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diff --git a/old/68601-0.txt b/old/68601-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 78f9fbb..0000000 --- a/old/68601-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4230 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Scarred Eagle; or, Moorooine, the -sporting fawn, by Andrew Dearborn - -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: Scarred Eagle; or, Moorooine, the sporting fawn - Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 104 - -Author: Andrew Dearborn - -Release Date: July 24, 2022 [eBook #68601] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, Thomas Frost and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Northern - Illinois University Digital Library) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCARRED EAGLE; OR, MOOROOINE, -THE SPORTING FAWN *** - - - - - - SCARRED EAGLE; - OR, - MOOROOINE, THE SPORTING FAWN. - - A STORY OF LAKE AND SHORE. - - BY ANDREW DEARBORN, - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, - 98 WILLIAM STREET. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by - BEADLE AND COMPANY, -In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the - Southern District of New York. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER I. WHITE VS. RED. 9 - - CHAPTER II. MOOROOINE. 16 - - CHAPTER III. TWO LESS. 24 - - CHAPTER IV. THE HUMAN BIRD. 31 - - CHAPTER V. THE GORGE DECOY. 37 - - CHAPTER VI. BEAUTY IN BONDS. 42 - - CHAPTER VII. THE HEART OF LOVE. 47 - - CHAPTER VIII. A BLOODY TROPHY. 52 - - CHAPTER IX. A SUDDEN REPRIEVE. 58 - - CHAPTER X. THE FORLORN HOPE. 62 - - CHAPTER XI. NOOKECHIN. 68 - - CHAPTER XII. AGAIN! 75 - - CHAPTER XIII. IN THE TOILS. 83 - - CHAPTER XIV. A NOVEL EXPEDIENT. 88 - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -WHITE VS. RED. - - -“Crack! crack!” rung out the reports of two rifles over the calm bosom -of the lake, and two canoes, about fifty rods apart, seemed to leap -from the water as they sped forward. - -The course of both canoes was toward the western shores of the bay -forming the north-western portion of Lake Erie. The one behind was -manned by five Indian warriors, two of whom had just fired upon the -boat ahead, which contained two persons--a white man and an Indian. -The bullets, however, had no other effect than to cut the water at the -distance of several yards to the right of the pursued men. - -“S’pose you take rifle now, Scarred Eagle?” said the Indian to his -white companion. - -“No, not yit, Goodbrand,” said the other. “Thar’s little danger of the -devils hittin’ us yit, but they want to make us lose time. Five oars -ag’in’ two is gre’t odds, with a mile still afore us. Pull for y’ur -life?” - -The speaker was a man past forty years of age, with proportions -denoting great strength and agility. Evidently, he had been through -many rough scenes of border-life, for nearly every part of his body -visible showed the marks of wounds. The most conspicuous of these -was upon his face, one side of which was an entire scar. From this -circumstance, he was called “Scarred Eagle” by the Indians, who had -long since learned both to fear and respect him. But his face, though -disfigured, was not wanting in expression. In fact, there was something -of dignity in his bearing. No stranger would meet the clear gray eye, -and note the bold, frank style of the man’s speech, without feeling -that he was in the presence of one of nature’s noblemen, indeed. His -dress was after the prevailing style of bordermen; and we note but one -peculiarity. The hunting-frock was decorated on the breast by a design -in bead-work representing a man in the act of silently bearing a white -female prisoner from the midst of some sleeping Indians. - -The Indian who assisted in propelling the canoe was not so tall as his -white friend, though dressed nearly like him. He was a noble-looking -savage, and had learned to speak the English tongue with considerable -fluency. - -A few words will explain the meaning of the situation in which we find -these two men. - -Both belonged to a body of scouts hovering near the besieged garrison -at Detroit. They had, in the present instance, been scouting alone on -the neck of land between Erie and St. Clair lakes. Being discovered by -a party of Indians, they had retreated to the lake, and embarked in the -canoe which had brought them from the opposite side of the bay already -mentioned. But the Indians had found a canoe and started in pursuit -before our friends were half a mile away. And at the moment we have -introduced them, this distance had been lessened, so that hardly fifty -rods now separated them. - -Scarred Eagle and his Indian friend were not wanting in skill in the -management of their craft. They knew the pursuers were fast gaining on -them; yet they hoped to avoid a close struggle on the water, over which -the gloom of night was fast settling. It was yet nearly a mile to the -shore, however, and the shots which came every few seconds from their -enemies, began to whizz alarmingly near. - -“It’s time ter pay back, Goodbrand,” said Scarred Eagle, at length. -“I hate ter begin, ’cos it’ll hinder our speed an’ give them bloody -rascals an advantage.” - -“S’pose you no do now, _have_ to bimeby,” returned the Indian. “Mebbe -kill some now; den not so many to fight if come up.” - -“Thet’s a good plan enough, allowin’ I kin dew it, Goodbrand. But -they’ll dodge down likely, jest as we do. Howsumever, I’ll try it. Ha! -down with ye ag’in!” - -The warning was not a moment too soon; for as they dodged down into the -canoe-bottom, two or three reports rung out, and this time the bullets -spun directly over them. - -“Ay, Goodbrand; now keep ’er stidy’s ye kin, while I see what kin be -done.” - -Scarred Eagle, while thus speaking, dropped the paddle and snatched up -his rifle, which was leveled and discharged with surprising quickness. -A cry of pain answered the report of the weapon, and one of the -pursuers fell back, never to use oar again! Goodbrand gave utterance to -a shout of triumph. - -“Ha, Scarred Eagle, dey find out _who_ shoot now, mebbe,” he said, -though without relaxing for a moment his exertions at the paddle. - -“Thar’s _one_ less, sartin,” replied Scarred Eagle, “but they’ve gained -fast on us fur the last minit. We’ll keep frum close quarters as long -as we kin.” - -Before the pursuers had fully recovered from their confusion, the white -marksman had reloaded his rifle. He kept a sharp watch upon those -behind, while his Indian friend, with bared bosom and arms, was reeking -with sweat, as he strained every muscle to his work. - -Scarce thirty rods now separated the canoes, and the pursuers were, -every one, using a paddle. Scarred Eagle again jerked his rifle to -a poise; but, quick as was the movement, the Indians crouched down, -leaving but little of their bodies exposed, though still managing to -propel their canoe. - -The white man, still keeping watch upon the enemy, snatched up a paddle -and assisted his Indian friend. But he was not permitted to do so long. -One of their foes rose suddenly and fired, the ball grazing Goodbrand’s -shoulder as he stooped, and for the first time during the chase, four -ringing war-whoops from those behind echoed over the lake-waters. - -“No--no--not yit, Goodbrand!” cried Scarred Eagle, as he saw the Indian -about to draw in his paddle. “Save y’ur shot till it comes closer -quarters. ’Tain’t more’n a quarter of a mile furder to shore--we must -leasten it all we kin.” - -The white man spoke hurriedly, though no trepidation could have been -noticed in his voice. He himself, taking advantage of the few seconds -allowed, was working with giant strength at the paddle. But, as before, -the Indians, upon noticing his work, determined to stop it and draw his -fire. Two of them fired together this time, and one of the balls plowed -a slight furrow across the top of Goodbrand’s head! - -Hardly had the echoes of the reports ceased when Scarred Eagle sprung -up and leveled his rifle. Its report was followed by jeering cries -from the pursuers, who redoubled their exertions at the oars. - -“That _’ar_ was wasted through your whirlin’ round an’ rockin’ the -canoe so sudden, Goodbrand,” said Scarred Eagle, with chagrin in his -tone. “Ah!” he immediately added, as his quick glance fell upon his -friend’s head, “struck, war ye? Wal, it’s no use puttin’ things off -longer. Take y’ur rifle.” - -The other did so, suffering the canoe to float idly on the water, while -his white companion was hurriedly reloading. But the latter had not -time to finish the work. Not more than forty yards now separated the -canoes, and the occupants of the hindmost had also ceased their labors, -preparing for the struggle. Two of them suddenly rose, and _three_ -reports rung out simultaneously. The shot of Goodbrand told with good -effect, for one of his enemies fell back into the lake. He himself was -merely grazed; but his white friend, Scarred Eagle, uttered a deep -groan and fell headlong beneath the waters of the lake! - -The Indian, Goodbrand, could not repress an exclamation of sorrow. He -was as deeply attached to Scarred Eagle as though the latter had been -an own brother. But now, the career of his friend seemed ended. - -The faithful fellow was almost on the point of throwing himself into -the lake after his friend. But the exultant yells of his enemies roused -in him that instinct of revenge so characteristic of his race. He had -no chance to reload his rifle, for the other canoe was now but a few -yards distant, and he knew three Miami warriors were ready to shoot him -the moment he should rise. - -Goodbrand himself was a Miami Indian. He had been converted years -before, by the Moravian missionaries, and had only departed from their -teachings in that he took up the hatchet of war, in behalf of the white -race whom he loved. For this reason he was an outcast from his tribe, -and had no hopes of other than a cruel death, in the event of falling -alive into their hands. - -As the canoe of the others came nearer, Goodbrand grasped knife and -hatchet in either hand, fully determined not to be taken alive. - -He had not been more than a few seconds thus prepared, when the -appalling war-whoops of his enemies were suddenly hushed, and groans -burst out, quickly followed by a splashing in the water. Quickly he -raised his head and saw, not more than twenty feet away, the canoe of -his pursuers _bottom upward_, while two of its late occupants were -disappearing beneath the water! Another moment, and the form of Scarred -Eagle rose from the water, surging toward him! - -“Push up, Goodbrand, push up,” said Scarred Eagle, in a panting voice. -And in less time than what we occupy in describing it, the Indian had -assisted his friend into the canoe. - -For a few moments the latter could hardly speak, and Goodbrand, -comprehending the work he had done, merely uttered an exclamation of -joy as his keen eyes watched for the reappearance of their foes. - -“I knifed two on ’em the minit I riz up side o’ thar skiff, Goodbrand,” -said Scarred Eagle, with a shiver in his voice. “_Them_ won’t mislest -us more, but t’other one’s hangin’ ter the canoe yender.” - -Already had his Indian friend seen this, and seizing the paddle began -to sweep up toward the drifting canoe. But suddenly, Scarred Eagle -interposed. - -“Let the poor devil go, Goodbrand,” he said. “He kain’t dew us any -hurt, an’ it seems like a cruel advantage to take by sich as we.” - -“Good!” assented the other. “It shall be as my brother says, ’cos he -wise head as well as quick hand. He has saved us both. He is an Eagle -that can fly under water, as well as over the land.” - -“I seen ’twas best course, considerin’ the fix we war in,” replied the -other as he began to wring the water from his clothes. “It come to me -all of a sudden like. Ah--thar’s the cretur’ in sight,” he added, as -the head and shoulders of the remaining enemy appeared on the opposite -side of the receding canoe. - -“It is Nookechin--one of my cousins,” exclaimed Goodbrand in surprise. -“I’m glad no to kill him, though kill me, mebbe.” - -“An’ I’m glad tu hear ye say it, Goodbrand,” answered Scarred Eagle. -“It shows you’ve a Christian heart, an’ that the Moravians hevn’t -labored on ye in vain.” - -“Workechin