades that might be Indians. Whatever may have been their loss, the -half-dozen, at which number Martin had estimated the size of the party, -had done their best, and succeeded in inflicting a very fair amount of -damage. Whatever was their loss, all remained noiseless in the late -left ravine. - -From his hunting-shirt one of the men drew an arrow. It had glanced -along a leathern strap that he wore, and hung dangling by its feathered -end. Handling it carefully he showed it to Martin. That worthy took it -and looked at it with a thoughtful glance. By the relative position of -head and feather he recognized it in a moment as a war-arrow, and by -its make he could give a shrewd guess at the tribe to which its owner -had belonged, and he turned to his men with: - -"There's been some underhand work that I don't know any thing about -between some of you boys and these red-skins, and this is what's come -of it. I didn't think much of two or three of them being reckless -enough to carry off the girl--there's lots of men that will gamble -away their lives for the woman that takes their fancy--but there's -too many of 'em in this thing not to have a little something else -behind it all to urge them on. I ought to look it out and bring the -matter straight, for we can't afford to be eternally mussing with the -red-skins. However, it's too late now to bother, and, if every man does -his duty, we'll let the matter rest when we get to camp. But, I tell -you, it's got to be the last time that one of our men goes back on the -copper-skins." - -Having said this much, he turned to the serious work before him. Not -for long was he at fault. Again he was on the trail. Scarcely had he -followed for two hundred yards, when it took a sudden bend to the -right, and began to run parallel with the creek. For perhaps a quarter -of a mile it continued in that course, then, turning once more to the -right, it was lost in the shade of the timber. - -All came to a halt and looked around. From the taste they had had they -were all in a fit frame of mind to act with prudence. Besides, there -were two footmen in the party now. - -Standing there, there suddenly appeared, away off on their left, a -little clump of moving objects which had just emerged from the head of -a ravine. "One, two, three--" the white men counted the number until it -ended at seven. - -"Seven durned, cussed, pisen red-bellies, by mitey! Them's the cusses -that killed my hoss, I'll bet my brains!" exclaimed one of the footmen. - -Martin scanned the party cautiously, but could perceive no traces -of Edith. They in turn, looking back and perceiving that they were -observed by the white men, halted a moment, and, drawn up on the -hillside slope, made gestures of challenge and menace. When they saw -no movement was made in response, they moved off again in single file. -Their boldness seemed strange, yet it must be remembered that it was -at night, and it was only a plunge from hillside to ravine and they -would be invisible. They were shrewd enough to be able to know of their -comparative safety. - -There seemed to be little danger, now, in attempting to unravel the -thread of the trail which led into the timber. Several men were -dispatched upon this errand, while others pushed still further on to -find their point of exit. When at length it was found and inspected, -a singular sensation was effected. The party of whom they were in -pursuit had evidently affiliated with a few others and taken part in -the ambuscade; and after the dash past them of the white men, all had -made good their retreat to this point, near which their horses had been -tethered; and, as the seven men they had seen were evidently identical -with the men of the ambush, the question arose: "Where was Edith Van -Payne?" - -That question arose--and almost immediately received its answer. -Martin, once more bringing his judgment into play, saw in a moment they -had been tricked. Now, when he once was aware of it, he could trace -out how, as well as Blaze had done in the early part of the chase. -He reasoned and thought and knit his brows, and his face grew black. -Without doubt he knew now that he should have followed the other trail, -and knew, too, in what direction it tended, what spot aimed at. He was -almost as wise as Blaze himself as regarded the lay of the land in a -circle of some hundred miles. - -Now, having thrown away the enthusiasm of the first rush of the -pursuit, there was only one course left, and that a disheartening -one--to acknowledge the error, and attempt to repair it as soon as -possible. There was one little gleam of sunshine for him. It seemed -more than likely that Winkle and two other men had followed the right -trail. The possibility that Endicott and his men had done the same was -a problem to be thought over. Should such a supposition be verified, it -was hard to tell what would be the feelings awakened. Upon the whole, -it is possible that Martin would about as lief have his niece in the -hands of her present captors as in those of Charles Endicott. - -"No use talking, boys, we've been fooled, and we must make the best -of it. We took the wrong trail. Now, which of you feels dead certain -that he knows in what direction Straight and Crooked Cañons lay, and -the straight road to them, for by the holies, that's where we've got to -bend for now." - -At this, though the faces of more than one of the party fell, there -was no lack of men to offer their needed knowledge. Nor was there any -serious disagreement in the statements regarding the direction of -the specified locality. Drawn up in a little circle, the direction, -distance, and lay of the intervening ground, were discussed, and a plan -of procedure mapped out. As the wounded men were not seriously hurt, -two of them gave remounts to those who had lost their horses, and, -in company with the third, started to return to Martin's ranche. The -remainder, having looked well to their arms, pushed off at a regular -gallop in the new direction. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - THE BIVOUAC IN CROOKED CANON. - - -"Nary time, old man. There ain't a cussed bit o' danger here--no, not -nary a half a primin'. Camp right down an' bunk in peace and quietness. -My narves is steady, an' thar ain't no eitchin' in the forefinger o' my -right hand. A man in skirty-coats would be safe here, ef he'd nothin' -better than a double-barreled shot-gun with no hind-sights." - -It was after dark, in a wild and gloomy spot, all shaded and strewn -with trees and rocks, and the three men with their three horses were -almost breathless from a difficult ascent which they had just made. -The three men were Bill Blaze, who was speaking, Harry Winkle, who had -spoken, and Pompey, who, the picture of contentment and fidelity, kept -his place a little in the background. - -"You are sure that we can do nothing more at present, and that we are -in no danger of attack, ourselves? We might have been seen by some -look-out or scout. I'm always on the side of prudent carefulness." - -"Nary bit, I tell yer! Didn't I, Bill Blaze, put yer through? We didn't -make no more show than a bob-tail rat. Ef thar war any extra dodge I -didn't put on, jist tell me on it, an' I knock under. It warn't no -use bein' so dog-goned careful, but havin' bin lit on in one camp, -an' sarcumvented a leetle later, makes a feller draw his bead mighty -fine. You've hed a lesson from Bill Blaze when that chap war doin' his -purtiest, an' ef you hain't l'arned any thing you'd better sell yer -claim an' go East; yer ain't wanted har." - -"I suppose it's all right then. We can give our horses a chance to rest -and graze; then a little food and sleep for ourselves; then to work. -Pity that we must eat and sleep whether we will or no. What valuable -time we have lost in procuring a chance to do the two." - -"I ain't so much on the sleep; it's kinder nateral now to do without -it; but, I never could see thet it was losin' time to take a good -squar' meal o' buffler. I've seen the time, too, when I didn't think it -war losin' time to gruge clean through a hind-quarter of a black-tailed -buck. If ye'd gone across the Cimmerin river, an' got lost on the -Ratone Mountings, ye mout hev thought yer war puttin' in the time -purty well, guzzlin' down froze hackberries. As for roast coyote, that -war a delicacy o' the season to smack yer lips over. Four pound er so -wouldn't a-took yer appetite down to regulation pitch. Waugh!" - -"Hackberries and prairie-wolf--rather a miserable diet, I should say. -Have you tried it?" - -"Hev I tried it? Yer right, I hev. That is, the hackberry part. Ther' -war only one wolf to about seventy ov us, an' by the time I got my -knife out it war all gone, so I stayed my innards a while smellin' on -his bones. I found the derned cusses hed forgot to open his skull--an' -them brains! Imagine it yerself; I never kin do 'em justice. Ef I could -find a squaw as could dress up vittles to taste like 'em did, consarn -my high-heeled top-knot, ef I wouldn't hook on! 'Pears to me I'd be -almost willin' to go back to the settlements." - -Blaze's enthusiasm, over that remembered meal of brains, amused Winkle -vastly. It was not the words, but the manner of the man, that made him -at times forget his anxiety, bringing to the surface feelings that -had long been buried. There was over all the mixed quaintness and -bluffness, moderation and braggadocio of the hunter, an irresistible -appearance of honesty and trustworthiness that had won upon him in the -moments following immediately their first meeting. As the man seemed to -have but little to say of others, and all that he had said of himself -might well be uttered by one who, swinging loose, years ago, from the -restraints of civilization, had ever since, through hardships and -dangers, through thick and thin, fire and water, relied for the most -part upon himself--at the worst, we do not doubt without some cause, or -shadow of cause. As Winkle had none, he felt inclined to trust. After a -time arose a desire to confide. - -The three men had been in camp for some time. They had talked some -little, using, as in a country shadowed by danger becomes almost -habitual, a guarded tone. There had been intervals of silence, too, -when Winkle's mind thronged with exciting and troublous thoughts. These -thoughts, rushing along tumultuously, and in an orderless throng, -became too oppressive. They drove away sleep, banished hunger, brought -weariness to rest, and made inaction work. - -What all that foreboded he knew by experience. He was willing to brood, -yet there was a limit he neither cared or dared to pass. Over and -beyond the old troubles, which had well-nigh crazed his brain, he had -found that at Back Load Trace, which had been startling at first, in -fact appalling. When he first caught sight of the face of Edith Van -Payne he was bewildered. Then he fancied that his mind had given way, -or that he had seen a visitor from the other world. So fully convinced -was he of this, that, when he had found Blaze in his camp he had been -afraid or ashamed to question him as to his knowledge concerning the -pale-faced girl who had flashed by him in the moonlight, or of her -shadowy pursuer. It was only after he had heard a scream, seen her -borne off, and had the aid of the evidence of Blaze's senses, that he -came to admit that he was dealing with the stern natural instead of -the appalling supernatural. During the hours of pursuit there had been -but little time to ask questions, and indeed his mind, agitated by -surrounding circumstances, suggested but few. Now, in the moments of -inaction, scores arose. - -How it came that he thus found Edith, and amidst such strange -surroundings, gave him cause for much troubled thought. How came she at -Back Load Trace, apparently protected by Martin and his Free Trappers? -And what chance, or was it chance, that had brought Endicott and her -together? Perhaps Blaze could answer some of these questions, and so, -having, as we before stated, during their brief acquaintance acquired a -large stock of confidence in him, to Blaze he applied. - -"I ain't much acquainted with Dick Martin, an' I don't know more ner -the law allows concernin' his private affairs. He come in here several -years ago with a couple of men, an' put up a ranche. He war slightly -green on the perairie, but hed the balance o' his teeth cut some year -afore, an' he l'arned fast. Who he is, er what he is, I can't fur -sartin say; but, he's at the head of as lively a gang of hunters an' -Free Trappers as I want to meet. They make a purty wide range when the -season's opened an' pelts is prime. The rest o' the time thar's allers -more or less on 'em loafin' around Back Load Trace. Mebbe they're -squar' an' mebbe they ain't. They never troubled me, but there's men -in the gang that's not the kind to stick at trifles. I never heerd o' -Martin himself doin' any partikiler deviltry; but, somehow, the place -hain't the sweetest o' names. An honest trapper don't ginerally camp -long about thar, an' when he meets any o' the men trappin' on the same -stream he ain't anxious to stay." - -"And the woman we saw and to save whom we started upon this trip? Who -is she, where did she come from? What is her connection with this -Martin?" - -"Now yer askin' questions ag'in that I ain't up to the handle on. Ef -ye'd talk about trace-chains an' beaver-bait you'd find me _thar_. I've -tramped over hundreds o' miles an' never see'd a red deer or a white -squaw; but the next time I went over the ground thar war plenty o' -both. The tramp o' civalization allers brings both along in the same -trapsack. Allers a-murderin' an' a-murderin' the deer as it brings 'em. -Mebbe it ain't so all over the country; but I often wondered whether -they'd all go under when thar weren't no more outskirts fur 'em to live -on." - -A shade of vexation passed over Winkle's face as he answered somewhat -hotly: "As I'm not deer-hunting, I care little to speculate on their -future destiny. My questions had reference to something entirely -different." - -"Yes," said Blaze, reflectively. "So I'll allow. Mebbe it all amounts -to the same--mebbe it don't. I've seen deer-hunts that bagged no game, -an' I've seen them which did. As fur the gal, I've hear'n of her -oft'ner than I've seen her. She turned up one mornin' at Back Load -Trace as though she war shook outen a bag. A kinder adopted darter o' -Martin's; some one said onc't she war his niece." - -"But what is she doing in such a place?" - -"What does gals ginerally do? Rides in the country, shoots a good -string they say, an' raises the devil now an' then. Bin the makin' -on her too. So thin she couldn't git on more ner one side of a hoss, -an' so weak she couldn't throw a shadder when she first arove. Bin -a-pickin' up sence then." - -"And the man I saw riding just behind her--what does he do here? Is he -connected with Martin's establishment?" - -"Which man was those? Describe the crittur." - -To the best of his ability Winkle drew a word-picture of Endicott. -Blaze listened with interest, his face showing that he recognized the -portrait. - -"Now yer comin' to su'thin' I can talk on. No, he ain't none o' -Martin's men, an' don't b'long in these regions. He war jist passin' -through, in company with three or four more, an' see'd Martin's niece. -Knowed her of old, he did. He's a dead idol, he ses, which I suppose -are about same's a dead beat, an' from the looks o' the man, I should -specify war a very true hit. Killed the gal onc't afore, but she's come -to life ag'in, an', as the other chap ses, ain't likely to forgit it. -Ef--" - -"Man, man!" exclaimed Winkle, excitedly. "How came you to know this? -The same story, the same story! To travel fifteen hundred miles, and -the first man I pick up can tell me the same story! I tell you," -continued he, fiercely, leaping up and shaking his clenched fist in the -direction of Back Load Trace, "I tell you he's _my_ man!" - -"Ef you'd go a leetle slower it mout facillate peddlin' operations. Sit -down yere like a reasonable white man that ain't anxious to hev his -h'ar cut fur nothin', an' I'll tell yer, nigh as I kin, the facts in -the case." - -This common-sense address recalled Winkle to himself, and he resumed -his sitting position, but his eye still blazed and his frame shook with -suppressed emotion. - -"Tell me where you heard this then, or how you came to know so much of -a story I certainly should not have expected to hear in this region." - -"Simple as coon-trappin'. When I fust struck yer camp I'll honest allow -I mout hev been indooced to hev run off yer hoss-flesh." - -After this rather queer exordium Blaze paused as if expecting an -outburst; but Winkle was beginning to understand his man and remained -silent. - -"Yas, that's an onmitigated fact. Soon es I slung inter the rights o' -things I felt a speshal call to see they warn't run off. So, while you -an' the dark war snoozin' I hed one eye open. I felt somethin' war -abroad, an' went out a-scoutin'. Nigh whar you come so nigh puttin' my -light out, under the shadder o' the trees, in fact whar you found me, -I heerd two men a-talkin'; one on em was 'your man'; t'other a gospil -chap, that talked es though he'd bucked cl'ar frum under the Big Book -an' tuk to travelin' on his shape." - -"What were they talking of, and how came they to speak of that which -you have just mentioned?" - -Thus questioned, Blaze gave a synopsis of their conversation as -understood by him, winding up with: - -"And now, s'posin' you give us an idea of what yer man has really bin -a-doin'." - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - A STORY OF A DOUBLE MURDER. - - -As we have already stated, Winkle, while fighting the crowd of phantoms -and fancies that over-shadowed him, had felt inclination to confide in -his newly-found comrade. Being thus addressed decided him. - -"I don't know that I'm making mountains out of mole-hills. I think, -though, that perhaps I have given way where I should have fought it -out, and allowed myself to be over-powered by that which would only -make a ripple in some men's lives. Sometimes I can think of that man -Endicott coolly enough; there are times, too, when I want and intend -to kill him. Yet I suppose that others have been injured as much--and -forgiven. Men are not always responsible for their mad fancies--do you -think they are?" - -Blaze gave a curious look at the speaker. He appeared to ask the -question in perfect good faith, so the trapper answered: - -"Not fur the'r mad fancies allers. No." - -"I don't want to make a long story, and I don't want to go into too -many details. It will only raise the devil in me again and that I am -trying to keep down. I want my head cool now, if ever. It seems to me -it's cleared off wonderfully of late; perhaps it might so happen that -I could forgive. All the forgiveness in the world, though, won't bring -poor Ned back to life, or mend a mother's broken heart. - -"I've never had much to do with him personally. I'm glad of it. Perhaps -there would have been enough of the cursed fascinating power about him -to have ruined me too. Ruin! No, that's not the word, either. He did -that anyhow. Made me his slave, or his tool, or his victim. - -"You see Ned went from college into business, and might have done well -if he had never met Endicott. And I went from business into love, and -might have prospered if Endicott had not lived. There are some crimes -that law don't avenge and some that it does. Endicott has tried his -hand at both sorts, and the law, being weak, only punished him, or -attempted to, for the latter. Very lightly it laid it on him, too." - -"Mebbe it hit him harder than you think fur," interpolated Blaze. "It's -no fun gittin' inter them clutches. But go on." - -"Perhaps it did. I don't believe I ever thought of that before. Ned and -mother and I were wrapped up in each other. It's not often, I think, -that you find a family like ours was. There had never been a difference -of opinion or a single jar; but every thing went on smoothly. Ned was -the pet. He was the youngest and the frailest, and when I was away -at college he was left alone with mother. It never made me jealous a -bit because, somehow, it seemed natural. When I came home I petted him -too. We weren't rich exactly; but we had some money, and by a little -care had managed to live almost as though we were. Perhaps if we had -felt poverty we might have been happier. But, we had a taste of the -luxurious, and I'm afraid it gave and fed a desire for means more -ample. Ned, at least, got possessed with a yearning to be wealthy; and -I was in haste myself to realize some of my dreams. I'm not going to -trouble you with a complete family history, or tell how he and I, in -our different spheres, toiled ahead, with fair prospects, for several -years. - -"One day I saw Edith Van Payne; and the picture she marked in my brain -just then has never faded since. Some men speak of being able by -shutting their eyes to bring up the scenes of long ago;--but, shut or -open, it's always there, I see her just the same. I can't imagine why a -woman should have such an influence. It's strange, it's even monstrous. -After that day, as I looked for her, I saw her oftener. Eventually I -came to know her. Then I found she was worth the studying. She was -entirely different from any other woman I had ever met, for there were -everlasting contradictions connected with her. She looked dashing and -almost masculine, yet she really was intensely feminine; she seemed at -first meeting to be beyond emotion, but, as I came to know her, she -was extremely sensitive. She was one of those women externally stamped -with all the marks of heartlessness, and yet have true, honest hearts -all ready for the crushing. Perhaps I was slow with my wooing, yet I -know I was wrapped up in it. I can not tell how much encouragement -I, at first, received. As much, I guess, as I deserved. You see, she -was almost alone in the world, and was making her own way as best she -might. She had a younger brother, though I saw very little of him. -After a bit Ned became acquainted with her. I introduced him myself. -They soon became great friends, though their friendship never ripened -into any thing like sentimentality. Their ages were too near for that. -If any thing, she was a few months the older. - -"How or when Ned first became mixed up with Endicott I do not know. -In haste to become rich, he was open for speculation. I'm not certain -that it was not through Miss Van Payne. She knew him, met him often, -yet by some chance I never was introduced to him, never saw the three -together. What do you suppose the result was? He murdered both! It all -seemed to be done in an instant as it were. I was away from home for -a fortnight, and when I came back it was over. Ned he killed; that I -_might_ have borne, but, until a few days ago, I thought he had killed -the woman too. - -"Mother had noticed a change in the boy. For two or three days she -would not see him; then he would come home taciturn and upset. At that -time she could only guess that his business affairs were going wrong. -Afterward I found how far out he had been led by this Endicott, who, -all the time feathering his own nest well, was dragging him to the -quicksands of financial rottenness. - -"What you have told me of the conversation you overheard throws some -light on his course with Edith, though that I have not yet been able -to fully comprehend. It seems he would have married her and dared -not, even if he could. Preferring, then, the roundabout way of a -schemer to the straightforwardness of an honest man, he attempted to -establish an ownership in her. Curse him, he deliberately set about -compromising her! She could take good care of herself, and he knew it, -but he blackened her reputation simply and solely to give himself time, -hoping to conceal his own part in the matter and eventually to smooth -the affair over. Had he known the woman as I did, he never would have -attempted it, since he succeeded _too_ well. - -"The crisis came during my absence. Carefully as he covered the traces -of his agency, Ned detected his share in the work. At first, to be -sure, there was only a faint suspicion; but, that soon ripened into -a certainty. Knowing my hopes and wishes, brotherly love urged him -to employ every means to learn the truth. Once engaged in this, he -was led to suspect Endicott's business integrity, and the revelations -brought about by an investigation in that direction were of themselves -overpowering. - -"Then he did either a foolish or an unfortunate thing. Just in the -white heat he met Endicott. Remember, that he not only knew that this -man had compromised, almost beyond redemption, the woman his brother -loved; but that he himself was involved in a network of toils from -which he could not hope to escape short of the loss of his means, and, -worse still, with a damaged reputation. They met--and Endicott killed -him. - -"Of course the jury found extenuating circumstances. Legal chicanery, -set in motion by money, saved his worthless neck--a neck that could I -have once grasped I would have wrung with as little compunction as that -of a chicken. I think I could have borne that horror; but, engrossed as -I was by it, it was some weeks before I knew that Edith had disappeared. - -"At this time I believed she had made away with herself. I never -doubted it until the other night. Of all those who knew her, there -are few that did not believe the same. Heaven knows that I was loth -to believe it. I hunted high and low for her, since I never doubted -her honor, though I had never received any assurance of her love for -me. Her own brother was left in the dark as to what had become of her. -He found an envelope addressed to him, containing a sum of money she -had saved for a rainy day, and the simple words, written in pencil, -'Good-by.' - -"My own business, suffering for a time from utter neglect, was disposed -of; my heart was chilled toward my broken-hearted mother--God help me, -she may be dead to-night--and I spent my time seeking for traces of -Edith, and waiting to meet Endicott. - -"While I was off on what I thought a slight trace, for I had not -fully allowed myself to believe that she was dead, he emerged from a -prison, and escaped me. I followed him East; he eluded me. I heard of -him South; but he was gone when I reached New Orleans. Then I gave -way and was sick for a long season. When I came to myself something -prompted me to turn Westward. Strange how Fate, or some occult law -of attraction, drew me here. Yet many months of wandering, through -hardships and perils, brought me no surcease, and the tension on my -nerves has been gradually tightening ever since I found myself west of -the Mississippi. The rest you know. What _may_ happen, neither you, nor -I, nor any other living mortal may say." - -Winkle told his story in a slow, quiet, yet intense way. Blaze listened -to it with evident interest. - -"A condemned hard case he was. I've knowed men shot fur less than them. -That's the cuss o' civilization. If yer goin' to draw a bead upon this -man ye'd better do it here than furder East. Bein' that you've found -the girl alive, mebbe you'll weaken on that. A human critter's a curi's -consarn that only goes under onc't. In course red-skins I don't take -much account on; but, when it comes to drawin' it fine on a white, an' -he not lookin' for it--'pears to me it 'u'd glimmer the fire-sight." - -"I think at two hundred yards he would be a dead man?" - -Winkle said this slowly and half inquiringly, as though a doubt had -arisen in his mind; and then he continued, in a tone in curious -contrast to the one he generally used in speaking of Endicott: - -"You know I've followed after him so long and was so certain of it. It -would be hard to let him go after all." - -"Two hundred yard is some distance, an' a man's a mark o' moderate -bigness. I've seen a deer missed at fifty. Buck ag'er an' fancy -shootin' don't agree good. If you'll just keep cool an' not rush the -funeral mebbe ye'll eventooally git straight enough to not care a cuss -if school keeps er not. I've done ye more ner a hundred dollars' worth -of good a'ready." - -"True, I know that--yet if that man were here now, if he could appear -suddenly--" - -A remarkable change came over the man as he broke off the sentence and -sprung to his feet. Blaze, who trusted completely his own senses, and -was confident that Winkle could have discovered no signs of any danger, -looked at him in doubt and amazement as he stood bending now to one -side, again to another, eagerly listening, his rifle clutched with a -nervous grip. - -"D'ye hear him?" he whispered. "He's coming, he's coming! curse him, I -tell you he's here now." - -Then Blaze listened. It seemed, almost like a fancy, too, that he -heard, away miles off, a voice. He knew not whether it was the voice -of man or of nature. There are times when in Western solitudes the -two sound so wondrously alike that one is startled and perplexed. The -voices that one hears in the cottonwoods by the river-side, or the -cedars in the cañons! A brooder or a dreamer alone with them might well -be driven mad. - -While the trapper listened, Winkle stole noiselessly away. The negro, -who had, during the recital of Winkle's story, been lying wrapped in a -blanket, unconsciously sleeping, suddenly awoke to consciousness, and -answered Blaze's astonished exclamation of, "Where the thunder's the -boy gone to?" with: - -"Jist hold on hyar a bit. Dat's nuffin new. He done gone do dat ebery -leetle while; I fotch him back. Dat's de on'y t'ing 'bout Mass'r Winkle -dat's cur'us. He say he t'inks he hear hees man." - -Pompey, without more ado, slid off in the direction in which Winkle -had gone, leaving Blaze alone, to ruminate on the story he had just -heard. The negro was brimful of western experience, and Blaze thought -it needless to follow. This summary exit of the two from camp gave him -fresh food for reflection, and his thoughts were somewhat mixed as -would appear from his soliloquy: - -"Some, now, would call him crazy. I dunno; guess both sides is ground -down to one p'int, an' that, 'my man.' Everyways else I reckon he's -more brains ner I hev--which's a fair allowance fur this individooal to -make. Ef he could git 'my man' off his intellek he'd be purty square. -Cuss me, though, ef I wouldn't like to know whether 'my man' _is_ in -the cañon, or hereabouts. That's the queer part of the thing--his -followin' him by guess, er instink. I've see'd a herd o' deer scattered -this way an' that an' the t'other, an' often wondered how it come they -war all together ag'in by mornin'. Not so sing'lar as the way he's -follered 'my man.' I wonder ef he'll ever find him? I b'lieve 'bout -two month waitin' to see, alongside o' this Winkle, would tame me down -amazin'. I'm gittin' steady es an otter-slide now. Waugh!" - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - WHITHER EDITH WENT. - - -The average American Indian is not a charming object. Treacherous, -bloodthirsty, cunning, he seems to need but the opportunity to show -himself a monster. Much may be said in extenuation; but, there will -still remain behind the hard array of facts. Was the author writing for -Cheyenne, Crow, Blackfoot, Comanche or Apache readers, perhaps he might -say the same of the white man, and the statement, on their limited -personal knowledge, be readily accepted. In the one case it is to be -hoped that the exceptions are in reality the rule, while in the other -we fear they prove it. - -Edith Van Payne was well acquainted with the general character of the -dusky people into whose hands she had fallen. When War Hawk and his -daring followers had swooped down upon her, she had, at the first -shock, uttered a scream for help. In imagined security it was most -sternly startling to feel herself caught up and borne off like the -rush of the wind. The crack of a rifle, fired, she doubted not, by -one of Martin's men, recalled her, in some measure, to herself. Yet, -as she hung across the neck of the warrior's steed, and felt the -firm grip of his powerful hand, she might well lapse into a state of -semi-unconsciousness. When, at length, she again became fully awake to -her position, a long distance had been placed between her and her late -home. - -When Edith found herself able to catch a confused glimpse of her -abductor, she thought she recognized his face. That thought gave her -some comfort at least, since it brought her a sense of relief from any -present positive danger. - -The relations between Martin and the red-skins who surrounded him -had been heretofore those of peace. By a rare piece of good luck, at -the outset, and afterward by judicious management, he had so secured -their apparent good-will that he had been led to look upon them rather -as allies. With some of them he had carried on considerable traffic -in pelts and robes, and they came often to his ranche. Edith, with a -woman's curiosity, had scanned them narrowly, and the most of them had -accepted the gaze of her flashing eye in an unconcerned manner. In one -or two she detected answering glances of admiration that rather amused -her. - -In the Indian who was now bearing her away she believed she recognized -War Hawk, one of those she had classed as her admirers. - -By the time that War Hawk had joined the small party that was awaiting -him, Edith had settled in her mind the course which she intended to -pursue. Holding herself in constant readiness to accept any opportunity -to escape, she would keep up a bold front. She would not waste her -strength in vain endeavors, but in the hour of action be brave and -resolute. - -War Hawk marked the phases of returning consciousness, bewilderment, -doubt and final determination. Though he could not fully understand, -he could appreciate much of the mental force which faced, in calmness, -such a situation. A thrill of pride ran through him at the thought, -that he had not been mistaken in the stuff of which his captive was -made. - -"The White Bird need not fear. War Hawk would not harm. He hopes she -will some day neither fear nor wish to fly. She must not flutter now. -There is danger to both, and he will not die alone." - -"For myself I fear not. I am in no present haste to flutter nor fly. I -remember you, sir; I know you. The years that you have passed among the -whites--for I know your story--should have taught you better. And you -will have to account for this, to not only the white people, but your -own tribe. Be sure that both will be ready to bring you to a reckoning." - -"War Hawk has a heart to feel, and also is brave to dare. Now be still. -Shall he trust you to ride?" - -It was during the momentary halt that this conversation took place. -She, seeing nothing to be gained by refusing, answered by an -affirmative motion of the head. In a moment she was transferred to the -back of a mustang, and all the preparations for blinding the trail -having already been made before she was fairly settled to a seat, both -parties had moved off. Unlearned as she was in wood and prairie-craft, -she had no difficulty in perceiving that an effort was being made to -deceive those who might follow after. From the smallness of the number -of men engaged in the affair, she did not doubt but that more than -ever, the red-skins intended to employ stratagem in preference to -force in their retreat. They knew, as well as did Edith, that, as the -trapping season was just about to open, there was an unusually large -number of hunters at Back Load Ranche. Doubtless, also, they believed -that pursuit would be immediately made. - -For a time the pace was moderate. So slow did they seem to be -progressing, that Edith had hopes for a time of hearing the footsteps -of Martin and his men thundering on in their wake. She did not believe -War Hawk would execute his dark threat, even though she was aware that -prisoners had been killed to prevent their rescue or escape. - -This slow rate of progress did not long continue. Again they were -hastening on, all attempts at concealment of their route being thrown -aside. They swept across the prairie for hours. The moon sunk in the -west, the night grew darker around them, but with untiring energy they -dashed on. - -There is no need to chronicle in detail the history of the flight. -The night passed; the day broke, and still they pressed ahead. No -living human being crossed their path. There were no certain signs of -pursuit. Once, from the actions of the Indians, Edith had her attention -specially turned backward. She thought she caught, through the -marvelously clear prairie atmosphere, a glimpse of three dark objects -miles away. It might be a little clump of horsemen--more likely a herd -of antelope or elk. - -They rode in silence. Neither the captive nor the captors felt much -disposition to converse. A feeling of suspense and uncertainty was -brooding in the minds of both. Edith, even, began to look forward with -a dim yearning for the time to halt to arrive. Weariness began to -oppress her, sleep to try at her eyelids. - -At length they left the prairie; crossing a shallow stream, they went -up its bank for some distance; then, turning away from it, and picking -their way for perhaps half a mile over uneven and stony ground, they -entered a defile which, under the name of Straight Cañon, led through -the rocky range before them. In its gloomy recesses the spirits of -Edith sunk again. She would have prayed for a halt, had she not been -so unwilling to show weakness. Perhaps it was purely pride--perhaps it -was from good judgment. Physically so frail-looking she had the will -to brave fatigue. Had she allowed herself to falter at all, the result -would have been utter prostration. - -War Hawk seemed at length to have an idea that he was, perhaps, tasking -his captive beyond her powers of endurance. More than once he scanned -her features narrowly. Her naturally pale cheek seemed to be no paler; -there was no tremor in her hands; her eyes blazed as brightly as ever. - -"If the White Bird is worn out, let her ask and she shall stop. There -is no danger. She can rest. But a little further on, we come to a long -halt." - -Without hesitation she responded: - -"I am tired, but can go further." - -Straight Cañon was threaded, and a narrow valley lay before them. -Beyond another range loomed up darkly. - -Crossing the valley they began to ascend a gentle slope. They had not -gone far when at some little distance she heard a signal which was -immediately answered by one of the Indians beside her. A few moments -more, and the halting-place was reached. - -Rude as were the accommodations, it was with a feeling of unutterable -relief that Edith Van Payne rested her wearied limbs in her little -prison-hut. She had scarce noticed the two or three lodges that were -scattered around. - -How long a halt would be made there she scarce thought it worth while -to ask. The by no means unsavory viands that were brought her she put -aside for the time almost untasted, only too glad to be at rest and -alone. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - "WHEN A WOMAN WILLS THERE'S NOTHING MORE TO SAY." - - -Daylight waned, and the shadows deepened. In the west the crimson -flames that flared over the mountains died away, and the night-stars -began to shimmer in their field of blue. A moist, sweet wind came -wandering up from the woods. Edith sat within her little prison-house -alone. - -From time to time she heard voices without; but they came to her as -if in a dream. The cold look of the woman had deepened till her face -seemed like crystallized water itself. - -But in the frigidity of her eyes was a something that was suggestive -of unfrozen depths beyond. There was no trace of despair--no sign of -intense misery directly arising from her present condition like that -which would have fallen upon some women. Only the traces of a former -congealment were deepened; that was all. And so, she sat there in -silence, thinking. So absorbed in her reverie was she that, apparently, -she did not hear a footstep approaching the matting that did duty as -a door to her cabin, did not notice the tall and graceful form of War -Hawk, as he entered; and only awoke with a start to consciousness at -hearing a voice, remarkably sweet and mild for one belonging to a son -of the forest and plain, addressing her. - -"The White Bird is sad, and the War Hawk would comfort her--yet he -is afraid to come before her. She need not fear him. He is a great -warrior, but would not harm her for many lodges and much of all that is -dear to the heart of a warrior. Can the White Bird look upon the War -Hawk with a smile? She will see him as gentle as a fawn, for she is -dear to him, and what she says shall be music in his ear." - -Edith suffered her eyes to rest steadily upon her Indian admirer, whose -assumed gentleness could not disguise his stern, unyielding nature. So -the woman thought, though her eye met his unflinching and undaunted. - -"The White Bird may be sad, but it is the sadness of years. She asks -neither favor nor kindness from the War Hawk. As she has protected -herself in the past, so she can in the present and the future. She has -been hurt to the heart so long ago that she has no soul for the great -chief. Let him go his way and she will go hers." - -The ghost of a smile flitted over the face of the brave at this -request. This conquest of his had not been altogether bloodless, as the -waters of Back Load stream could bear witness. - -"The White Bird will grace the wigwam of the War Hawk, and those who -have hurt her heart shall be forgotten. If they come near her again, -let her speak the word and they shall die. This arm will protect her, -and no woman will be more honored among my nation." - -Edith looked curiously at the speaker. She measured him with her eye -and gauged his soul as he spoke. Perhaps she could see in this dashing -red-skin something to admire, even though there was nothing for one of -her race to love. - -"The White Bird returns her thanks," she said, with a graceful but -sweeping courtesy. "The chief's wooing is rough and his grip is like -steel, but she knows the warriors of his tribe and their ways, and the -War Hawk may well be the greatest among them. He is pleasant to look -upon, and the squaw of his lodge will have the eyes of many maidens -turned upon her in envy; yet the White Bird, as he has chosen to call -her, has no heart for him. Her soul rests with one of her own kindred. -Though she has not seen him for years, and will never meet him again, -yet her heart will ever beat time to him--even though he knows it not, -and little dreams that she still lives. Let the War Hawk seek another; -I am not for him." - -"The warriors of our tribe are not used to wooing as are the -pale-faces, and if War Hawk had sought the fair one he loves as our -warriors seek their squaws, she might have thought his grip was -stronger yet. He has handled her tenderly and would ever do so; yet -she should know that she _must_ be his. She is in his hands now, he -will have her taken into his tribe; he will guard her and care for her; -no other shall be so cherished. He has been in danger from her people -and his own for her and life has been lost to win her. Do you think, -then, when he loves her so strongly, that he will open his hand when -she is in it and let her fly away? No. The White Bird must forget her -pale-faced friends--and--" his voice grew harder and colder, and there -was a ring of savage fierceness in it as he spoke--"let her dream of -her pale-faced lover no longer. If she should see him again it would -be to destroy him, for he may not look on your face again and go away -living. The War Hawk will let no eyes rest upon his pale-faced squaw in -love." - -Edith Van Payne realized more than ever the depth to which she had -stirred the heart of her dusky-visaged admirer. - -"War Hawk, you have wasted time in your pursuit, and you seek what -will never, never be yours. There are fair maidens of your own race; -woo them and win them--me you never can, by either kind words or by -threats. I am protected by the Great Spirit, and neither hope nor fear. -Your pursuit may bring you much of evil--to me it can only bring a new -experience in life. Do not be deceived. I am, and of reason, a mystery -to you, the solution of which it is dangerous for you to attempt." - -Perhaps Edith drew herself up rather proudly as she uttered these -words, perhaps there was something, too, of scorn mingled with her -pride, and unintentionally outcropping in her words and gestures, -for War Hawk appeared touched to the quick. He strode a pace -forward and raised his hand with a gesture that might indicate -either impressiveness or menace. The woman only turned sideways and -unflinchingly gazed into his face as he spoke. - -"The War Hawk has run many risks for his pale White Bird. He has faced -not only the rifles of her friends, but even now he stands against -the wishes of his tribe. It is not a light thing for a great chief -to choose to bring a pale-face woman into his cabin; but he has seen -something of the world, something of the pale-faces, too, and he will -accomplish his desires. The White Bird has flown away from her people; -they will never see her again. Had they even the courage to follow her, -they would not know in which way to turn their steps. The War Hawk -will say no more this time; but let her think of what he has said, and -perhaps she will yet smile at the coming of the footsteps of the great -chief." - -"Let not the Blackfoot brave deceive himself. He is not dealing with a -helpless squaw of his tribe. I can help myself if forsaken by friends. -But I have no fears of that. Their eyes are keen, their limbs are -untiring, and they are already on the trail. You may not see them, or -hear them; but they will be near you, and when the time comes you will -find your White Bird has flitted--if before that the fatal bullet has -not stricken you--" - -Without then was the sound of a rapidly-approaching horseman. Edith -paused in her speech as she heard it, and her savage wooer looked -uneasily around him as though he half-feared this hot-haste messenger -might be the bearer of unpleasant tidings. The two, listening, heard -a distant greeting, the sound of beating hoofs ceased, and then the -newcomer, an Indian, inquired for War Hawk. The chief, on hearing this, -made an obeisance and left the cabin as quietly as he had entered it. - -Edith Van Payne remained alone. With feminine curiosity she listened -to see if she could not learn what this messenger had to communicate. -She only heard voices speaking in a low and smothered tone, but soon -the conversation became more earnest. Then she sought to gain a view -of the speakers. Circumstances favored her. When she cast her glance -upon them, she saw that preparations for a move of some kind were being -made. In front of the second cabin War Hawk was in close conference -with several of the braves. Nearer to her, in fact within a few paces -of her own wigwam, stood a single savage, holding by the bridles two -horses--one of which she recognized at a glance as Whirlwind, the -favorite steed of War Hawk. - -This man stood with his back toward her, his eyes bent in the direction -of the others, evidently more intent upon the conference of his -brethren than upon the movements of the captive girl. The great black -steed, that stood almost unwatched and within, as it were, arm's length -of her, was the fleetest among the fleet horses of the tribe. - -Great acts are often the effect of intuition. She tried the fastenings, -and found nothing to hinder her egress. A moment, and she had -noiselessly glided to the side of Whirlwind. A moment more and she had -swung herself upon him, had snatched up the bridle, struck him a sharp -blow across the shoulder--and then, like an arrow, had bounded away -and was sweeping back toward the mountains through which they had just -passed! - -The noble steed, to which Edith, practiced horseman that she was, clung -so closely and firmly, had not hesitated a moment. He swung at once -into a pace that was tremendous. His rider retained her seat with ease, -and while urging him to his highest speed, did not for a moment lose -her perfect mastery of him. The other horse had wrenched himself loose -at the time that Whirlwind started, and, bearing no burden, kept neck -and neck with her. - -Soon the wild shouts of War Hawk and his allies died away in the -distance. She saw an opening in the hills, the defile of a cañon -looming dark before her; and into its recesses she plunged without a -moment's hesitation. What might be in store for her beyond, in the -lonesome darkness, she neither knew, nor thought of, nor cared for. For -the time at least, Edith Van Payne was free. - -The horses seemed to know the road well. At least they stretched out, -plunging on with unfaltering steps into the darkness. Before long the -thrill and thrall of her fear wore off, and, as no savage yells or -echoing hoof-beats resounded behind her, she coolly settled herself to -the work before her. The long twilight had died away, and the moon, -nearly full, was up and shining directly through the narrow road, -doubling the gloom that lay upon the wooded and rocky slopes on each -side,--so that she seemed riding along a path of light laid upon and -through a bed of darkness. Her quick eye ranged along this path, now -and then diving into the darkness upon either side of her; yet seeing -nothing but rocks and trees. - -Yet, there was some one near. Not a hundred yards ahead of her, just -in the shade of the trees, his wariness all excited by the noise of -ringing hoof-strokes, Bill Blaze was sitting in his saddle with eyes -strained to catch sight of the person so recklessly approaching. And -when he saw the woman bearing down upon him, the riderless horse -galloping at her side, he could scarce refrain from a shout of triumph -as he recognized in her the object of his search. - -"Minks and mushrats!" thought he. "Blam'd ef she _ain't_ Dick Martin's -gal. A trump, by mitey! She's cleaned out the hull b'iling; stampeded -ther corral, an' 's bringin' the pick o' the lot into camp! Bill Blaze -an' her 'll move inter Back Load camp rejoicin'. Waugh!" - -When the fast rider was galloping by, she heard at her left a voice, -calling to her in what seemed a guarded tone: - -"Hullo, thar! Back Load Trace! Dick Martin! Van Payne! Friends. Hullo! -hold on, friends!" - -She looked hastily toward the spot from which the voice proceeded. A -man, evidently a white man and a trapper from his garb, pushed out from -the shadows, and rode toward her. - -For a moment she hesitated, undecided whether to augment her speed, -or to wait for him. The sight of a white man seemed a sign of aid and -comfort. Again he hailed her. In the moonlight she could see that he -held his right hand up, with the palm open and toward her; a sign of -amity. Confidence came to her by inspiration, and without a struggle -she allowed him to range up to her side. When he came nearer, she knew -that she had never seen him among the Free Trappers who followed the -beck of Martin. - -"There is little time for talk now. I know not how closely pursuers may -be behind us. What we have to say we must say as we gallop on. I see -that you know me, and I need not stop to explain." - -"That's all right. We've bin on the scout arter ye, an' I war jest -rollin' slow into what I thort war blam'd dangerous diggin's. Wouldn't -wonder ef you've saved my skulp; an' yer chances won't be any the wuss -fur hevin' Bill Blaze to steer yer through this yere diffikilty." - -"Do you know this country? I took this route by chance, without knowing -whither I was going; and only determined on riding on till I found -myself--somewhere." - -"Know it like a book. Yer tuk the right; couldn't 'a' showed ye a -better myself. Yer driftin' right through Crooked Cañon. You might 'a' -taken a shorter cut to reach the other side of the mount'ins; but then, -you'd 'a' missed me, sure. How the what you call 'em did yer git on it? -Don't 'spose the top-knots is so overflowin' with the milk o' human -kindness, thet they've sit ye up in the hoss bissness theirselves!" - -Edith, in a few brief words, explained the rapidly-shifting scenes of -the evening, passing lightly over her interview with War Hawk, and -winding up with: - -"And now, as you are fittest to act the part of guide, what do you -propose doing?" - -Blaze was silent a moment as he revolved in his mind the intelligence -that he had received, then answered: - -"Yer see, Miss, thet ain't so easy to answer right at onc't. All that -excitement wern't fur nothin'. Depend upon it, that scout tumbled -acrost somethin' that wern't kalkerlated to fit the'r arrangements. -It's more ner likely Martin and his men are comin' up Straight Cañon. -Yer see ther's two passes--one on 'em called Straight and t'other -Crooked. We're in the Crooked. I tried this yere one acause my luck's -the dog-gonedest contrairiest thing you ever see'd, and I allus hev to -be just whar I oughtn't, ef I don't want every thing to bu'st up to -eternal smash. We can't git out o'here to-night, an' I guess the best -thing is to sail along a few hours, an' then stop off till morning. -Martin's sure to be somewhar in the neighborhood. Ef he's in this -cañon, we'll find him; ef he's in the t'other, he'll keep yer Indian -friends up an' busy, an' find us, since I've got a few ideas about them -copper-skins, an' when I think 'em over _right_, I'll let you know what -they are. Just now let us make our prettiest time." - -In accordance with this, the speed, which had slackened as they -conversed, was accelerated, and for a long time the two rode on in -silence. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - A WILD RIDE. - - -It was morning now in the cañon. Heroes and heroines require sleep--in -that they resemble other more commonplace individuals. Perhaps Blaze -had slept some; but, wearied as he had been for some days with a -constant round of dangerous adventures and hairbreadth escapes, -at daylight he was wide awake, ready to face whatever dangers and -difficulties the morning might bring. The woman was still as a statue. -Her breath came quietly; her slumber was sweet. Blaze sat at a little -distance from her, just by the horses, with his rifle close at hand, -and looked at his fair charge. There was something in the face of Edith -that seemed to be worth studying. As he thought how frail and nerveless -she looked in the first pale light of the morning, he was afraid that -he had his hands full. - -"Blamed ef the little woman looks es though she'd stand carryin'. -Kinder sorter 'pears of glass, like. Shouldn't wonder ef she'd break -all up into small bits afore I git her a rod. She ain't put up as solid -es a Blackfoot squaw. Es fur as the fakilty of transportin' goes, I'd -kinder sooner she war. Cur'ous how tastes does differ! Howsomever, Bill -Blaze will do his level best, an' ef luck don't run too all-fired rough -it may be on the keerds to--blast it, yes! To what? Ef I ain't keerful -the copper-skins'll take my ha'r, an' Dick Martin shoot me on sight. -As fur that crazy Winkle, I dunno how soon he'll come crawlin' up an' -lettin' drive on s'picion that I'm his man. There's a three-cornered -state of affairs here, an' no mistake. It's a kinder blessin' maybe, -after all, that the gal herself ain't likely to give much trouble." -Then he gave a start. "She must 'a' knowed I war thinkin' on her, fur -she's got her eyes wide open." - -Edith had opened her eyes. She looked around for a moment with an air -of quiet bewilderment. Then, apparently comprehending the status of -things, she slowly raised her head from the rude pillow; something like -the shadow of a blush flitted across her cheek, and she turned to the -trapper. - -"Well, sir, the morning is here; what do you propose doing?" - -"I'd sooner hev Chep Carter draw a bead on me with his finger all ready -on the trigger and him dead set on shootin', than answer that question. -Blamed ef I know _what_ to do." - -"One of us must decide what is to be done, and that right quickly. If -you think you can find a way to get beyond our enemies to a place of -safety, at Back Load Clearing, or elsewhere, say so. If you think you -can not, say so; and I'll try what my wits are worth in this emergency." - -Blaze scratched his nose dubiously. It was not that he had not full -confidence in himself, but rather it was an unexpectedly amusing thing -for this woman, on whose frailty he had but lately been passing mental -criticisms, to speak in such short, decisive and self-reliant tones. - -"Mebbe the best thing would be to do nothin'. I've know'd persons as -war in a box to git out by just sittin' still--an' I've know'd others, -that war bound to keep movin', to run right slap onto the biggest -kind o' a hornet's nest. In course, I kin find a way out. That's my -name--jest what I war made fur. Only, don't push a willin' hoss. Let me -roominate a bit." - -"Last night you said, wait till morning. It's morning now, and having -waited patiently I am anxious to be up and off. Think quickly, then; -I'm not a friend to slow going." - -"Wal, yer see, ther's several bearin's on this yere. We know whar -we've bin, whar we are, but don't know whar we're goin', an' more -particularly, who's wantin' to go with us. The end to this trail's a -ticklish spot to travel over, that wants daylight or full moonlight -to git safely through. Then, I've a couple ov chums somewhars in this -region, that I can't leave without seein'. I don't feel afeard of the -red-skins. My narves is es steady as a shootin'-match, and they's a -sure sign. Ye wouldn't like to stay here a day longer, would ye?" - -"I am on the side of safe boldness, whatever that may be. I wish to -make my way from this region as quickly as may be convenient and safe!" - -"Jest one minnit. This yere's how the land lays: Es I told yer, I've -a couple of chums somewhars nigh. We was a-lookin' fur you, ye see, -an' there's two other lots on the same biz, an' one on 'em is comin' -up Straight Cañon ef there's any faith in signs. The other lot may be -goin' on the same road, or we may stumble acrost 'em on our way down. -Blest ef I don't wish I knowed which are on this trail an' which on -t'other. Now, we'll take a bite o' somethin' to stay our in'ards, an' -then be movin'. I hope I've cut it short." - -The bite was soon taken, and taken almost in silence. From time to time -Edith asked a question, and at length understood that Blaze was of the -opinion that Martin and his men had followed in pursuit, and it was -their approach that had alarmed the Indians. He told Edith, as briefly -as it was in his nature to speak, that War Hawk had not ventured to -bring his wished-for bride into the village of his tribe; that, in -all probability, save the chance of a stray hunter, there was not an -Indian outside of War Hawk's small party, within thirty miles of them. -Their journey for the day, he thought, would be one of comparative -safety. Their greatest danger lay away out upon the plain, beyond the -opening of the cañon; and for that reason he was anxious to augment the -strength of their party, even though he felt able, if his "luck held," -to carry her through in safety by himself. - -Having said this much, in his strange and rather uncouth way, the two -sought saddle and Blaze led his charge down the cañon. - -They rode along, at first, rapidly and in silence. - -Before long Edith became satisfied that Blaze had been wise in thinking -that they needed daylight to make their way over that part of their -journey. The road, before so smooth, became rougher and rougher, until, -finally it seemed to her that it would grow absolutely impassable. -Here and there, to the side, she saw gulches and ravines that invited -them by their evenness, but her guide resolutely withstood their -wooings, and kept straight on. Around and over rocks, across dykes and -gullies, up and down they went, till at last, meeting with obstacles -more serious than any they had as yet encountered, they dismounted and -toiled upward on foot. - -"Ef we're spry now," encouraged Blaze, "half an hour more will take us -over the roughest, an' then we'll hev level road, clean down to the -mouth of the cañon." - -Accustomed as Edith was to exertion and exercise, she was heartily glad -when the most toilsome part of the road was passed, and, seated once -more on Whirlwind, she could pursue her journey with more ease, though -Blaze, still on foot, was piloting her carefully. - -"Here we come," said he, as, turning a sharp corner, they found -themselves at the beginning of a better path. Then in a different tone -of voice, in a voice that partook of mingled excitement and uneasiness, -he shouted: "The devil! Here he comes!" and, quick as light, firing -his rifle, he sprung forward, while the steed of Edith, which had been -giving hitherto unnoticed tokens of dissatisfaction, with a scream of -fright, gave a mighty plunge, and then, in an uncontrollable frenzy, -rushed like a thunderbolt away! As she was borne on in this mad career -she heard the voice of Blaze, mingled with the snarl and roar of a -wild beast, and, over her shoulder, for a moment, saw him closing in -in mortal conflict with a deadly monarch of the mountains--an immense -grizzly bear. - -Only for a moment the scene flashed across her vision--just long enough -to bring a cold chill of terror to her heart, then she was out of sight. - -Crooked Cañon did not then belie its name. It swept away to the -right with a long curve, and, as she was whirled, breathless and -horror-stricken along it, she could catch no glimpse of what might -happen to Blaze behind, or any new danger in the way ahead. She saw -only the rocks and trees that, circling in, seemed as she advanced -an ever-lifting barrier that changed with the shifting sameness and -speed of a kaleidoscope. The ring of Whirlwind's hoofs was flung far -ahead and behind; it echoed lonesomely in the cañon. And it fell upon -listening ears! - -A man had halted just in the shade of the scrubby trees that lined the -edge of the cañon. He started up at the noise of flying feet, and, -still shading himself, gazed in the direction of the sound. What he -saw was a woman on a maddened horse, keeping her seat with the skill -of a practiced rider, yet being borne with dreadful speed toward the -jagged rocks and almost impassable precipices which he knew lay at the -entrance, not so very far beyond. As she came nearer he looked again, -and then sprung madly forward. Had he been a moment sooner he might -have grasped the bridle of the animal. As it was, Whirlwind flitted -past him like a dream; in front of him was only the opposite wall of -the chasm. - -He heard the sound of an exclamation; then the crack of a rifle, and -felt a something on his cheek as though a hot iron had been laid there. -His arms were dropped by his side; they raised again convulsively. He -cast a look around, and, as by instinct, he saw on the crown of the -bank before him Charles Endicott, with a smoking rifle and a sneer on -his face. - - * * * * * - -When Blaze came rushing down Crooked Cañon, hard on the trail of Edith, -his blood trickling from numberless sharp scratches, though yet strong -and nervous, he came suddenly upon a man lying stretched out at full -length upon the ground, his face resting upon one of the very tracks of -Edith's flying steed. When he had turned him over he found that this -man was Harry Winkle. It did not take long to examine his hurts. He was -still alive, though partially stunned, and he saw at a glance there was -a wound on the side of his face from which the blood was slowly oozing. - -When he had noted this much, Winkle gathered himself up, rose to a -sitting posture and looked around with a wild stare. - -"Right there," he muttered, pointing up the slope, "I saw -_him_--Endicott! And Edith she went down the cañon. Let me go, I must -find her first." - -He got to his feet, looked around, caught up his rifle, moved off with -a step rapidly growing firmer. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - HUNTED TO THE VERGE. - - -On the morning of the day after Edith Van Payne had made her escape -from War Hawk, the purlieus of Crooked Cañon were enlivened with a -rather more than ordinary number of denizens. Not only Edith and Blaze -coming through it, and Winkle and Pompey on the west side, but on the -east bank were camped Endicott and his followers. As may be supposed, -Endicott himself, though a fair shot and possessed of considerable -experience, was not as yet a finished ranger. Any deficiencies in this -respect were fully supplied by the attainments of Lariat Dan, the pilot -of the party, and his able assistants, Mike Motler and Grizzly Dave. As -these men were honest, as times go, they were hardly to be considered -trustworthy, and therefore were not admitted into Captain Endicott's -confidence. This troubled him very little. He intended to make blind -tools of them so long as it was possible. When he could do that no -longer--why, they had roughed it on the border long enough to have the -gilding pretty well knocked off of the corners of their honesty; and -he had but little doubt of being able, if need came, to bend them to -his wishes. - -In place of Endicott and his followers, perhaps we should say Endicott -and his follower. He and Eben Rothven were, at the present time, by -themselves, though the other three were almost if not quite within -supporting distance. The two, this morning, were holding a council -of war. They were ready enough to cast themselves into a desperate -adventure, provided they could see, with reasonable clearness, the -probable result. Just now, as the future appeared somewhat beclouded, -they thought it best to consider a bit. While Dave and his two -lieutenants were risking their scalps in Straight Cañon, Endicott and -Rothven were discussing whether it was likely to prove a profitable -business to venture their own in the same direction. - -Rothven of course was opposed to the venture. Perhaps in the beginning, -seeing Edith Van Payne carried off before his very face, some little -enthusiasm had been kindled in his heart. He was not all bad, and -there were some traces of chivalry in his composition. However, this -enthusiasm had time to die out; and, having other plans of his own, -there is but very little doubt that he would have been very willing to -leave the captive to her fate. - -In the way of this a difficulty had arisen. Even had Endicott been in -a frame of mind to listen to reason, something seemed to tell him that -there might be some trouble in calling the other men off the pursuit. -They were very good specimens of border ruffians; but, having once been -laid on the trail, their blood got up. Not being of the calculating, -scheming class, it even amused Endicott to see from day to day how -earnest they grew. - -The two men walked away from their camp in the heat of their -discussion. They forgot their prudence. If there had been a hostile -red-skin near, he might have stalked up and shot them both. - -A little time having elapsed, as might be expected they got to be -cooler, and both having yielded a little, they talked in a more guarded -manner. Perhaps it was well for them they did so. Perhaps, on the -contrary, it would have been better if they had given some clear and -unmistakable manifestation of their presence. - -Having become more reasonable, and having expressed their opinions to -each other, they separated. At least Endicott remained standing while -Rothven went back a few paces. - -Standing by himself, with his rifle by his side, and looking into the -cañon before him, Endicott was revolving many thoughts in his mind; -yet was not so abstracted as to fail to note the conformation of the -ground in front of him. The banks of Crooked Cañon, generally almost -perpendicular, were here practicable. He did not think it would be -much trouble for one to descend into the ravine, or for one to come -up. There was a ledge running down in a regular inclined plane of what -seemed to be a rather gradual slope. In reality, this slope was more -practicable than it looked. Having noticed this natural roadway, he -caught himself wondering why it was there; whether it was ever used; -and, if so, by whom and for what purpose. As he wondered he endeavored -to cast his glance up the cañon. Then he heard a noise in that -direction. What a strange coincidence it was that he should be there! - -He saw as in a picture part of that which we have detailed in the last -chapter. - -Then came before him the woman whose abduction had drawn him into this -mountain fastness. He saw, as she went streaming by, Harry Winkle start -out from among the shrubbery and trees beneath and opposite to him to -make a frantic grasp at her rein; he saw, too, the unsuccessfulness of -the attempt, with Miss Van Payne's horse sweeping on, leaving Winkle -standing right before him. - -A throb of hate and mad passion quivered through him from crown to -heel. Hate, passion, fear! In the twinkling of an eye his rifle was at -his shoulder; one glance along its brown tube and the finger on the -trigger did its work. When Charles Endicott and Harry Winkle at last -stood face to face, Endicott fired the first shot. - -Something within seemed to tell him that shot was going home just as -he meant it to go; so that, when Winkle threw up his hands and pitched -forward upon his face, he was not at all surprised. A stumbling-block -and a cause of fear were out of his path. Martin had warned him of this -man, and, acting on that warning, he thought he had put him beyond -mischief and the power of working it. - -He had no time for reflection though. Winkle might lie there a prey for -the vultures and coyotes, since Edith Van Payne had passed. - -Like lightning his thoughts drove through his brain. Could she gain the -mastery over her frantic steed in time to prevent his plunging into -certain death? That was the query. Could he aid her? That came next. He -knew if she kept straight on it would be certain death. One last long -and sharp curve and she came to the end where her choice of ways was a -broken, rugged, rocky descent that lay upon one side, the entrance to -it almost undiscoverable, and a sheer precipice. - -This he thought as he ran. - -As the reader has seen, he was a man of both thought and deed, and very -often the deed came first; so he was rushing on his errand before some -men would have gotten over the first flush of surprise at the woman's -appearance. What he had to do was to stop her; _then_ it would be time -enough to query how she escaped. - -Rothven heard the report of the rifle; when he looked around he saw his -comrade dashing past him at full speed. He did not know whether or no -there was danger, and Endicott vouchsafed him no explanation. When he -had waited in terrible suspense for a few moments, he crept cautiously -to the spot where he had left his co-conspirator standing, and peering -anxiously around him, at length saw Bill Blaze coming down the cañon. - -The spirit of darkness, who, they say, loves his own, must have loaned -Endicott wings, and guided his footsteps, too, perhaps. Through brake -and brush he dashed, and over rocks and down declivities; and when -Edith at last was able, just at the very line of deadly danger, to -draw rein, and, quivering and breathless, slip from her saddle, there -appeared at her side, as if by magic, with a hand on her bridle-rein -and a mocking sneer on his lips, the face and form of the last man she -desired to see--Charles Endicott. - -Breathless as he was, it took some little time for him to be in -speaking condition, and while he was recovering his breath she was -recovering her consciousness and courage. The very moment she saw him -she argued illy from his presence. To be sure, Bill Blaze was in the -vicinity; but she could scarcely give a guess at how near, and when she -last caught sight of him he had such a work before him that it might -well finish him. The corpse of more than one hunter has lain side by -side with the body of a dead grizzly. - -"Well, friend Edith, we have met again, as I prophesied we would, and I -think that now you are fated to hear my story to the end. I have ridden -fast and far for a chance to tell my tale, and I doubt if you will be -so cruel as not to hear what I would say to you." - -She looked at him with a glance of superb scorn. - -"Not as fast or as far as I have ridden," she said. "But if you were -not in the same field as the fox during the race, I suppose you -think you are at least in at the death. Perhaps you are. You might, -perchance, claim my dead body--it is certain you shall never have lot -or parcel of my living soul." - -"Oh, how brave we are! It reminds me of the grand old times when we -were both heroes. You think you hate me, do you? Perhaps you do. I -know I have done you deadly wrong; but that wrong I am most anxious to -right. Your judgment is clear beyond that of average mortals, and I but -ask you to exercise it in this case. I am sure that you will, if you -treat me fairly, acknowledge that, in all that past, on which you now -profess to scorn to look, I acted in a manly, noble way, and as best I -could for your best interests. Won't you give me that credit?" - -"You! _you!