likes not to war upon his own race, and only does so when -necessary to defend his white friends,” replied the other, assuming for -the moment his Indian name. “He believes in the white God and white -ways; and wishes his own tribe would believe likewise. They would be -more happy then. Nookechin,” he added, elevating his voice, and using -his native tongue, “you see we spare your life. I hope never to have -occasion to meet you nor any other of my kin or tribe in battle, for I -would not harm them. Does Nookechin hear?” - -“It is well,” answered the other. “I shall not forget this kindness -from my cousin. I will never fight against him till I do him as good a -turn.” And, as if fully confident of the good intentions of the others, -he righted the canoe and sprung into it. Then, grasping a paddle which -floated near, he made a gesture of good-will toward his late enemies, -and began to push rapidly toward the northern shore. - -“What now, Scarred Eagle?” asked Goodbrand, as he peered toward the -western shore now barely discernible through the gloom. “Mebbe our -friends hear us fight--mebbe Injuns hear too.” - -“Y’ur right,” said the other. “Lay ’er off sou’-west a trifle an’ we’ll -try ter steal ashore under kiver of the darkness.” - -Goodbrand obeyed, taking a course that would land them some distance -below the point from which they had embarked. Though prudent himself, -he instinctively deferred to the judgment of his white friend. And -there were but few along the border who did not place more confidence -in the opinions of Scarred Eagle than in their own. - -The latter, while his friend pushed forward the canoe, reloaded his -trusty rifle, which he had left in the canoe with his powder-horn, at -the time he feigned death. This accomplished, he directed his gaze -toward the shore. - -“Easy, Goodbrand, easy,” he whispered, at length. “It’s gittin’ dark, -but not fast enough for our purpose onless we move slower. That’s -right--it’s better.” - -His Indian friend had ceased to paddle, and the canoe floated -noiselessly on the water. For a quarter of an hour neither of them -spoke except in low whispers. About two hundred yards away loomed up -the great forest, stretching away from the shore. Not a sound came from -its depths yet they knew lurkers might lie along shore, thirsting for -their blood. - -“It’s jest possible that we mout land safe, Goodbrand; but ’twon’t dew -to trust the appearance of things hereaway,” remarked Scarred Eagle. -“Some o’ the chaps orter be expectin’ us, even ef they hain’t heard our -rifles, which it is posserble they hain’t.” - -“S’pose you give signal,” said the Indian. - -“We’ll steal up a little closer fust. Thar’s hardly an outline of the -shore to be seen now.” - -Goodbrand began to push the canoe forward. Suddenly a single peculiar -note came from the forest. - -“About with it, quick!” whispered Scarred Eagle. “It’s Ben Mace’s -signal, an’ warns of danger.” - -As he spoke he seized another paddle, and in a moment the canoe was -gliding back from shore. Then came three or four rifle-reports, and the -bullets whistled uncomfortably near. - -“Now, Goodbrand, we’ve got ter calkerlate clus,” remarked Scarred -Eagle, as soon as they were out of danger. “We’ve got ter land -_somewhar_. Whether furder up or down’s the question. We’ll be watched -for, cluser’n Saul watched for David, an’ must use all the wits -Proverdence has gin us.” - -“Scarred Eagle speaks well,” replied the Indian. “S’pose we go up. The -Miami warriors are cunning. They cum from fort-way an’ will watch above -here ’cos they’ve heerd us fight. Den we better go, hurry down.” - -“Ye’ve come to the marrer of the thing, Goodbrand, an’ that’s what I -like,” responded the other, after a moment’s thought. “Now, won’t our -enemies not reelly expict we’ll take the very course you speak of? It -strikes me they will. They’ll reason the thing ’bout ’s you, who ar’ -ecquainted with their wiles.” - -“I see--yis,” said Goodbrand, to whom this species of strategy was -apparently new. “Den, if say go up, we go.” - -“We must keep well out an’ dip light,” remarked Scarred Eagle, as -he seized a paddle. “It’s sartin Mace is ’round, an’ the rest orter -be--some on ’em. All on ’em wouldn’t have stayed at the bivo’ac. But -land we must; otherwise this night-wind ’ll benumb every narve in my -body.” - -For half an hour they continued to pull northward. As the darkness -deepened, they drew gradually nearer shore, and soon their canoe -touched a jut of land. - -At this moment, a succession of sounds, muffled by distance and -intervening forests, came to their ears. Any but the experienced ears -of a scout, would have failed to understand the significance of these -sounds. But our friends knew they were the echoes of rifle-reports. - -“Ay, Goodbrand,” said Scarred Eagle, in a whisper, as both glanced -around through the gloom. “The rest o’ the chaps ar’ in trouble, an’ -we’re in fur it. Come!” - -Both stepped noiselessly ashore, drew their canoe under the -densely-wooded bank, and then began to steal forward through the gloom. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -MOOROOINE. - - -About an hour previous to the events last described, a number of -rangers were grouped around a fire, near the termination of a deep -forest gorge. A small stream ran through the gorge, finding an outlet -at the shores of the lake, about two miles away. At their backs rose an -almost perpendicular cliff a hundred feet in hight, covered with dense -foliage. The banks of the gorge, opposite, were comparatively low, and -supported huge trees, whose branches, shooting far out, rendered the -place gloomy even at midday. - -A better hiding-place, or bivouac, for a _posse_ of rangers, could not -well have been chosen. An enemy might pass within thirty yards of the -place, and be none the wiser, so far as sight or hearing is concerned. -On the contrary, those within, looking outward from comparative -darkness, could quickly discover the presence of interlopers, and -withstand attack or make a good retreat, as policy might require. - -The rangers had not been at this bivouac long. In groups of two, -they had been watching the forest in different directions. They had -returned, according to previous arrangement, and were now partaking -heartily of rich venison-stew broiled on the bed of coals in their -midst. They had assured themselves that no Indians were lurking near, -before kindling the fire; yet the smoke from the hard, dry wood, became -invisible ere it reached the top of the interlaced branches above them. - -Little need be said in description of these men. They were the main -body of scouts mentioned in the preceding chapter, and Scarred Eagle -was their acknowledged leader. They were all hardy-looking fellows, -well-armed, and of various ages, of uncouth appearance, rough in -speech, but with nerves of steel; ready to face danger at any moment, -and not loth to indulge in the pastime of a wrestling-match, or -knock-down among themselves, in the absence of more exciting events. - -“Seems ter me Brom, as yer call ’im, orter showed hisself afore now -ef ’e _ain’t_ got took,” remarked one of them, a tall, coarse-looking -fellow in homespun. - -“I dun know, Hulet,” replied one of his companions, clearing his -throat. “It’s a dangerous job he ondertook--gittin’ to the fort when -it’s compissed by so many Injuns. But ’e ain’t had time. A day for -twenty miles’ travel, an’ all on’t to be _stole_ over, ain’t too long, -I reckon.” - -“I know it’s dangerous. But he’s be’n gone more’n a day. He started -three hours afore this time yisterday.” - -“An’ s’posin’ ’e did?” broke in another, of Celtic origin. “Is dthat -a sign he’s tuk? How dthe deuce are you or me to know dthe crooks an’ -turns he’s had to make? Uv wan thing I’m certain, Brum w’u’dn’t cair -for y’ur advice, nor woon’t thank yees for y’ur unaisiness. So ye -needn’t be ov dthe first to wurry.” - -Hulet deigned no answer to the Irishman, but resumed conversation with -the ranger first addressed. - -“Then, you’re out on the distance tew,” he said. “It’s sca’ce ten miles -to the fort.” - -“It ain’t, eh?” answered the one called Revel, who stopped with a piece -of venison half-way to his mouth, and eyed the questioner. “Sca’ce ten -mile! Who don’t know that?” - -“You said, twenty.” - -One or two of the group indulged in sneering chuckles. - -“I say so yit,” returned Revel. “Brom’s got to pass over the ground -_twice_ afore he gits back here, ain’t ’e?” - -“Yees needn’t ax _dthat_, Will,” said the Irishman. “Our _laider_ has -swall’ed too much venison entoirely, an’ it’s druv all dthe sinse he -had in his head down to his belly. Dthe thruth, as sure’s me father wur -a docthur!” - -The laugh which went round at Hulet’s expense, was of course not -over-relished by the latter. - -“That ar’ ye call wit--Irish wit, I s’pose,” returned Hulet unable to -conceal anger. “But I don’ know ’bout the ‘doctor.’ Who ever heerd of a -durned Irishman bein’ a doctor.” - -“Who is it?” queried the Irishman, fiercely. “I’ll take a joke but not -an insoolt to me name, ye domd gossoon. Me father _was_ a docthur, -though, an’ I, Tim Devine, am able to docthur y’ur face, for the -slandhur of y’ur tongue!” He aimed a blow at Hulet, as he spoke, which -the latter parried. - -“Hold on--this ’ere ain’t a-goin’ to do, now,” said Revel, rushing -between them. “This ain’t the time for a row. Put it off. We’ve got -to start pretty soon for the lake-shore. Thar may be Injuns skulking -around, an’ we ain’t goin’ ter be sech headlong fools as to direct ’em -here.” - -Tim stood back. In the absence of Scarred Eagle, Revel was a sort of -leader, and all liked him. But Tim shot fierce glances at Hulet, who -smiled tauntingly. - -“Niver mind, aneconde,” said Tim. “We’ll hove dthis out some time, -an’ though y’ur size is something in y’ur favor, I’ll make ye respict -me name if not swalle y’ur words. See if I don’t now, ye ill-mannered -baist!” - -“Hold up, men,” interrupted Revel. “Don’t run it into a quarrel. That’s -foolish.” - -“I don’t want ’er quarrel, nor have no diffikilty,” said Hulet. “But he -begun it. I own I made a mistake ’bout the distance we was talkin’ of, -’cos I didn’t at fust think.” - -“Co-cor-course; Hulet knew better ef he’d had time ter th-th-think. -He don’t allus, ye know, bo-bo-boyes. T’other day he mis-mis-mistook -an Injun fur a black b-b-bear, jest ’cos he didn’t hev time ter -th-th-think!” - -The stuttering speaker was a tall, spare man, with a whimsical face, -eyes keen as a hawk’s and almost as small. His sally was greeted by a -round of subdued laughter, from all except Hulet, whose face showed -more signs of anger than had been evinced during his renconter with the -Irishman. - -Hulet was not personally well liked by his companions. He had been -with them but a few days. He pretended to hail from one of the border -settlements, and claimed to be a scout of much experience. One or two -of the rangers held him in positive distrust. He seemed used to the -forest; yet at times he made strange blunders for a scout. The one -referred to by the stutterer actually happened, two days previously, -while they were hovering in the rear of a Huron party. - -“Wal, _laugh_, ef it suits ye!” said Revel, fiercely. “When it comes my -turn, I’ll let some on ye know!” - -“What’s that ye say?” spoke Revel, turning sharply upon him. He thought -he detected something of the nature of a threat in the other’s tone. - -“You yerself wouldn’t want a mistake flung inter y’ur face every time -any thing comes up!” said Hulet. “But let it pass. A chap that stutters -is allus gittin’ off sunthin’ to make a laugh,” and he tried to look -good-naturedly toward the stutterer, Joe Hill. - -“Ex-ex-exactly!” rejoined the latter worthy. “My tongue -kine-kine-kinder hitches when I talk, an’ that’s wha-wha-whar I git -time ter th-th-think whuther an objict’s a b’ar or an In-In-Injun.” - -None seemed disposed to interrupt Joe. They enjoyed the badinage too -well. The Irishman especially fatted at the idea of bringing Hulet into -contempt, and encouraged Joe to keep it up. But Hulet disarmed the -latter by joining slightly in the laugh, and then addressing Will Revel: - -“I don’t understand why Brown should resk himself to visit the fort, -now,” he said. “The major won’t care ter make a sally afore the -reinforcements come.” - -“Old Rhodan knows what he sent ’em for,” answered Revel. “That’s all I -kin tell ye.” - -“Ye mean him that’s called Scarred Eagle. He an’ Brown seem to think -oncommon of each other. Relashuns, ain’t they?” - -“Not by blood; though father and son couldn’t think more of each other -than they. Rhodan saved ’im, when he war a striplin’, from the Hurons. -They’ve stuck to one another ever sence, as it’s nat’ral they should.” - -“In course. Strikes me that Scarred Eagle himself orter be among us, -ef he’s comin’ to-night. Mebbe he won’t. It’s goin’ to be dark’s a -pocket.” - -The Irishman here nudged Joe Hill. - -“Yis; dar-dark-darker’n the outside of a black b-b-_ba’r_,” assented -Joe, giving his face a comical twist. - -“It’s comin’ on fast, too,” said Revel. “We must betake ourselves to -the lake-shore and watch for Scarred Eagle. Ef he don’t come by dark we -kin come back an’ wait.” - -“Must be Ben Mace’ll come,” said another. “He hadn’t so fur to go.” - -“That’s why I feel a trifle oneasy ’bout _him_, Lew,” answered Revel. -“I’ll own it. He’s as good a scout as is in the kentry, only he’s -so mad at sight of an Injun. He runs too much resk for the sake of -revenge.” - -“Why not stay whar we be?” said Hulet. “I don’t b’l’eve Scarred -Eagle ’ll git back frum the neck to-night. Thar’s no Injuns in the -neighborhood, an’ ef I kin read right it’ll be so dark in an hour that -none on us could find our way back.” - -“How mooch for y’ur advoice, Misthur _Hugelet_?” said Tim, quickly. -“You’re afeard of runnin’ y’ur head ag’in’ a tree or _bear_, whuch? -Dthe id’a of a scout, a syees _purtind_ to be, not bein’ able to git -through the woods for darkness! Pish!” - -“You’ll run y’ur head ag’in’ sunthin’ bimeby, Mister Brogue,” said -Hulet, “that’ll make ye--” - -“Oh, git out!” interrupted Revel, again. “Let this foolin’ come to an -end. Some o’ them that’s away may come or not, but we’ll watch for ’em -anyhow. I think Rhodan ’ll be back. The darkness won’t stop him.” - -“He’d find his way through te-teto-te-tle--_durn it_--tetotal darkness -blindfolded,” added Joe, spitefully. - -“Good, Joe,” said Revel, with a laugh. “Now, boys--ah, what’s that?” - -He had seen a dusky figure pass by the outlet of the gorge. Before he -spoke, however, Joe Hill had sprung off with the agility of a cat, and -disappeared in the bushes hard by. The rest grasped their rifles and -followed. But they had hardly reached the outlet of the ravine when Joe -reappeared from a side-path, leading an Indian girl, who evidently had -not tried hard to get away. - -“Thar!” he ejaculated, “I’ve g-got ’er, though what she wa-wan--_blast -it!_--_wants_ hyur’s more’n I kin tell. Cu-curi’s part on’t is, she -did-didn’t tr-r-r-try ter git away.” - -“Hurry out an’ look around, some of you,” said Will Revel, quickly. -“Mebbe thar’s others near.” - -“None but me,” said the captive, in fair English. - -All, except Hulet, gazed upon her curiously. The girl was an Indian -beauty, apparently about eighteen years of age. She was above the -medium hight, and the color of her skin showed that white blood ran in -her veins. She wore beautiful moccasins upon her feet, and was dressed -tastefully. Her hair was glossy, black and fine, falling around her -shoulders in masses, though kept back from her forehead by a glittering -silver band. At her back was a bow and quiver of arrows; while a light -hatchet and a knife were pendent from either side of her waist. She -confronted the rangers without showing a sign of fear, though evidently -embarrassed. - -“Why’ve ye come here, Injun girl?” asked Revel. “If it’s to do us harm, -you’re very foolish.” - -“No come for that,” she said, earnestly. - -“How’d ye know we war here?” - -“Didn’t know. Looked sharp--den find you. Come for do good. Injuns that -way,” pointing toward the lake. “You git scalps took if not careful.” - -“Hear _dthat_ now!” muttered the Irishman. - -“Why’d ye come to warn us?” asked Revel. “Ain’t ye afraid we’ll harm -ye?” - -“Not much,” answered the Indian girl, dropping her eyes. “If did, would -not come. Moorooine loves the white race. Some bad, some good--so -everywhere. But Moorooine loves them and warns them. Some white -herself, too.” - -Will Revel started in surprise as he heard the girl’s name. Two more of -the group also showed surprise and looked with new interest upon her. - -“Who sent you here?” asked Revel. - -“No one,” replied the Indian girl. “I followed some warriors softly -that went on trail. They found where two men went off in canoe. Some -watch for them to come back; others search forest.” - -“Then Scarred Eagle ’ll be in danger,” said Revel, turning to his -comrades. “Thar’s no time to lose. I’ve reason to b’l’eve this girl’s -true to us. How many ar’ along the lake-shore?” he added, turning to -Moorooine again. - -“Me talk more with you, alone,” she said, avoiding the bevy of eyes -fixed upon her. Revel followed her a short distance aside. - -“There is _so_ much warriors twice,” she said, in answer to his last -question, holding up both hands with the fingers outspread. “They -chased white man, but white man got away.” - -“Did you see the white man?” - -“Yes. Warriors call ’im Evil Eye.” - -“Ah--Ben Mace!” exclaimed Revel. “Did he run this way?” - -“Goin’ to; but had to hide. Den warriors missed ’im an’ leave behind. -Look out for white friends on lake. Be careful, an’ look out for -yourselves, too. Git took if don’t. Moorooine knows the forest an’ will -help you. Mus’ go now. Bimeby you come too.” - -“One minit,” said Will Revel. “You come here for more’n you say, -Moorooine. I’ve heerd y’ur name afore. Thar’s a young hunter who -ginrully goes with the Scarred Eagle. Have ye seen him called the White -Fox, up to’ards the fort?” This was the name by which Brom Vail was -known among the Indians. - -The Indian maiden glanced curiously into the ranger’s face, and the -rich blood mounted to her cheeks and brow. - -“Yes; seen ’im,” she answered, dropping her eyes. “He not here, go in -canoe with friend, s’pose. Me watch for his coming an’ you watch too. -Be careful. Mebbe all of us cheat warriors an’ save him an’ friend.” - -“We’ll do our best, sartin,” said Will. “But Moorooine is at fault. -White Fox started for the fort yisterday, an’ we’re lookin’ for ’im -back.” - -The girl’s manner changed at once. A look of deep apprehension appeared -in her face. - -“White Fox got to fort in night an’ started back early in morning,” -she said. “Me see ’im softly (secretly) outside the fort. Much ’fraid -Injuns got ’im! Too bad, very!” - -Her looks betrayed intense anxiety. And Revel’s was equally great. -He saw all at a glance. As intimated, he had heard of the Miami girl, -Moorooine, before. The strongest attachment had sprung up between -her and Brom Vail. They had met a few months before, when Brom, with -his foster-father and a man of the name of Thorpe, were seeking for -information affecting the peace of the latter’s mind. Moorooine had -afforded the party successful aid, and once saved their lives at the -risk of her own. - -“Mus’ go!” she said, suddenly. “Mus’ save White Fox if can, an’ rest -too.” - -“We’ll be on hand, brave girl,” said Will. “If we kin git with Scarred -Eagle an’ Goodbrand we’ll find whar Brom is, or die for’t. D’ye s’pose -ye could find the Evil Eye?” - -“Me try to, an’ den git him help. Ha!” she exclaimed, as her keen -glance shot through the bushes toward the rest of the company. “Who -_that_ man?” - -Will followed her glance, which rested upon the person of Hulet. For -the first time he noticed the latter had kept as much as possible in -the background when the Indian girl came. Hulet had advanced a little -nearer to the rest, who had apparently noticed his conduct. - -“That?” said Revel. “He’s a scout like the rest of us. Does Moorooine -know ’im?” - -“_Most_ do,” she answered, in a whisper, keeping her eyes toward him. -“You know ’im long?” - -“Only a few days. Why do you ask?” - -“Sure now,” she whispered. “Have seen ’im ’round fort with Injuns. -Watch ’im sharp. He’s no _good_ white man. He carries two tongues an’ -will betray you an’ me too if can.” - -“What did they call ’im?” inquired Revel, excitedly. - -“Sly Hate. Take care _him_. Mus’ go. You know cry of night-hawk? One, -tell you ‘look out;’ two will mean, ‘come.’” The girl turned and -disappeared through the bushes toward the lake. - -Will stood a few moments in deep surprise. “Sly Hate,” he muttered. -“The one that was cashiered for cowardice a year ago at Montreal, and -then j’ined the Injuns. An’ he’s here ter lead us into a trap. By the -great livin’, he shain’t play the game no further!” - -He stalked through the bushes and approached the group of rangers. He -kept his head down so that Hulet might not suspect his designs till -the last moment. But when he came near the men, he raised his eyes and -saw that Hulet was not present. The rest were watching his own strange -approach curiously. - -“Phat’s come across yees?” exclaimed the Irishman. - -“Did thet Injun gal--” - -“Whar’s Hulet?” interrupted Revel, sternly. All glanced around, and -several spoke at once. - -“Why ’e was here not a minit ago, ’cos--” - -Further speech was interrupted. A rifle cracked not far away, and one -of the group, grasping his breast, fell to the ground! The report was -succeeded by a defiant shout from Hulet, who had disappeared in the -direction of the lake. - -“It’s all over with me, boys,” gasped the stricken man. “Go on--all of -you, an’ take the traitor, and avenge my death.” - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -TWO LESS. - - -Exclamations of horror burst from the rangers, and the next moment all -were rapidly plunging through the bushes after Hulet. For the time -being no thought, no desire, was in their minds other than to avenge -the death of their comrade, Lew Burns. - -In a few moments they cleared the dense bushes surrounding their -bivouac and caught a glimpse of the traitor. He was some forty yards -away, running rapidly. Three rifles spoke in quick succession, but the -rascal kept on, unscathed. The three who had fired, stopped to reload, -while Will Revel and Dan Hicks kept on. - -To strike a man running at full speed through a densely-wooded forest, -bounding aside and deviating on the course every moment, is no easy -task, and this the rangers well knew. - -“Keep y’ur shot, Dan!” cried Will Revel to the one running at his side. -“Thar’ll be a better chance to strike ’im soon.” - -The other comprehended him. Not sixty rods straight ahead was a -comparatively open space where the fugitive’s body would be more -exposed. Hulet would either have to cross this or turn abruptly aside -before reaching it. And the latter alternative would give his pursuers -a chance to gain upon him rapidly. - -Something more than a desire for revenge was now in the minds of -the pursuers, and, if possible, incited them to greater speed. They -remembered that Hulet’s escape would enhance the dangers of old Rhodan -and Goodbrand, and might also result fatally to the noble Indian girl -who had taken such pains to seek them out and warn them. - -Like hounds Will Revel and his comrade sprung on, keeping their gaze -upon the runaway, though not apparently gaining a yard upon him. The -latter did not seem to notice the open space which he was rapidly -approaching till he was quite near it. Then, as if suddenly aware of -his increased danger, he whirled and struck toward the left. - -“Now!” shouted Will Revel. “_You_ try ’im, Dan, an’ I’ll keep on.” - -His plan was to reserve his own shot to the last, hoping if Dan failed, -to make it more effectual by taking advantage of Hulet’s momentary -confusion. - -But the latter was neither hit nor diverted a moment by the bullet of -Dan Hicks, which must have whizzed very close to his head. He was not -more than twenty yards distant when Revel jerked his rifle to a level -and fired. Notwithstanding the gloom which began rapidly to deepen, -Revel saw that he had struck the traitor near the shoulder, though -Hulet still ran on. - -“Take ’eer o’ that!” shouted the exasperated ranger to his friend, -as he slung his rifle toward him. “By the great Moses, that hellion -shain’t give us all the slip!” - -Without pausing for a second he drew a little ax from his girdle