_ Give credit to _you_! Why, you abominable, loathsome spawn -of the slum and the prison--it was not the way that I was injured, -but the _thing_ that injured me! When I think of _that_, I quiver and -glow white from crown to toe. Is it a wonder that I went wild when I -realized it? Leave me, leave me before I die of rage!" - -She flamed up like a mad tigress. Her eyes flashed on him with a -baleful light, and her white, regular teeth shut with an angry click. -Only a weapon at hand and she would have shot him dead; only strength, -and she would have torn him limb from limb. - -And he? He stood and looked her in the eyes without flinching. Only his -face was deathly white for a moment, and then there rose a something in -his throat that seemed to be choking him as he smothered his anger. - -"You want it to be without the gloves, do you? So be it. Here! See -here! These hands of mine are tender enough for a backwoodsman, are -they not? Yet see where they are half-eaten off at the wrists. Ha! ha! -you don't see it--why, they are dropping off from the burning touch of -the cursed gyves. Right round there is where they clung. No mark there? -Well, there ought to be, for I've worn the fetters. Yes, there's the -hand of a jail-bird with the prison smutch on it; and he offers it to -you. You don't accept, do you?" - -She shrunk away from him with a gesture of horror, yet her eyes were -fixed upon his face as though by fascination, while he continued: - -"Did you never hear of a martyr to justice? Do you know nothing of the -cry, 'Hang _some one_ to quiet the public nerves?' Do you know how a -name can be murdered, and that, for such a murder, there can be no -retributive justice? I loved you once, and I love you now; you loved me -once, and you shall love me again. The ex-convict is at your feet; but -he woos you in the teeth of danger; he does not forget that. There is -little time to be lost in idle play. We have had all the romance years -ago; we come now to the stern reality." - -She burst out: "I did not love you then, I will not love you now. I -have passed beyond the regions of romance, and learned what I would -that I had known then. You can not drive me and you dare not kill me." - -"Dare I not? Kill! kill! Do you think no killing has even been done? -Didn't you hear the ring of my rifle but a moment ago? Force rules the -world--and _here_ I am power! Along Back Load Trace there were weapons -ready to come at your call, but here the tables are turned. Within -beck are three sturdy ruffians and--a _preacher_. Not a namby-pamby, -white-neckerchiefed nothing, but a man of nerve that can be relied on; -yet his handiwork will last in spite of pride or prejudice. Strange to -find a blacksmith here--but reserve to the winds!--you shall have a -chance to test his workmanship, and see how you like his welding." - -As he stepped forward she shrunk back with a hunted look in her eyes. -At bay at last! His words fell like the stroke of a knife. And to her -there was a terrible suggestiveness in them. At whom had his rifle been -aimed a moment ago? She did not doubt him--she feared him. And the fear -of her fear was overpowering. Still, she sought to keep a solid front. -She would fight gamely to the last. - -"Hands off me, sir; you have shown your hand too soon. I am to be -wooed, perhaps, but cold as you find me, I like not your love-making. -Satan himself would look like an angel of light by your side." - -"We are growing nice," he said, with a mocking sneer. "A woman who -lives by herself with the angelic trappers of Back Load Trace may well -know in what guise the angel of darkness is likely to come. Mine you -are, and as mine I claim you." - -The moral strength of Edith Van Payne gave way, and left behind a -horrible terror. She saw no way of escape but one, and, with a sudden -spring, she sought to fling herself upon the animal that had borne her -so gallantly from her captors the night before. She sought to do this, -but was unsuccessful. A bound, and Endicott was by her side, and had -caught her round the waist with a grasp of iron. - -"Ho, there, Eben!" he shouted, and she heard footsteps beyond, in the -direction in which he had pointed. With a mad fury she caught Endicott -by the throat; she writhed from his grasp; she struck him with her -clenched hand. Then as, despising her blows as though they were but -strokes of a feather, he dashed at her, she gave one wild, piercing and -despairing shriek, and, with the rapidity of light, leaped from the -brink of the precipice. - -And as she leaped the report of three rifles echoed her scream. - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - THREE SHOTS--AT LAST! - - -When Bill Blaze found Harry Winkle lying prone upon the ground, though -he looked in every direction with a rapid glance, yet he gave no sign -that the sight was unexpected, and when Winkle raised to his feet -and staggered off after muttering a couple broken sentences, instead -of attempting to stop him, or wasting time in questions, he rapidly -extracted from those sentences the very pith of their meaning, and as -rapidly decided how he should act. - -That Edith Van Payne had gone forward and further on her headlong -journey he readily understood; and that no aid of his could avert the -danger of a catastrophe at the mouth of the cañon. Unless she succeeded -in checking the speed of Whirlwind, before he could succeed in reaching -her, her troubles would doubtless be over. That she had done this he -hoped, and almost believed. The words of Winkle, however, suggested a -new complication. - -Charles Endicott was doubtless in the neighborhood, and had fired the -shot which he had heard. Having once made out this much he could easily -trace the course of events. - -When Endicott fired he watched long enough to see Winkle go down, -and then dashed across toward the plateau upon which Crooked Cañon -debouched. If Edith was safe, she was probably in his hands. Judging -from the past he could easily guess what sort of a reception Winkle -would meet with if, in his present bewildered state, he came wandering -near. - -All this Blaze took in by almost one sweep of thought and his -resolution was taken, as it were by instinct. He gave but a single -glance upward to confirm his opinion of the practicability of the -ascent, and then threw himself into the work he fancied he saw before -him. Up the steep and jagged side of the cañon he rushed, and then -forward directly over the jutting promontory around which Crooked -Cañon swept to its point of debouchure. With reckless carelessness he -crashed through the bushes and underbrush, intent only on reaching the -point for which he was aiming. When he had traversed half the distance -he came upon a man standing, leaning against a tree. This man was -Rothven. The instinct of the trapper befriended him, since it removed -the finger, so hastily thrown there, from a trigger that was seldom -pulled in vain. Eben's appearance was not aggressive. On the contrary -there was a listlessness about him that told rather of careless waiting -than anxious expectancy. Only he was looking in the direction in which -the trapper was going. When Endicott had passed him he had somehow -comprehended not only what had happened but also what might occur; and -preferred not to come on the carpet prematurely. In fact, he cared -little to appear at all. The glimpse of Blaze, whom he really did not -notice until that worthy had passed him, rather startled him. From his -appearance he judged it was one of Martin's men. Then, a feeling of -curiosity obtained the mastery over him, and he followed on to see what -was in that strange race. He had not taken many paces when he heard the -voice of Endicott: "Ho, there, Eben!" and he came in sight of Blaze -just as a wild and piercing scream, uttered by a woman's voice, rung in -his ears. - -He saw Blaze stop suddenly and peer through a rift in the foliage. -What the trapper saw must have been exciting, since his eyes dilated, -his whole form quivered. That was just for a second; in a second more -he stood like a statue, his left foot forward, his left arm extended, -his right arm up, his finger on the trigger of the rifle that covered -Charles Endicott's heart. - - * * * * * - -Edith Van Payne had obtained such a place in her uncle's heart that -Martin sometimes fancied he must have a dual nature. He forgot that -having lapsed from civilization to barbarism, from the circles of -refinement to the uncouthness of ultra-frontier life, and having so -fully settled to that position as to feel as though 'to the manor -born,' that nevertheless, chameleon-like, change of diet might bring -him back to some semblance of his old color. He had been going his -way while Edith went hers, and the affinity between the two seemed -to be but slight. Once or twice he had looked at her queerly, and -thought that, perchance, there was a spice of poetical nonsense, of -unadulterated and unselfish feeling, yet lingering around him. As often -he had cast the thought aside after a moment's revolution. Now, for a -day or two, he had had an opportunity to gauge himself, and found that -this wilful, wild-eyed niece of his had become, during the gradual -developing months of their acquaintance, more dear to him than he could -ever have imagined--even away back in younger days that floated by over -quieter waters. And, mixed with all this, was the wild, hard pride that -close behind him he brought strength and skill and sagacity in no mean -force; called out in a moment's warning to follow, to aid, to rescue. -He wondered if Edith believed that he was on the trail; he queried if -she knew how stout arms grasping trusting weapons were ready to strike -in for her at the first opportunity. Somehow, he never doubted of her -present safety from any serious harm, or despaired of her ultimate -rescue. Strongly self-reliant, he had seen success too often follow his -undertakings, to feel faint at heart now. - -Two things troubled him immensely. That he should have been deceived -at the outset of the pursuit by Indian strategy, and the defection of -Endicott and his men. He accounted at first thought for the latter, by -the supposition that Endicott's men had seen through the stratagem, -and keeping the knowledge to themselves, the party had flown off at a -tangent, leaving him, Martin, to follow the false trail. When they met -again, if meet they should, he would have a small account to settle -with Mr. Charles Endicott. - -That meeting was destined to take place rather sooner than he -anticipated. By chance he struck the trail made by five men, and, on -consultation, was satisfied that it was made by the deserters. He -questioned, then, within himself, whether Endicott was not in league -with the Indians. Such alliances had been formed before then; and he -knew that, if it should be practicable, Endicott would stop at nothing -to carry out his end. However that might be, he believed that if he -followed that trail, he would most likely come upon traces of Edith. -And so, believing this, he desisted from his intention of pushing on to -the further end of Straight Cañon, and turned off to one side. After a -time, he came to where they had halted the previous night. Here the -party had divided, three men going to the north, while the remaining -two had turned aside, westward. - -Again he followed Endicott, though he sent out a detachment of trusty -men in the wake of Lariat Dan. He rode on quietly; he halted suddenly. -He saw a sight that brought him from his horse in an instant--Edith -Van Payne was struggling in the arms of Charles Endicott. He saw her -throw the man off and rush forward; as she leaped over the brink of the -precipice, his rifle lay ready for the base of Endicott's brain, and, -as her shrill scream echoed and reëchoed through gulch and cañon, his -finger tightened on the trigger. - - * * * * * - -Pompey came slowly back from an unsuccessful search for traces of -Edith. Without being seen he had reconnoitered Endicott's camp, and -satisfied himself that she was not there. As far as the simple question -of Edith Van Payne's rescue, unattached to any other idea, went, it is -likely that, he felt very little interest. But he had an interest in -whatever concerned his employer and friend, Harry Winkle, and so could -bring a second-handed enthusiasm to the pursuit. While he was watching -Endicott's camp, he saw Lariat Dan leave it in company with Grizzly -Dan and Mike Motler. He recognized all three of those worthies, and at -one time had a half-formed notion of revealing himself to them, and -attempting to sound them in search of information. When he saw that -they turned their faces northward, and started as if on a quest, he -altered his mind. Understanding that they were in the employ of the -deadly enemy of Harry Winkle, he did not think it advisable to let -his presence be known, unless to secure some positive advantage; and -he could see none at this present. So he remained concealed among the -cedars on the _butte_, and let the three go their way. Perhaps an hour -later, as he was listlessly returning to find Winkle, the bushes on his -left parted, and a man stepped out, and ranged up by his side. A glance -told him it was Mike Motler, whom he supposed miles away. - -Motler was a quiet, almost surly sort of man, who went his own way and -carried his own pelts. His employer, when he had one, seldom heard -him speak; but he generally did as he was ordered without useless -questions. Therefore he was a valuable man. Sometimes, though, he -had an opinion of his own, and acted on it. Wherein he was slightly -unreliable. As he pulled trigger quick, and always shot plum-center, he -was an unpleasant man to have a difficulty with. - -This Motler nodded to Pompey, as though they were going into camp -together after a separation of only a couple of hours instead of as -many years. Pompey understanding him pretty well, did the same, and -casually remarked: - -"Whar's Dan?" - -"Lookin' fer tame rabbits in a coyote's hole. A-bu'stin' himself to -find what ain't thar." - -"Whar then?" - -"Dunno. Mabbe in heaven. He'd better stay thar. Somethin' rotten on -the board an' I've bunched my hand. I kin pass the brick an' lose my -ante; durned ef I want to see his blind." - -Motler made this speech in detachments, and with a preoccupied air. -Pompey listened and walked on. Motler suddenly startled him by the -query: - -"Whar yer goin'?" - -"Nowhar much--camp I guess." - -"Ef yer want to gamble, put yer money on a funeral. I feel it in my -bones." - -"Whose funeral am dat den? I hain't heerd o' no corpse." - -"Never you mind. Ther corpus 'll be laid out by the time mourners hes -arrove." - -The African was not cowardly, but he certainly was a little -superstitious. The moody tone of Motler sounded almost prophetic, -and he wondered whether it could possibly be his own funeral that -was meant. He had seen men rubbed out in unexpected ways and at -short notice. He revolved this, in his mind, a few moments, and -even questioned whether it would not be best to turn aside and let -his unsought companion attend the obsequies by himself. Perhaps he -might have done so had the meeting occurred a little sooner; but the -catastrophe came quicker than he expected. - -First he heard sounds beyond the intervening vail of foliage, and -obtained a confused impression that there was that transpiring which -needed his attention. Personal fears were flung to the winds, as Mike -Motler, quickening his gait, whispered: - -"Didn't I tell yer! Wait an' ye'll hear the bell a-ringin. I'm a-holden -the rope now." - -An ominous peal that bell would give when its rope was pulled! Motler -was holding in his hands a twelve-pound rifle! - -What occurred after the wall of branches, that finally intervened, was -parted, Pompey could never fully comprehend. At least he remembered the -shout of a man, a confused struggle, the screams of a woman; then the -death-bell at his side tolled once. - - * * * * * - -Love and fear combined with hate to lend wings to Harry Winkle. -His brain cleared and clouded again; but, with the clearing came -strength; that remained. He flew down the cañon with a speed that was -prodigious. Yet Edith had had a start that would have rendered his -efforts unavailing if she had gone straight and unchecked forward. The -thought that such would be the case, combining with the burning hate -which Endicott's late attempt on his life had aroused, brought back the -confusion, and he passed over a few hundred yards of ground without -sight or hearing. A regiment of soldiers, a tribe of Indians, might -have passed him unheeded. When he came around the last crook in Crooked -Cañon, and the straight vista which led to the sheer precipice opened -up before him, he came back to life, real and earnest, again. He took -in the picture before him--the woman he loved struggling in the arms -of the man he hated. He would have shot Endicott on the spot could he -have done so without danger to Edith; he brought his rifle to a ready. -While he looked, running as he looked, she broke away from the man, -gave a great bound, and he heard her despairing cry echoed by the ring -of firearms. He did not stop, though, to see who had fired, at whom, or -with what effect. When two great master-passions clash, one of them is, -for the time at least, ground to the wall. When love and hate became -antagonistic in his breast, hate was swept aside like a feather in the -wind. - -To the right ran the narrow, winding, rugged path by which Blaze had -led him up into Crooked Cañon. Down this he darted with his teeth -clenched, and his hands, now unincumbered by the useless rifle he had -cast aside, extended. He did not even give a cry or utter a moan, -but there was a fear of a horror in his eye that seemed wilder than -any half-crazed light that had ever shone there in the time of his -previous agonies. To the right and left of him the jagged rocks heaved -up in great billows, horribly suggestive. He wished himself back in -the roaring surf of the previous years. When, half-way down, he came -to a ledge that led away and around toward the precipice, visible and -accessible by a crevice in the side of the gulch he was descending, he -could bear the suspense no more. No need to pause and think if its path -was dangerous when once there had taken possession of him the thought -that by following it he could sooner catch sight of Edith Van Payne or -her mortal remains. Through, out, along, all quiveringly expectant, and -ears open for a cry or a groan, sped Winkle. - -And so, after the weary, maddening years of separation, alone, -suspended, as it were, between earth and heaven, on a narrow footing -that seemed all too precarious for life and living mortals, met at the -last Harry Winkle and Edith Van Payne! - -When from Charles Endicott's arms Edith had rushed to a leap she feared -as fatal, there came to her the stupor of falling scarce broken by -the crash through the top of the kindly intervening cedar. Bruised -and hard shaken, she lay coiled up at the foot of the tree, ready, -at a half-conscious movement, to fall still further, even to eternal -nothingness, when there crawled toward her a man, through what perils -he was passing, or how he was avoiding them he knew not. He only knew -that his soul's other half was hanging over certain death, with no -other eye than his to see her danger, and no other arm than his to -rescue her. - -At last! From off the knee of the cedar he drew her, up onto the wider -footing of the yet-narrow ledge. Kneeling, with his back against the -wall of solid rock, he held in his arms his own long-lost darling! Away -above him Martin, Blaze and the others stood, at the brink, peering -downward. He heard their shouts like the remembrance of a noise in -a dream. The sound of a gentle sigh escaping from her lips drowned -all other voices. He clutched her closer, looked at her wan, white -cheeks, and, as her wild eyes opened, covered her mouth with kisses. -He thought, too, that her lips moved to meet his. For a moment or two -longer she lay in his arms cold, nerveless, colorless, almost lifeless. -Yet she was the woman he loved! - -Consciousness began slowly to return. She hid her face on his breast -at its first dawning and slowly gathered strength. When at last she -heard the loud beating of his heart she looked up, for the first time -forgetting the danger from which she had fled, and the danger from -which she had been saved. She saw a face, firm-set, yet beaming, -resolution yet happiness penciled thereon. With a scream she made an -almost fatal attempt to throw herself from his embrace. - -The steel-set arm wound itself tighter around her waist, with steady -strength drawing her again closely to its owner's breast. - -"Harry! You here! Let me go! Let me go to death; but let me go!" - -"Not so, my darling. Here, on my breast you rest. Fate's last bolt has -been shot, and I laugh now at the empty quiver. Mine you are, now and -forever." - -"Never, never! Let me go! I say again--I have said and sworn!" - -"And so have I--listen while I swear again." - -His face grew darker, his brow wrinkled ominously, while a hard red -light shone in his eyes. - -"I have sworn that nothing should come between us--nothing, be it -mortal or immortal--honor or dishonor--death or perdition. And now I -swear--here on the brink of death, where a false step or unguarded -movement is utter ruin--that if follies and fancies are to sunder us -again, if there is no hope for us together here, then the only thing -left is a sudden death for both. You know me well, you ought to believe -me completely: now I swear that you stain my soul with a double murder. -Mine in life rather, else before another hundred beats of the heart -that loves you--you know how wildly--these arms unclasp; but beyond -the shadow. Together we henceforth live, or here we two together die! -Choose!" - -There was a yearning look of a hungry soul in his eyes. He quivered -and grew white with suppressed love and horror; but his voice did not -falter, and the red heat of a desperate resolve was round him. As he -spoke he raised himself to a standing position, and, holding the woman -more closely than ever, braced himself for a deadly spring. - -She then for a moment was silent; her white face grew whiter; her teeth -were set hard and words of violence came surging up to her tongue's -end. She strove to utter them; but the whiter, firmer set, more -desperate face and the great, struggling soul before her drove them -back. There was war in the woman, and the man watching that wild face -thought she would die before him. - -Then the stronger will conquered; the haggard and strong look broke up; -a gleam of submission and unutterable love rolled across her face. She -dropped her cheek back upon his shoulder, till her lips almost touched -his ear, her arms twined about his neck, and she whispered: - -"Harry, my poor darling, we will live for each other!" - - - THE END - - * * * * * - - - - - THE ILLUMINATED DIME POCKET NOVELS! - - PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY. - -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, yet sold at -the standard price, TEN CENTS. - - - 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. 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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. By Lieut. Ned Hunter. - -No. 34--Old Lute, the Indian-fighter; or, The Den in the Hills. By E. -W. 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By Captain Charles Howard. - -No. 51--Tom Hawk, the Trailer. By Lewis Jay Swift. - -No. 52--The Mad Chief. By Captain Chas. Howard. - -No. 53--The Black Wolf. By Edwin E. Ewing. - -No. 54--Arkansas Jack. By Harry Hazard. - -No. 55--Blackbeard. By Paul Bibbs. - -No. 56--The River Rifles. By Billex Muller. - -No. 57--Hunter Ham. By J. Edgar Iliff. - -No. 58--Cloudwood; or, The Daughter of the Wilderness. By J. M. Merrill. - -No. 59--The Texas Hawks. By Joe E. Badger, Jr. Ready - -No. 60--Merciless Mat. By Capt. Chas. Howard. Ready Oct. 10th. - -No. 61--Mad Anthony's Scouts. By Emerson Rodman. Ready - -No. 62--The Luckless Trapper; or, The Haunted Hunter. By William R. -Eyster. Ready - -No. 63--The Florida Scout; or, The Princess of the Everglades. By Jos. -E. 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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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. 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. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The luckless trapper</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: William Eyster</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: June 21, 2022 [eBook #68371]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David Edwards, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Northern Illinois University Digital Library)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LUCKLESS TRAPPER ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter x-ebookmaker-drop"> - <img src="images/illusc.jpg" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="titlepage"> - -<h1>THE LUCKLESS TRAPPER;</h1> - -<p>OR,</p> - -<h2>THE HAUNTED HUNTER</h2> - - -<h2>BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER,</h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Author of "Wild Nat" (Pocket Novel 21.)</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Vol. V.</span><br /> -NOVEMBER 11, 1876.<br /> -<span class="smcap">No. 62.</span></p> - -<p>NEW YORK:<br /> -BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS,<br /> -98 WILLIAM STREET.</p> - -<p>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by<br /> -FRANK STARR & CO.,<br /> -In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">THE HAUNTED HUNTER;<br /> - -OR,<br /> - -BILL BLAZE, THE LUCKLESS TRAPPER</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER I.</p> - -<p class="ph2">A CORPSE IN THE STREAM.</p> - - -<p>There is a peculiar hiss when a rifle-ball passes in close proximity to -one's head, a sound that no doubt chords with some musical note, yet -upon most ears the noise is apt to fall rather unpleasantly. So the -trapper, though thoroughly seasoned to danger and the thousand chances -and mischances of the bush and plain, dodged his head suddenly, with -a movement more energetic than graceful, at the same time uttering, -though not above a whisper, an ejaculation of surprise and discontent. -In the midst of his reconnoitering it seemed to him that he had been -reconnoitered, and that to some purpose. There was danger in the -atmosphere.</p> - -<p>Carefully he peered around him. He caught no sight of the hand that had -fired the shot; he could see nothing and could hear nothing that gave -sign of hostile intentions. Through the bushes that were spread before -him like a curtain he anxiously gazed, with one hand pushing them aside.</p> - -<p>"Where the dickins c'u'd that 'a' come from," he muttered. "Some one -hez hed a line shot on this hyer old hoss an' cum mighty nigh a-sendin' -him under. Ef I could only git a site at the varmint ther'd be a case -o' suddint death, sure—ah!"</p> - -<p>The soliloquy ceased, for on the small level spot on the opposite side -of the stream, standing out bold and full in the clear moonlight, there -appeared two men. The distance was not great, their actions evinced no -knowledge that any other human being was near them, and as they broke -into conversation every word they spoke was wafted distinctly to the -ears of the listener who lay concealed in the close hanging bushes.</p> - -<p>One of these two men was tall and shapely in build. His form gave token -of strength and activity, while the moonbeams that fell upon his face -lit up a countenance that was more than ordinarily handsome. One hand -rested upon the muzzle-end of a heavy rifle, the other was extended -in a shunning gesture, the palm outward as if waving back the man who -faced him.</p> - -<p>The other was, if any thing, shorter in stature, but made up for any -lack of hight in breadth of build. His shoulders were almost Herculean -in shape, his hands were large, his neck thick and powerful—altogether -his appearance promised strength rather than activity. His face could -scarcely be distinguished, but even in the shadow one could fancifully -map out a countenance indicative of boldness and resolution.</p> - -<p>Thus the two stood in the moonlight, scarcely three yards apart and -facing each other.</p> - -<p>"You're quick on the trigger," said the short man; "and if it had been -daylight I might have gone under. I'm not one to bear malice, though -it's a rough old joke to be shot at. If I was some men you'd not be -standing now."</p> - -<p>"I know it. Yet daylight or dark, if I had not discovered my mistake -in time, <i>I</i> should have been standing and you down. As I pulled the -trigger I raised the barrel for I saw it was the wrong man. The right -one is near me somewhere though, and had you been he, the scores would -have all been wiped out by this time."</p> - -<p>"I thought so. I kinder saw you hitch up your iron, so I knew you had -made a mistake when you threw the tube to your shoulder. It was sudden -though—and not the first time a white man has drawn sights on me. I've -been watching you since you came around here; I've been waiting for you -to show your hand, and I want to know to-night what your game is. If -you are on the square, with no infernal curious kinks in yer nature, -well an' good. But if ye want to know more than ye see, if ye must -take a hand in what don't concern you nor your'n, then take a fool's -advice—an' <i>move on</i>."</p> - -<p>"See here, Martin, if that's your name, don't borrow trouble about me. -You're not my man. I don't want to know more than one thing, and that -is, where my man is. Then I don't want to do more than one thing. I -want to lay sights on him. After that it's a matter between him and -Killemquick, and the chances in Killemquick's favor."</p> - -<p>"That's all right; but s'posin' 'your man' is one of my men—I want -to know something about that; fur down here along Back Load Trail -there's a few on us as hang together mighty close. Ef you get them -double-sights pulled on some as I knows on, mebbe there'll be the like -on you with a quicker finger on the trigger."</p> - -<p>"Very well, old man, you know all I can tell you. My name is Winkle, -and I'm laying out for my man. I've heard of Back Load Trail and I've -heard of Dick Martin that rules it. I'm an honest man and a square man, -and I tell you there will be some fancy shooting done along here before -long. If it's to be war between you and me let us know it now and I'll -play my hand careful. Remember, I'm not going to interfere with you -except as I have to; but if so be that there's danger in the air for -one of your friends, more's the pity."</p> - -<p>"Yer mighty indefinite, stranger. Ef you've ever heard of Back Load -Trail, as ye say ye have, ye must know that outsiders that sometimes -try to ring in here, occasionally git the'r last sickness. We run -things down here to suit ourselves purty much, an' ef you've got a -grudge ag'in' any one it's all right, so he's an outsider, too. But, -ef it's ag'in' one of us Free Trappers, the bullet is already run that -puts yer light out. I don't know of any strangers on this trail but -yerself an' one more, an' he only come down from the mountains last -night. Ef it's him, all right. Ef it ain't—look sharp. Ef it's me, but -ye say it ain't, I'm here now!"</p> - -<p>The voice of Dick Martin rolled out round and full as he uttered the -words, "I'm here now"; there was even something heroic in his tone, -just as there was a world of bitter warning in the first part of his -address. But he seemed to make little impression on his <i>vis-a-vis</i>, -who looked at him steadily, and answered him coolly:</p> - -<p>"I neither know nor care if the man I'm seeking is a Free Trapper, or -whether he just came down from the mountains. I know I'm a dead shot -and I know I'll shoot him dead. When you find a corpse lying on the -broad of its back with its left eye shot out you may calculate that my -mission is accomplished and that I'm done with this region. As for any -threats you make, I care nothing for them, I fear for nothing, nothing -can harm me. I am above all chances, for I am a minister of Fate, and -until Fate has been served, the lead is not run nor the steel forged -that can harm me."</p> - -<p>"By heavens! yer either a gritty man or yer crazy. Ther's not many men -stood up lately and talked that way to my face. I like pluck and I like -grit, so I'm goin' to hold on a leetle longer till I see yer game. -It's not often I take a likin', but I half like you. I come down here -to where you were camped intendin' to do some plain talkin', but I've -altered my mind a leetle on it. Turn in, stranger, Dick Martin bids ye -good-night."</p> - -<p>Something in Martin's voice gave evidence to the other of the sincerity -of his words. Though, on their very faces, as much as from their -conversation, you could plainly see their wide dissimilarity, yet -Winkle's voice lost something of its hard, steely ring as he responded:</p> - -<p>"Good-night then. We understand each other pretty fairly. Watch my hand -and you may see what I play. I don't think it's against your game, -but if it is I say nothing against your doing your best. Each man for -himself and—"</p> - -<p>Whatever else the taller man was about to say was suddenly interrupted -by a wild cry proceeding from the opposite side of the stream, a cry -that startled both men. Martin dropped at full length upon the ground, -while Winkle brought his rifle to a ready and gazed in the direction -from whence came the sound.</p> - -<p>The bushes which lined the bank seemed to be violently agitated, there -was a noise as of two men engaged in a fierce and well-contested -struggle. This lasted but for a few seconds, then a dark body shot out -into the moonlight and fell into the water with a sullen splash.</p> - -<p>Both men cast curious glances at the spot where the body had -disappeared. Great waves circled out and out, but there was no further -struggling, and for a time no sign of what was the object that had -fallen into the stream. But at length, as the two spectators looked -curiously at each other, there rose into the clear moonshine, that lay -broad and silvery upon the surface of the water, the face of a dead -man; while from his breast, as a center, there irradiated a crimson -fluid that dyed the water with its stain.</p> - -<p>Henry Winkle took a few steps forward and gazed anxiously at the body -that was slowly drifting down with the current. Apparently he was -satisfied, for he turned around with what might have been taken for a -sigh of relief. But when his eye explored the little plateau it rested -not on any living thing—Dick Martin had quietly glided away.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER II.</p> - -<p class="ph2">AN APPARITION.</p> - - -<p>Although there was nothing in the sudden disappearance of Martin that -could particularly alarm Winkle, impressed as he really was with the -present good faith of the man with whom he had lately been conversing, -still from some cause or other he felt by no means at his ease. Who -might be upon the other side of the stream yet remained a mystery, and -until that was solved he could not follow the advice lately tendered -him and "turn in." He gave a quick glance up and down the stream, a -sharp look at the bushes that lined the other shore, and then, with -a quick, noiseless step, turned into the woods from which but a few -moments before he had emerged.</p> - -<p>It was his purpose to move up the stream for some little distance, and -then, crossing over, beat carefully down the bank, keeping a look-out -for traces of the parties whom he had no doubt had been engaged in a -deadly struggle at the time the cry had interrupted his conversation.</p> - -<p>All about him was silent, and he met with no haps or mishaps for the -time. As he came down the bank, however, his eyes wandered in every -direction, every clump was carefully examined, and his progress was -necessarily slow. At first nothing rewarded his search; but at length -something caught his practiced eye and by even the uncertain light he -could plainly discover a trail, leading in the direction in which he -was proceeding. Immediately he halted for its examination. Almost a -glance showed him that it was a careless and unconcealed one, and that -it was made by a white man. A moment more and Winkle decided within -himself that it was made by the man whom Martin stated had just come -down from the mountains. It led on down the stream, and the explorer -followed cautiously upon it, not forgetting to look from time to time -at either side, in search of further information. When he arrived -opposite to the spot where he and the Free Trapper had held their late -conversation, the track suddenly turned at right angles and it seemed -to him as though the man who made it had from this spot acted with more -caution. And as he cast his eyes to one side he saw the marks left by -the footsteps of a distinct party.</p> - -<p>His movements were governed by the utmost caution, but he went rapidly -and noiselessly to the spot. The footprints that he there found -appeared to give him more trouble than the former ones, for it was some -time before his mind was fully settled; then he looked up with the -one word, "Indian," on his lips. He noticed that from their direction -both trails led into the bushes in such a manner as to cross, or at -least meet each other at about the spot from which the body had been -projected into the stream—and accordingly he noiselessly followed the -second trail, with every sense and nerve on the alert to catch the -first signal telling of the proximity of any living beings. It was not -long before he found the trail most suddenly ended, for he came to a -spot where the ground had been beaten and the branches and shrubs most -evidently disarranged by a short but desperate contest. It was too -dark for him to see if there were any traces of blood, but he had no -doubt in his mind but that they were there. Carefully pushing aside the -boughs, he saw that he was immediately on the bank, and in a position -not only to see clearly the spot where he and Martin had met, but near -enough to hear every word of what was then and there said. This much -he noted, then turned aside to seek for further traces of the probable -survivor.</p> - -<p>He was not there; and, it was some time before Winkle, practiced as -he was in woodcraft, could discover any sign to indicate in which way -the victor had left. Evidently the man had dropped his carelessness -and was now as cautious in concealing his trail—and he evinced no -mean skill in his efforts—as he was before thoughtless or careless -about the matter. At length, in the dim and hazy light, the search -was rewarded, and Winkle was enabled to tell in which way the man had -departed.</p> - -<p>Following a trail that is made carefully and with the intent of leaving -no trace, is at best but slow business. At night it is infinitely -worse. More than once in a dozen rods Winkle paused and scanned the -ground narrowly. At length he came to a halt, completely puzzled—no -mark of bruised grass, imprinted earth or broken twig was to be seen. A -few moments' hesitation and he decided to adopt the plan best adapted -to such a case. Going back to the last spot it was discernible, he took -a careful survey of the surrounding ground, and then turning to the -right he began circling, with a diameter of some rods. Even this method -at first seemed fruitless, but at length, as the perimeter of the -circle almost touched the bank of the stream, he found a faint trace -that sufficed to set him again on the trail. The man had evidently gone -down-stream for several yards, and then, turning to the left, either -taken to the water to conceal his track or else crossed over to the -opposite side. Which had he done? Without hesitation Winkle pushed -ahead, and on gaining the opposite bank discovered the trail, this time -leading <i>up</i> the stream.</p> - -<p>This was a discovery indeed, and, while feeling some little uneasiness, -he felt more determined than ever to follow the trail and gain a sight -of this mysterious stranger.</p> - -<p>Under the shadow of the trees the traces grew more indistinct and -were once more lost; but allowing himself to be led by instinct, he -hurried on, with his rifle ready to swing to his shoulder at a moment's -warning. A noise fell upon his ears and he halted. At some distance, -and in the direction of down-stream, he heard horse's hoofs rapidly -approaching, the animal, however, being evidently under the control of -a rider.</p> - -<p>This appeared to put a new aspect on matters, for, although it might -be Martin, or a friend, the chances also were that it might be an -enemy. Rapidly thrusting his hand in his bosom, Winkle drew therefrom -a whistle, and placed it to his lips. A moment more and a sound -peculiarly shrill and trilling arose on the air. Then the man bent -forward in expectancy. Right ahead, at the distance of a dozen yards, -sounded the neigh of a horse, followed by the noise of a plunge, and -something that resembled the sudden fall of a heavy body. Then bursting -through the underbrush in answer to the call came a noble white steed, -that approached his master at a gallop and placed itself alongside of -him. From the direction in which the animal had come might have been -heard other sounds, but Winkle's whole attention was now given to the -approaching rider. He stood with one hand outstretched, and resting -on the neck of his horse, his eyes riveted on the open sward which, -between the trees among which he stood, glittered and shone clear.</p> - -<p>Behind him there was an exclamation, the sound of a struggle and the -voice of some one:</p> - -<p>"Dar now, dis chile has yer, suah! T'ink yer steal dat hoss, did yer?"</p> - -<p>But at the same time a horse and rider flashed into the anxious sight -of Winkle.</p> - -<p>And that rider was a woman!</p> - -<p>For just a moment were they visible, but that moment seemed sufficient -to produce a terrible effect on the gazer. He threw up his hand and -uttered a sharp, unearthly cry; his eyes eagerly followed the slight -and graceful form that so easily swung in the saddle; bent forward he -caught the last glimpse of her as her riding-dress fluttered away again -and was lost in the enfolding branches.</p> - -<p>Then followed the sound of another horseman. Again a steed and rider -glided across his plane of vision like a shadow on a curtain or a -moving figure in some pantomime. For a moment only it appeared in view, -and then disappeared in the same direction as did the woman.</p> - -<p>Emotion was fairly overmastering Winkle. He shook like an aspen, his -hands seemed to have lost their power; but hardly had the second figure -disappeared when his rifle had found its way to his shoulder. But if he -desired to use it with deadly effect, it was too late. Again stillness, -and moonlight, and the nodding trees alone lay before him, while the -retreating footsteps waxed fainter and fainter in the distance.</p> - -<p>Mechanically he turned and pursued his way; he heard nothing, saw -nothing—not even the dumb brute by his side, which faithfully paced -along with a step corresponding in slowness with that of its master.</p> - -<p>At length a huge rock or mass of rocks lay in his path. Moving a little -to one side he soon skirted them, and as he did so, a light, as from a -suddenly-stirred fire, flamed up before him, illuminating the side of -the bowlder and a small circle in front of it.</p> - -<p>Into this circle of light Winkle staggered, and with his rifle -convulsively clutched at a ready, stood gazing with a half-dazed look -into the fire.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER III.</p> - -<p class="ph2">DOUBLY WARNED.</p> - - -<p>It was no particular feeling of fear that caused Martin to move away in -so quiet a manner, while the struggle was going on upon the opposite -side of the stream. But, as Winkle was to him a stranger, and there -might be some need of investigation, he thought it best that whatever -might be done, should be done by his own unaided exertions. Moving -cautiously, keeping himself well under shade and waiting patiently, he -saw the man, with whom he had been so lately conversing, look around -with a gaze of half wonder at finding himself alone, and then set -forward upon an exploring tour. Not long afterward, at a point some -distance down the stream, a man crossed; and, entering the woods, after -a moment's hesitation, struck off in the direction in which Martin -knew Winkle had camped, or intended to camp for the night. After a -little, hard upon the trail came Winkle, himself. He would doubtless -have followed on for the purpose of seeing the meeting between these -two persons—if meet they should—when he was startled by the sudden -appearance of the two riders. He, too, in a manner almost involuntary, -threw his rifle to his shoulder and, in fact, had the pursuer fairly -covered; but, instead of drawing the trigger, he lowered the weapon, -listened a moment, and then, utterly disregarding the motions of -the two men upon which he had been, but lately, so intent, followed -silently on in the direction in which the woman and the pursuing man -had disappeared.</p> - -<p>A walk of a few minutes and the aspect of surrounding things somewhat -changed—sufficiently at least to give token that some man or men had -made a permanent settlement near by. The sound of galloping horses -had ceased; as he advanced, he thought he heard voices engaged in -conversation.</p> - -<p>Nor was he mistaken. At some little distance from the edge of the -wood stood a cabin. In front of this the parties had halted. The man -was still mounted, but the woman stood by the threshold of the cabin, -facing her late pursuer, a steely look of defiance upon her countenance.</p> - -<p>The man was speaking when Martin came within hearing distance, and his -words fell upon the night-air coldly and distinctly.</p> - -<p>"Listen, Edith," he said. "You know me so well, that I need not tell -you that sooner or later I will be heard. I have not come all these -miles to have you put me off with a hand-wave, and a 'begone.' We are, -both of us, older than when we last met and care little for listeners; -but must I say now what I have to say, or will you accord me a more -fitting time and place?"</p> - -<p>"As between us, there never can be either a fitting time or place for -communication. All connection, all intercourse between us has ceased, -and forever. I would refuse to willingly hear you, if you came as a -messenger announcing my eternal salvation, and nothing that you can say -or do shall cause me to alter my determination. If you would be safe, -leave me. I am willing to forgive the past, even if I can not forget -it, and I would not see you harmed; therefore I warn you away from -these grounds. I caution you to return from whence you came, if you -dare. And if you dare not, then seek some other place. Away, begone! -for something tells me there is danger in the atmosphere for you here."</p> - -<p>"Edith, again, I say, listen. I would speak somewhat of the past; but -more of the future. Through me you have suffered, I admit, but through -me I would have you return again—return to joy and life and youth and -love. I have much that I would tell you. I have sought you long and -faithfully; for three long years I have followed constantly in your -footsteps, but you have as constantly eluded me. Now I find you here -and I must speak."</p> - -<p>"Yes, you <i>have</i> followed in my footsteps for three years, and for -four, and for five. Through you I have suffered; but never, never -through you did I or shall I sin. You over-shadowed, you darkened my -young life, made for me existence wretched, pursued me with a thousand -unmanly and mean arts, sought by foul means that which, I can tell you -now, you might then have gained by fair, sought to coerce when you -might have persuaded, actually hunted me down; and now you have sought -me out in this last retreat. Charles Endicott, I tell you beware. I -will not listen to you; I will not hear you; if you pursue I will fly; -if you speak, I will hold my hands to my ears; with me you can do -nothing. But I see trouble for you beyond, trouble black and deadly. Be -advised before it is too late. I am no prophetess or soothsayer, but I -tell you, sure as fate, if you linger here, you linger to meet your own -death. Go your way then; I am dead to the world; I am dead to you; why -should you waste time on a fruitless task?"</p> - -<p>"I know you, Edith, and I know your resolution; but, for all that, I -will not go. I am ready to meet death when it comes, for I am one of -those that believe the lot of man is foreordered, and no whining or -flinching can avail aught; but rest assured I shall not die without a -struggle. If you refer to the men of doubtful stamp who are supposed -to haunt this region, all I can say is, I am ready for them; though I -count on no danger in that direction. I have heard of their doings, -and I have heard, too, the name of one who is supposed to exercise a -control over their movements. Martin and I were once friends, and I do -not think I count in vain, when I reckon on his support in all needed -cases. Let this fruitless talk come to an end, and let me, if you will -not appoint a more favorable time, come to that of which I would speak."</p> - -<p>The man called Charles Endicott grew more in earnest. With a rapidity -and ease almost miraculous, he threw himself from his horse. So quick -was he, and so graceful, that before the woman fairly knew it, he was -standing near and facing her. She shrunk back somewhat, then raised her -hand with a proud gesture.</p> - -<p>"No nearer, sir, no nearer! Think not I am unprotected because you see -me alone."</p> - -<p>Endicott stood for a moment gazing silently into the eyes that met -his, fair and full, glowing and sparkling under the moonlight. There -was no quailing in them; no unsettledness of purpose; they did not -fall. He sought to read her soul through them; and all he could see was -unflinching resolution. Poor encouragement to proceed was that steady -stare; a chill crept along his spine, a shiver went through his brain -as he gazed into that face, handsome as a dream, but thin and colorless -as chalk. Her eyes dilated; her form, lithe and slender, straightened; -the proud gesture grew one of menace, and again her lips opened:</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, I am no unprotected female <i>now</i>. I hold your life in my -hands in a dozen ways. Times have altered, sir. We stand on a new stage -with new spectators and a new cast of parts. A man more or less, is of -but little importance; your corpse, found with face turned upward and -dead-set eyes staring ghastly, would create little excitement among the -few who might learn of it. Perhaps they might bury it; maybe they would -leave that duty to the wolves. Who knows?"</p> - -<p>Endicott's face darkened, for the tone of the woman's voice had a -disdainful ring that cut into his pride like the needle points of a -tattooer. There was sharp pain and an ugly picture left behind. He -tried to smile at her earnestness, but it was a very dismal smile, and -his courage dropped away down toward zero. Not that he feared death—he -only found that he feared the woman!</p> - -<p>"Death's-heads and thigh-bones! Run out the black flag if you choose, -yet there will many a day pass before I walk the plank. I see no vision -of sudden death, feel no premonition of approaching dissolution. Say -your say, for you are honest at heart, and when I have listened to you, -you will listen to me, I know. And for my corpse—I entreat you to give -it a Christian burial, should it be found with a ball in the base of my -skull or an underhanded knife-thrust in the small of my back. Danger of -that kind though, is I trust far off."</p> - -<p>"Laugh if you will at my warning; yet, as you stand there in the full -moonlight, you make a fair target; and on my honor you stand this -minute covered by more than one weapon of death. You doubt me? Well, I -see a rifle-barrel aimed at your head by the hand of a man who never -yet missed his mark. I see it gleaming, and a wave of my hand brings -the leaden messenger. So go your way; if you remain here five minutes -longer, so help me Heaven, I will see you shot down with as little -mercy as I would a prowling coyote."</p> - -<p>How or exactly where she disappeared, Endicott scarcely knew. A mist -appeared to sweep across his eyes, and when the mist rolled away she -was gone. He stared a moment blankly before him, with the words of her -warning ringing in his ears, and a doubt as to what to do in his heart.</p> - -<p>"'Shot as a prowling coyote!' Faith, she is in one of her tragic moods -to-night, and I verily believe she would do as she says. She may speak -truly too about some one lying in wait; this is a queer region here, -and if all accounts be true, a bullet from behind a bush would be no -unprecedented thing. I will find my way back to camp as best I can. But -how came she here?"</p> - -<p>While muttering these things to himself he remounted his horse, turned -its head in the direction from which he had come and slowly and -thoughtfully began to retrace his steps.</p> - -<p>Charles Endicott was a young man. He was well built, strong limbed, -easy in his motions, with a clear, strong voice. His brown hair, long -and well kept, was pushed back from a square forehead; his gray eyes -looked out keenly from under long eyelashes; his nose was shapely, -mouth not ungainly, his beard and mustache full and silken. He settled -firmly in his saddle as though he belonged there, and his horse -bore him as though knowing its master. The manner of his hand upon -the bridle-rein seemed to tell that, though his thoughts might be -elsewhere, still there was will left behind—will and a soul prepared -for any emergency. A face seen by moonlight, it is said, is a heart -unmasked. It may not be so in all cases; but it was in this. There was -a heart then unmasked, a heart untrammeled by the fetters of conscience -or the gyves of moral law. The man was a plotter, the man was a -schemer. Perhaps his plots and schemes might come in contravention -with right? Then right must of needs go to the wall, for the measure of -expediency was the measure of equity with Endicott.</p> - -<p>As he passed from the clear space into the wood the animal he bestrode -gave a start, which, while it caused no particular emotion in the heart -of the rider, was still sufficient to make him look warily around. He -thought he saw a gleaming and a glancing some little distance off; he -imagined he could hear the tread of some one approaching. He was right -in his thought, and in his imagination. The gleaming and glancing -were the moonbeams shivering off of the long rifle, and the noise of -footsteps announced the approach of Dick Martin.</p> - -<p>Endicott at first sight of the man had thrown his hand warily in search -of a weapon. But, almost instantly recognizing the man, he suffered it -to drop by his side, and, reining in his horse, awaited the issue of -the interview which he foresaw was about to ensue.</p> - -<p>When Martin was within a few feet he paused, and the two gave a look at -each other as though they would read the man confronting to the very -soul.</p> - -<p>It was Endicott who first broke the silence. He urged his steed onward -a few paces, bent down in his saddle and extended his hand, at the same -time exclaiming:</p> - -<p>"Then it <i>is</i> you, Martin. I had half-suspected as much when I first -caught sight of you, and it gave me a shock. We meet as friends, I -hope?"</p> - -<p>Martin remained standing unmoved, and as though he did not see the -proffered hand, and answered, in a cool, careless tone:</p> - -<p>"Yes, Endicott, it is I—no more, and no less. I know you've got nerves -that are tolerably steady, so I won't show any wonder at your taking -this meeting so coolly; but it's kind of unexpected. You've drifted a -long way out of your latitude to be floating along Back Load Trail. -What's wrong in the East? Are the fools all dead, are the geese not -worth the plucking, have the sheep come short in the wool crop, that -you come here? Or are you in the stream that sets to the gold-diggings?"</p> - -<p>"Bah, don't talk to me about the fools, geese and sheep that I've left -behind me! Tell me how it is here. You and I used to understand each -other pretty well, ay, and each other's secrets; so, come now; what's -the best news in this heaven-forsaken region. Dick Martin doesn't -locate here for nothing."</p> - -<p>"No, he ain't located here for nothing; you're right. That something -happens to be necessity. My luck in my little speculations ran out -first, and I had to leave. As to what I'm doing here—that's not to be -talked about. Maybe prospecting for gold; maybe Injun trading; maybe -putting daylight through stray travelers and vamoosing with their traps; -maybe any or all of these things—but not likely. I ain't here for -nothing. That's all I can say."</p> - -<p>"Martin, we have done business together many a time; we were allies, -if not friends, and I want to know how the case stands now. I don't -want to pry and peer into your private affairs. Maybe I'd be bringing -something to the light that wouldn't stand it so well; but, I've heard -somewhat of you as I came in this direction. Of course I didn't know it -was you I heard the talk about, and of course there is a chance of what -I heard being either true or false, with a little extra weight on the -truth. You remember how we separated, and I don't think you have any -thing to complain of, or any charges of ill faith on my part to bring -against me. Now, the question I want to ask is: Can we rely on each -other as we could of old? A plain yes or no will make the best answer -to the question."</p> - -<p>"Well, Endicott, I haven't heard of you particularly, either good or -bad, though I had an intimation that you were in the neighborhood. It -makes no difference what reports have gone trailing toward the East, -and I don't claim to know them; they're bad enough, no doubt. You ask -me a question, and if you must have an answer, why all I can say, is: -In some things, <i>yes</i>, in other things, <i>no</i>! Will that suit you, or -shall I go ahead and explain?"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by yes?"</p> - -<p>"I mean that, in the first place, I would rely on you just as much as I -ever did, and not a particle more. In the second, whatever you get my -word to, that you can depend on my carrying through; but if you think -to find me ready to promise to any and every mad scheme, you are very -much mistaken."</p> - -<p>"Any thing that is honest, eh?"</p> - -<p>A grim smile flitted over Martin's face at the mention of the word -honest. It was gone in a moment though, and he proceeded:</p> - -<p>"Yes, any thing that's honest. Now what is it that you have to propose? -I don't suppose you would have made so much of an introductory if you -had not had something behind it."</p> - -<p>"You are partly right. My motto is business first and pleasure -afterward, else I would have had a thousand things to say with regard -to our mutual lives in the past few years. Yet I hardly know what I -would say. I did not seek you; yet, since I have met you, I want to -know if I can count upon your assistance in a little matter which, -springing up suddenly, has found me unprepared to meet it."</p> - -<p>"Then you didn't hunt up Back Load Trail for any special reason?"</p> - -<p>"No, indeed! It is just my lucky chance. The party I am with are camped -half a mile over yonder. I left them for no very definable reason, and -thereby met with an adventure that may have a great influence on my -actions, perhaps on my whole future life. When we camped over there by -the side of the stream, I thought it was but for the night, now I may -linger in this neighborhood for a day or so. The question is, if I need -a friend will you stand behind me?"</p> - -<p>"What's this adventure, and how do you want me to stand behind you? If -what I think is true, you may have more need of it than you think for."</p> - -<p>"Well, Martin, I scarce know in what manner I would have you aid me; -perhaps after all only by a neutrality. As to the adventure—I met with -a woman."</p> - -<p>There seemed to be nothing either astonishing or disconcerting in this -revelation. After waiting in unbroken silence for any remarks that -Martin might feel inclined to make, Endicott proceeded:</p> - -<p>"It was rather strange for a man to ride out of camp with no aim or -object and to stumble upon a woman; stranger, too, when that woman -chanced to be one whom you had known long before, and for whom you had -been long searching and in vain. I do not know what may come of it; but -I know what I want to. How is it? There is no one of our little party -that I care to trust—if I need assistance within the next twenty-four -hours will you give it, and where can I find you?"</p> - -<p>Martin looked up slowly and deliberately.</p> - -<p>"It seems to me you're putting things on their old basis, what one of -us plans the other is to help carry through."</p> - -<p>"Why not? Neither you nor I have grown what the world calls better -since then, and of course the understanding would be now as it always -was—nothing for nothing, all for whatever pays."</p> - -<p>"No, I don't suppose we have grown much better; but there may have been -a few changes. As to the woman you speak of, here is all I have to say. -If you have any plans and can carry them out openly and above board, -no force, no underhanded means, no fraud, I'll not lay a straw in your -way; maybe I can help you."</p> - -<p>"If not?"</p> - -<p>"This. Just you attempt the slightest bit of compulsion, or the first -grain of trickery—try any thing that's not honest, make a move toward -abduction, or take a step toward foul play, and I'll lay you dead in -your tracks."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"I mean what I say. I give you fair leave and fair warning, too. I -don't intend to interfere in any thing <i>she</i> wishes to do, but I mean -she shall not do what she doesn't want to do."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to say that <i>you</i> will exert any control over her actions?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, just so far as to let her have her own will. She's one of the few -persons that I have cared for, and when time stops and the sea gives -up its dead, you may, <i>perhaps</i>, see me go back on my dead sister's -daughter."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER IV.</p> - -<p class="ph2">BILL BLAZE, THE "SNOLLIGOSTER."</p> - - -<p>At the very edge of the camp-fire lay two men, mutually clutching each -other, although hostile operations seemed, for the nonce, to have been -suspended. So near to the fire were they that one of them, without -relaxing his hold, had been able to give a log thereon a rousing kick -which had caused the light to flare up, thus enabling him to obtain -a fair view of the other. As Harry Winkle staggered into the circle -of light the two men loosened their grips, and with deliberation rose -to their feet, one of them returning to its sheath a knife, the other -dropping to the ground a hatchet.</p> - -<p>"A'mitey Moses, but yer kim neah gittin' a crack across yer skull. What -yer want to steal dat hoss fur—eh?"</p> - -<p>"Pompey, there war a nigger nigh onto goin' under about two minnits -ago, an' so yer had better not be axing fool's questions. How d'yer -s'pose I knowed whose hoss that war? The durned red niggers cleaned -me out, root an' branch, 'bout a week ago, an' cum clost to rizin' -my ha'r. I've bin trampin' on the back trace, an' when I cum acrost -a animile handy I wouldn't 'a' bin Bill Blaze ef I hadn't gone fur -him—'special arter what I met to-night. What yer doin' here? Last time -I see'd yer yer war on the Big Red with Cap. Le Compte."</p> - -<p>"Hi! You t'ink so! Somebody mite 'a' bin hurt ef I hadn't'a' knowed -it was you when you talk; but dunno 'bout it's bein' dis chile. I's -not bin with dem Hudson Bay fellers sence dat winter when you got so -bad bit up wid dat grizzly. I's on my own hook now, an' takin' care o' -Mass'r Winkle. An' bress my soul, dar he am now!"</p> - -<p>The speaker, who was an African of the unmitigated breed, caught sight -of Winkle standing upon the opposite side of the fire.</p> - -<p>"Mass'r, dis yere am Mister Bill Blaze. I knows 'um well, an' he's a -fust-rate feller, ef he <i>war</i> a-goin' fur yer hoss. Nussed him up when -he war tore all into leetle bits."</p> - -<p>Winkle appeared to be somewhat recalled to life by this address of his -sable attendant; and turning, looked the man thus recommended full in -the face.</p> - -<p>Blaze, once introduced, did not stand upon ceremony; but advanced -across the intervening space, extending his hand as he walked.</p> - -<p>"Yes siree, I'm that identikle individool, Bill Blaze, jist frum -the mountings! I kin trap more beaver, eat more buffler, steal more -hoss-flesh an' raise more top-knots than any man frum here to the -Columby River. I'm a blarsted bulldorg an' a high-heeled snolligoster. -I kin lick my weight in b'ar's meat, an' my name's Bill Blaze. Waugh!"</p> - -<p>"I've heard that name before," said Winkle, taking the offered hand, -"and you're welcome. I'm a little abroad just now, and don't feel like -my own self—for I've seen a ghost."</p> - -<p>"Thunder! You look kinder skeery; but ghosts ain't nothin'. I've seen -more ghosts than any man a-trampin'. Had 'em for pards onc't. Fact. -Three on 'em an' myself camped in a shanty down on Black-horn Lick -fur nigh onto a month. There war a woman with her throat cut, an' a -half-breed with his brains stove in, an' his skulp a-danglin' ahind, -an' a black b'ar with his back bruk. The way they tore around that -'ere shanty war nasty. Why, down thar on that thar Lick, ghosts war as -plenty as ha'rs in yer head. An' yell? The catamounts got so 'shamed of -their own mule music they packed their trapsacks an' got. Yer couldn't -find a painter nigher ner fifty mile. No, stranger; don't talk to Bill -Blaze about ghosts, fur he's bin thar!"</p> - -<p>Winkle appeared to be little moved by this address. His face still -bore marks of evident perturbation, and there was an absence of mind -depicted in his manner and actions that seemed to strike Blaze as -rather unwarranted. To some remark made he answered rather shortly; -but he accepted of the hospitalities offered him, so far at least as -to seat himself by the fire, and, in default of other entertainment, -entertained himself by the sound of his own voice.</p> - -<p>"No, ghosts don't bother this hyar hoss. Nor red-skins nor grizzlies -neither. I kin trap more beaver, kill more b'ar, shoot straighter, run -quicker, jump further, lie faster, stampede more animiles, an' carry -more pelts than any bloody bulldorg ever invented. But, I'm the man -without luck. I've wrastled with the old boy fur thirty years; he's got -an under holt on me; but, I'm dead game, I am! Luck or no luck, I'll -hang like seventeen pair o' tongs and a last inch gamecock. Waugh!"</p> - -<p>The negro listened to these announcements, if Winkle did not. He was -accustomed to this style of thing and had heard Blaze before.</p> - -<p>"Mass'r Blaze, 'pears to me de bad luck ain't so mitey bad; I's -t'inkin it's toder way cl'ar. Any odder man 'ud bin gone under—dun -gone suah—ef he'd had de half what you's had to go tru. You's allers -a-sayin' you's nary luck, an' allers a-gittin inter de w'ustest kind o' -skrimdigers—an' still you am heah. What's de trouble now?"</p> - -<p>"Wal, Pomp, I allow it's no luck as pulls me through, but just pure -grit and muskle in this huyer hoss. I war camped out in a bully old -spot last week; meat plenty, beaver to be had for the taken of 'em, -and every thing going along on a string. Didn't think thar was Injin -within twenty mile, an', blast me, ef they didn't cum down an' clear -us out quicker than the jerk of a dead deer's tail. Bob Short an' I -war thar together, you see, an' Bob struck all right, but they got my -old sorrel mare, an' all our provender, an' I just cum down from them -are mountings after a chase o' four days, poorer ner Job's turkey, an' -nothen left me but Slicer an' this huyer old shootin'-iron. An' this -huyer very blessed night, as I were movin' along promisc'us, thar war a -rifle-ball went <i>sizz</i> a-past my head-piece, ad' I squatted an' see'd -two men a talkin', an' found that thar bit o' lead warn't meant fur me -an' while I war a-listenin', <i>sock</i> cum somethin' right acrost me, an' -hove a yell wuss ner forty catamounts fitin' in a small box. I know'd -it war a copper-belly an' clinched. We hed it, pull an' hug a bit, -an' then I got Slicer out. That thar red-skin won't cum a-pryin' an' -a-peerin' down along Back Load Trace soon ag'in. Nary; not much; waugh!"</p> - -<p>The story of the trapper began to interest Winkle; he thought less -and less of the ghost; he descended from the clouds and listened with -earnestness to what the man was saying. He thought of the corpse that -Martin and he had seen drifting down the stream, and believed that the -Indian would <i>not</i> come prying and peering in that neighborhood soon -again. Perhaps, too, this man might be of service to him? At any rate -it would do no harm to meet him cordially.</p> - -<p>"Then you are the man who had the tussle over there with an Indian? I -heard the yell, saw him shoot into the stream, and went across to see -what it was about. I was following your trail, when I came across a -sight, or rather a sight came across me, that unhinged my nerves. But, -how came the difficulty with the Indian? What was he doing there? Is -there danger from others that should be specially guarded against?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, siree, I'm the man! The diffikilty perobably arove from his not -keepin' both eyes peeled. He was so bent on hearin' that he couldn't -take time to see, an' tumbled onto a hornet's nest. He clinched right -in then by instink, an' as it war die dorg er eat the hatchet, I hed to -let it inte him, though I'd as ruther not. What he was a-doin' I dunno. -Injin deviltry are various. Thar oughtn't to be a red-skin within fifty -miles o' huyer. Thar may be a couple more on 'em or thar mayn't. What -they'd be arter I can't say. Martin ought to know'd ef thar war any, -an' I guess he's got his men out by this time a-lookin'."</p> - -<p>"It will be best then to keep a bright look-out?"</p> - -<p>"'Twouldn't be onsensible. Leastwise, though I don't think thar's -much danger, it won't hurt to keep one eye open, for I've found it -don't altogether gee right to be too confiding in this section with -anybody—white er red. I'd advise it. I'd advise it, partickler, arter -the talk I heard between you an' Martin. You see, I hain't any doubt -but what yer a good man an' a game man; but, supposin' he was to tell -it to some o' his cronies around here, an' one on 'em should be the man -yer after—I wouldn't put it a-past 'em to slip in here an' slide a few -inch o' steel in somewhar nigh yer jug'lar."</p> - -<p>Winkle meditated some little time before he responded; then his words -dropped out slowly and distinctly.</p> - -<p>"I am safe from any thing in that shape. It is no mere bravado on my -part when I say so, but a belief so settled that it must be true. I -bear a charmed life while that one other man lives. I have passed -through all straits during the past three years, and from desperate -encounters have come forth unharmed; from beds of deadly sickness have -come up sound and well. I have changed in that time wonderfully, and -the change was not for naught. I do most firmly believe that destiny -has something in store for me; till to-night I thought I knew what it -was. Now I am uncertain; but that it is something more than a stab in -the back or a chance shot in the <i>melée</i> of a night attack I have no -doubt."</p> - -<p>"That's all right. I only give my 'pinion on the matter, seein' as may -be I've tramped around here ruther more nor you hev. Jest keep yer -weather eye open—you an' Pomp here is all I mean. And ef any thing -<i>should</i> turn up while I'm in shooting distance, yer kin kalkerlate -that Bill Blaze'll give yer a hint on it."</p> - -<p>"Well, well," responded Winkle, "I am not likely to have much -dealings with any one hereabouts; but I begin to think my intentions -have deceived me. I have been lingering in this neighborhood for -several days; but I will do so no longer. To-morrow I will move on -westward—and perhaps, if you have nothing better, you could find it to -your interest to go along."</p> - -<p>"That's my identikle name—Moovin'-west Blaze. But I'm steerin' in -toward the settlements to see if thar's anybody sich a blarsted fool as -to trust me fur an outfit. The season's jist commencing, an' ef I hev -any thing like nateral luck I kin pay 'em back when I cum in ag'in and -hev a few pelts in my sack."</p> - -<p>"I can arrange that matter, I think," responded Winkle. "I have an -extra horse, and, in fact, nearly every thing you need. I was going on -to the trapping-grounds. Suppose you remain with me a couple days, and -if nothing turns up I will leave this region. If I should, however, -accomplish any of my aims, you shall have what you need anyhow."</p> - -<p>"Durn my Trojan! I'm your man. I kin put in a week here, easy. Hev yer -seen Martin's head-quarters yit? If yer hevn't yer ought to call in on -him."