and -bounded on with maddened energy. He knew the traitor would not long -elude him. As if conscious of this, Hulet also threw down his rifle and -pealed out two or three ringing shouts of distress. Will Revel well -knew that the commotion might bring some of the lurking Indians to the -spot. But he also knew that his companions were hurrying up. Conscious -that he was gaining on the wretch, he determined to bring him down at -all hazards. - -Suddenly he heard some one bounding toward him and his prey from an -opposite direction. Not doubting that it was an Indian, he drew back -his arm to hurl the ax at Hulet, now about a dozen yards away. But -before he could throw the weapon, he heard the twang of a bow, the whiz -of an arrow, and noticed that Hulet was struck in the arm. As quick -as thought the ax sped from his hand. But, as though some evil genius -protected Hulet, he suddenly sprung aside and the ax missed him. - -“Hold--what’s this?” cried a voice, suddenly. - -“It’s a traitor--Sime Hulet--head him off, Mace, quick!” shouted Will, -who had recognized the speaker. - -The next moment there was a series of shouts and bounds, and Will saw -the traitor fall to the earth before the sweep of Mace’s rifle. Then -the cry of a night-hawk, distinct and clear, rung through the forest. - -“Back, all on ye, back!” said Mace, as he met Revel and saw his -companions rushing up. “Thar’s nigh twenty uv the cussed p’isons, an’ -half on ’em ar’ comin’ this way. Back, an’ get a better spot to meet -’em in!” - -As he spoke they all heard the bounds of the Indians close by. Aside -from this, Revel remembered the signal of Moorooine. The spot they were -in was quite open, being the upper part of the cleared space which -Hulet had sought to avoid. The gloom here was not yet so deep but that -their forms would be well outlined, and present fair marks to the -Indians hurrying up. Without loss of time the rangers darted back and -obtained cover. - -Every weapon was soon reloaded. Fully alive to the occasion, the men -stationed themselves a little distance apart and listened for their -foes. Not a word was spoken, and even their very breaths were hushed. - -Ten minutes thus passed. It was equally still beyond the open space. -But suddenly a movement was heard a few rods away, and the gaze of the -men was strained toward the place whence it appeared to come. The -fast-approaching darkness however, began to render objects on the open -space very indistinct. - -Will Revel glided noiselessly to the side of Mace. - -“Take ’eer!” cautioned the latter. “We’re in a hornet’s nest jes’ now. -How’d ye find out ’bout thet cussed Hulet?” - -Will rapidly explained. - -“Hah! Then ’twar the Injun gal thet jest gave the signal!” - -“She was goin’ to find you,” said Will. “But I s’pose she wanted to -make sure that hellion was out o’ the way fust.” - -“Nat’ral enough. He’d bring her into diffikilty, of course. But she k’n -rest easy consarnin’ him. Blast ’im, I wish we could ’a’ got ’im inter -our paws alive.” - -“Where were you, Mace?” - -“Look out! Hark! Thar--it’s all still ag’in. Durn ’em, they ain’t ’n no -hurry to move. Whar was I? Up nigh the Miami village when they gi’n me -chase. It happened well, for I not only got away, but seen a scrimmage -on the lake--or heerd it.” - -“Who?” - -“Scarred Eagle an’ Goodbrand war chased from the neck. They hed a -rig’lar devil’s tussle with some Injuns thet follered ’em in a canoe. -I warned ’em off, but it cost me a world of dodgin’. Ha, now thar’s a -move yender, fur sartin!” - -Their whispers instantly ceased, and they listened intently. Any one -unused to such scenes would not have believed a leaf had stirred. - -But these men had no doubt that a number of their foes were moving so -as to get in their rear. Revel saw Mace suddenly elevate his rifle, and -then lower it with a muttered curse. At the same time a crackling noise -came from the opposite side of the opening. - -“We must sarcumvent ’em in that game,” said Mace. - -“How? fall back?” - -“No--go forrard. No doubt half a dozen on ’em’s gone down the ground, -an’ no knowin’ how many ar’ d’rectly oppersite. We must pass ter the -left o’ these, an’ go on towarts the lake-shore. Ef Rhodan hez got -landed, he an’ Goodbrand ’ll need help. We must try ter git ’em with -us.” - -“Very well. Shall I speak to the others?” - -“Yis. No--hold on. I’ll dew that myself, an’ you go on--one on ’em’s -above ye now. I’ll try ter cross here, shortly. You kin try the same -furder up.” - -“You’ll git into greater danger by that,” said Revel. “Them that ar’ -watchin’ from where it’s darker ’ll see ye the better.” - -“’Tain’t so much resk as ter lay still here when a number o’ the skunks -are creepin’ up ahind us. Ef they come up in time we’ll be atween tew -fires, an’ then thar wouldn’t be half a chance left. Move on.” - -Convinced that his companion was right, Revel obeyed. The darkness was -now so great that he could see scarce half a rifle’s length around -him. A few yards away he found another of the rangers, and hurriedly -apprising him of Mace’s plans, the two stole forward. - -All the senses of the men were now literally strained. Not only had -they to avoid making any noise which might disclose their position -to lurking foes, but also to hold themselves ready for any sudden -encounter. At any moment they might meet an enemy as agile, watchful -and skilled in forest warfare as themselves. And yet, instead of a -feeling of dread, one of wild, intense excitement thrilled their veins. - -They had crept forward but a rod or two when they detected similar -movements on their right. Will Revel knew that the Indians were moving -up to intercept them, and that Mace was perhaps at that moment gliding -across the open space. - -He whispered a moment to his companion. The latter agreed to move on -alone. Revel himself wished to strike across the open space at this -point. - -He waited some moments, listening to the almost noiseless advance of -his fellow-rangers. Then he turned and was about to glide across the -open space, when a voice spoke close to his ear. He knew it, and turned -to see the Indian girl close beside him. - -“Where go now?” she whispered. - -“Over yonder,” replied Revel. “Some of the warriors have gone below -here, an’ll soon be up ahind us.” - -“Be much careful,” she admonished. “More warriors comin’ from lake.” - -“Ar’ ye sure?” - -“Yes--sure. Has Evil Eye any news?” - -“No,” replied Will. “Seek Rhodan and Goodbrand. If we live, the White -Fox shall be found.” - -At that instant a bright sheet of flame came from the opposite side -of the space, and the report of a rifle followed. But before its -echoes had ceased, a rifle just below them answered, and an Indian’s -death-groan was distinctly heard. - -The Indian girl disappeared from Revel’s side as noiseless as a shadow. -Holding his rifle ready, he bent forward on foot and knee, his gaze -toward the spot where the Indian had fallen. He knew it was Mace who -had shot the warrior, and he resolved to wait till the former should -move. - -The forest was now as still as though no living being lurked in its -depths. But presently he heard evidence that told him his companions -below were coming toward him. - -He rose cautiously, and began to move on. He believed Mace had changed -his plan. Perhaps some of their foes were already gliding directly up -on their rear. Suddenly he paused. Some of the rest were very near him. - -“Mace?” he whispered. - -“He’s behind,” whispered a voice belonging to another of the rangers. -“Four or five ar’ but a leetle ways ahind us.” - -“There’s more ahead than we thought, tew. But there’s no chance to tell -the rest, and too late to go back. Come on!” - -At this moment a sudden commotion began in the bushes not ten yards -away. Not a cry was heard. The combatants were too intent on the -struggle. - -The two rangers leaped forward. In a second they could discern two dark -figures clinched and struggling for the mastery. Before they themselves -could interpose, a groan burst out, and one of the combatants dropped. - -“Thar--durn yer!” muttered the voice of the triumphant ranger; but even -as the unguarded words came from his lips, a hatchet in the hands of an -Indian behind crashed through his brain, and he fell against Revel. - -The latter nearly fell himself, but recovering, was in time to ward -off a knife-blow, and to close with a powerful savage. As he did so, -two rifle-reports rung out near by, and he heard bold, bounding steps -across the open space to his right. - -He noted these circumstances, even at that fearful moment; and then he -was struggling fiercely with his enemy. - -The savage had him at a disadvantage; but Revel happened, at the -outset, to grasp the Indian’s long hair, and pulled his head back. With -his left hand he grasped him around the waist, and tried to throw him. -The Indian’s left hand was nearly useless, but his right held a knife, -which began to make havoc upon Revel’s shoulder, despite the latter’s -endeavor to hold the Indian’s arm. - -Suddenly the struggle brought Revel’s adversary against a prostrate -tree-trunk over which he fell, dragging the ranger upon him. The -accident enabled Will to draw his own knife, and the next instant it -was buried in the Indian’s breast! - -Springing up, he saw that the ranger who had followed him had been -similarly engaged. The latter was underneath a savage, and struggling -desperately to avoid the knife-thrusts aimed at his breast. Revel -sprung to his assistance. But a dark form was before him--that of Mace. -The latter dealt the Indian a blow, and with a groan he rolled aside. - -“Down, quick!” said Mace; and with the words, he dropped to the ground, -jerking Will down beside him. Two or three reports rung out, and the -bullets whistled over them. The three men hastily crept a few yards -aside. - -“Where’s the rest?” whispered Will. - -“A little below us, workin’ their way up,” said Mace. “They’ll git -tired o’ this, cuss ’em.” - -“Poor Hank!” said Dan Hicks. “That makes two.” - -“They’re gittin’ paid!” said Mace, grimly. “Hish!” - -Footsteps were distinguished coming from below. Mace was satisfied -whose they were. In the course of three minutes, the other rangers came -up. Meantime, nothing to indicate any new position of the Indians had -been heard. - -A hurried consultation was held by the men. Mace knew that not less -than a dozen savages were around them yet. But the commotion had -diverted those on the watch for Rhodan; so it was naturally supposed -the latter and his Indian friend had succeeded in landing, and were -perhaps, not far off. Yet to venture on signal-notes would apprise the -savages of their exact position. - -“Let each one hold his knife ready,” said Mace. “We’ll separate a -little an’ keep on this course. It’s no wuss’n to stay here till they -steal upon us. Mebbe we’ll run across Rhodan. Come.” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE HUMAN BIRD. - - -Of course the rangers had conversed in whispers, which could not have -been heard three yards away. And not for a second had they ceased to -watch and listen with strained senses. - -But they did not start. Another rifle spoke from the opposite side of -the open space, the bullet passing near them. And during the succeeding -moment or two, they detected movements at their left. For a short time -longer they remained motionless and silent. - -“These on our left ar’ goin’ up,” said Mace. “Ten to one most o’ the -skunks ar’ above us now. I’m goin’ ter make stret across the openin’.” - -Joe Hill undertook to whisper something; but the other had no time to -hear him, being already creeping after Mace. Joe suppressed a wrathy -exclamation and followed. - -The nature of the ground was such that a practiced scout could steal -over it without much danger of being heard. The greatest danger was -being seen. Each went on hand and knee, moving slowly. They were nearly -across, when Mace suddenly stopped and hugged close to the ground. -Those behind followed suit. - -They were not more than ten yards from the edge of the woods beyond, -which was marked by deeper darkness. What had Mace discovered? - -It was a silent query soon answered. A figure was moving forward, -intent on crossing to the side they had just left. Evidently the author -of the last shot. - -The Indian came on slowly. He was not over-cautious, for his body was -but half bent. Its dim outlines barely perceptible through the deep -gloom, seemed twice the natural size. He probably had not, as yet, the -faintest suspicion that enemies were so near him. - -He was nearly past the motionless rangers, when suddenly he stopped. -Was it instinct or his keen vision-sense that caused him to glance -around? - -Not the latter, evidently, for soon he moved on. - -He had taken no more than three steps, when he again stopped and peered -aside. He was now but little more than a yard from the side of Joe -Hill. He gazed around for a moment, and then bent lower down. He meant -to know if the almost imperceptible stir made by Joe Hill was only -fancy. - -The Indian was speedily undeceived. Two long arms suddenly shot up, -clasping his neck and throat like a vice. No power to cry out; nor to -struggle. Two forms rose quickly, near Joe, and prevented this. The -knife of one was sent to the Indian’s heart. Half a minute later, Hill -released his grasp, and was creeping forward after his companions. - -They were shortly within the edge of the woods. At that moment three -rifles spoke opposite the open space and above them. As though -frightened by the commotion, two distinct cries of a night-hawk -followed close upon the echoes of the reports. - -“I was right!” whispered Mace. “That volley tells it. They don’t -suspect we’ve crossed the openin’. Come on!” - -“No--here; not that way,” said Revel. “Furder south, in the direction -of the night-hawk’s notes. They were made by the Injun girl, an’ mean, -come. We’ll find it safer in that direction!” - -And the prediction proved true. As the rangers crept in the direction -indicated, their practiced ears heard stealthy footsteps a few rods -away, approaching the open space they had just left. - -Acting on the supposition that the way was clear before them, they -ventured on more haste. Twenty minutes passed, and they were far from -the scene of their late struggle. And all the while Will Revel was -looking for some sign of Moorooine’s presence. The section of forest -they were now in was not very dense, and the stars overhead afforded a -faint light around them. - -“We’re less ’n a mile from the lake,” said Mace, halting. “Scarred -Eagle must ’a’ heerd the shots, an’ orter be clus by ef he landed -anywhar opposite us. I’ll venture on a signal, anyhow.” - -But another signal was given before him--that of the Indian girl, -meaning “beware!” She was evidently at some point between them and the -opening they had left. Were the Indians following them toward the lake? - -A few moments of strict silence convinced them of this. Savages at the -right, left, and not a hundred yards behind them. - -Their predicament was hardly less dangerous than half an hour previous. -They were further from their foes, but the latter had them within an -arc, with the lake-shore for a base. - -To get out of this was the point. They began a hurried consultation; -but it was quickly brought to an end. Behind them, and on either flank -the Indians were approaching rapidly. That the latter were aware of -their position, was evident from their bold movements. - -The rangers glided directly forward, from tree to tree. Presently the -ball was opened by the discharge of several rifles behind them. A -bullet grazed the arm of Ben Mace, the others were untouched. Then came -a chorus of fierce, loud yells, enough to curdle the blood; but not of -these men, who were now on a full run. - -They knew ten minutes would bring them into the denser portion of -forest, skirting the lake. Once there, a better chance would open for -concealing themselves or stealing past their enemies. - -“Spread out!” said Mace. “Thar’ll be less chance o’ bein’ hit.” - -“Let us turn on dthe domd apes,” cried Tim Devine, as a bullet grazed -his shoulder. “Dthey be on us in a minnit.” - -“No; r-r-r-r-_run_, durn ye!” blurted Hill. - -A peculiar whistle at this moment rung out at quite a distance ahead. -All knew it was that of Scarred Eagle, and pressed on for life. - -Three minutes later. - -“I--say--Mace, what d’ye think of--” - -“Yis; down for a second and turn on ’em. Don’t waste lead!” - -A number of Indians converging from the right were hardly thirty yards -distant. Three or four of them had just fired, and a hasty glance -behind showed them coming on in something of a cluster. - -The pursued rangers suddenly stopped, dropped on foot and knee, and -poured a volley into their pursuers. Then, amidst the echoes of yells -and groans, they sprung onward again, like lightning. But the check -they had given in one quarter was more than balanced by loss of time -and the proximity of their enemies coming directly behind. - -“Every man for himself, an’ devil take the hindmost!” The action of -the borderers was in keeping with this old saying, at least. Knife in -one hand, rifle in the other, they sped on, intent on penetrating the -deeper lines of darkness ahead. - -The Indians were fearfully near. The foremost were hardly thirty feet -behind when a hatchet whizzed, striking Tim’s rifle and whirling him -half round. He was barely in time to recover his balance and club his -rifle. - -“Take dthat! Och, here’s for betthur nor worse, thin!” - -He had laid one of his assailants low, and the next instant was grasped -by another. By great good-fortune he knifed this one, who in convulsive -agony bore him to the ground. At the moment two rifles rung out and two -savages fell headlong, rolling over both. - -With desperate quickness, the Irishman sprung up in time to see one or -two men vanish before him. He sprung after them, not certain whether -they were friends or foes. - -The matter was soon determined. A dozen bounds brought him to a natural -barricade of prostrate tree-trunks, over which he tumbled in his -excitement, his heels coming in contact with the head and shoulders of -a man. - -“Gi-gi-git--oh, cuss ye!” muttered Hill. - -“Hish!” said a voice. “Crunch down hyur all on ye, an’ not stir -onless--” - -The voice was that of Scarred Eagle. He had not a chance to finish the -sentence, for a dark body of savages were rushing on, not ten yards -away. He himself dashed away with Goodbrand, leaving the men crouched -under the fallen timber. - -Every one of them understood Scarred Eagle’s object. His plan was the -bold one of trying to draw the entire _posse_ of Indians past them, -running the risk of escaping himself afterward. And, indeed, the bounds -of himself and Goodbrand, as they sped away, were enough to convince -the pursuers that all their victims were yet running. But to make the -deception more perfect, a loud, excited voice cried: - -“Now--to the lake-shore for y’ur lives!” - -The next moment a number of savages rushed past, on either side of -the concealed men, and four or five sprung directly over them. One of -these, unfortunately for himself, slipped and fell beside them. But the -incident was unheeded by his companions, and before they were a dozen -bounds away, the hand of Ben Mace stilled the savage forever. - -Then every man reloaded as quickly as it was possible to do in the -gloom. - -“What d’ye think, Mace?” whispered Revel. - -“We might ’s well skim back an’ git ter the bivouac ef we kin. The -woods ’pears ter be full on ’em, cuss ’em!” - -“Just what I think. Less you an’ me an’ Dan, try to find poor Hank an’ -the rest, an’ make stret back.” - -“An’ laive Scarred Aigle is it?” said Tim. “Divil blow yees, pwhat wan -of ye--” - -“Oh, _shet_ up!” ejaculated Hill. “Him an’ Goodbrand ’ll uther dodge -’em or take th-th-the _boat_; blast ye, come on!” - -They moved quickly and stealthily back on the course. There was no -danger of their being heard, for the commotion made by the outwitted -savages came every moment to their ears. - -But they had not proceeded very far when the noise and commotion -ceased. Mace paused and glanced back anxiously. - -“Mebbe the murderin’ skunks begin ter suspict what’s happined,” he -said. “Must be Rhodan an’ Goodbrand ’ll uther git back this way, ur -take to thar canoe. But ef I thought--” - -He suddenly ceased speaking and listened intently. A thrill war-whoop -echoed through the woods in the direction of the baffled Indians. It -was succeeded by a chorus of fierce shouts. - -“One or both on’ ’em’s took!” exclaimed Mace, excitedly. “’Twas the -price fur snatchin’ us frum death, an’ I fur one ’ll go back ag’in’ all -odds!” - -“Good, me hairty!” exclaimed the impulsive Irishman. “Tim Devine ’ud -foller yees ef ’twas to dthe mouth of purgatory itself. Thrue as me -father was a docthur!” - -Ere the generous Celt had concluded, all of them had started. Each knew -it might be his last tramp on earth. But not one of them would have -hesitated even before more certain perils. And they hoped that Scarred -Eagle might yet escape. - -As they were hurrying on, a dark figure appeared suddenly before them. - -“No go yit--wait,” said a low voice. - -It was the Indian girl, Moorooine. And as she spoke the rangers were -around her. - -“What!” said Revel. “Do you know what has happened?” - -“She kain’t do no good--come on,” exclaimed Mace. “We orter know what -that war-whoop meant.” - -“’Twas Miami whoop--but friendly one,” persisted the girl. “Warkechin. -Know him. Called Goodbrand.” - -Mace paused. “How d’ye know?” he said. “An’ yit--” - -“I b’lieve it!” said Hicks and Revel, in a breath. “Ye know it mout be, -Ben,” continued the latter. “The Miami is workin’ for Rhodan’s safety -an’ his own.” - -“Yes; tryin’ save _both_,” said Moorooine. “Now you know _that_--go on, -help.” - -She herself led the way, keeping in view before them for a few seconds, -and then disappearing altogether. She seemed to move as noiseless as a -bird. - -Again every thing around was silent as a charnel-house. The rangers, -scattered quite a distance apart, soon halted at a signal from Mace, -and came together. - -“Two kin go ahead an’ reconnoiter,” he said. “You an’ me, Revel. Ef -Scarred Eagle is atween us an’ the Injuns he’ll show himself soon. Ef -’e don’t, we’ll--huh! Thet Injun girl ag’in, I reckon.” - -It was, indeed, Moorooine, who had turned back to meet them. - -“Both comin’--sure!” she said, hurriedly. “Moorooine’s ears have been -open. She heard warriors talk. White Fox is prisoner at village. Evil -Eye know where. Mus’ go there now, ’fore warriors suspect me. I will -try for save White Fox till his brothers come to help me.” - -Loud, fierce yells suddenly resounded through the dim aisles of the -woods, from the direction of the lake. At the same moment the bounds of -two men were heard close by. - -“Friends most here,” added the girl. And as she dashed away, Scarred -Eagle and Goodbrand sprung forward into their midst. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE GORGE DECOY. - - -“On to the gorge!” exclaimed Scarred Eagle, hurriedly. And forthwith, -all were gliding back in that direction. - -A few minutes brought them into the denser section of woods beside the -opening. Here they halted and listened, but heard as yet no sound of -pursuit. - -Mace hurriedly explained what had taken place, together with the fact -revealed by the Indian girl, that Brom was a prisoner. - -“What!” said Scarred Eagle, hoarsely. “The boy took?” The revelation of -Hulet’s treachery and death was as nothing to this. - -“Thar’s no doubt on’t, Rhodan,” replied Mace. “He dud ’is arrant at the -fort an’ got nabbed in the neighborhood of the village on his way back.” - -At this moment, Goodbrand, who had remained in the rear, glided up. - -“Bes’ go!” he whispered. “Comin’ ag’in, an’ more from village, guess!” - -“You that _kin_, find the body of poor Hank an’ hide it from their -devilish ways!” said Scarred Eagle. - -This was soon done. The friendly Miami kept somewhat in the rear of -the rest, who pressed cautiously on toward the gorge. - -For some time not even a whisper was uttered. A terrible anxiety filled -the heart of Scarred Eagle. All knew the cause was Brom Vail. But they -knew a present attempt to reach the village and endeavor to release the -latter, would be worse than useless. It would be an extremely dangerous -undertaking under far more favorable circumstances. But one thought -gave a ray of hope, and that was what the Indian girl had promised. But -would she alone be able to effect Brom’s release? - -They were nearing the retreat when Scarred Eagle suddenly halted and -listened anxiously. - -“Goodbrand orter j’ined us by this time,” he said. “But thar’s one -thing, men. Whatever news he may bring of the mad devils, we must git -close to their camp afore mornin’ ef the boy’s tu be saved. Mebbe he -kain’t be. It’ll be an oncommon job to undertake, an’ I ask no man tu -go that ain’t parfictly willin’.” - -“’Tain’t a fair way o’ puttin’ it!” said Mace. “Ye’d orter know thar -ain’t a man of us thet won’t stan’ by ye an’ _him_ till the last!” This -resolve was echoed by the rest. - -“I knowed it, men, I knowed it!” said Scarred Eagle, hopefully. “Our -mission as scouts is done, mostly. The major at the fort’s got his cue, -an’ thar’s nothin’ but to wait till Bradstreet comes up, when a sally -kin be made. Ay, here’s Goodbrand!” - -The latter glided up with the news that quite a reinforcement had -arrived from the direction of the Indian village. Some of these were -seeking out their dead warriors; others were lurking in the woods near -the scene of conflict. - -“No danger come here afore light,” added Goodbrand. “They keep big -watch an’ look for trail in mornin’!” - -“Afore then, we’ll make indivors to help a boy that’s never flinched a -duty on account of danger,” said Rhodan. “We’ll git to the gorge fust, -an’ consider our plans.” - -The mouth of this was soon reached. They stole cautiously up to the -bivouac, guided only by sense of touch and a previous knowledge of the -place. The darkness of midnight reigned. Goodbrand remained a short -distance away, as sentinel. The rest sought for the victim of Hulet’s -treachery; but for some time the search was vain. At last it was found -and brought into a recess in the cliff where a torch had been lit. -Exclamations of horror burst from the rangers as the light shone upon -the body. It told a fearful story better than words could have done. - -The victim had been mangled about the head, breast and arms by some -wild beast--a panther, probably. It was well known this animal never -preys upon a _dead body_! The inference was horrible! The animal must -have hovered near, and, attracted by the smell of blood, attacked -the unfortunate man while the latter was dying. His rifle was found -discharged, and he had evidently made one desperate effort to keep the -monster at bay! - -The men looked at each other with faces blanched. - -“The curse of every honest man light on the head of the wretch that -caused this!” said Scarred Eagle, breathing hard. “But--ay, the wretch -has gone to his account, an’ ’ll be judged accordin’ to his deeds. Take -the body out, men, an’ place it where it’ll never be distarbed.” - -They obeyed, with sad and gloomy feelings. The body was placed in one -of the nooks with which the sides of the cliff abounded. This being -securely closed, the midnight burial was over. - -The rangers stood consulting with their leader, when suddenly Goodbrand -came in. - -“They comin’--_find_!” he said, excitedly. “We bes’ go quick, ’fore -surround!” - -They immediately glided out and passed down to the mouth of the gorge. -Then, turning to the right, they struck into a narrow by-path leading -to the rear of the high cliffs. - -“Now, Goodbrand,” said Scarred Eagle, pausing, “tell us the lay o’ the -denger that we may use our wits to the purpus.” - -“This right way!” was the other’s whispered reply. “They comin’ from -way we came. Very slow come, so’s take sure.” - -“Hish!” interrupted Scarred Eagle. “_We’re surrounded now!_ Drop close, -every man, an’ not stir for your lives!” - -As he gave this order, he glided from their midst directly back toward -the gorge. Perhaps not more than two of the men imagined his object. -But not one of them moved or even whispered. - -Hardly a minute passed before he was again beside them. Meantime -they had heard abundant evidence that the gorge retreat was indeed -surrounded, though not closely. - -“The bloody-minded whelps ar’ drawin’ the circle closer,” said Scarred -Eagle. “They’ll see a torch prisently, which I’ve took good care to fix -in the rocks. It’s a great p’int that they think they ain’t suspected -here. The light’ll burn out afore half an hour. When it does, they’ll -think it’s snatched away by our hands. They won’t dare to enter the -gorge afore light, thinkin’ their enemy is prepared. But they’ll watch -about here till then. Ef we k’n git clear ’ithout a tussle, our chance -at the village ’ll be all that a reasonable man orter expect. Ye see -how much depends.” - -A moment later the men were stealing forward, each one by himself. -Not a dry leaf rustled under a hand or knee; not a bush was caused to -vibrate; even their breaths were drawn slowly as their bodies were. The -least accident would prove fatal, and all realized it. - -Twenty minutes passed, as time is counted; but, to each of the men, -it seemed an hour. Then they found themselves together near a brook -whose waters caught the glimmer of the starlight. And as yet they had -not moved more than fifty yards. At this moment several Indian signals -were heard. As by magic the rangers, who had partly risen, sunk to the -ground. - -It was well they did so in time. Between them and the space along the -banks of the brook, several figures glided by and disappeared in the -gloom above. One passed so near, they might have touched him. - -They did not venture to move again for several minutes. Scarred Eagle -was the first to set the example--all following him silently. They -had gone but a short distance further when a chorus of triumphant -signal-shouts came from the vicinity of the gorge. - -“That tells it,” said Scarred Eagle, pausing. “The skunks think they’ve -got us caged, an’ now we must work fast. Ar’ ye sure ye killed the -tretor, Mace?” - -The sudden question made the men glance into each other’s faces in -surprise. - -“The blow I gin ’im orter done it,” answered Mace, with a savage -imprecation. “I didn’t hev any time ter look close.” - -“I’m ’fear’d ye didn’t,” said the veteran scout. “Least wise, he must -’a’ lived long enough ter told some on ’em whar our bivouac was. But, -thar’s no time ter talk of that, _now_. We must siperate. ’Tain’t -more’n half a mile to the p’int of shore where the canoe’s hid. You, -Goodbrand, take Hill and Revel with ye, an’ bring the canoe ter the -place ye know of nigh the village. Me an’ Mace’ll go stret through -an’ git thar long enough afore ye to see what’s to be done. Hicks an’ -Tim’ll stay behind an--” - -“Divil a fut behint!” interrupted the Irishman, stoutly. “No, be gobs! -Phat’ll I stay behint for? I’ll take me share in the worst as well as -the best, so!” - -“Ef by the wust ye mean _denger_, ye’ll find enough o’ that, both on -ye,” said Scarred Eagle. “This hyur neighboorhood ’ll be thoroughly -s’arched by mornin’. Ef, in the course of two hours after the rest are -gone, you an’ Hicks sh’u’d be convinced these devils war goin’ _back_ -toward the village, it’ll be y’ur part ter draw ’em back, so’s to give -us a better chance to work for the boy.” - -“A chance, is it? Pwhat c’u’d the two of us alone do?” - -“I needn’t say thar’s no time to lose, Tim,” said the other, “an’ I -trust ye won’t hender us.” - -“I’ll _sthay_,” said Tim, spitefully. “Ownly--look now: suppose yees -all git in dthe lurch! S’posin’ yees all fail! _Dthat’s_ it--how are we -to know?” - -“By comin’ to a place that I’ve told Hicks of,” said Scarred Eagle. -“We’ll have the boy out o’ thar clutches afore three hours, I hope. -Keep a sharp look-out about here. Ef ye should ondertake to draw ’em -after ye, take good care ye don’t git nabbed y’urselves. You’ll find -y’ur task dengerous enough.” - -Goodbrand and his two companions glided away in the gloom toward the -point of shore where lay the hidden canoe. Scarred Eagle and Mace stood -a few moments listening, till sure that Hicks and the Irishman were -well off toward a spot where they had been directed to take a position -to wait and watch. Then they themselves started on their perilous -mission to the Indian village. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -BEAUTY IN BONDS. - - -The Indian village was about six miles distant, and stood on a high -bluff overlooking the Detroit river. A jut from the rocky bluff -extended some fifty feet into the stream at this point. At the angle -thus formed was a gloomy subterranean passage, through which the water -flowed with a sullen roar. Far within, the channel made an abrupt turn, -gliding past a recess in the rocks large enough to contain a dozen men. -Thence was a devious, rough passage communicating with the shore. - -This was Goodbrand’s destination with the canoe and men. Once within, -they could watch the village, and be able to penetrate to its very -center at short notice. - -The Indians did not know of this subterranean chamber, and of the -subterranean passage they held a tradition that it was the abode of an -evil spirit, and never entered it. This fact was well known to several -rangers who had explored the passage, and now its existence seemed most -favorable to their undertaking. - -Scarred Eagle and Mace pressed forward as fast as possible. They hoped -to reach the village and by some stratagem release Brom Vail before -daylight. The chance seemed favorable. Many of the warriors were absent -at the siege of the fort, and of those not so employed, they had reason -to believe a good portion were at that moment hovering about the gorge. - -The two men were more than two-thirds of the distance to the Indian -village, when suddenly Scarred Eagle, who was in advance, put back his -hand and came to a dead halt. - -“What is it?” whispered Ben Mace. - -The other did not answer at once. With his body bent forward he was -listening intently; and now, through the gloomy, solemn aisles, Mace -detects sounds telling that lurkers are ahead. - -“Kin it be thet some o’ the reds have come in another direction from -the gorge? If so--” - -“No, Mace, ’tain’t it. I don’t b’lieve I’m deceived in thinkin’ these -ahead is them that ar’ takin’ the dead an’ wounded to the village. They -hev ter move slow, an’ that’s why we’ve overtook ’em.” - -“What’s ter be done? Ef we wait ter foller ’em--” - -He was interrupted by Rhodan’s grasping his arm, and for a moment -or two they almost held their breaths. Both entertained the same -suspicions now, and were waiting to see if these would be verified. - -They did not remain long in doubt. The fact that the party ahead had -begun to move on again, making considerable noise, did not deceive -the scouts. They were almost sure some of the party had turned back, -evidently suspicious of being followed. - -It was easy for the rangers to evade these. But they wished to do more. -The evident suspicion in the mind of the Indians, that a white foe had -been secretly dogging their steps, must be dispelled; otherwise an -attempt to enter the village unperceived, would be worse than useless. - -“They’ve heerd sunthin’ thet makes ’em suspicious,” said Scarred Eagle. -“They must go on, satisfied ’twas a panther on thar tracks scentin’ -the blood of the wounded warriors. Come in here, where the darkness is -thicker.” - -They moved to the left, keeping a yard or two apart, and taking steps -which might indeed be mistaken for those of the animal named. Under a -dense foliage they halted, and then a purring sound broke out through -the stillness. As the slight echoes ceased, an almost imperceptible -stir was heard not far ahead; but this as suddenly ceased, and all -became silent again. It was evident the fellow had not entirely taken -the bait. - -Scarred Eagle and Mace now dropped upon all-fours and stole forward, -imitating the stealthy advance of a panther. - -Suddenly the silence was again broken by a cry that caused startling -echoes around. These had scarcely died away when the sound of feet was -heard retreating rapidly toward the Indian camp. The ruse had succeeded. - -“What now, Rhodan?” said Mace, as they rose. - -“Foller ’em up,” was the brief reply. - -“We mout flank past ’em.” - -“’Twould be no use. We’d lose as much as we’d gain.” - -“’Tain’t an hour to daylight now.” - -“I know; but ’twon’t do to resk diskivery yit!” said Scarred Eagle, -with a tremor in his voice. “We must fust git into camp, an’ try to -find where Brom, ef he’s alive, is confined. Then--’ll come the resk.” - -“Goodbrand an’ the rest must be at the jut afore this.” - -“They won’t move ’ithout a good reason till they hear something of us. -Not till the last minnit must we signal an attack--not till t’other -plan fails.” - -The two were stealing forward again, keeping as near to the retreating -Indians as possible without danger of discovery. - -“Thar’ll be a powwow when these ’uns git in with thar burdens,” said -Mace. “It’ll rouse the hull nest.” - -“It’ll be the more in our favor,” said the other. “We must keep a sharp -watch for the Indian girl.” - -In a few minutes they noticed that it began to be lighter ahead, and -they were very near the open bluff on which stood the village. Pushing -forward, they soon saw the Indians before them, as the latter emerged -upon the bluff. As these disappeared, the trailers pressed on; the more -hastily, as a sound began to break on their ears, denoting some unusual -commotion in the village. - -A moment or two later, and they were peering into the camp. The inmates -were not only astir, but seemed greatly excited. It was not all caused -by the approach of those bearing the dead and wounded, for even as the -scouts looked, these last were discovered and greeted with howls of -sorrow. - -“What kin it mean, Scarred Eagle?” - -“Let’s git nearer and see. Thar’s a good chance now.” - -They began to glide forward, on hand and knee, directing their course -so as to gain the rear of a row of rude huts. Meantime, the excitement -among the warriors seemed to increase, and yells, fierce and angry, -were mingled with the cries of grief. The two men were about twenty -yards from the edge of the woods, when they raised partly up beside -a stump, and obtained a better view of the excited throng. To their -surprise, they saw that not less than fifty warriors were present, -nearly a score of whom were clustered upon the bank of the river, just -above the angle formed by the jut. - -“Thar!” exclaimed Mace. “The story’s told. Thar’s more o’ the -hellions here than we thought, an’ the wust on’t is they’ve suspicted -Goodbrand’s party, an’ ar’ watchin’ the rocks!” - -“I see!” said Scarred Eagle, uneasily. “It’s an unfortunit thing for -all. But, I’ll try ter find the boy if my life pays for the attempt. -Seems ter me the Injun gal--ha, look there! It’s _her_, as I live!” - -A number of the Indians were hurrying a captive, who had been in their -midst, toward one of the huts. The glow of starlight over the open -bluff enabled the lurking men to identify the captive as Moorooine. -They knew her by occasionally hearing her name pronounced, coupled with -angry maledictions. She was bound hand and foot, and thrust into one of -the huts, as though she had been a brute. - -“The brave gal’s been catched in tryin’ to do sunthin’ for Brom,” said -Rhodan. “_He’s_ in one o’ the huts above, where they’ve put her in, -likely. I judge so, ’cos two o’ the imps seem ter be watchin’ it close. -No doubt the boy’s well tied; but since his release hez been ondertook, -they mean ter make sure on ’im. Thar’s one apiece for us to work for, -now, Ben Mace, an’ no hope thet any o’ the rest ’ll git a chance ter -help us. Be ye ready?” - -“Lead on!” - -They again crept forward, and soon found themselves in the rear of -the line of huts. They could hear the tread of feet, and the jabber -of excited voices, all making a confusion most favorable to their -purpose. Not ten feet lay between them and the hut into which had been -thrust the Indian girl, when an Indian was dimly seen, coming from the -opposite space toward them. - -They lay as close to the ground as possible. The savage came on, and -the concealed men saw that another followed. Both halted so near, that -they might not only have touched the lurking whites, but have _seen_ -them by a chance look-down. One lightning glance on the part of the -scouts, revealed the odious face of the wretch, Hulet! - -“Now, speak,” said the Indian to the renegade. “What has Sly Hate to -say that he has not said?” - -“This, Heavy Sleep,” replied the other, speaking so as to be heard -above the confusion around. “The waters are deep where they pass under -the rocks. The roar makes your people afraid.” - -“Ugh!” muttered Heavy Sleep, shaking his head. “A bad Manitou keeps -council there. What mean?” - -“I know a secret about the place, which I learnt from our white enemies -by stealth. I will tell you what it is, and then--ha, what, ho!” - -By accident the wretch cast his eye down, and noted a dark crouching -figure. The next moment it sprung up like lightning, and a knife was -buried to the hilt in Hulet’s breast! Heavy Sleep, with a ringing yell, -sprung upon Mace, who met him with the same bloody weapon which had -sent the renegade to death. The Indian avoided the thrust, however; -but before he could seize his adversary, the hatchet of Scarred Eagle -crashed through his brain! - -“Come!” cried Mace, hoarsely, and he had just turned to flee, as a -bevy of Indians burst through between the huts, who, uttering their -alarm-cries, sprung after him. In an instant pursued and pursuers were -off like the wind. - -Scarred Eagle had hesitated a moment too long. Notwithstanding the -danger, he could not bring himself to flee. A sudden wild hope, that -the confusion might enable him to yet rescue his boy, determined him. -And just before the aroused warriors darted from the front in pursuit -of Mace, he threw himself flat to the ground close beside the hut. - -The excitement and alarm that now prevailed may be imagined. Half a -dozen times, in as many seconds, Scarred Eagle was upon the point of -springing up, as he imagined he was discovered. Some of the reds, not -in pursuit of Mace, almost trod upon him, as they huddled around the -bodies of Heavy Sleep and Hulet. In a few moments the victims were -carried around to the front, and, watching his opportunity Scarred -Eagle nestled more closely to the rear side of the hut. Then, hastily -making an aperture, he peered in, and saw the captive Indian girl -tightly bound and alone. Something more than a desire to communicate -with her caused him to squeeze under the rude tent-cloth and enter. -There was a pile of skins in the nearest corner, under which he might -secrete himself, and he lost no time in doing so. - -The rush of feet from the river convinced him how narrow had been -his escape thus far. The spot where the victims had fallen was again -crowded, amid a perfect tornado of howls and imprecations. Seeing -there were no warriors about the door, he spoke to the Indian girl, -who seemed unaware of his presence. His voice reached her, and with a -painful effort she raised her head and recognized him. - -“White Fox got away, but drown in river,” she said, faintly. “Me no -care for to live now! Hide down quick--some comin’.” - -Scarred Eagle crouched under the skins, keeping his weapons ready. His -quick mind had its own theory in regard to Brom’s death. Some of the -terribly-enraged warriors, evidently well aware of some part taken by -the girl in regard to Brom, came forward, their eyes glaring like a -hyena’s. But at this moment three ringing rifle-reports came from the -forest causing them to rush out tumultuously. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -THE HEART OF LOVE. - - -To understand Moorooine’s situation, it is necessary that we briefly -trace her movements after leaving the side of the rangers in the forest. - -She had experienced much difficulty in getting clear of the circle of -warriors without discovery. The latter had dispatched two of their -swiftest runners for reinforcements, and these had begun to arrive. -Knowing that a knowledge of her presence would arouse suspicions, she -had been obliged to remain concealed a long time. And when, at last, -she made good her retreat toward the village, she little dreamed that -two persons who knew of her movements and intentions had gone to -intercept her. - -One of these was the wretch Hulet. The blow of Mace had stunned him -only, and when the closely-pressed rangers dashed back to cover, he -managed to creep away, and soon communicated with a warrior, and -disclosed all he knew. And half an hour later, the warrior was going -with him toward the village, after informing another where the bivouac -of the rangers was situated. But concerning Moorooine the fellow kept -silent. - -The two reached the village but a short time before the Indian girl. -The latter found that a number of warriors had come in from the siege -of the fort, and that the whole camp was in commotion over the news -brought by the runners. - -Knowing of the reinforcements sent to hunt down the rangers, she felt -that no aid would come from them. The task of releasing Brom was to -devolve upon her alone. She well knew what the consequences of failure -or even of _success_ might be. But she did not shrink. - -It took her some time to find the bark lodge where Brom was confined. -The next thing was to ascertain if he were alone, and if not, to devise -some stratagem to get rid of his guard. - -To her joy she found that the prisoner was alone. To make an opening in -the rear of his prison-hut and creep inside, was the work of a moment. - -An idea of her extreme caution and skill may be formed from the fact, -that as yet the two plotters watching for her appearance were not aware -of her return. - -No sooner had she entered the hut, than she closed the aperture and -crept toward White Fox, who was sitting upright. He heard and suspected -her. He had in fact hoped to receive her aid, and had rightly supposed -she was not ignorant of his situation. The thought that she was near -caused the blood to course through his veins like wildfire. But -suddenly, a warrior appeared in the door, and Moorooine sunk behind the -one she loved, as noiseless as a shadow! - -The warrior stood a moment, and then entered, peering around the gloomy -interior. Pausing before the prisoner, he assured himself that the -latter’s wrists and ankles were well secured and then passed out again -among the excited throng. - -The moment he disappeared, Moorooine glided beside the aroused ranger -and quickly severed the thongs about his wrists. - -“Don’t stir till I tell you!” she whispered. “Me go out first an’ find -best way to git off an’ cheat warriors.” - -“God bless ye, my own sweet Wild Flower,” said the young man, -fervently, as he pressed her heaving bosom against his own, and his -lips to hers. “You risk your life for mine.” - -“Mustn’t--no time now,” she said, releasing herself. “Put hands -together again as before; use this knife to loose feet when time come.” - -He obeyed her instantly. The noise outside precluded their being heard. -They might be seen, though the guard having just passed out after -looking at the prisoner, it was not probable he would soon return. But -both kept a sharp watch as they talked. - -“If I escape, you go with me,” said Brom. - -“Yes; go help you clear.” - -“You must go with me for _good_, Moorooine. I want you always. You -shall be my wife.” - -“Talk of that when more time,” she said. “Go with you _now_ first. Have -to for always, s’pose, or else warriors kill me.” - -“Be very careful. If you should be found out, they’d kill you. That -would make my life bitter. You must not die for me.” - -“Would _willin’_ if need,” she said, as she pressed his hand. -“There--now must go, hurry. Be back very quick!” - -She noiselessly crept through the aperture and closed it. Then, with -great caution, she glided forward, and passed behind a huge bowlder, -from which a path led down a declivity to the river. She darted down -the path, and in five minutes returned. Her own canoe was in its -accustomed place, and between the rows of lodges yet came the sounds of -engrossing discussion. The moment had come. - -With beating heart she approached the prison-hut. But two figures -hovering near rose and barred her way. They were those of Hulet and the -savage before mentioned! A feeling of the bitterest disappointment and -dread filled her soul as she recognized Sly Hate, whom till now she -thought killed. But she quailed not. - -“Come this way,” said the Indian, who was called Heavy Sleep. The girl -could but obey, and the trio moved further aside. - -“Listen!” said Heavy Sleep, as