</p> - -<p>"No; I didn't know that I was so near to it. I have been near here for -some days—within ten or twelve miles perhaps—but I only came into -camp here to-night."</p> - -<p>"Yer must go in then. Some on en 'em nosed ye out long ago, an' if yer -don't they may come playin' tricks on yer without sayin' any thing to -Dick. Maybe ye kin git some hints of what yer arter down thar."</p> - -<p>"You are right. It may be as well to look a little in that direction. -I've hardly been systematic in my plan of procedure. That comes, -though, of trusting to chance and drifting in the direction Fate seems -to call me. And, by the way, are there any females with the party?"</p> - -<p>"Wal, to-morrer morning early will be time enuff to talk it over. I'm -goin' to turn in now and git a snooze. I've had a blarsted long tramp -to-day, and them legs o' mine ain't exackly a steam injine—though," -by way of a saving clause, and to prevent the idea of any derogatory -admission, "I'm a bloody, blarsted bull-dog and a high-heeled -snolligoster on wheels."</p> - -<p>To make arrangements for the night occupied but a short time; and soon, -wrapped in a blanket of Winkle's, Blaze was wooing</p> - -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"Sleep that knits up the raveled sleeve of care,</div> - <div class="verse">The death of each day's life, sore labor's bath,</div> - <div class="verse">Chief nourisher in life's feast,"</div> -</div></div> - -<p>while silence and darkness reigned around.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER V.</p> - -<p class="ph2">THE SCREAM AT NIGHT.</p> - - -<p>How long Blaze had been slumbering he could scarcely have even guessed; -but suddenly, and without any assignable cause, he found himself -wide awake. He looked around; he listened. He saw nothing but dim -shadows, heard nothing but the regular breathing of the two sleepers -by his side. Yet his first thought was of danger. He was accustomed to -premonitions. Men who live in an atmosphere of peril meet with them, -understand them, act on them.</p> - -<p>He leisurely and thoughtfully unrolled himself from his blanket and -arose to his feet. "Most durn queer," he soliloquized, turning his eyes -in every direction. "This old hoss's narves must be gittin' weak, er -thar's sumthin' wrong a-brewin'. Don't often feel this here way; last -time I did was t'other night, when the copper-bellies was a-cumin' in -onto us without words er warnin'. I'll jist scout around a bit, an' see -if enny thing's broke loose."</p> - -<p>Taking his rifle with him, the trapper noiselessly stole away from the -vicinity. He moved around the camp in a gradually increasing circle, -pausing but once in his pace, and that was when he was opposite to the -point where he believed Martin's cabin lay. Full ten minutes passed, -when he heard footsteps and the voices of men engaged in conversation. -Sinking upon the ground at the foot of the tree by which he was -standing, Blaze watched and waited.</p> - -<p>Both men were strangers to him; but one of them already has been -introduced to the reader, under the name of Endicott. He had had time -to leave Martin and meet with another man, who seemed a friend; and to -him was imparting information, both as to what had already occurred -that night in the vicinity of Back Load Trace, and as to what might -occur. His words, that spoke of violence and treachery, appeared to -fall upon sympathizing ears. As they drew nearer, all the time becoming -more deeply interested in their conversation, Blaze gave a start -of surprise and recognition; he crouched closely in the shadow and -listened with redoubled interest.</p> - -<p>Charles Endicott has been already described, and his companion merits -notice. He, too, differed in something from the class of men one -naturally expects to find on the very outer verge of semi-civilization. -He was a man of perhaps thirty-five years of age, of medium hight. He -walked with a steady, stealthy, cat-like pace, his head, for the most -part, bent down; but now and then it was lifted, and he cast a sharp, -steady gaze around him. The features were firmly cut, the eyes were -steady; yet an undescribable something seemed to be shifting across his -face, which would say to a stranger: Beware of Eben Rothven!</p> - -<p>"Yes, Eben, it does make a change in the programme, I'll admit, but, -it's a change to the advantage of both. Don't you see that?"</p> - -<p>"I see that we waste here a couple of weeks, and no one knows what the -end of it all will be. You can't count on a woman, and especially such -a woman as you say this is. Break them down physically and mentally, -trample the life out of them, and then they'll rise again. Out of a -wreck that, were it of manhood, would founder with the first breath of -wind, will rise again a good stout ship. You think you can waken the -old dream in her, do you? Why, man, I'm surprised at you! The deadest -thing on the earth is a dead love, and there is no mending a broken -idol. Take my advice and let her go. She will be a burden that will -sink us both. We are on the trail to fortune now; don't let us lose it, -or fly wild at the first scent that crosses it."</p> - -<p>"You're welcome to your philosophy about dead idols and the like; -welcome to shake your head and prophesy; but, what I want is your help. -Of course I will get it in some shape or other; but, I prefer it to be -freely and enthusiastically given."</p> - -<p>"How much does my help enter into your calculations? I tell you frankly -that I am none of your dashing adventurers, ready to ride into Martin's -camp of Free Trappers. So far as a word of advice and a sacrifice of -time goes, you may count on me; but, don't expect me to stand behind -you, to assist in any mad experiment you see proper to try."</p> - -<p>"My 'count' is upon your services as a Reverend—a title and authority -that, as far as you and I know, is still legitimately borne. I want to -use you; a piece of joinery of your handiwork will last for all time. I -can not believe that the cause by fair means is hopeless, and shall try -them first; after that, why, there are a few stout hands and bold heads -at our back, and we must e'en make the most of our stock in trade. To -be sure, we are on the road toward fortune in other directions; but -this is a <i>certainty</i>. The woman is worth her weight in gold, almost; -and, besides, it's no new dream with me. It's not so many years since -she was an idol of mine."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I've heard of it—and I think, too, that you handled it—or would -have handled it—not over tenderly. Do you think she would forgive -that?"</p> - -<p>"That was no fault of mine. I would have done better if the fates had -let me; but they were against me. What could I do, hedged in as I was? -If I could have sunk my past record, and stood out a new man, I'd not -have let 'e'en the winds of heaven visit her face too roughly.' Perhaps -I've got colder and harder since then; but, if so, I think my tongue -can move as glibly and smoothly as ever, and there are fair excuses to -be made for all that was seemingly wrong in the past."</p> - -<p>"There is a limit, you may find, to human credulity. You can not wash -out the recollections of the past. Do you think it was any light cause -that drove her out of the world, out of society, refinement, and all -that women of her stamp hold dear? Every day she has spent here, every -rude face and lonely hour that she has seen or felt has cried out -against you. Why, man, you murdered her name, and that is a crime no -woman could ever forgive."</p> - -<p>Endicott was silent a moment before the impressiveness of his -companion. Then, by an effort, he broke into a short laugh: "'Is Saul -also among the prophets?' Since when has Eben Rothven set himself up as -a judge of the workings of the human soul? Of course, what you say may -be true as holy writ. But what of it? Fair means or foul—I don't mince -matters. This is no new plan of mine, and so, when opportunity comes, -I can decide on my course quickly. Delay never makes a man. She knows -nothing of the financial aspect of the affair, even now; while I did, -years before it was revealed to the world, or to those who chose to -notice. The time for action has come. Are you with me?"</p> - -<p>The man called Rothven hesitated a moment, as if weighing the matter in -his mind; then answered simply: "I am."</p> - -<p>"Come on, then," and the two left the spot.</p> - -<p>Much of this conversation was Greek to Blaze, but, somehow, he got -it in his head that it related to his new-made friend, Harry Winkle. -He seated himself leisurely against the tree to think it all over. -Both these conspirators were strangers to him, they did not belong to -Martin's men; who were they? He might perhaps have learned more as -to that by following them, but he neglected to do so. And, pondering -over the thing, he must have fallen asleep, for consciousness faded -away. For how long, he could not at once, perhaps, have told, but he -came back to life with a sudden shock, that brought him upon his feet -like the thrill of a strong galvanic battery. He was wakened by a -woman's scream, long, shrill, cutting into and through his ears like an -Indian's death-wail.</p> - -<p>He listened to catch it again, but it was not repeated. For a moment -all was silence; then he heard the steady beat of horses' hoofs -stretching away at fullest gallop, and then, the sharp, quick report -of a rifle. He heard the footsteps coming nearer and nearer, and he -crouched in the shadow of the tree, with his hand upon the lock of his -weapon, almost nervously waiting for whatever might follow.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he felt a hand laid upon his shoulder. He started, and -turned with a quick motion of offense. It was Winkle, rifle in hand. -The moonlight fell past the tree full upon his face, on which was an -excited if not a wild look.</p> - -<p>"Am I crazy to-night? or did you hear it, too? I've seen a ghost this -night, and now, again, I heard it scream for help. What was it, Blaze?"</p> - -<p>This he hurriedly asked.</p> - -<p>"If yer a lunatic there's a pair on 'em, fur I heard it too. Lay low -here a minnit, an you'll see some more on it."</p> - -<p>The hoof-beats sounded nearer; they swept on and on toward them. Then -three horses emerged from the trees out into the light, and neared the -spot where the two men were concealed.</p> - -<p>"Is it he?" whispered Winkle, hissing the words out between his -clenched teeth, and with a sharp click the hammer of his rifle went -back.</p> - -<p>But Blaze, quickly reaching back, seized his arm.</p> - -<p>"Hold hard, there's more ner he thar."</p> - -<p>The horsemen raced by like a tornado. It was a party of Blackfeet! And -across the saddle-bow of the savage nearest to Blaze, was flung, or -held, the form of a woman! In a moment Winkle's eye had caught sight of -that which Blaze had perceived—the woman. For a moment he seemed to -lose all control of himself, all power for action. Just one glimpse of -a white, wild face, and a hand clutching fiercely.</p> - -<p>"Did you see it—did you see it?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes! I seen it! They've just went an' gone an' done it. Thar's grit -in the red-skins, thar are. But you'll be able to see another corpse -along Back Load Trail afore many hours. Dick Martin will be behind 'em -in the shake of a buck's tail—Hello! What's bu'sted?"</p> - -<p>The man by his side had sunk, stiff and motionless, upon the grass.</p> - -<p>"Blast my tail-feather, ef the young cuss hain't fainted. Thar must be -somethin' <i>wrong</i> in the upper story, sure!"</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER VI.</p> - -<p class="ph2">A DOUBLE TRAIL.</p> - - -<p>On the prairie, alone by moonlight, there is a lonesome solemnity -that startles, appalls. Look in one direction. For miles and miles -there stretches away a tract of rolling land where the grass grows, -the buffaloes graze, the coyotes howl, but no human form can be seen, -no tree waving—a loneliness of nature that you think must somehow of -necessity be interminable. Turn and look in another. Down from the -tableland there stretches a long, grassy slope, where the foliage is -more than ordinarily luxuriant, and at the foot of the declivity is the -long line of timber which marks the course of some stream. There the -broad elm flourishes, the lofty cottonwood shoots upward, and the white -sycamore trees stand gleaming ghostlike under the mellow moonlight. -Perhaps, further away to the left, where the rich bottom is broken by -rising ridges of rocky bluffs, you see the gloomy spread of the cedar -tree reaching upward its dismal-looking arms. Wherever the rolling -prairie-fires have been unable to sweep, there you see the shade of -timber and bush; everywhere else is the blue and red stem, the blue -and bunch-grass or the short, crisp buffalo-grass; and far off in the -distance, with a quiet grandeur of its own, you see the trace-line of -the mountain range.</p> - -<p>Some such grand and lonely scene would the reader have noted had he -been standing in some favorable position on the high prairie near Back -Load Trace, a few moments before the occurrence of the incidents just -detailed.</p> - -<p>It can well be imagined that Blaze was not the only one startled into -action by the occurrences of the night. The shot, by one of Dick -Martin's men on guard, aroused the Free Trappers, and also caused -Charles Endicott and his companions the keenest alarm. Had their -destined prey been seized by other human wolves? If so—who were those -wolves?</p> - -<p>As for Blaze he lost but little time. Almost Herculean in strength, he -gathered on one arm the two rifles, while with the other he bore Harry -toward the camp. On the way he met the negro, who relieved him of the -rifles, and, upon reaching the side of the now smoldering camp-fire, -produced a bottle of spirits and a canteen of water.</p> - -<p>It was but a short time until consciousness returned to the fainting -man. He opened his eyes, raised himself, sat upright, looked Blaze full -in the face.</p> - -<p>"You saw it all, did you? Now tell me, who was that woman?"</p> - -<p>"That bit o' caliker, mister, tho' I dunno as I ever seen it afore, war -most likely a woman that Dick Martin claims a sort o' relationship to, -an' she's bin livin' round hyar fur some considerable time. Frum yer -ackshuns I'd think yer must hev hed a priur morgidge on it, an', ef so, -ye'd better be up an' stirrin', fur by the mitey the durned Blackfoot -is goin' to foreclose."</p> - -<p>"Ready, quick, quick," was Winkle's terse answer, looking from one man -to the other. Then he turned, and burying his face in his hands lay -stretched for a moment prone. When he sprung to his feet there was a -new light in his eye, and redoubled strength in his arm. He vaulted -into his saddle, gathered up his reins, and turning to Blaze, in a -firm-set whisper, muttered:</p> - -<p>"Lead on—to life or death—but I must see <i>her</i> again."</p> - -<p>So, fully armed and fairly equipped, the three men rode out from under -the shadows and cast themselves, with clenched teeth and iron will, -upon the trail. All this took but a few moments to accomplish, since -the three men had within them, each separately, the highest development -of trained sagacity.</p> - -<p>As they came out upon the prairie, Blaze took a sweeping glance around -him, as though he would fain impress upon his mind every minutiæ of the -lay of the country.</p> - -<p>"Dog-gone the'r hides, thar's just two routes for 'em, an' on'y two, to -take, an' ef I know'd which one it war it's cussed leetle trailin' I'd -do to-night. In this yere leetle game it takes too much eye-pullin' to -run nose-down. It ain't accordin' to reason to s'pose we won't hev to -look out fur all the cussed red-skin tricks ever invented. They've got -one on me a'ready due, so ef I don't squar' with 'em afore beaver-pelts -is prime, I hope I may never tote a trapsack, er p'izen a buffler-wolf -ag'in."</p> - -<p>This was said more in the manner of a soliloquy than of a direct -address; in fact, it is doubtful if either of the others could have -heard his low-toned words. Winkle meant work; and so, for the present, -thought little of speaking or of listening. Blaze meant work, too; but, -talk to him was second nature, and when there were no ears open to hear -he would rather press his own into service than, no pressing emergency -demanding it, keep silent. Having a full twenty minutes start, they -reached the spot where Martin and men had first been at fault long -in advance of those worthies, and, as they had not a third trail to -confuse them, and perhaps being more trail-wise, Bill did not have to -spend many minutes in finding the tracks left by the two parties of -Indians.</p> - -<p>"One on each route, by mitey! Now, which to foller?"</p> - -<p>He gave both the benefit of a close scouting. On the one leading to -the right he found the imprint of a horse's hoof which he recognized -as having been with the abductors. He noticed, too, that one was -double laden. After a bit he came upon some shreds of a woman's dress. -He showed these marks to Winkle, being careful, for the benefit of -Martin, whom he shrewdly suspected would follow hard after, to leave -them untouched. Harry's heart bounded more buoyantly at sight of these -indications, and Blaze took one more look around him before all three -dashed on with redoubled energy. But, as the trail at length lay before -them plain and undisguised, Blaze's enthusiasm suddenly fell away down -below zero. From time to time he glanced at it and at length reined in -his horse.</p> - -<p>"Dog-gone my knock-kneed tail-feather!" he exclaimed, "I ain't fit to -lead blind rabbits to water!"</p> - -<p>Winkle looked at him in astonishment.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter now? Why do you halt?"</p> - -<p>But Blaze paid but little attention to his query.</p> - -<p>"What a gaul-blasted fool this hyar old hoss are. Tuk right in the fust -pop by a bit o' baby-play. Can't yer see? That gal couldn't a-tore -them bits off o' <i>her</i> dress. It stan's to reason not, sure. Why, cuss -'em, thar's two Injuns ridin' double here, dead shot. I thort it was -too soft a thing. That led hoss in t'other party is the one ez has the -gal on. Jist seen it in time. I'd gamble high thar's ez purty a leetle -hornets' nest a-hangin' under the fust bit o' timber we'd come to, ez -you'll find frum hyar to the Big Red."</p> - -<p>How this suggestion was received may well be imagined.</p> - -<p>"What are we to do then?" queried Harry. "Must we go all the way back -and start fresh on the other trail?"</p> - -<p>"Wal, not quite that bad; but, somewheres blamed nigh. Change my -hind-sights, ef they ain't a-strikin' fur Crooked Cañon, full -drive—we're goin', from the taste I've had of the hosses, to be jist a -leetle too late to see 'em git under kiver."</p> - -<p>"You think we can find them yet, though?"</p> - -<p>"Think! I know it. Thar ain't no trouble about that; thar's only two -trails, an' like a blarsted green purp I've bin a-barkin' up the wrong -one."</p> - -<p>"Then the sooner we look for the right one, the better."</p> - -<p>"That's so, only it's provokin' to hev bin losin' all this time. Come -on now, an ef ever an arrer went straight—an' the copper-skins kin -sling 'em nasty, I kin take yer to the spot whar they're headin' fur -to-night. I've bin ham-strung an' sot down on, which ain't very lively -fur the boys!"</p> - -<p>Without more hesitation or further parley, Blaze turned to the left and -led off at a rate which he judged best suited to continued effort. Not -for a long time did he utter a word. But when the silence had begun to -be monotonous, he broke it by bringing his hand down with violence upon -his thigh, exclaiming:</p> - -<p>"Cussed ef sand-paper ain't slick as grease along side o' this streak -o' roughness. Won't some one draw a bead on me afore I get my ha'r cut -fur nuthin'?"</p> - -<p>"Why, what is the trouble now? I hope we are not at fault again?" -anxiously remarked Winkle.</p> - -<p>"No, <i>we</i> ain't; but it's three to one an' fifty cents a dozen but what -Dick Martin an' his boys are. I war so bloody, blarsted particular to -leave every thing es I found it, and when they come up, like es not -they'll just skyugle straight along on our trail, an' so they're losin' -time, an' maybe get tuk in, when we mout just as well as not all be -layin' on that trail together. It's too late to fix her now; so here -goes."</p> - -<p>Winkle's momentary uneasiness having been allayed, the three rode -rapidly but moodily on.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER VII.</p> - -<p class="ph2">LARIAT DAN'S DISCOVERY.</p> - - -<p>We have said that the shot which Blaze and Winkle heard had also -aroused Endicott and his party. Lariat Dan, a trailer, trapper and -guide of the party, and whose experience had been immense, and whose -word could not be doubted, said that he had heard, in addition, a -woman's scream for help. At this, as it were by instinct, Endicott and -Rothven looked at each other. Could it be that the woman of whom they -had been conversing but a short time ago, had since been in mortal -danger? Endicott wondered, too, whether the conversation he had with -Martin had any thing to do with it, or, if some sudden peril had come -to the girl as she wandered, as of old, beneath the moonlight? Then -Grizzly Dave, a voyageur of some renown, and also of his party, said -that he "smelt Injun," and thereat Endicott hastily gave orders for an -immediate preparation for a quick move. Accordingly there was a bustle -and buzz around the camp, for a few minutes, every man with nervous -rapidity attending to his duty.</p> - -<p>By the time that Martin and half a score or more of his trusty -followers foamed into Endicott's camp, every thing was in a condition -that spoke well for the training and agility of the small brigade. -So ready, too, were Endicott's company for defense, that more than -one saddle of the Free Trappers might have been emptied as they came -charging up had not Lariat Dan been acute enough to distinguish the -thunder of their horses from the sweep of Indian ponies, and informed -Endicott of the number and quality of their approaching visitors. In a -moment it seemed to him that he had caught by intuition a glimpse of -the position of affairs, and he confronted Martin so earnestly that -that worthy's suspicions as to foul play emanating from that camp were -at once dispelled.</p> - -<p>"Now, then, ef yer man enough to follow Dick Martin, you've a chance to -ride behind him. Ther's been some carelessness to-night that'll cost -more than the sleepy cusses' brains are worth. Jump into the saddle if -you're ready. What you leave in camp is safe as a church, and come on. -The red-skin rascals shan't get clear without hard riding and harder -fighting."</p> - -<p>"What is it? Out with the whole of it! We heard the shot and a scream, -and got ourselves together for any thing rough that might turn up."</p> - -<p>"Come on. I can tell you every thing as we go. That fool of a girl -has been gobbled up by the copper-skins, and that when I had six good -men out for them. She'll be fifty miles away up in the mountains by -morning."</p> - -<p>The truth, as it was spoken rapidly by Martin, stirred Endicott into -instantaneous action.</p> - -<p>"Never mind cacheing the dunnage, I'll bear the damage. Is every thing -ready for a start?" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"You can just gamble on that yere," was the response of Lariat Dan.</p> - -<p>"Then mount and away. Twenty-five dollars apiece extra pay for the -extra work, and every thing else goes on the same!"</p> - -<p>"That's the right ring! Count us boys in on this yere frolic—up and -git," said Dan.</p> - -<p>Endicott's followers fell in with those of Martin, and the whole body -swept rapidly away, Martin, some yards in advance, heading toward the -trail of the Indians, which passed the camp not many yards distant. -Those few yards were soon traversed, and, with scarce an effort, the -trail was found. There it lay before them, fresh, full and deep. As -they ranged upon it, Endicott drew up to the leader. At the pace -they were going, a free, steady gallop, conversation could be held -with perfect ease, and he wished to gather the particulars of the -catastrophe as well as learn the probable result.</p> - -<p>"It seems to me the girl is born to be the center of a mix, and just -lives to make and be in trouble. I've got the whole thing down to a -point now—might have seen it at once if I hadn't had my ideas turned -off thinking of what you had been saying to me to-night. What there is -in her white face and staring eyes I can't see; but she's bewitched -a dozen or so, and in the lot there's a red-skin that's been into my -camp two or three times in the last year. That red-skin has made the -difficulty now."</p> - -<p>"Then there's little danger of her coming to any immediate harm?"</p> - -<p>"Not so much if they don't tomahawk her as we catch up."</p> - -<p>"But will we catch up? What are the chances?"</p> - -<p>"Will we? You talk as though you had never done business before with -Dick Martin. Of course we will! What he puts his hand to goes through. -That's what has made him out here. We <i>must</i> catch up. The scent is -fresh, our cattle good, and if we let them get away from us into the -mountains we ought to lose our hair before we get back. Ther's a smart -sprinkling of a chance for some of us to do that, though, anyhow."</p> - -<p>"And suppose they do get into the mountains?"</p> - -<p>"Well, then, we have a heavy contract to carry, that's all. Ah, what's -that?"</p> - -<p>The sudden exclamation was caused by the speaker's catching sight of -the spot where Bill Blaze and party had come upon the trail of the -Indians. Conversing as he was, and rapidly as he was riding, Martin's -eye was never for an instant blinded, but made constant use of the -moonlight, which, before many hours, would fail them. He glanced -backward, caught the direction and comprehended in a moment.</p> - -<p>"That's the party that were camped down there," pointing with his -fingers in the direction of Winkle's lately left camp. "Only there were -two men and three horses then. They must have found a third rider. -Wonder if it could be the trapper that is just down from the mountains? -They are on the trail hard—and the more the merrier."</p> - -<p>Again they dashed on at a rapid rate. Now the silence was unbroken -by speech. Well mounted and well armed, Martin hoped to overtake the -red-skins before the moon should set, or they have an opportunity -to find cover. The three men who had so unexpectedly come to his -assistance had evidently a start, and they might be riding in view. -Perhaps they might so embarrass the retreat that he would soon come up. -Once at close quarters, unless against overwhelming odds, he could rest -confident in the prowess of his men.</p> - -<p>A mile more was soon devoured; then the whole cavalcade came to a -sudden halt at the exclamation from their leader.</p> - -<p>A new addition had been made to the number of the forces on one side or -the other, and, anxious as he was to push on, Martin was here compelled -to pause and make a thorough examination; the result of which proved at -once embarrassing and unexpected. On inspection it was evident that at -this spot a small party of Indians had halted for some hours. The grass -was beaten down and upon the ground was the imprints of moccasined -feet. At first there was a difficulty in finding any further traces of -the horsemen of whom they were in pursuit. Martin and two or three of -his most experienced trailers gave their keen eyes to the work, while -Lariat Dan, Grizzly Dave and Mike Motler went circling round on their -own account. Endicott and Eben Rothven remained motionless, conversing -between themselves. Rothven had entered upon this ride with manifest -reluctance, and would even now fain have persuaded his friend that -their best policy was to withdraw from a pursuit which was attended -with positive danger, and the result of which was so dubious in its -nature. But Endicott was neither to be persuaded nor warned, and -listened with half-closed ears to the words of his partner.</p> - -<p>Almost simultaneously Martin and Grizzly Dave uttered an ejaculation. -Each had found a trail leading away from the halting-place. Dick had -already found the path made by the halting squad, and, by careful -scouting, had satisfied himself that it had been traversed by three -mounted men, and a led horse. And looking a few yards further he found -the footprints of the same four horses leading back in almost the -exact direction from whence they had come. Having noted this he turned -to examine into what Grizzly Dave had found.</p> - -<p>It was evidently a trail, though a faint one. Just a shadow of a track -left, a bruising of the grass as though by the muffled feet of horses. -And by the side of it another track, that of Harry Winkle and his two -followers. They cautiously moved on a few paces, keeping, with some -difficulty, the marks in view. When they came to a spot in the prairie -that was soft and rather bare, the hoof-prints of the three horses -could be quite plainly discerned. More than that, one of those horses -was doubly laden, as could be told by the depth of his tracks. Then -Lariat Dan made another discovery which he showed in silence. It was a -little shred of stuff which Martin at once recognized as a shred from -Edith Van Payne's dress.</p> - -<p>"We have it now, boys; come ahead!" shouted the leader, and again they -pressed on, guided partly by the feebly discernible Indian trail, -partly by the bolder one of the three white men. But, moving with as -much rapidity as they could, time, and valuable time, was consumed, and -so far it could not be disguised that the red-skins had traveled two -miles to the white men's one.</p> - -<p>Another mile brought a fresh development. The pursued had thrown away -all disguise and all attempt to conceal their trail, apparently being -more desirous of making a rapid flight than aught else.</p> - -<p>As they galloped on, now Lariat Dan drew up alongside of Endicott and -spoke to him in a low tone: "Fall back an' out a little; I want to tell -yer somethin' you mout not hev noticed."</p> - -<p>Something in the tone of the speaker struck strangely the one -addressed, and without hesitation he did as requested.</p> - -<p>"I rayther think ther's more in this than <i>all</i> on us can cipher out -at onc't, an' so I thort I'd tell you, kinder private like, thet this -huyer is all durned foolishness, an' we're losin' time. Jist call me -a double-barreled ground-hog ef the gal hesn't gone t'other way. It's -the purtiest piece o' red-skin devilment I've seen fur a coon's age, -an' I'll allow it did take in this old hoss at fust; but, I kin see -with half an eye now, that them are cusses blinded that trail just enuf -fur it to be found an' time fooled away on it an' the devil's dance -played, an' then the two lots'll git together ag'in an' be up in the -cover. Ef yer want to see the gal yer best plan is to corner right -off. I kin see with both eyes shut whar the're slidin' fur, an' ef the -hosses kin go the pace, I kin purty nigh make up lost time enough to -put yer thar before 'em."</p> - -<p>"And how many of the Indians do you think we will find 'thar', waitin' -for them and ready to gobble us?"</p> - -<p>"Nary durned one! The other is the nasty trail to foller. Ther'll be -jist three o' them, and you and yer partner throwed in. Ef yer say so -I'll tip our boys the wink an' we can take the route by ourselves, -er ef yer wants it, I kin tell Martin an' maybe the hull lot will go -a-b'ilin' off. Don't think too cussed long, for time's preshus."</p> - -<p>In the gambling game that Endicott was ready to play, no hand could -have been dealt him which would better suit his purposes, provided the -statements of Dan, so positively made, could be relied on. There was a -risk to run; but the actual rescue of Edith Van Payne by himself, and -the consequent possession of her, surrounded only by his own men, was a -trump card that he was bold enough to make an effort to possess.</p> - -<p>He was willing, for such an unexpected good fortune, to break, at a -moment's notice, with Martin.</p> - -<p>In fact, as the reader may have surmised, he had already half decided -upon, but a few hours before, the abduction of Miss Van Payne by -himself and his men. Now he thought he saw the game played to a successful -termination, and seeing that, he was willing to blind his eyes to the -difficulties and dangers between. He looked at his henchman with an -approving smile, and slowly said: "You have done well. Let Dave and -Mike know and we will follow your lead in search of the other party."</p> - -<p>Rothven was close at hand, indeed he was hardly likely to be found -among the first riders, and when Charles Endicott in an undertone -requested him to gradually reduce his speed, he did it without urging. -He thought it was a sign that they were about to relinquish the chase; -a something which certainly met with his full approval. So quietly -and skillfully was the thing managed that, before their defection was -discovered, the five men had dropped behind, had turned their horses' -heads, and, under the skillful guidance of Lariat Dan, were stretching -out over the plain at a gait that plainly evinced that they were -desirous of making up for lost time.</p> - -<p>Since the utmost silence was maintained, it was some time before Eben -could form any estimate of the direction in which he was going, or -learn the cause of their withdrawal. When at length an explanation was -vouchsafed him, he drew up like one who seems to think he has fallen -from the frying-pan into the fire; but he did not appear to think it -worth while to reason with the rest. Only he grumbled out that he -thought, if they must go on such a fool's chase, leaving their own -legitimate interests, he conceived that at least a decent regard for -their own safety, not entering into the question of effectiveness, -might have been exercised, and instead of plunging off into darkness -and danger alone, they might have followed on with the main body.</p> - -<p>Dan, their present guide, took this murmuring quite pleasantly.</p> - -<p>"Yer ha'r'll be just as safe when daylight comes, as ef ye'd follered -to a stray shot with Martin an' his trappers. Thar's no tellin' how -many o' them will go under afore mornin' yet."</p> - -<p>"Yes, come now, don't be grumbling; but save your breath for some -emergency. We have a long ride before us and something of business at -the end of it. I never went more gayly to a ball than I go to my work -to-night."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'm not grumbling, and when the time comes you will find me as -ready as the readiest. Only I've a respect for the old Napoleonic -maxims about the heaviest battalions, and the strength of union."</p> - -<p>"Them's only jineral principles," interposed Grizzly Dave. "When yer -come down to the fine p'ints, ye'll find that, when ther time fur a -galvanized bu'ster to go in out of the wet has arrove, the identical -cuss that shoots plum center slides along with it, an' yer bound to -drop. Ef Dick Martin's hand's out, there's the man pullin' in the -stakes this very minnit."</p> - -<p>What answer Rothven might have made can not be recorded, for far -behind them they, with sudden startlingness, heard the peal of firearms.</p> - -<p>"Thar's business now, an' you was just a-grumblin' thet yer head wasn't -bein' run slap inter the hornets' nest," said Grizzly Dave. "They've -run somethin' to a hole."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER VIII.</p> - -<p class="ph2">THE FREE TRAPPERS TRAPPED.</p> - - -<p>It might hardly be credited; yet at least twenty minutes elapsed before -the absence of Endicott and his men was noticed. Martin, himself, had -full occupation in following the dim trail, while his men, not having -yet fraternized with the strangers, accepting them on trust, from -Martin's orders, as allies, were alike careless of their absence or -presence.</p> - -<p>When the desertion was discovered, Martin still continued in apparent -indifference to it. After looking from one to another, in temporary -doubt, one of the men rode to the side of their leader, and imparted -to him the fact, that Endicott, Rothven, and three other men had -disappeared from their number.</p> - -<p>Whatever he may have felt inwardly, there was no outward manifestation -that this intelligence was unexpected, or even new. He received it with -a careless nod and wave of the hand, and his only remark was:</p> - -<p>"That's all right. Never mind about them; they're all old enough to -take care of themselves."</p> - -<p>The man drew back, completely deceived by the manner of Martin, and in -consequence, there was an idea in the minds of most then present, that -he had not only been cognizant of their departure, but that it was more -than likely that the absence which had seemed so mysterious originated -from his orders.</p> - -<p>Inwardly, Martin was more troubled than he would have cared to have -owned. It reawakened the ugly suspicions which had led him toward the -camp of Endicott, upon the first discovery of the abduction of Edith. -Could he have imagined how any understanding with the Indians could -have been effected, he would have altered his plans immediately. Once -or twice he did think of turning back to find and follow the trail of -Endicott.</p> - -<p>Perhaps it would have been as well to have done so. It was leading -toward his niece, though there had been no complicity with the -red-skins. The defection might, however, have been caused by cowardice; -so he reasoned, or it might be that Endicott had other schemes on -foot, which on mature deliberation he judged to be of more importance -than knight-errantry, and dangerous pursuit. The latter view seemed -plausible, since he knew him to be a man of schemes and speculations; -one, too, not apt to be led away from his course by any motives of -sentimental humanity.</p> - -<p>By this time the conformation of the ground over which they were -traveling, began somewhat to change. Although, following the high -divide, the road was still good, yet on one side or the other frequent -ravines ran away; in front wound a stream, its line of timber showing -black under the moonlight. To this the trail directly led. The near -bank was precipitous, presenting in most places, a barrier against -fording. Yet here and there old buffalo water trails had worn paths to -the stream, one of which the driving rain, with its temporary torrents, -had washed down, until the descent was not only practicable but easy. -Down one of these paths led the trail, crossing the stream, and leading -up through a rift in the timber, which stood thickly on the opposite -side.</p> - -<p>As it happened, the moonlight streamed directly through this rift, -reaching every part of the path, shedding sufficient light to make -every object therein distinctly visible. As he gave a glance down the -bank, at the moment of beginning the descent, Martin noticed this, and -that, an impenetrable gloom overspread every other surrounding object. -Although not expecting danger, and almost certain that he had three -times the number of men that he might by any possibility meet with, yet -it seemed better to him to order a halt for a moment, while he took a -closer view. In obedience to his order, his men drew rein just before -coming to the brink of the bluff, while he glanced carefully around, -listening with suspended breath.</p> - -<p>No sound, save the noise of the night-wind and the rippling of the -water fell on his ears. So, with carbine at a ready, he began the -descent. Just before he reached the water's edge a beaver on the -opposite bank dropped off, making so little noise that ears less acute -than those of Martin would have doubtless failed to notice it. Every -visible sign betokened loneliness and safety. Pushing on across he -wound his way up the opposite bank. The ascent, making a reversed -curve, was gradual. He passed on perhaps three hundred yards until he -could see, at some little distance ahead, the point where the crown -of the bank turned onto the second bottom, and then began to retrace -his steps. Arriving again at the stream, he drew to one side until -almost concealed by the shadow of an elm, and then, in a tone low, yet -sufficiently loud to be heard by his men, gave the order to advance.</p> - -<p>Just as the foremost two, but a few yards away, came in sight, he heard -a slight, hissing, rustling noise, and something touched him lightly on -the shoulder. To him it seemed like a whisper from Death; for he knew -they were ambuscaded in the cañon. The touch was given by the feather -end of an Indian arrow. The very silence that followed the advent of -this messenger of hostility was appalling. Yet withal he retained his -self-possession.</p> - -<p>In a moment he had taken in the whole position, and decided as to the -force of the aggressors, and the course to be pursued. He judged that -a few men had been stationed in the shadows to watch, to attack, to -harass, to delay. As they were there it seemed but little difference -whether he had them on front, flank or rear, as far as danger was -concerned; and that it would be best to dash past them as rapidly as -possible. They were probably too few in number to make any thing like -an open attack, and it was only while they were in front that there -could be danger.</p> - -<p>Acting on this supposition, his voice suddenly broke the stillness, -ringing out clear and full upon the ears of the startled men:</p> - -<p>"Forward at a gallop, men, and fire at sight or sound!"</p> - -<p>Then ensued a noise of hastily advancing horsemen, who charged into -the line of moonlight with reckless obedience to the command of their -leader.</p> - -<p>Again close to Martin, evidently hurtled in the direction of his voice, -there fell an arrow. Then, as with a yell that was scarcely a cheer his -men came plunging across the stream, half a dozen shafts fell in their -midst.</p> - -<p>Keen eyes and ears were open, and as Martin fired his carbine in the -direction from whence he judged the arrows had come, the sound of its -report was caught up by the rattle and crash of the firearms in the -hands of his men. It seemed to be a blind affair, in which luck would -be apt to go further than judgment. Again came a flight of arrows, -whistling into the ranks of the white men as they swept by, Martin now -at their head, and the revolvers of the assailed cracked viciously as -reply. In a moment more, the danger, for the present, was past, and -the whole party passed out of the dangerous defile and galloped a few -hundred yards upon the comparatively safe prairie.</p> - -<p>Then they drew rein to inquire into the amount of the damage done.</p> - -<p>Not a man was missing; but two or three sat but loosely in their -saddles; while there were two men who had lost their horses and come -out on foot. By good fortune the wounds of the injured men proved but -slight, and with a little rude surgery they were both willing and able -to proceed.</p> - -<p>What injury, if any, had been inflicted upon the attacking party it was -impossible to determine. All the firing on the part of the assailed, -had been at random, even though one or two had thought, as they pulled -the trigger of their revolvers, that they were marking down black -shades that might be Indians. Whatever may have been their loss, the -half-dozen, at which number Martin had estimated the size of the party, -had done their best, and succeeded in inflicting a very fair amount of -damage. Whatever was their loss, all remained noiseless in the late -left ravine.</p> - -<p>From his hunting-shirt one of the men drew an arrow. It had glanced -along a leathern strap that he wore, and hung dangling by its feathered -end. Handling it carefully he showed it to Martin. That worthy took it -and looked at it with a thoughtful glance. By the relative position of -head and feather he recognized it in a moment as a war-arrow, and by -its make he could give a shrewd guess at the tribe to which its owner -had belonged, and he turned to his men with:</p> - -<p>"There's been some underhand work that I don't know any thing about -between some of you boys and these red-skins, and this is what's come -of it. I didn't think much of two or three of them being reckless -enough to carry off the girl—there's lots of men that will gamble -away their lives for the woman that takes their fancy—but there's -too many of 'em in this thing not to have a little something else -behind it all to urge them on. I ought to look it out and bring the -matter straight, for we can't afford to be eternally mussing with the -red-skins. However, it's too late now to bother, and, if every man does -his duty, we'll let the matter rest when we get to camp. But, I tell -you, it's got to be the last time that one of our men goes back on the -copper-skins."</p> - -<p>Having said this much, he turned to the serious work before him. Not -for long was he at fault. Again he was on the trail. Scarcely had he -followed for two hundred yards, when it took a sudden bend to the -right, and began to run parallel with the creek. For perhaps a quarter -of a mile it continued in that course, then, turning once more to the -right, it was lost in the shade of the timber.</p> - -<p>All came to a halt and looked around. From the taste they had had they -were all in a fit frame of mind to act with prudence. Besides, there -were two footmen in the party now.</p> - -<p>Standing there, there suddenly appeared, away off on their left, a -little clump of moving objects which had just emerged from the head of -a ravine. "One, two, three—" the white men counted the number until it -ended at seven.</p> - -<p>"Seven durned, cussed, pisen red-bellies, by mitey! Them's the cusses -that killed my hoss, I'll bet my brains!" exclaimed one of the footmen.</p> - -<p>Martin scanned the party cautiously, but could perceive no traces -of Edith. They in turn, looking back and perceiving that they were -observed by the white men, halted a moment, and, drawn up on the -hillside slope, made gestures of challenge and menace. When they saw -no movement was made in response, they moved off again in single file. -Their boldness seemed strange, yet it must be remembered that it was -at night, and it was only a plunge from hillside to ravine and they -would be invisible. They were shrewd enough to be able to know of their -comparative safety.</p> - -<p>There seemed to be little danger, now, in attempting to unravel the -thread of the trail which led into the timber. Several men were -dispatched upon this errand, while others pushed still further on to -find their point of exit. When at length it was found and inspected, -a singular sensation was effected. The party of whom they were in -pursuit had evidently affiliated with a few others and taken part in -the ambuscade; and after the dash past them of the white men, all had -made good their retreat to this point, near which their horses had been -tethered; and, as the seven men they had seen were evidently identical -with the men of the ambush, the question arose: "Where was Edith Van -Payne?"</p> - -<p>That question arose—and almost immediately received its answer. -Martin, once more bringing his judgment into play, saw in a moment they -had been tricked. Now, when he once was aware of it, he could trace -out how, as well as Blaze had done in the early part of the chase. -He reasoned and thought and knit his brows, and his face grew black. -Without doubt he knew now that he should have followed the other trail, -and knew, too, in what direction it tended, what spot aimed at. He was -almost as wise as Blaze himself as regarded the lay of the land in a -circle of some hundred miles.</p> - -<p>Now, having thrown away the enthusiasm of the first rush of the -pursuit, there was only one course left, and that a disheartening -one—to acknowledge the error, and attempt to repair it as soon as -possible. There was one little gleam of sunshine for him. It seemed -more than likely that Winkle and two other men had followed the right -trail. The possibility that Endicott and his men had done the same was -a problem to be thought over. Should such a supposition be verified, it -was hard to tell what would be the feelings awakened. Upon the whole, -it is possible that Martin would about as lief have his niece in the -hands of her present captors as in those of Charles Endicott.</p> - -<p>"No use talking, boys, we've been fooled, and we must make the best -of it. We took the wrong trail. Now, which of you feels dead certain -that he knows in what direction Straight and Crooked Cañons lay, and -the straight road to them, for by the holies, that's where we've got to -bend for now."</p> - -<p>At this, though the faces of more than one of the party fell, there -was no lack of men to offer their needed knowledge. Nor was there any -serious disagreement in the statements regarding the direction of -the specified locality. Drawn up in a little circle, the direction, -distance, and lay of the intervening ground, were discussed, and a plan -of procedure mapped out. As the wounded men were not seriously hurt, -two of them gave remounts to those who had lost their horses, and, -in company with the third, started to return to Martin's ranche. The -remainder, having looked well to their arms, pushed off at a regular -gallop in the new direction.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER IX.</p> - -<p class="ph2">THE BIVOUAC IN CROOKED CANON.</p> - - -<p>"Nary time, old man. There ain't a cussed bit o' danger here—no, not -nary a half a primin'. Camp right down an' bunk in peace and quietness. -My narves is steady, an' thar ain't no eitchin' in the forefinger o' my -right hand. A man in skirty-coats would be safe here, ef he'd nothin' -better than a double-barreled shot-gun with no hind-sights."</p> - -<p>It was after dark, in a wild and gloomy spot, all shaded and strewn -with trees and rocks, and the three men with their three horses were -almost breathless from a difficult ascent which they had just made. -The three men were Bill Blaze, who was speaking, Harry Winkle, who had -spoken, and Pompey, who, the picture of contentment and fidelity, kept -his place a little in the background.</p> - -<p>"You are sure that we can do nothing more at present, and that we are -in no danger of attack, ourselves? We might have been seen by some -look-out or scout. I'm always on the side of prudent carefulness."</p> - -<p>"Nary bit, I tell yer! Didn't I, Bill Blaze, put yer through? We didn't -make no more show than a bob-tail rat. Ef thar war any extra dodge I -didn't put on, jist tell me on it, an' I knock under. It warn't no -use bein' so dog-goned careful, but havin' bin lit on in one camp, -an' sarcumvented a leetle later, makes a feller draw his bead mighty -fine. You've hed a lesson from Bill Blaze when that chap war doin' his -purtiest, an' ef you hain't l'arned any thing you'd better sell yer -claim an' go East; yer ain't wanted har."</p> - -<p>"I suppose it's all right then. We can give our horses a chance to rest -and graze; then a little food and sleep for ourselves; then to work. -Pity that we must eat and sleep whether we will or no. What valuable -time we have lost in procuring a chance to do the two."</p> - -<p>"I ain't so much on the sleep; it's kinder nateral now to do without -it; but, I never could see thet it was losin' time to take a good -squar' meal o' buffler. I've seen the time, too, when I didn't think it -war losin' time to gruge clean through a hind-quarter of a black-tailed -buck. If ye'd gone across the Cimmerin river, an' got lost on the -Ratone Mountings, ye mout hev thought yer war puttin' in the time -purty well, guzzlin' down froze hackberries. As for roast coyote, that -war a delicacy o' the season to smack yer lips over. Four pound er so -wouldn't a-took yer appetite down to regulation pitch. Waugh!"</p> - -<p>"Hackberries and prairie-wolf—rather a miserable diet, I should say. -Have you tried it?"</p> - -<p>"Hev I tried it? Yer right, I hev. That is, the hackberry part. Ther' -war only one wolf to about seventy ov us, an' by the time I got my -knife out it war all gone, so I stayed my innards a while smellin' on -his bones. I found the derned cusses hed forgot to open his skull—an' -them brains! Imagine it yerself; I never kin do 'em justice. Ef I could -find a squaw as could dress up vittles to taste like 'em did, consarn -my high-heeled top-knot, ef I wouldn't hook on! 'Pears to me I'd be -almost willin' to go back to the settlements."</p> - -<p>Blaze's enthusiasm, over that remembered meal of brains, amused Winkle -vastly. It was not the words, but the manner of the man, that made him -at times forget his anxiety, bringing to the surface feelings that -had long been buried. There was over all the mixed quaintness and -bluffness, moderation and braggadocio of the hunter, an irresistible -appearance of honesty and trustworthiness that had won upon him in the -moments following immediately their first meeting. As the man seemed to -have but little to say of others, and all that he had said of himself -might well be uttered by one who, swinging loose, years ago, from the -restraints of civilization, had ever since, through hardships and -dangers, through thick and thin, fire and water, relied for the most -part upon himself—at the worst, we do not doubt without some cause, or -shadow of cause. As Winkle had none, he felt inclined to trust. After a -time arose a desire to confide.</p> - -<p>The three men had been in camp for some time. They had talked some -little, using, as in a country shadowed by danger becomes almost -habitual, a guarded tone. There had been intervals of silence, too, -when Winkle's mind thronged with exciting and troublous thoughts. These -thoughts, rushing along tumultuously, and in an orderless throng, -became too oppressive. They drove away sleep, banished hunger, brought -weariness to rest, and made inaction work.</p> - -<p>What all that foreboded he knew by experience. He was willing to brood, -yet there was a limit he neither cared or dared to pass. Over and -beyond the old troubles, which had well-nigh crazed his brain, he had -found that at Back Load Trace, which had been startling at first, in -fact appalling. When he first caught sight of the face of Edith Van -Payne he was bewildered. Then he fancied that his mind had given way, -or that he had seen a visitor from the other world. So fully convinced -was he of this, that, when he had found Blaze in his camp he had been -afraid or ashamed to question him as to his knowledge concerning the -pale-faced girl who had flashed by him in the moonlight, or of her -shadowy pursuer. It was only after he had heard a scream, seen her -borne off, and had the aid of the evidence of Blaze's senses, that he -came to admit that he was dealing with the stern natural instead of -the appalling supernatural. During the hours of pursuit there had been -but little time to ask questions, and indeed his mind, agitated by -surrounding circumstances, suggested but few. Now, in the moments of -inaction, scores arose.</p> - -<p>How it came that he thus found Edith, and amidst such strange -surroundings, gave him cause for much troubled thought. How came she at -Back Load Trace, apparently protected by Martin and his Free Trappers? -And what chance, or was it chance, that had brought Endicott and her -together? Perhaps Blaze could answer some of these questions, and so, -having, as we before stated, during their brief acquaintance acquired a -large stock of confidence in him, to Blaze he applied.</p> - -<p>"I ain't much acquainted with Dick Martin, an' I don't know more ner -the law allows concernin' his private affairs. He come in here several -years ago with a couple of men, an' put up a ranche. He war slightly -green on the perairie, but hed the balance o' his teeth cut some year -afore, an' he l'arned fast. Who he is, er what he is, I can't fur -sartin say; but, he's at the head of as lively a gang of hunters an' -Free Trappers as I want to meet. They make a purty wide range when the -season's opened an' pelts is prime. The rest o' the time thar's allers -more or less on 'em loafin' around Back Load Trace. Mebbe they're -squar' an' mebbe they ain't. They never troubled me, but there's men -in the gang that's not the kind to stick at trifles. I never heerd o' -Martin himself doin' any partikiler deviltry; but, somehow, the place -hain't the sweetest o' names. An honest trapper don't ginerally camp -long about thar, an' when he meets any o' the men trappin' on the same -stream he ain't anxious to stay."</p> - -<p>"And the woman we saw and to save whom we started upon this trip? Who -is she, where did she come from? What is her connection with this -Martin?"</p> - -<p>"Now yer askin' questions ag'in that I ain't up to the handle on. Ef -ye'd talk about trace-chains an' beaver-bait you'd find me <i>thar</i>. I've -tramped over hundreds o' miles an' never see'd a red deer or a white -squaw; but the next time I went over the ground thar war plenty o' -both. The tramp o' civalization allers brings both along in the same -trapsack. Allers a-murderin' an' a-murderin' the deer as it brings 'em. -Mebbe it ain't so all over the country; but I often wondered whether -they'd all go under when thar weren't no more outskirts fur 'em to live -on."</p> - -<p>A shade of vexation passed over Winkle's face as he answered somewhat -hotly: "As I'm not deer-hunting, I care little to speculate on their -future destiny. My questions had reference to something entirely -different."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Blaze, reflectively. "So I'll allow. Mebbe it all amounts -to the same—mebbe it don't. I've seen deer-hunts that bagged no game, -an' I've seen them which did. As fur the gal, I've hear'n of her -oft'ner than I've seen her. She turned up one mornin' at Back Load -Trace as though she war shook outen a bag. A kinder adopted darter o' -Martin's; some one said onc't she war his niece."</p> - -<p>"But what is she doing in such a place?"</p> - -<p>"What does gals ginerally do? Rides in the country, shoots a good -string they say, an' raises the devil now an' then. Bin the makin' -on her too. So thin she couldn't git on more ner one side of a hoss, -an' so weak she couldn't throw a shadder when she first arove. Bin -a-pickin' up sence then."</p> - -<p>"And the man I saw riding just behind her—what does he do here? Is he -connected with Martin's establishment?"</p> - -<p>"Which man was those? Describe the crittur."</p> - -<p>To the best of his ability Winkle drew a word-picture of Endicott. -Blaze listened with interest, his face showing that he recognized the -portrait.</p> - -<p>"Now yer comin' to su'thin' I can talk on. No, he ain't none o' -Martin's men, an' don't b'long in these regions. He war jist passin' -through, in company with three or four more, an' see'd Martin's niece. -Knowed her of old, he did. He's a dead idol, he ses, which I suppose -are about same's a dead beat, an' from the looks o' the man, I should -specify war a very true hit. Killed the gal onc't afore, but she's come -to life ag'in, an', as the other chap ses, ain't likely to forgit it. -Ef—"</p> - -<p>"Man, man!" exclaimed Winkle, excitedly. "How came you to know this? -The same story, the same story! To travel fifteen hundred miles, and -the first man I pick up can tell me the same story! I tell you," -continued he, fiercely, leaping up and shaking his clenched fist in the -direction of Back Load Trace, "I tell you he's <i>my</i> man!"</p> - -<p>"Ef you'd go a leetle slower it mout facillate peddlin' operations. Sit -down yere like a reasonable white man that ain't anxious to hev his -h'ar cut fur nothin', an' I'll tell yer, nigh as I kin, the facts in -the case."</p> - -<p>This common-sense address recalled Winkle to himself, and he resumed -his sitting position, but his eye still blazed and his frame shook with -suppressed emotion.</p> - -<p>"Tell me where you heard this then, or how you came to know so much of -a story I certainly should not have expected to hear in this region."</p> - -<p>"Simple as coon-trappin'. When I fust struck yer camp I'll honest allow -I mout hev been indooced to hev run off yer hoss-flesh."</p> - -<p>After this rather queer exordium Blaze paused as if expecting an -outburst; but Winkle was beginning to understand his man and remained -silent.</p> - -<p>"Yas, that's an onmitigated fact. Soon es I slung inter the rights o' -things I felt a speshal call to see they warn't run off. So, while you -an' the dark war snoozin' I hed one eye open. I felt somethin' war -abroad, an' went out a-scoutin'. Nigh whar you come so nigh puttin' my -light out, under the shadder o' the trees, in fact whar you found me, -I heerd two men a-talkin'; one on em was 'your man'; t'other a gospil -chap, that talked es though he'd bucked cl'ar frum under the Big Book -an' tuk to travelin' on his shape."</p> - -<p>"What were they talking of, and how came they to speak of that which -you have just mentioned?"</p> - -<p>Thus questioned, Blaze gave a synopsis of their conversation as -understood by him, winding up with:</p> - -<p>"And now, s'posin' you give us an idea of what yer man has really bin -a-doin'."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER X.</p> - -<p class="ph2">A STORY OF A DOUBLE MURDER.</p> - - -<p>As we have already stated, Winkle, while fighting the crowd of phantoms -and fancies that over-shadowed him, had felt inclination to confide in -his newly-found comrade. Being thus addressed decided him.</p> - -<p>"I don't know that I'm making mountains out of mole-hills. I think, -though, that perhaps I have given way where I should have fought it -out, and allowed myself to be over-powered by that which would only -make a ripple in some men's lives. Sometimes I can think of that man -Endicott coolly enough; there are times, too, when I want and intend -to kill him. Yet I suppose that others have been injured as much—and -forgiven. Men are not always responsible for their mad fancies—do you -think they are?"</p> - -<p>Blaze gave a curious look at the speaker. He appeared to ask the -question in perfect good faith, so the trapper answered:</p> - -<p>"Not fur the'r mad fancies allers. No."</p> - -<p>"I don't want to make a long story, and I don't want to go into too -many details. It will only raise the devil in me again and that I am -trying to keep down. I want my head cool now, if ever. It seems to me -it's cleared off wonderfully of late; perhaps it might so happen that -I could forgive. All the forgiveness in the world, though, won't bring -poor Ned back to life, or mend a mother's broken heart.</p> - -<p>"I've never had much to do with him personally. I'm glad of it. Perhaps -there would have been enough of the cursed fascinating power about him -to have ruined me too. Ruin! No, that's not the word, either. He did -that anyhow. Made me his slave, or his tool, or his victim.</p> - -<p>"You see Ned went from college into business, and might have done well -if he had never met Endicott. And I went from business into love, and -might have prospered if Endicott had not lived. There are some crimes -that law don't avenge and some that it does. Endicott has tried his -hand at both sorts, and the law, being weak, only punished him, or -attempted to, for the latter. Very lightly it laid it on him, too."</p> - -<p>"Mebbe it hit him harder than you think fur," interpolated Blaze. "It's -no fun gittin' inter them clutches. But go on."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it did. I don't believe I ever thought of that before. Ned and -mother and I were wrapped up in each other. It's not often, I think, -that you find a family like ours was. There had never been a difference -of opinion or a single jar; but every thing went on smoothly. Ned was -the pet. He was the youngest and the frailest, and when I was away -at college he was left alone with mother. It never made me jealous a -bit because, somehow, it seemed natural. When I came home I petted him -too. We weren't rich exactly; but we had some money, and by a little -care had managed to live almost as though we were. Perhaps if we had -felt poverty we might have been happier. But, we had a taste of the -luxurious, and I'm afraid it gave and fed a desire for means more -ample. Ned, at least, got possessed with a yearning to be wealthy; and -I was in haste myself to realize some of my dreams. I'm not going to -trouble you with a complete family history, or tell how he and I, in -our different spheres, toiled ahead, with fair prospects, for several -years.</p> - -<p>"One day I saw Edith Van Payne; and the picture she marked in my brain -just then has never faded since. Some men speak of being able by -shutting their eyes to bring up the scenes of long ago;—but, shut or -open, it's always there, I see her just the same. I can't imagine why a -woman should have such an influence. It's strange, it's even monstrous. -After that day, as I looked for her, I saw her oftener. Eventually I -came to know her. Then I found she was worth the studying. She was -entirely different from any other woman I had ever met, for there were -everlasting contradictions connected with her. She looked dashing and -almost masculine, yet she really was intensely feminine; she seemed at -first meeting to be beyond emotion, but, as I came to know her, she -was extremely sensitive. She was one of those women externally stamped -with all the marks of heartlessness, and yet have true, honest hearts -all ready for the crushing. Perhaps I was slow with my wooing, yet I -know I was wrapped up in it. I can not tell how much encouragement -I, at first, received. As much, I guess, as I deserved. You see, she -was almost alone in the world, and was making her own way as best she -might. She had a younger brother, though I saw very little of him. -After a bit Ned became acquainted with her. I introduced him myself. -They soon became great friends, though their friendship never ripened -into any thing like sentimentality. Their ages were too near for that. -If any thing, she was a few months the older.</p> - -<p>"How or when Ned first became mixed up with Endicott I do not know. -In haste to become rich, he was open for speculation. I'm not certain -that it was not through Miss Van Payne. She knew him, met him often, -yet by some chance I never was introduced to him, never saw the three -together. What do you suppose the result was? He murdered both! It all -seemed to be done in an instant as it were. I was away from home for -a fortnight, and when I came back it was over. Ned he killed; that I -<i>might</i> have borne, but, until a few days ago, I thought he had killed -the woman too.</p> - -<p>"Mother had noticed a change in the boy. For two or three days she -would not see him; then he would come home taciturn and upset. At that -time she could only guess that his business affairs were going wrong. -Afterward I found how far out he had been led by this Endicott, who, -all the time feathering his own nest well, was dragging him to the -quicksands of financial rottenness.</p> - -<p>"What you have told me of the conversation you overheard throws some -light on his course with Edith, though that I have not yet been able -to fully comprehend. It seems he would have married her and dared -not, even if he could. Preferring, then, the roundabout way of a -schemer to the straightforwardness of an honest man, he attempted to -establish an ownership in her. Curse him, he deliberately set about -compromising her! She could take good care of herself, and he knew it, -but he blackened her reputation simply and solely to give himself time, -hoping to conceal his own part in the matter and eventually to smooth -the affair over. Had he known the woman as I did, he never would have -attempted it, since he succeeded <i>too</i> well.</p> - -<p>"The crisis came during my absence. Carefully as he covered the traces -of his agency, Ned detected his share in the work. At first, to be -sure, there was only a faint suspicion; but, that soon ripened into -a certainty. Knowing my hopes and wishes, brotherly love urged him -to employ every means to learn the truth. Once engaged in this, he -was led to suspect Endicott's business integrity, and the revelations -brought about by an investigation in that direction were of themselves -overpowering.</p> - -<p>"Then he did either a foolish or an unfortunate thing. Just in the -white heat he met Endicott. Remember, that he not only knew that this -man had compromised, almost beyond redemption, the woman his brother -loved; but that he himself was involved in a network of toils from -which he could not hope to escape short of the loss of his means, and, -worse still, with a damaged reputation. They met—and Endicott killed -him.</p> - -<p>"Of course the jury found extenuating circumstances. Legal chicanery, -set in motion by money, saved his worthless neck—a neck that could I -have once grasped I would have wrung with as little compunction as that -of a chicken. I think I could have borne that horror; but, engrossed as -I was by it, it was some weeks before I knew that Edith had disappeared.</p> - -<p>"At this time I believed she had made away with herself. I never -doubted it until the other night. Of all those who knew her, there -are few that did not believe the same. Heaven knows that I was loth -to believe it. I hunted high and low for her, since I never doubted -her honor, though I had never received any assurance of her love for -me. Her own brother was left in the dark as to what had become of her. -He found an envelope addressed to him, containing a sum of money she -had saved for a rainy day, and the simple words, written in pencil, -'Good-by.'</p> - -<p>"My own business, suffering for a time from utter neglect, was disposed -of; my heart was chilled toward my broken-hearted mother—God help me, -she may be dead to-night—and I spent my time seeking for traces of -Edith, and waiting to meet Endicott.</p> - -<p>"While I was off on what I thought a slight trace, for I had not -fully allowed myself to believe that she was dead, he emerged from a -prison, and escaped me. I followed him East; he eluded me. I heard of -him South; but he was gone when I reached New Orleans. Then I gave -way and was sick for a long season. When I came to myself something -prompted me to turn Westward. Strange how Fate, or some occult law -of attraction, drew me here. Yet many months of wandering, through -hardships and perils, brought me no surcease, and the tension on my -nerves has been gradually tightening ever since I found myself west of -the Mississippi. The rest you know. What <i>may</i> happen, neither you, nor -I, nor any other living mortal may say."</p> - -<p>Winkle told his story in a slow, quiet, yet intense way. Blaze listened -to it with evident interest.</p> - -<p>"A condemned hard case he was. I've knowed men shot fur less than them. -That's the cuss o' civilization. If yer goin' to draw a bead upon this -man ye'd better do it here than furder East. Bein' that you've found -the girl alive, mebbe you'll weaken on that. A human critter's a curi's -consarn that only goes under onc't. In course red-skins I don't take -much account on; but, when it comes to drawin' it fine on a white, an' -he not lookin' for it—'pears to me it 'u'd glimmer the fire-sight."</p> - -<p>"I think at two hundred yards he would be a dead man?"</p> - -<p>Winkle said this slowly and half inquiringly, as though a doubt had -arisen in his mind; and then he continued, in a tone in curious -contrast to the one he generally used in speaking of Endicott:</p> - -<p>"You know I've followed after him so long and was so certain of it. It -would be hard to let him go after all."</p> - -<p>"Two hundred yard is some distance, an' a man's a mark o' moderate -bigness. I've seen a deer missed at fifty. Buck ag'er an' fancy -shootin' don't agree good. If you'll just keep cool an' not rush the -funeral mebbe ye'll eventooally git straight enough to not care a cuss -if school keeps er not. I've done ye more ner a hundred dollars' worth -of good a'ready."</p> - -<p>"True, I know that—yet if that man were here now, if he could appear -suddenly—"</p> - -<p>A remarkable change came over the man as he broke off the sentence and -sprung to his feet. Blaze, who trusted completely his own senses, and -was confident that Winkle could have discovered no signs of any danger, -looked at him in doubt and amazement as he stood bending now to one -side, again to another, eagerly listening, his rifle clutched with a -nervous grip.</p> - -<p>"D'ye hear him?" he whispered. "He's coming, he's coming! curse him, I -tell you he's here now."</p> - -<p>Then Blaze listened. It seemed, almost like a fancy, too, that he -heard, away miles off, a voice. He knew not whether it was the voice -of man or of nature. There are times when in Western solitudes the -two sound so wondrously alike that one is startled and perplexed. The -voices that one hears in the cottonwoods by the river-side, or the -cedars in the cañons! A brooder or a dreamer alone with them might well -be driven mad.</p> - -<p>While the trapper listened, Winkle stole noiselessly away. The negro, -who had, during the recital of Winkle's story, been lying wrapped in a -blanket, unconsciously sleeping, suddenly awoke to consciousness, and -answered Blaze's astonished exclamation of, "Where the thunder's the -boy gone to?" with:</p> - -<p>"Jist hold on hyar a bit. Dat's nuffin new. He done gone do dat ebery -leetle while; I fotch him back. Dat's de on'y t'ing 'bout Mass'r Winkle -dat's cur'us. He say he t'inks he hear hees man."</p> - -<p>Pompey, without more ado, slid off in the direction in which Winkle -had gone, leaving Blaze alone, to ruminate on the story he had just -heard. The negro was brimful of western experience, and Blaze thought -it needless to follow. This summary exit of the two from camp gave him -fresh food for reflection, and his thoughts were somewhat mixed as -would appear from his soliloquy:</p> - -<p>"Some, now, would call him crazy. I dunno; guess both sides is ground -down to one p'int, an' that, 'my man.' Everyways else I reckon he's -more brains ner I hev—which's a fair allowance fur this individooal to -make. Ef he could git 'my man' off his intellek he'd be purty square. -Cuss me, though, ef I wouldn't like to know whether 'my man' <i>is</i> in -the cañon, or hereabouts. That's the queer part of the thing—his -followin' him by guess, er instink. I've see'd a herd o' deer scattered -this way an' that an' the t'other, an' often wondered how it come they -war all together ag'in by mornin'. Not so sing'lar as the way he's -follered 'my man.' I wonder ef he'll ever find him? I b'lieve 'bout -two month waitin' to see, alongside o' this Winkle, would tame me down -amazin'. I'm gittin' steady es an otter-slide now. Waugh!"</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER XI.</p> - -<p class="ph2">WHITHER EDITH WENT.</p> - - -<p>The average American Indian is not a charming object. Treacherous, -bloodthirsty, cunning, he seems to need but the opportunity to show -himself a monster. Much may be said in extenuation; but, there will -still remain behind the hard array of facts. Was the author writing for -Cheyenne, Crow, Blackfoot, Comanche or Apache readers, perhaps he might -say the same of the white man, and the statement, on their limited -personal knowledge, be readily accepted. In the one case it is to be -hoped that the exceptions are in reality the rule, while in the other -we fear they prove it.</p> - -<p>Edith Van Payne was well acquainted with the general character of the -dusky people into whose hands she had fallen. When War Hawk and his -daring followers had swooped down upon her, she had, at the first -shock, uttered a scream for help. In imagined security it was most -sternly startling to feel herself caught up and borne off like the -rush of the wind. The crack of a rifle, fired, she doubted not, by -one of Martin's men, recalled her, in some measure, to herself. Yet, -as she hung across the neck of the warrior's steed, and felt the -firm grip of his powerful hand, she might well lapse into a state of -semi-unconsciousness. When, at length, she again became fully awake to -her position, a long distance had been placed between her and her late -home.</p> - -<p>When Edith found herself able to catch a confused glimpse of her -abductor, she thought she recognized his face. That thought gave her -some comfort at least, since it brought her a sense of relief from any -present positive danger.</p> - -<p>The relations between Martin and the red-skins who surrounded him -had been heretofore those of peace. By a rare piece of good luck, at -the outset, and afterward by judicious management, he had so secured -their apparent good-will that he had been led to look upon them rather -as allies. With some of them he had carried on considerable traffic -in pelts and robes, and they came often to his ranche. Edith, with a -woman's curiosity, had scanned them narrowly, and the most of them had -accepted the gaze of her flashing eye in an unconcerned manner. In one -or two she detected answering glances of admiration that rather amused -her.</p> - -<p>In the Indian who was now bearing her away she believed she recognized -War Hawk, one of those she had classed as her admirers.</p> - -<p>By the time that War Hawk had joined the small party that was awaiting -him, Edith had settled in her mind the course which she intended to -pursue. Holding herself in constant readiness to accept any opportunity -to escape, she would keep up a bold front. She would not waste her -strength in vain endeavors, but in the hour of action be brave and -resolute.</p> - -<p>War Hawk marked the phases of returning consciousness, bewilderment, -doubt and final determination. Though he could not fully understand, -he could appreciate much of the mental force which faced, in calmness, -such a situation. A thrill of pride ran through him at the thought, -that he had not been mistaken in the stuff of which his captive was -made.</p> - -<p>"The White Bird need not fear. War Hawk would not harm. He hopes she -will some day neither fear nor wish to fly. She must not flutter now. -There is danger to both, and he will not die alone."</p> - -<p>"For myself I fear not. I am in no present haste to flutter nor fly. I -remember you, sir; I know you. The years that you have passed among the -whites—for I know your story—should have taught you better. And you -will have to account for this, to not only the white people, but your -own tribe. Be sure that both will be ready to bring you to a reckoning."</p> - -<p>"War Hawk has a heart to feel, and also is brave to dare. Now be still. -Shall he trust you to ride?"</p> - -<p>It was during the momentary halt that this conversation took place. -She, seeing nothing to be gained by refusing, answered by an -affirmative motion of the head. In a moment she was transferred to the -back of a mustang, and all the preparations for blinding the trail -having already been made before she was fairly settled to a seat, both -parties had moved off. Unlearned as she was in wood and prairie-craft, -she had no difficulty in perceiving that an effort was being made to -deceive those who might follow after. From the smallness of the number -of men engaged in the affair, she did not doubt but that more than -ever, the red-skins intended to employ stratagem in preference to -force in their retreat. They knew, as well as did Edith, that, as the -trapping season was just about to open, there was an unusually large -number of hunters at Back Load Ranche. Doubtless, also, they believed -that pursuit would be immediately made.</p> - -<p>For a time the pace was moderate. So slow did they seem to be -progressing, that Edith had hopes for a time of hearing the footsteps -of Martin and his men thundering on in their wake. She did not believe -War Hawk would execute his dark threat, even though she was aware that -prisoners had been killed to prevent their rescue or escape.</p> - -<p>This slow rate of progress did not long continue. Again they were -hastening on, all attempts at concealment of their route being thrown -aside. They swept across the prairie for hours. The moon sunk in the -west, the night grew darker around them, but with untiring energy they -dashed on.</p> - -<p>There is no need to chronicle in detail the history of the flight. -The night passed; the day broke, and still they pressed ahead. No -living human being crossed their path. There were no certain signs of -pursuit. Once, from the actions of the Indians, Edith had her attention -specially turned backward. She thought she caught, through the -marvelously clear prairie atmosphere, a glimpse of three dark objects -miles away. It might be a little clump of horsemen—more likely a herd -of antelope or elk.</p> - -<p>They rode in silence. Neither the captive nor the captors felt much -disposition to converse. A feeling of suspense and uncertainty was -brooding in the minds of both. Edith, even, began to look forward with -a dim yearning for the time to halt to arrive. Weariness began to -oppress her, sleep to try at her eyelids.</p> - -<p>At length they left the prairie; crossing a shallow stream, they went -up its bank for some distance; then, turning away from it, and picking -their way for perhaps half a mile over uneven and stony ground, they -entered a defile which, under the name of Straight Cañon, led through -the rocky range before them. In its gloomy recesses the spirits of -Edith sunk again. She would have prayed for a halt, had she not been -so unwilling to show weakness. Perhaps it was purely pride—perhaps it -was from good judgment. Physically so frail-looking she had the will -to brave fatigue. Had she allowed herself to falter at all, the result -would have been utter prostration.</p> - -<p>War Hawk seemed at length to have an idea that he was, perhaps, tasking -his captive beyond her powers of endurance. More than once he scanned -her features narrowly. Her naturally pale cheek seemed to be no paler; -there was no tremor in her hands; her eyes blazed as brightly as ever.</p> - -<p>"If the White Bird is worn out, let her ask and she shall stop. There -is no danger. She can rest. But a little further on, we come to a long -halt."</p> - -<p>Without hesitation she responded:</p> - -<p>"I am tired, but can go further."</p> - -<p>Straight Cañon was threaded, and a narrow valley lay before them. -Beyond another range loomed up darkly.</p> - -<p>Crossing the valley they began to ascend a gentle slope. They had not -gone far when at some little distance she heard a signal which was -immediately answered by one of the Indians beside her. A few moments -more, and the halting-place was reached.</p> - -<p>Rude as were the accommodations, it was with a feeling of unutterable -relief that Edith Van Payne rested her wearied limbs in her little -prison-hut. She had scarce noticed the two or three lodges that were -scattered around.</p> - -<p>How long a halt would be made there she scarce thought it worth while -to ask. The by no means unsavory viands that were brought her she put -aside for the time almost untasted, only too glad to be at rest and -alone.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER XII.</p> - -<p class="ph2">"WHEN A WOMAN WILLS THERE'S NOTHING MORE TO SAY."</p> - - -<p>Daylight waned, and the shadows deepened. In the west the crimson -flames that flared over the mountains died away, and the night-stars -began to shimmer in their field of blue. A moist, sweet wind came -wandering up from the woods. Edith sat within her little prison-house -alone.</p> - -<p>From time to time she heard voices without; but they came to her as -if in a dream. The cold look of the woman had deepened till her face -seemed like crystallized water itself.</p> - -<p>But in the frigidity of her eyes was a something that was suggestive -of unfrozen depths beyond. There was no trace of despair—no sign of -intense misery directly arising from her present condition like that -which would have fallen upon some women. Only the traces of a former -congealment were deepened; that was all. And so, she sat there in -silence, thinking. So absorbed in her reverie was she that, apparently, -she did not hear a footstep approaching the matting that did duty as -a door to her cabin, did not notice the tall and graceful form of War -Hawk, as he entered; and only awoke with a start to consciousness at -hearing a voice, remarkably sweet and mild for one belonging to a son -of the forest and plain, addressing her.</p> - -<p>"The White Bird is sad, and the War Hawk would comfort her—yet he -is afraid to come before her. She need not fear him. He is a great -warrior, but would not harm her for many lodges and much of all that is -dear to the heart of a warrior. Can the White Bird look upon the War -Hawk with a smile? She will see him as gentle as a fawn, for she is -dear to him, and what she says shall be music in his ear."</p> - -<p>Edith suffered her eyes to rest steadily upon her Indian admirer, whose -assumed gentleness could not disguise his stern, unyielding nature. So -the woman thought, though her eye met his unflinching and undaunted.</p> - -<p>"The White Bird may be sad, but it is the sadness of years. She asks -neither favor nor kindness from the War Hawk. As she has protected -herself in the past, so she can in the present and the future. She has -been hurt to the heart so long ago that she has no soul for the great -chief. Let him go his way and she will go hers."</p> - -<p>The ghost of a smile flitted over the face of the brave at this -request. This conquest of his had not been altogether bloodless, as the -waters of Back Load stream could bear witness.</p> - -<p>"The White Bird will grace the wigwam of the War Hawk, and those who -have hurt her heart shall be forgotten. If they come near her again, -let her speak the word and they shall die. This arm will protect her, -and no woman will be more honored among my nation."</p> - -<p>Edith looked curiously at the speaker. She measured him with her eye -and gauged his soul as he spoke. Perhaps she could see in this dashing -red-skin something to admire, even though there was nothing for one of -her race to love.</p> - -<p>"The White Bird returns her thanks," she said, with a graceful but -sweeping courtesy. "The chief's wooing is rough and his grip is like -steel, but she knows the warriors of his tribe and their ways, and the -War Hawk may well be the greatest among them. He is pleasant to look -upon, and the squaw of his lodge will have the eyes of many maidens -turned upon her in envy; yet the White Bird, as he has chosen to call -her, has no heart for him. Her soul rests with one of her own kindred. -Though she has not seen him for years, and will never meet him again, -yet her heart will ever beat time to him—even though he knows it not, -and little dreams that she still lives. Let the War Hawk seek another; -I am not for him."</p> - -<p>"The warriors of our tribe are not used to wooing as are the -pale-faces, and if War Hawk had sought the fair one he loves as our -warriors seek their squaws, she might have thought his grip was -stronger yet. He has handled her tenderly and would ever do so; yet -she should know that she <i>must</i> be his. She is in his hands now, he -will have her taken into his tribe; he will guard her and care for her; -no other shall be so cherished. He has been in danger from her people -and his own for her and life has been lost to win her. Do you think, -then, when he loves her so strongly, that he will open his hand when -she is in it and let her fly away? No. The White Bird must forget her -pale-faced friends—and—" his voice grew harder and colder, and there -was a ring of savage fierceness in it as he spoke—"let her dream of -her pale-faced lover no longer. If she should see him again it would -be to destroy him, for he may not look on your face again and go away -living. The War Hawk will let no eyes rest upon his pale-faced squaw in -love."</p> - -<p>Edith Van Payne realized more than ever the depth to which she had -stirred the heart of her dusky-visaged admirer.</p> - -<p>"War Hawk, you have wasted time in your pursuit, and you seek what -will never, never be yours. There are fair maidens of your own race; -woo them and win them—me you never can, by either kind words or by -threats. I am protected by the Great Spirit, and neither hope nor fear. -Your pursuit may bring you much of evil—to me it can only bring a new -experience in life. Do not be deceived. I am, and of reason, a mystery -to you, the solution of which it is dangerous for you to attempt."</p> - -<p>Perhaps Edith drew herself up rather proudly as she uttered these -words, perhaps there was something, too, of scorn mingled with her -pride, and unintentionally outcropping in her words and gestures, -for War Hawk appeared touched to the quick. He strode a pace -forward and raised his hand with a gesture that might indicate -either impressiveness or menace. The woman only turned sideways and -unflinchingly gazed into his face as he spoke.</p> - -<p>"The War Hawk has run many risks for his pale White Bird. He has faced -not only the rifles of her friends, but even now he stands against -the wishes of his tribe. It is not a light thing for a great chief -to choose to bring a pale-face woman into his cabin; but he has seen -something of the world, something of the pale-faces, too, and he will -accomplish his desires. The White Bird has flown away from her people; -they will never see her again. Had they even the courage to follow her, -they would not know in which way to turn their steps. The War Hawk -will say no more this time; but let her think of what he has said, and -perhaps she will yet smile at the coming of the footsteps of the great -chief."</p> - -<p>"Let not the Blackfoot brave deceive himself. He is not dealing with a -helpless squaw of his tribe. I can help myself if forsaken by friends. -But I have no fears of that. Their eyes are keen, their limbs are -untiring, and they are already on the trail. You may not see them, or -hear them; but they will be near you, and when the time comes you will -find your White Bird has flitted—if before that the fatal bullet has -not stricken you—"</p> - -<p>Without then was the sound of a rapidly-approaching horseman. Edith -paused in her speech as she heard it, and her savage wooer looked -uneasily around him as though he half-feared this hot-haste messenger -might be the bearer of unpleasant tidings. The two, listening, heard -a distant greeting, the sound of beating hoofs ceased, and then the -newcomer, an Indian, inquired for War Hawk. The chief, on hearing this, -made an obeisance and left the cabin as quietly as he had entered it.</p> - -<p>Edith Van Payne remained alone. With feminine curiosity she listened -to see if she could not learn what this messenger had to communicate. -She only heard voices speaking in a low and smothered tone, but soon -the conversation became more earnest. Then she sought to gain a view -of the speakers. Circumstances favored her. When she cast her glance -upon them, she saw that preparations for a move of some kind were being -made. In front of the second cabin War Hawk was in close conference -with several of the braves. Nearer to her, in fact within a few paces -of her own wigwam, stood a single savage, holding by the bridles two -horses—one of which she recognized at a glance as Whirlwind, the -favorite steed of War Hawk.</p> - -<p>This man stood with his back toward her, his eyes bent in the direction -of the others, evidently more intent upon the conference of his -brethren than upon the movements of the captive girl. The great black -steed, that stood almost unwatched and within, as it were, arm's length -of her, was the fleetest among the fleet horses of the tribe.</p> - -<p>Great acts are often the effect of intuition. She tried the fastenings, -and found nothing to hinder her egress. A moment, and she had -noiselessly glided to the side of Whirlwind. A moment more and she had -swung herself upon him, had snatched up the bridle, struck him a sharp -blow across the shoulder—and then, like an arrow, had bounded away -and was sweeping back toward the mountains through which they had just -passed!</p> - -<p>The noble steed, to which Edith, practiced horseman that she was, clung -so closely and firmly, had not hesitated a moment. He swung at once -into a pace that was tremendous. His rider retained her seat with ease, -and while urging him to his highest speed, did not for a moment lose -her perfect mastery of him. The other horse had wrenched himself loose -at the time that Whirlwind started, and, bearing no burden, kept neck -and neck with her.</p> - -<p>Soon the wild shouts of War Hawk and his allies died away in the -distance. She saw an opening in the hills, the defile of a cañon -looming dark before her; and into its recesses she plunged without a -moment's hesitation. What might be in store for her beyond, in the -lonesome darkness, she neither knew, nor thought of, nor cared for. For -the time at least, Edith Van Payne was free.</p> - -<p>The horses seemed to know the road well. At least they stretched out, -plunging on with unfaltering steps into the darkness. Before long the -thrill and thrall of her fear wore off, and, as no savage yells or -echoing hoof-beats resounded behind her, she coolly settled herself to -the work before her. The long twilight had died away, and the moon, -nearly full, was up and shining directly through the narrow road, -doubling the gloom that lay upon the wooded and rocky slopes on each -side,—so that she seemed riding along a path of light laid upon and -through a bed of darkness. Her quick eye ranged along this path, now -and then diving into the darkness upon either side of her; yet seeing -nothing but rocks and trees.</p> - -<p>Yet, there was some one near. Not a hundred yards ahead of her, just -in the shade of the trees, his wariness all excited by the noise of -ringing hoof-strokes, Bill Blaze was sitting in his saddle with eyes -strained to catch sight of the person so recklessly approaching. And -when he saw the woman bearing down upon him, the riderless horse -galloping at her side, he could scarce refrain from a shout of triumph -as he recognized in her the object of his search.</p> - -<p>"Minks and mushrats!" thought he. "Blam'd ef she <i>ain't</i> Dick Martin's -gal. A trump, by mitey! She's cleaned out the hull b'iling; stampeded -ther corral, an' 's bringin' the pick o' the lot into camp! Bill Blaze -an' her 'll move inter Back Load camp rejoicin'. Waugh!"</p> - -<p>When the fast rider was galloping by, she heard at her left a voice, -calling to her in what seemed a guarded tone:</p> - -<p>"Hullo, thar! Back Load Trace! Dick Martin! Van Payne! Friends. Hullo! -hold on, friends!"</p> - -<p>She looked hastily toward the spot from which the voice proceeded. A -man, evidently a white man and a trapper from his garb, pushed out from -the shadows, and rode toward her.</p> - -<p>For a moment she hesitated, undecided whether to augment her speed, -or to wait for him. The sight of a white man seemed a sign of aid and -comfort. Again he hailed her. In the moonlight she could see that he -held his right hand up, with the palm open and toward her; a sign of -amity. Confidence came to her by inspiration, and without a struggle -she allowed him to range up to her side. When he came nearer, she knew -that she had never seen him among the Free Trappers who followed the -beck of Martin.</p> - -<p>"There is little time for talk now. I know not how closely pursuers may -be behind us. What we have to say we must say as we gallop on. I see -that you know me, and I need not stop to explain."</p> - -<p>"That's all right. We've bin on the scout arter ye, an' I war jest -rollin' slow into what I thort war blam'd dangerous diggin's. Wouldn't -wonder ef you've saved my skulp; an' yer chances won't be any the wuss -fur hevin' Bill Blaze to steer yer through this yere diffikilty."</p> - -<p>"Do you know this country? I took this route by chance, without knowing -whither I was going; and only determined on riding on till I found -myself—somewhere."</p> - -<p>"Know it like a book. Yer tuk the right; couldn't 'a' showed ye a -better myself. Yer driftin' right through Crooked Cañon. You might 'a' -taken a shorter cut to reach the other side of the mount'ins; but then, -you'd 'a' missed me, sure. How the what you call 'em did yer git on it? -Don't 'spose the top-knots is so overflowin' with the milk o' human -kindness, thet they've sit ye up in the hoss bissness theirselves!"</p> - -<p>Edith, in a few brief words, explained the rapidly-shifting scenes of -the evening, passing lightly over her interview with War Hawk, and -winding up with:</p> - -<p>"And now, as you are fittest to act the part of guide, what do you -propose doing?"</p> - -<p>Blaze was silent a moment as he revolved in his mind the intelligence -that he had received, then answered:</p> - -<p>"Yer see, Miss, thet ain't so easy to answer right at onc't. All that -excitement wern't fur nothin'. Depend upon it, that scout tumbled -acrost somethin' that wern't kalkerlated to fit the'r arrangements. -It's more ner likely Martin and his men are comin' up Straight Cañon. -Yer see ther's two passes—one on 'em called Straight and t'other -Crooked. We're in the Crooked. I tried this yere one acause my luck's -the dog-gonedest contrairiest thing you ever see'd, and I allus hev to -be just whar I oughtn't, ef I don't want every thing to bu'st up to -eternal smash. We can't git out o'here to-night, an' I guess the best -thing is to sail along a few hours, an' then stop off till morning. -Martin's sure to be somewhar in the neighborhood. Ef he's in this -cañon, we'll find him; ef he's in the t'other, he'll keep yer Indian -friends up an' busy, an' find us, since I've got a few ideas about them -copper-skins, an' when I think 'em over <i>right</i>, I'll let you know what -they are. Just now let us make our prettiest time."</p> - -<p>In accordance with this, the speed, which had slackened as they -conversed, was accelerated, and for a long time the two rode on in -silence.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER XIII.</p> - -<p class="ph2">A WILD RIDE.</p> - - -<p>It was morning now in the cañon. Heroes and heroines require sleep—in -that they resemble other more commonplace individuals. Perhaps Blaze -had slept some; but, wearied as he had been for some days with a -constant round of dangerous adventures and hairbreadth escapes, -at daylight he was wide awake, ready to face whatever dangers and -difficulties the morning might bring. The woman was still as a statue. -Her breath came quietly; her slumber was sweet. Blaze sat at a little -distance from her, just by the horses, with his rifle close at hand, -and looked at his fair charge. There was something in the face of Edith -that seemed to be worth studying. As he thought how frail and nerveless -she looked in the first pale light of the morning, he was afraid that -he had his hands full.</p> - -<p>"Blamed ef the little woman looks es though she'd stand carryin'. -Kinder sorter 'pears of glass, like. Shouldn't wonder ef she'd break -all up into small bits afore I git her a rod. She ain't put up as solid -es a Blackfoot squaw. Es fur as the fakilty of transportin' goes, I'd -kinder sooner she war. Cur'ous how tastes does differ! Howsomever, Bill -Blaze will do his level best, an' ef luck don't run too all-fired rough -it may be on the keerds to—blast it, yes! To what? Ef I ain't keerful -the copper-skins'll take my ha'r, an' Dick Martin shoot me on sight. -As fur that crazy Winkle, I dunno how soon he'll come crawlin' up an' -lettin' drive on s'picion that I'm his man. There's a three-cornered -state of affairs here, an' no mistake. It's a kinder blessin' maybe, -after all, that the gal herself ain't likely to give much trouble." -Then he gave a start. "She must 'a' knowed I war thinkin' on her, fur -she's got her eyes wide open."</p> - -<p>Edith had opened her eyes. She looked around for a moment with an air -of quiet bewilderment. Then, apparently comprehending the status of -things, she slowly raised her head from the rude pillow; something like -the shadow of a blush flitted across her cheek, and she turned to the -trapper.</p> - -<p>"Well, sir, the morning is here; what do you propose doing?"</p> - -<p>"I'd sooner hev Chep Carter draw a bead on me with his finger all ready -on the trigger and him dead set on shootin', than answer that question. -Blamed ef I know <i>what</i> to do."</p> - -<p>"One of us must decide what is to be done, and that right quickly. If -you think you can find a way to get beyond our enemies to a place of -safety, at Back Load Clearing, or elsewhere, say so. If you think you -can not, say so; and I'll try what my wits are worth in this emergency."</p> - -<p>Blaze scratched his nose dubiously. It was not that he had not full -confidence in himself, but rather it was an unexpectedly amusing thing -for this woman, on whose frailty he had but lately been passing mental -criticisms, to speak in such short, decisive and self-reliant tones.</p> - -<p>"Mebbe the best thing would be to do nothin'. I've know'd persons as -war in a box to git out by just sittin' still—an' I've know'd others, -that war bound to keep movin', to run right slap onto the biggest -kind o' a hornet's nest. In course, I kin find a way out. That's my -name—jest what I war made fur. Only, don't push a willin' hoss. Let me -roominate a bit."</p> - -<p>"Last night you said, wait till morning. It's morning now, and having -waited patiently I am anxious to be up and off. Think quickly, then; -I'm not a friend to slow going."</p> - -<p>"Wal, yer see, ther's several bearin's on this yere. We know whar -we've bin, whar we are, but don't know whar we're goin', an' more -particularly, who's wantin' to go with us. The end to this trail's a -ticklish spot to travel over, that wants daylight or full moonlight -to git safely through. Then, I've a couple ov chums somewhars in this -region, that I can't leave without seein'. I don't feel afeard of the -red-skins. My narves is es steady as a shootin'-match, and they's a -sure sign. Ye wouldn't like to stay here a day longer, would ye?"</p> - -<p>"I am on the side of safe boldness, whatever that may be. I wish to -make my way from this region as quickly as may be convenient and safe!"</p> - -<p>"Jest one minnit. This yere's how the land lays: Es I told yer, I've -a couple of chums somewhars nigh. We was a-lookin' fur you, ye see, -an' there's two other lots on the same biz, an' one on 'em is comin' -up Straight Cañon ef there's any faith in signs. The other lot may be -goin' on the same road, or we may stumble acrost 'em on our way down. -Blest ef I don't wish I knowed which are on this trail an' which on -t'other. Now, we'll take a bite o' somethin' to stay our in'ards, an' -then be movin'. I hope I've cut it short."</p> - -<p>The bite was soon taken, and taken almost in silence. From time to time -Edith asked a question, and at length understood that Blaze was of the -opinion that Martin and his men had followed in pursuit, and it was -their approach that had alarmed the Indians. He told Edith, as briefly -as it was in his nature to speak, that War Hawk had not ventured to -bring his wished-for bride into the village of his tribe; that, in -all probability, save the chance of a stray hunter, there was not an -Indian outside of War Hawk's small party, within thirty miles of them. -Their journey for the day, he thought, would be one of comparative -safety. Their greatest danger lay away out upon the plain, beyond the -opening of the cañon; and for that reason he was anxious to augment the -strength of their party, even though he felt able, if his "luck held," -to carry her through in safety by himself.</p> - -<p>Having said this much, in his strange and rather uncouth way, the two -sought saddle and Blaze led his charge down the cañon.</p> - -<p>They rode along, at first, rapidly and in silence.</p> - -<p>Before long Edith became satisfied that Blaze had been wise in thinking -that they needed daylight to make their way over that part of their -journey. The road, before so smooth, became rougher and rougher, until, -finally it seemed to her that it would grow absolutely impassable. -Here and there, to the side, she saw gulches and ravines that invited -them by their evenness, but her guide resolutely withstood their -wooings, and kept straight on. Around and over rocks, across dykes and -gullies, up and down they went, till at last, meeting with obstacles -more serious than any they had as yet encountered, they dismounted and -toiled upward on foot.</p> - -<p>"Ef we're spry now," encouraged Blaze, "half an hour more will take us -over the roughest, an' then we'll hev level road, clean down to the -mouth of the cañon."</p> - -<p>Accustomed as Edith was to exertion and exercise, she was heartily glad -when the most toilsome part of the road was passed, and, seated once -more on Whirlwind, she could pursue her journey with more ease, though -Blaze, still on foot, was piloting her carefully.</p> - -<p>"Here we come," said he, as, turning a sharp corner, they found -themselves at the beginning of a better path. Then in a different tone -of voice, in a voice that partook of mingled excitement and uneasiness, -he shouted: "The devil! Here he comes!" and, quick as light, firing -his rifle, he sprung forward, while the steed of Edith, which had been -giving hitherto unnoticed tokens of dissatisfaction, with a scream of -fright, gave a mighty plunge, and then, in an uncontrollable frenzy, -rushed like a thunderbolt away! As she was borne on in this mad career -she heard the voice of Blaze, mingled with the snarl and roar of a -wild beast, and, over her shoulder, for a moment, saw him closing in -in mortal conflict with a deadly monarch of the mountains—an immense -grizzly bear.</p> - -<p>Only for a moment the scene flashed across her vision—just long enough -to bring a cold chill of terror to her heart, then she was out of sight.</p> - -<p>Crooked Cañon did not then belie its name. It swept away to the -right with a long curve, and, as she was whirled, breathless and -horror-stricken along it, she could catch no glimpse of what might -happen to Blaze behind, or any new danger in the way ahead. She saw -only the rocks and trees that, circling in, seemed as she advanced -an ever-lifting barrier that changed with the shifting sameness and -speed of a kaleidoscope. The ring of Whirlwind's hoofs was flung far -ahead and behind; it echoed lonesomely in the cañon. And it fell upon -listening ears!</p> - -<p>A man had halted just in the shade of the scrubby trees that lined the -edge of the cañon. He started up at the noise of flying feet, and, -still shading himself, gazed in the direction of the sound. What he -saw was a woman on a maddened horse, keeping her seat with the skill -of a practiced rider, yet being borne with dreadful speed toward the -jagged rocks and almost impassable precipices which he knew lay at the -entrance, not so very far beyond. As she came nearer he looked again, -and then sprung madly forward. Had he been a moment sooner he might -have grasped the bridle of the animal. As it was, Whirlwind flitted -past him like a dream; in front of him was only the opposite wall of -the chasm.</p> - -<p>He heard the sound of an exclamation; then the crack of a rifle, and -felt a something on his cheek as though a hot iron had been laid there. -His arms were dropped by his side; they raised again convulsively. He -cast a look around, and, as by instinct, he saw on the crown of the -bank before him Charles Endicott, with a smoking rifle and a sneer on -his face.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>When Blaze came rushing down Crooked Cañon, hard on the trail of Edith, -his blood trickling from numberless sharp scratches, though yet strong -and nervous, he came suddenly upon a man lying stretched out at full -length upon the ground, his face resting upon one of the very tracks of -Edith's flying steed. When he had turned him over he found that this -man was Harry Winkle. It did not take long to examine his hurts. He was -still alive, though partially stunned, and he saw at a glance there was -a wound on the side of his face from which the blood was slowly oozing.</p> - -<p>When he had noted this much, Winkle gathered himself up, rose to a -sitting posture and looked around with a wild stare.</p> - -<p>"Right there," he muttered, pointing up the slope, "I saw -<i>him</i>—Endicott! And Edith she went down the cañon. Let me go, I must -find her first."</p> - -<p>He got to his feet, looked around, caught up his rifle, moved off with -a step rapidly growing firmer.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER XIV.</p> - -<p class="ph2">HUNTED TO THE VERGE.</p> - - -<p>On the morning of the day after Edith Van Payne had made her escape -from War Hawk, the purlieus of Crooked Cañon were enlivened with a -rather more than ordinary number of denizens. Not only Edith and Blaze -coming through it, and Winkle and Pompey on the west side, but on the -east bank were camped Endicott and his followers. As may be supposed, -Endicott himself, though a fair shot and possessed of considerable -experience, was not as yet a finished ranger. Any deficiencies in this -respect were fully supplied by the attainments of Lariat Dan, the pilot -of the party, and his able assistants, Mike Motler and Grizzly Dave. As -these men were honest, as times go, they were hardly to be considered -trustworthy, and therefore were not admitted into Captain Endicott's -confidence. This troubled him very little. He intended to make blind -tools of them so long as it was possible. When he could do that no -longer—why, they had roughed it on the border long enough to have the -gilding pretty well knocked off of the corners of their honesty; and -he had but little doubt of being able, if need came, to bend them to -his wishes.</p> - -<p>In place of Endicott and his followers, perhaps we should say Endicott -and his follower. He and Eben Rothven were, at the present time, by -themselves, though the other three were almost if not quite within -supporting distance. The two, this morning, were holding a council -of war. They were ready enough to cast themselves into a desperate -adventure, provided they could see, with reasonable clearness, the -probable result. Just now, as the future appeared somewhat beclouded, -they thought it best to consider a bit. While Dave and his two -lieutenants were risking their scalps in Straight Cañon, Endicott and -Rothven were discussing whether it was likely to prove a profitable -business to venture their own in the same direction.</p> - -<p>Rothven of course was opposed to the venture. Perhaps in the beginning, -seeing Edith Van Payne carried off before his very face, some little -enthusiasm had been kindled in his heart. He was not all bad, and -there were some traces of chivalry in his composition. However, this -enthusiasm had time to die out; and, having other plans of his own, -there is but very little doubt that he would have been very willing to -leave the captive to her fate.</p> - -<p>In the way of this a difficulty had arisen. Even had Endicott been in -a frame of mind to listen to reason, something seemed to tell him that -there might be some trouble in calling the other men off the pursuit. -They were very good specimens of border ruffians; but, having once been -laid on the trail, their blood got up. Not being of the calculating, -scheming class, it even amused Endicott to see from day to day how -earnest they grew.</p> - -<p>The two men walked away from their camp in the heat of their -discussion. They forgot their prudence. If there had been a hostile -red-skin near, he might have stalked up and shot them both.</p> - -<p>A little time having elapsed, as might be expected they got to be -cooler, and both having yielded a little, they talked in a more guarded -manner. Perhaps it was well for them they did so. Perhaps, on the -contrary, it would have been better if they had given some clear and -unmistakable manifestation of their presence.</p> - -<p>Having become more reasonable, and having expressed their opinions to -each other, they separated. At least Endicott remained standing while -Rothven went back a few paces.</p> - -<p>Standing by himself, with his rifle by his side, and looking into the -cañon before him, Endicott was revolving many thoughts in his mind; -yet was not so abstracted as to fail to note the conformation of the -ground in front of him. The banks of Crooked Cañon, generally almost -perpendicular, were here practicable. He did not think it would be -much trouble for one to descend into the ravine, or for one to come -up. There was a ledge running down in a regular inclined plane of what -seemed to be a rather gradual slope. In reality, this slope was more -practicable than it looked. Having noticed this natural roadway, he -caught himself wondering why it was there; whether it was ever used; -and, if so, by whom and for what purpose. As he wondered he endeavored -to cast his glance up the cañon. Then he heard a noise in that -direction. What a strange coincidence it was that he should be there!</p> - -<p>He saw as in a picture part of that which we have detailed in the last -chapter.</p> - -<p>Then came before him the woman whose abduction had drawn him into this -mountain fastness. He saw, as she went streaming by, Harry Winkle start -out from among the shrubbery and trees beneath and opposite to him to -make a frantic grasp at her rein; he saw, too, the unsuccessfulness of -the attempt, with Miss Van Payne's horse sweeping on, leaving Winkle -standing right before him.</p> - -<p>A throb of hate and mad passion quivered through him from crown to -heel. Hate, passion, fear! In the twinkling of an eye his rifle was at -his shoulder; one glance along its brown tube and the finger on the -trigger did its work. When Charles Endicott and Harry Winkle at last -stood face to face, Endicott fired the first shot.</p> - -<p>Something within seemed to tell him that shot was going home just as -he meant it to go; so that, when Winkle threw up his hands and pitched -forward upon his face, he was not at all surprised. A stumbling-block -and a cause of fear were out of his path. Martin had warned him of this -man, and, acting on that warning, he thought he had put him beyond -mischief and the power of working it.</p> - -<p>He had no time for reflection though. Winkle might lie there a prey for -the vultures and coyotes, since Edith Van Payne had passed.</p> - -<p>Like lightning his thoughts drove through his brain. Could she gain the -mastery over her frantic steed in time to prevent his plunging into -certain death? That was the query. Could he aid her? That came next. He -knew if she kept straight on it would be certain death. One last long -and sharp curve and she came to the end where her choice of ways was a -broken, rugged, rocky descent that lay upon one side, the entrance to -it almost undiscoverable, and a sheer precipice.</p> - -<p>This he thought as he ran.</p> - -<p>As the reader has seen, he was a man of both thought and deed, and very -often the deed came first; so he was rushing on his errand before some -men would have gotten over the first flush of surprise at the woman's -appearance. What he had to do was to stop her; <i>then</i> it would be time -enough to query how she escaped.</p> - -<p>Rothven heard the report of the rifle; when he looked around he saw his -comrade dashing past him at full speed. He did not know whether or no -there was danger, and Endicott vouchsafed him no explanation. When he -had waited in terrible suspense for a few moments, he crept cautiously -to the spot where he had left his co-conspirator standing, and peering -anxiously around him, at length saw Bill Blaze coming down the cañon.</p> - -<p>The spirit of darkness, who, they say, loves his own, must have loaned -Endicott wings, and guided his footsteps, too, perhaps. Through brake -and brush he dashed, and over rocks and down declivities; and when -Edith at last was able, just at the very line of deadly danger, to -draw rein, and, quivering and breathless, slip from her saddle, there -appeared at her side, as if by magic, with a hand on her bridle-rein -and a mocking sneer on his lips, the face and form of the last man she -desired to see—Charles Endicott.</p> - -<p>Breathless as he was, it took some little time for him to be in -speaking condition, and while he was recovering his breath she was -recovering her consciousness and courage. The very moment she saw him -she argued illy from his presence. To be sure, Bill Blaze was in the -vicinity; but she could scarcely give a guess at how near, and when she -last caught sight of him he had such a work before him that it might -well finish him. The corpse of more than one hunter has lain side by -side with the body of a dead grizzly.</p> - -<p>"Well, friend Edith, we have met again, as I prophesied we would, and I -think that now you are fated to hear my story to the end. I have ridden -fast and far for a chance to tell my tale, and I doubt if you will be -so cruel as not to hear what I would say to you."</p> - -<p>She looked at him with a glance of superb scorn.</p> - -<p>"Not as fast or as far as I have ridden," she said. "But if you were -not in the same field as the fox during the race, I suppose you -think you are at least in at the death. Perhaps you are. You might, -perchance, claim my dead body—it is certain you shall never have lot -or parcel of my living soul."</p> - -<p>"Oh, how brave we are! It reminds me of the grand old times when we -were both heroes. You think you hate me, do you? Perhaps you do. I -know I have done you deadly wrong; but that wrong I am most anxious to -right. Your judgment is clear beyond that of average mortals, and I but -ask you to exercise it in this case. I am sure that you will, if you -treat me fairly, acknowledge that, in all that past, on which you now -profess to scorn to look, I acted in a manly, noble way, and as best I -could for your best interests. Won't you give me that credit?"</p> - -<p>"You! <i>you!</i> Give credit to <i>you</i>! Why, you abominable, loathsome spawn -of the slum and the prison—it was not the way that I was injured, -but the <i>thing</i> that injured me! When I think of <i>that</i>, I quiver and -glow white from crown to toe. Is it a wonder that I went wild when I -realized it? Leave me, leave me before I die of rage!"</p> - -<p>She flamed up like a mad tigress. Her eyes flashed on him with a -baleful light, and her white, regular teeth shut with an angry click. -Only a weapon at hand and she would have shot him dead; only strength, -and she would have torn him limb from limb.</p> - -<p>And he? He stood and looked her in the eyes without flinching. Only his -face was deathly white for a moment, and then there rose a something in -his throat that seemed to be choking him as he smothered his anger.</p> - -<p>"You want it to be without the gloves, do you? So be it. Here! See -here! These hands of mine are tender enough for a backwoodsman, are -they not? Yet see where they are half-eaten off at the wrists. Ha! ha! -you don't see it—why, they are dropping off from the burning touch of -the cursed gyves. Right round there is where they clung. No mark there? -Well, there ought to be, for I've worn the fetters. Yes, there's the -hand of a jail-bird with the prison smutch on it; and he offers it to -you. You don't accept, do you?"</p> - -<p>She shrunk away from him with a gesture of horror, yet her eyes were -fixed upon his face as though by fascination, while he continued:</p> - -<p>"Did you never hear of a martyr to justice? Do you know nothing of the -cry, 'Hang <i>some one</i> to quiet the public nerves?' Do you know how a -name can be murdered, and that, for such a murder, there can be no -retributive justice? I loved you once, and I love you now; you loved me -once, and you shall love me again. The ex-convict is at your feet; but -he woos you in the teeth of danger; he does not forget that. There is -little time to be lost in idle play. We have had all the romance years -ago; we come now to the stern reality."</p> - -<p>She burst out: "I did not love you then, I will not love you now. I -have passed beyond the regions of romance, and learned what I would -that I had known then. You can not drive me and you dare not kill me."</p> - -<p>"Dare I not? Kill! kill! Do you think no killing has even been done? -Didn't you hear the ring of my rifle but a moment ago? Force rules the -world—and <i>here</i> I am power! Along Back Load Trace there were weapons -ready to come at your call, but here the tables are turned. Within -beck are three sturdy ruffians and—a <i>preacher</i>. Not a namby-pamby, -white-neckerchiefed nothing, but a man of nerve that can be relied on; -yet his handiwork will last in spite of pride or prejudice. Strange to -find a blacksmith here—but reserve to the winds!—you shall have a -chance to test his workmanship, and see how you like his welding."</p> - -<p>As he stepped forward she shrunk back with a hunted look in her eyes. -At bay at last! His words fell like the stroke of a knife. And to her -there was a terrible suggestiveness in them. At whom had his rifle been -aimed a moment ago? She did not doubt him—she feared him. And the fear -of her fear was overpowering. Still, she sought to keep a solid front. -She would fight gamely to the last.</p> - -<p>"Hands off me, sir; you have shown your hand too soon. I am to be -wooed, perhaps, but cold as you find me, I like not your love-making. -Satan himself would look like an angel of light by your side."</p> - -<p>"We are growing nice," he said, with a mocking sneer. "A woman who -lives by herself with the angelic trappers of Back Load Trace may well -know in what guise the angel of darkness is likely to come. Mine you -are, and as mine I claim you."</p> - -<p>The moral strength of Edith Van Payne gave way, and left behind a -horrible terror. She saw no way of escape but one, and, with a sudden -spring, she sought to fling herself upon the animal that had borne her -so gallantly from her captors the night before. She sought to do this, -but was unsuccessful. A bound, and Endicott was by her side, and had -caught her round the waist with a grasp of iron.</p> - -<p>"Ho, there, Eben!" he shouted, and she heard footsteps beyond, in the -direction in which he had pointed. With a mad fury she caught Endicott -by the throat; she writhed from his grasp; she struck him with her -clenched hand. Then as, despising her blows as though they were but -strokes of a feather, he dashed at her, she gave one wild, piercing and -despairing shriek, and, with the rapidity of light, leaped from the -brink of the precipice.</p> - -<p>And as she leaped the report of three rifles echoed her scream.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER XV.</p> - -<p class="ph2">THREE SHOTS—AT LAST!</p> - - -<p>When Bill Blaze found Harry Winkle lying prone upon the ground, though -he looked in every direction with a rapid glance, yet he gave no sign -that the sight was unexpected, and when Winkle raised to his feet -and staggered off after muttering a couple broken sentences, instead -of attempting to stop him, or wasting time in questions, he rapidly -extracted from those sentences the very pith of their meaning, and as -rapidly decided how he should act.</p> - -<p>That Edith Van Payne had gone forward and further on her headlong -journey he readily understood; and that no aid of his could avert the -danger of a catastrophe at the mouth of the cañon. Unless she succeeded -in checking the speed of Whirlwind, before he could succeed in reaching -her, her troubles would doubtless be over. That she had done this he -hoped, and almost believed. The words of Winkle, however, suggested a -new complication.</p> - -<p>Charles Endicott was doubtless in the neighborhood, and had fired the -shot which he had heard. Having once made out this much he could easily -trace the course of events.</p> - -<p>When Endicott fired he watched long enough to see Winkle go down, -and then dashed across toward the plateau upon which Crooked Cañon -debouched. If Edith was safe, she was probably in his hands. Judging -from the past he could easily guess what sort of a reception Winkle -would meet with if, in his present bewildered state, he came wandering -near.</p> - -<p>All this Blaze took in by almost one sweep of thought and his -resolution was taken, as it were by instinct. He gave but a single -glance upward to confirm his opinion of the practicability of the -ascent, and then threw himself into the work he fancied he saw before -him. Up the steep and jagged side of the cañon he rushed, and then -forward directly over the jutting promontory around which Crooked -Cañon swept to its point of debouchure. With reckless carelessness he -crashed through the bushes and underbrush, intent only on reaching the -point for which he was aiming. When he had traversed half the distance -he came upon a man standing, leaning against a tree. This man was -Rothven. The instinct of the trapper befriended him, since it removed -the finger, so hastily thrown there, from a trigger that was seldom -pulled in vain. Eben's appearance was not aggressive. On the contrary -there was a listlessness about him that told rather of careless waiting -than anxious expectancy. Only he was looking in the direction in which -the trapper was going. When Endicott had passed him he had somehow -comprehended not only what had happened but also what might occur; and -preferred not to come on the carpet prematurely. In fact, he cared -little to appear at all. The glimpse of Blaze, whom he really did not -notice until that worthy had passed him, rather startled him. From his -appearance he judged it was one of Martin's men. Then, a feeling of -curiosity obtained the mastery over him, and he followed on to see what -was in that strange race. He had not taken many paces when he heard the -voice of Endicott: "Ho, there, Eben!" and he came in sight of Blaze -just as a wild and piercing scream, uttered by a woman's voice, rung in -his ears.</p> - -<p>He saw Blaze stop suddenly and peer through a rift in the foliage. -What the trapper saw must have been exciting, since his eyes dilated, -his whole form quivered. That was just for a second; in a second more -he stood like a statue, his left foot forward, his left arm extended, -his right arm up, his finger on the trigger of the rifle that covered -Charles Endicott's heart.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Edith Van Payne had obtained such a place in her uncle's heart that -Martin sometimes fancied he must have a dual nature. He forgot that -having lapsed from civilization to barbarism, from the circles of -refinement to the uncouthness of ultra-frontier life, and having so -fully settled to that position as to feel as though 'to the manor -born,' that nevertheless, chameleon-like, change of diet might bring -him back to some semblance of his old color. He had been going his -way while Edith went hers, and the affinity between the two seemed -to be but slight. Once or twice he had looked at her queerly, and -thought that, perchance, there was a spice of poetical nonsense, of -unadulterated and unselfish feeling, yet lingering around him. As often -he had cast the thought aside after a moment's revolution. Now, for a -day or two, he had had an opportunity to gauge himself, and found that -this wilful, wild-eyed niece of his had become, during the gradual -developing months of their acquaintance, more dear to him than he could -ever have imagined—even away back in younger days that floated by over -quieter waters. And, mixed with all this, was the wild, hard pride that -close behind him he brought strength and skill and sagacity in no mean -force; called out in a moment's warning to follow, to aid, to rescue. -He wondered if Edith believed that he was on the trail; he queried if -she knew how stout arms grasping trusting weapons were ready to strike -in for her at the first opportunity. Somehow, he never doubted of her -present safety from any serious harm, or despaired of her ultimate -rescue. Strongly self-reliant, he had seen success too often follow his -undertakings, to feel faint at heart now.</p> - -<p>Two things troubled him immensely. That he should have been deceived -at the outset of the pursuit by Indian strategy, and the defection of -Endicott and his men. He accounted at first thought for the latter, by -the supposition that Endicott's men had seen through the stratagem, -and keeping the knowledge to themselves, the party had flown off at a -tangent, leaving him, Martin, to follow the false trail. When they met -again, if meet they should, he would have a small account to settle -with Mr. Charles Endicott.</p> - -<p>That meeting was destined to take place rather sooner than he -anticipated. By chance he struck the trail made by five men, and, on -consultation, was satisfied that it was made by the deserters. He -questioned, then, within himself, whether Endicott was not in league -with the Indians. Such alliances had been formed before then; and he -knew that, if it should be practicable, Endicott would stop at nothing -to carry out his end. However that might be, he believed that if he -followed that trail, he would most likely come upon traces of Edith. -And so, believing this, he desisted from his intention of pushing on to -the further end of Straight Cañon, and turned off to one side. After a -time, he came to where they had halted the previous night. Here the -party had divided, three men going to the north, while the remaining -two had turned aside, westward.</p> - -<p>Again he followed Endicott, though he sent out a detachment of trusty -men in the wake of Lariat Dan. He rode on quietly; he halted suddenly. -He saw a sight that brought him from his horse in an instant—Edith -Van Payne was struggling in the arms of Charles Endicott. He saw her -throw the man off and rush forward; as she leaped over the brink of the -precipice, his rifle lay ready for the base of Endicott's brain, and, -as her shrill scream echoed and reëchoed through gulch and cañon, his -finger tightened on the trigger.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Pompey came slowly back from an unsuccessful search for traces of -Edith. Without being seen he had reconnoitered Endicott's camp, and -satisfied himself that she was not there. As far as the simple question -of Edith Van Payne's rescue, unattached to any other idea, went, it is -likely that, he felt very little interest. But he had an interest in -whatever concerned his employer and friend, Harry Winkle, and so could -bring a second-handed enthusiasm to the pursuit. While he was watching -Endicott's camp, he saw Lariat Dan leave it in company with Grizzly -Dan and Mike Motler. He recognized all three of those worthies, and at -one time had a half-formed notion of revealing himself to them, and -attempting to sound them in search of information. When he saw that -they turned their faces northward, and started as if on a quest, he -altered his mind. Understanding that they were in the employ of the -deadly enemy of Harry Winkle, he did not think it advisable to let -his presence be known, unless to secure some positive advantage; and -he could see none at this present. So he remained concealed among the -cedars on the <i>butte</i>, and let the three go their way. Perhaps an hour -later, as he was listlessly returning to find Winkle, the bushes on his -left parted, and a man stepped out, and ranged up by his side. A glance -told him it was Mike Motler, whom he supposed miles away.</p> - -<p>Motler was a quiet, almost surly sort of man, who went his own way and -carried his own pelts. His employer, when he had one, seldom heard -him speak; but he generally did as he was ordered without useless -questions. Therefore he was a valuable man. Sometimes, though, he -had an opinion of his own, and acted on it. Wherein he was slightly -unreliable. As he pulled trigger quick, and always shot plum-center, he -was an unpleasant man to have a difficulty with.</p> - -<p>This Motler nodded to Pompey, as though they were going into camp -together after a separation of only a couple of hours instead of as -many years. Pompey understanding him pretty well, did the same, and -casually remarked:</p> - -<p>"Whar's Dan?"</p> - -<p>"Lookin' fer tame rabbits in a coyote's hole. A-bu'stin' himself to -find what ain't thar."</p> - -<p>"Whar then?"</p> - -<p>"Dunno. Mabbe in heaven. He'd better stay thar. Somethin' rotten on -the board an' I've bunched my hand. I kin pass the brick an' lose my -ante; durned ef I want to see his blind."</p> - -<p>Motler made this speech in detachments, and with a preoccupied air. -Pompey listened and walked on. Motler suddenly startled him by the -query:</p> - -<p>"Whar yer goin'?"</p> - -<p>"Nowhar much—camp I guess."</p> - -<p>"Ef yer want to gamble, put yer money on a funeral. I feel it in my -bones."</p> - -<p>"Whose funeral am dat den? I hain't heerd o' no corpse."</p> - -<p>"Never you mind. Ther corpus 'll be laid out by the time mourners hes -arrove."</p> - -<p>The African was not cowardly, but he certainly was a little -superstitious. The moody tone of Motler sounded almost prophetic, -and he wondered whether it could possibly be his own funeral that -was meant. He had seen men rubbed out in unexpected ways and at -short notice. He revolved this, in his mind, a few moments, and -even questioned whether it would not be best to turn aside and let -his unsought companion attend the obsequies by himself. Perhaps he -might have done so had the meeting occurred a little sooner; but the -catastrophe came quicker than he expected.</p> - -<p>First he heard sounds beyond the intervening vail of foliage, and -obtained a confused impression that there was that transpiring which -needed his attention. Personal fears were flung to the winds, as Mike -Motler, quickening his gait, whispered:</p> - -<p>"Didn't I tell yer! Wait an' ye'll hear the bell a-ringin. I'm a-holden -the rope now."</p> - -<p>An ominous peal that bell would give when its rope was pulled! Motler -was holding in his hands a twelve-pound rifle!</p> - -<p>What occurred after the wall of branches, that finally intervened, was -parted, Pompey could never fully comprehend. At least he remembered the -shout of a man, a confused struggle, the screams of a woman; then the -death-bell at his side tolled once.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Love and fear combined with hate to lend wings to Harry Winkle. -His brain cleared and clouded again; but, with the clearing came -strength; that remained. He flew down the cañon with a speed that was -prodigious. Yet Edith had had a start that would have rendered his -efforts unavailing if she had gone straight and unchecked forward. The -thought that such would be the case, combining with the burning hate -which Endicott's late attempt on his life had aroused, brought back the -confusion, and he passed over a few hundred yards of ground without -sight or hearing. A regiment of soldiers, a tribe of Indians, might -have passed him unheeded. When he came around the last crook in Crooked -Cañon, and the straight vista which led to the sheer precipice opened -up before him, he came back to life, real and earnest, again. He took -in the picture before him—the woman he loved struggling in the arms -of the man he hated. He would have shot Endicott on the spot could he -have done so without danger to Edith; he brought his rifle to a ready. -While he looked, running as he looked, she broke away from the man, -gave a great bound, and he heard her despairing cry echoed by the ring -of firearms. He did not stop, though, to see who had fired, at whom, or -with what effect. When two great master-passions clash, one of them is, -for the time at least, ground to the wall. When love and hate became -antagonistic in his breast, hate was swept aside like a feather in the -wind.</p> - -<p>To the right ran the narrow, winding, rugged path by which Blaze had -led him up into Crooked Cañon. Down this he darted with his teeth -clenched, and his hands, now unincumbered by the useless rifle he had -cast aside, extended. He did not even give a cry or utter a moan, -but there was a fear of a horror in his eye that seemed wilder than -any half-crazed light that had ever shone there in the time of his -previous agonies. To the right and left of him the jagged rocks heaved -up in great billows, horribly suggestive. He wished himself back in -the roaring surf of the previous years. When, half-way down, he came -to a ledge that led away and around toward the precipice, visible and -accessible by a crevice in the side of the gulch he was descending, he -could bear the suspense no more. No need to pause and think if its path -was dangerous when once there had taken possession of him the thought -that by following it he could sooner catch sight of Edith Van Payne or -her mortal remains. Through, out, along, all quiveringly expectant, and -ears open for a cry or a groan, sped Winkle.</p> - -<p>And so, after the weary, maddening years of separation, alone, -suspended, as it were, between earth and heaven, on a narrow footing -that seemed all too precarious for life and living mortals, met at the -last Harry Winkle and Edith Van Payne!</p> - -<p>When from Charles Endicott's arms Edith had rushed to a leap she feared -as fatal, there came to her the stupor of falling scarce broken by -the crash through the top of the kindly intervening cedar. Bruised -and hard shaken, she lay coiled up at the foot of the tree, ready, -at a half-conscious movement, to fall still further, even to eternal -nothingness, when there crawled toward her a man, through what perils -he was passing, or how he was avoiding them he knew not. He only knew -that his soul's other half was hanging over certain death, with no -other eye than his to see her danger, and no other arm than his to -rescue her.</p> - -<p>At last! From off the knee of the cedar he drew her, up onto the wider -footing of the yet-narrow ledge. Kneeling, with his back against the -wall of solid rock, he held in his arms his own long-lost darling! Away -above him Martin, Blaze and the others stood, at the brink, peering -downward. He heard their shouts like the remembrance of a noise in -a dream. The sound of a gentle sigh escaping from her lips drowned -all other voices. He clutched her closer, looked at her wan, white -cheeks, and, as her wild eyes opened, covered her mouth with kisses. -He thought, too, that her lips moved to meet his. For a moment or two -longer she lay in his arms cold, nerveless, colorless, almost lifeless. -Yet she was the woman he loved!</p> - -<p>Consciousness began slowly to return. She hid her face on his breast -at its first dawning and slowly gathered strength. When at last she -heard the loud beating of his heart she looked up, for the first time -forgetting the danger from which she had fled, and the danger from -which she had been saved. She saw a face, firm-set, yet beaming, -resolution yet happiness penciled thereon. With a scream she made an -almost fatal attempt to throw herself from his embrace.</p> - -<p>The steel-set arm wound itself tighter around her waist, with steady -strength drawing her again closely to its owner's breast.</p> - -<p>"Harry! You here! Let me go! Let me go to death; but let me go!"</p> - -<p>"Not so, my darling. Here, on my breast you rest. Fate's last bolt has -been shot, and I laugh now at the empty quiver. Mine you are, now and -forever."</p> - -<p>"Never, never! Let me go! I say again—I have said and sworn!"</p> - -<p>"And so have I—listen while I swear again."</p> - -<p>His face grew darker, his brow wrinkled ominously, while a hard red -light shone in his eyes.</p> - -<p>"I have sworn that nothing should come between us—nothing, be it -mortal or immortal—honor or dishonor—death or perdition. And now I -swear—here on the brink of death, where a false step or unguarded -movement is utter ruin—that if follies and fancies are to sunder us -again, if there is no hope for us together here, then the only thing -left is a sudden death for both. You know me well, you ought to believe -me completely: now I swear that you stain my soul with a double murder. -Mine in life rather, else before another hundred beats of the heart -that loves you—you know how wildly—these arms unclasp; but beyond -the shadow. Together we henceforth live, or here we two together die! -Choose!"</p> - -<p>There was a yearning look of a hungry soul in his eyes. He quivered -and grew white with suppressed love and horror; but his voice did not -falter, and the red heat of a desperate resolve was round him. As he -spoke he raised himself to a standing position, and, holding the woman -more closely than ever, braced himself for a deadly spring.</p> - -<p>She then for a moment was silent; her white face grew whiter; her teeth -were set hard and words of violence came surging up to her tongue's -end. She strove to utter them; but the whiter, firmer set, more -desperate face and the great, struggling soul before her drove them -back. There was war in the woman, and the man watching that wild face -thought she would die before him.</p> - -<p>Then the stronger will conquered; the haggard and strong look broke up; -a gleam of submission and unutterable love rolled across her face. She -dropped her cheek back upon his shoulder, till her lips almost touched -his ear, her arms twined about his neck, and she whispered:</p> - -<p>"Harry, my poor darling, we will live for each other!"</p> - - -<p class="ph2">THE END</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="ph1">THE ILLUMINATED DIME POCKET NOVELS!</p> - -<p class="ph2">PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY.</p> - -<p>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, yet sold at -the standard price, TEN CENTS.</p> - - -<p class="ph2">NOW READY, AND IN PRESS.</p> - -<p>No. 1—Hawkeye Harry, the Young Trapper Ranger. By Oll Coomes.</p> - -<p>No. 2—Dead Shot; or, The White Vulture. By Albert W. Aiken.</p> - -<p>No. 3—The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. By Edward S. Ellis.</p> - -<p>No. 4—Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. By Capt. Mayne Reid.</p> - -<p>No. 5—Nat Wolfe; or, The Gold-Hunters. By Mrs. M. V. Victor.</p> - -<p>No. 6—The White Tracker; or, The Panther of the Plains. By Edward S. -Ellis.</p> - -<p>No. 7—The Outlaw's Wife; or, The Valley Ranche. By Mrs. Ann S. -Stephens.</p> - -<p>No. 8—The Tall Trapper; or, The Flower of the Blackfeet. By Albert W. -Aiken.</p> - -<p>No. 9—Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Santa Fe Trail. By Capt. Adams.</p> - -<p>No. 10—The Island Pirate. A Tale of the Mississippi. By Captain Mayne -Reid.</p> - -<p>No. 11—The Boy Ranger; or, The Heiress of the Golden Horn. By Oll -Coomes.</p> - -<p>No. 12—Bess, the Trapper. A Tale of the Far South-west. By Edward S. -Ellis.</p> - -<p>No. 13—The French Spy; or, The Fall of Montreal. By W. J. Hamilton.</p> - -<p>No. 14—Long Shot; or, The Dwarf Guide. By Capt. Comstock.</p> - -<p>No. 15—The Gunmaker of the Border. By James L. Bowen.</p> - -<p>No. 16—Red Hand; or, The Channel Scourge. By A. G. Piper.</p> - -<p>No. 17—Ben, the Trapper; or, The Mountain Demon. By Maj. Lewis W. -Carson.</p> - -<p>No. 18—Wild Raven, the Ranger; or, The Missing Guide. By Oll Coomes.</p> - -<p>No. 19—The Specter Chief; or, The Indian's Revenge. By Seelin Robins.</p> - -<p>No. 20—The B'ar-Killer; or, The Long Trail. By Capt. Comstock.</p> - -<p>No. 21—Wild Nat; or, The Cedar Swamp Brigade. By Wm. R. Eyster.</p> - -<p>No. 22—Indian Jo, the Guide. By Lewis W. Carson.</p> - -<p>No. 23—Old Kent, the Ranger. By Edward S. Ellis.</p> - -<p>No. 24—The One-Eyed Trapper. By Capt. Comstock.</p> - -<p>No. 25—Godbold, the Spy. A Tale of Arnold's Treason. By N. C. Iron.</p> - -<p>No. 26—The Black Ship. By John S. Warner.</p> - -<p>No. 27—Single Eye, the Scourge. By Warren St. John.</p> - -<p>No. 28—Indian Jim. A Tale of the Minnesota Massacre. By Edward S. -Ellis.</p> - -<p>No. 29—The Scout. By Warren St. John.</p> - -<p>No. 30—Eagle Eye. By W. J. Hamilton.</p> - -<p>No. 31—The Mystic Canoe. A Romance of a Hundred Years Ago. By Edward -S. Ellis.</p> - -<p>No. 32—The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes. By Roger Starbuck.</p> - -<p>No. 33—The Scalp King. By Lieut. Ned Hunter.</p> - -<p>No. 34—Old Lute, the Indian-fighter; or, The Den in the Hills. By E. -W. Archer.</p> - -<p>No. 35—Rainbolt, the Ranger; or, The Demon of the Mountain. By Oll -Coomes.</p> - -<p>No. 36—The Boy Pioneer. By Edward S. Ellis.</p> - -<p>No. 37—Carson, the Guide; or, the Perils of the Frontier. By Lieut. J. -H. Randolph.</p> - -<p>No. 38—The Heart Eater; or, The Prophet of the Hollow Hill. By Harry -Hazard.</p> - -<p>No. 39—Wetzel, the Scout; or, The Captive of the Wilderness. By -Boynton Belknap.</p> - -<p>No. 40—The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Man of the Prairies. By Ed. S. -Ellis.</p> - -<p>No. 41—Wild Nat, the Trapper. By Paul Prescott.</p> - -<p>No. 42—Lynx-cap; or, The Sioux Track. By Paul Bibbs.</p> - -<p>No. 43—The White Outlaw; or, The Bandit Brigand. By Harry Hazard.</p> - -<p>No. 44—The Dog Trailer. By Frederick Dewey.</p> - -<p>No. 45—The Elk King. By Capt. Chas. Howard.</p> - -<p>No. 46—Adrian, the Pilot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.</p> - -<p>No. 47—The Man-hunter. By Maro O. Rolfe.</p> - -<p>No. 48—The Phantom Tracker. By Frederick Dewey.</p> - -<p>No. 49—Moccasin Bill. By Paul Bibbs.</p> - -<p>No. 50—The Wolf Queen. By Captain Charles Howard.</p> - -<p>No. 51—Tom Hawk, the Trailer. By Lewis Jay Swift.</p> - -<p>No. 52—The Mad Chief. By Captain Chas. Howard.</p> - -<p>No. 53—The Black Wolf. By Edwin E. Ewing.</p> - -<p>No. 54—Arkansas Jack. By Harry Hazard.</p> - -<p>No. 55—Blackbeard. By Paul Bibbs.</p> - -<p>No. 56—The River Rifles. By Billex Muller.</p> - -<p>No. 57—Hunter Ham. By J. Edgar Iliff.</p> - -<p>No. 58—Cloudwood; or, The Daughter of the Wilderness. By J. M. Merrill.</p> - -<p>No. 59—The Texas Hawks. By Joe E. Badger, Jr. Ready</p> - -<p>No. 60—Merciless Mat. By Capt. Chas. Howard. Ready Oct. 10th.</p> - -<p>No. 61—Mad Anthony's Scouts. By Emerson Rodman. Ready</p> - -<p>No. 62—The Luckless Trapper; or, The Haunted Hunter. By William R. -Eyster. Ready</p> - -<p>No. 63—The Florida Scout; or, The Princess of the Everglades. By Jos. -E. Badger, Jr. Ready Nov. 21st.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Beadle's Dime Pocket Novels</span> are always in print and for sale -by all newsdealers; or will be sent, post-paid, to any address; single -numbers, ten cents; six months (13 Nos.) $1.25; one year (26 Nos.) -$2.50. 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