they halted. “Sporting Fawn has been -much in woods to-night to warn our enemies, who have killed many -warriors. Sly Hate has seen you, so there is no chance to tell lies, if -you would. None of the warriors know this yet but Heavy Sleep. If they -should find out, then what?” - -“Then I would be killed,” she answered, while a shudder passed over -her. She knew the object of Heavy Sleep. He had long sought her hand, -but in vain. He was accounted a cruel monster, even among his own -tribe; capable of committing any atrocity to gratify revenge. Many -hated him, while fearing his malice. And now he held the girl’s life in -his hand, and well she knew the price he would ask for it. The thought -of this was what made her shudder. - -“Yes, be killed _hard_!” he said. “But, I will save you if you will be -my squaw. None of the warriors shall ever know of what you have done -to-night. Be my squaw and _live_. Speak!” - -“And if I say no?” - -“Then I shall take you into the midst of the warriors yonder, and Sly -Hate will tell his story,” replied Heavy Sleep, grasping her arm. - -“Hearken, Heavy Sleep!” she said. “It is true that I have been in the -woods; but it was to save blood, not to spill it. Many times, as you -know, I have risked the favor of my people by urging them to live at -peace with the whites.” - -The savage clutched her arm more tightly and said: - -“No need to say that again. We all know it. You love pale faces. That -is enough to make you die! I and Sly Hate have watched you. You are -even now going to find White Fox so as to get him away. But you never -try. Which will you do? Be my squaw, or burn at the stake with the -whole tribe mocking and hating your memory? Which?” - -The girl could not repress a shudder, which the savage noticed. It was -a terrible choice. But, her wits did not forsake her. She saw that -Heavy Sleep and his ally had just come up, and did not know she already -had communicated with White Fox. - -“Move aside and give me time to think alone!” she replied, as she drew -her arm away, and looked upward at the stars. “I am much afraid you -would hate me after a while, Heavy Sleep. You would get tired of me, -and then give me up to the vengeance of the tribe.” - -“No!” replied the Indian, with a degree less of harshness in his tone. -“Heavy Sleep would keep his word. Give you a little time; but think -_fast_. We shall be watching you.” - -He passed a few yards away with Hulet. The girl’s thoughts came and -went like lightning. Heavy Sleep evidently believed she would consent, -with such a fearful alternative before her. But she was fully resolved -to attempt the release of Brom, if she died for it. While trying to -devise some desperate expedient, a drift of clouds suddenly shut out -the starlight, and she knew that, for a moment, her body would hardly -be seen. She glided straight forward, as though to pass between the -two nearest huts. But, instead of doing so, she suddenly turned and -darted to the left; and by the time her two watchers had discovered her -_ruse_, she was in the prison-hut beside Brom. - -“It’s the last chance--_run_!” she exclaimed, in a wild whisper. - -The young ranger had no time to question her, or even to think. Steps -were heard close to the aperture where the girl had just entered. The -moment she spoke, Brom cut the thongs about his ankles, and sprung up -to encounter the guard, who had heard a noise and rushed to the door. -A blow from Brom knocked the fellow prostrate, and, before the throng -outside were well aware of it, a figure darted clear of their circle -and ran like a deer toward the woods! - -The air was rent with fierce yells as the crowd broke and pursued. Brom -saw that he could not reach the woods in time to get clear. Within ten -feet of the bluff he turned, and with one bound leaped into the deep, -swift current, not twenty feet above the mouth of the subterranean -passage! - -As he disappeared in the water, an excited crowd appeared on the bank, -astonished into momentary silence by the act. And when the moments -passed, and no form broke the waters, none doubted that the prisoner -had been swept into the subterranean passage, a victim to the evil -spirit presiding there. - -The Indian girl attempted to escape with Brom; but Heavy Sleep, as -implacable as death, gave no thought then but to her capture. She, -indeed, sprung clear of the lodge, and as Brom fled, with the crowd -after him, she started in the same direction with the pursuers. As she -suddenly darted aside from these, Heavy Sleep spied her, and, throwing -his hatchet struck her senseless to the ground. - -These scenes took place only a few minutes before Scarred Eagle and -Mace came within view of the camp. Of what followed, the reader is -already aware. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -A BLOODY TROPHY. - - -Scarred Eagle well knew whence the shots came. The moment the Indians -rushed from the lodge he glided from beneath the pile of skins, and -quickly freed the limbs of Moorooine. - -“Courage, girl,” he whispered. “I b’l’eve Brom’s saved. We must git out -o’ this afore they come back!” - -As he spoke he sprung from her side, and peering out saw the Indians -yet rushing pell-mell toward the high bank of the river. - -“Now’s our time--come!” he added, turning to the Indian girl. - -She had started to her feet, filled with a new strength at the thought -that Brom was saved and her own escape probable. But as Rhodan was -about to glide out he caught a glimpse of a figure moving up from the -left of the entrance. There was no time to ensconce himself under the -pile of skins. Instead, he crouched close to the side of the lodge, and -Moorooine sunk back to her former attitude. - -They had barely time to do this when a savage entered hastily and stood -beside the girl. - -“Sporting Fawn too young to die,” he said. “If come to my lodge an’ be -my squaw, take ’er dar now in canoe. Mus’ come quick!” - -As he spoke he drew his knife, and bent low to cut her bonds. The -sudden discovery that these were no longer upon her caused the fellow -to straighten up in astonishment. He had no time to question her or -even to glance around. A quick, powerful blow from behind laid him -senseless. Moorooine again sprung to her feet, and the next moment was -gliding across to the opposite row of huts after Scarred Eagle. The -moment they were behind these they turned toward the north. But they -had not gone more than twenty yards when, amid the general noise of -alarm, they heard the ringing cry of the warrior whom they had just -evaded. - -It was lucky for them the fellow raised the cry, for it was answered by -others whom in a moment more the fugitives would have met. - -At the moment they were near a large square hut, and having no time to -do better, crouched close beside it. - -The Indians rushed past them, and were for a moment hid from view by an -intervening lodge. The cry had recalled others from the vicinity of the -subterranean passage, and these were heard rushing up. - -“Must git in here if can--quick!” whispered the girl. - -It was a desperate attempt; but more dangerous to remain still or -attempt to run further. They crept rapidly forward, and at a moment -when the backs of the startled Indians were toward them, darted inside. - -“This council-house,” said the girl. “Mebbe not look here soon. Best -hide up there!” - -She hurriedly pointed overhead to rude beams laid across from side to -side. Half the space was floored with small rough logs. The cabin had -evidently been reared by some French trapper. With a lightning movement -Scarred Eagle lifted her up, almost as soon as the suggestion was -made, and as she obtained a footing he sprung up after her. - -For the time they were safe. Words can give no idea of the excitement -and confusion that now prevailed. It was frenzied. The last fifteen -minutes had marked the death of Heavy Sleep and the renegade, the -escape of Mace, the occurrence of the shots; and as a climax, some -other deadly, unseen foe had snatched one from captivity on whom the -savages had calculated to execute a terrible vengeance! No wonder these -events, so rapidly succeeding each other, made them crazy with alarm -and confusion. - -Scarred Eagle and Moorooine lost not a second in moving close to the -eaves of the roof and stretching themselves at length. - -They heard the baffled savages darting around the outside of the cabin. -Some of them entered it, but were evidently satisfied with the fact -that no one was below, without thinking to look aloft. Others ran -rapidly to the north, east and west, beating every spot that might for -a moment conceal a fugitive. - -Scarred Eagle was able to judge very nearly of the disposition of his -enemies. He knew that at least half a dozen were after Mace. He little -feared for the latter; but ever since the shots came, he feared that -those at the retreat had unwittingly led the savages to suspect their -hiding-place. In that case the capture of all would be only a question -of time. - -He realized the precarious situation of himself and the Indian girl: -at any moment they might be discovered. Still there was a hope--a bare -chance that they might remain there till night came. Pending that time -there seemed not the least possible chance of escape, even should they -remain undiscovered. - -In half an hour it was fully light. Meantime, from the shouts and -cries, Rhodan knew the searchers were still at work. On every side of -the village the search had been keen and simultaneous. How would it end? - -Through a crevice in the logs he managed, at last, to get a view of -the ground near the subterranean passage. It was not occupied, and the -fact cheered him. It was evident that the savages believed the daring -authors of the shots had escaped down the banks of the river. Some -were still absent on their trail, leaving the rest to look for the -daring enemy who had liberated the Indian girl. - -These soon returned to the center of the village. There was about a -score of them in all. Their looks showed that their poor success was -operating on their superstitious notions. Could it be possible they -believed their last unknown enemy had escaped, and that they had given -o’er the search? - -This was the question Scarred Eagle asked himself. Moorooine had -softly gained a position at his side, and was listening to the excited -conversation going on but a little distance away. - -“Good--very good!” she whispered, at length. - -“What is it, gal?” inquired Scarred Eagle, anxiously. - -“The canoe gone!” she answered, drawing a breath of relief. - -“What canoe, Moorooine?” - -“Mine. They s’pose we took an’ escaped!” - -“Is that what they say--ar’ ye sure?” - -“Yes; sure. We safe for more longer anyway. S’pose white friends safe -too--all safe? Why s’pose White Fox safe?” - -“I judge he is from what you told me an’ from what I noticed when I -crept into the village. You said he got away but was drowned in the -river.” - -“Yes; seen ’im run--jump in, above the dark passage. Bad place--bad -spirit lives there.” - -“That’s one o’ the foolish notions of y’ur people, Moorooine; but Brom -ain’t afraid o’ the place. I’ve gre’t hopes ’twas the means o’ savin’ -him.” - -He briefly explained the nature of the place to her, adding that he had -no doubt the rangers were at that moment concealed there. She listened -with great interest. - -“Good,” she said. “They help us if can, then.” - -“Thar’s jist a hope; but it’s a slim one,” said the scout. “If they -take a notion to s’arch this place we’ll be lost, sartin. If we kin -keep hid till night comes ag’in--eh, what’s hatchin’ now?” - -They listened, Moorooine keeping her ear close to the crevice. Suddenly -she turned her head and peeped out. She recognized the warrior whose -proposition to save her an hour before had been so suddenly interrupted -by Scarred Eagle. - -The quick-witted Indian girl understood all at a glance. The fellow -had not told of his own mishap, only that he had found the girl gone. -He well knew she could not have got far away, and, failing to find her -around the village, had a suspicion she was secreted somewhere within. -The missing canoe did not satisfy him. He was now pointing toward the -council-house, asking if the _loft had been searched_! - -“No hope now, only for _you_!” whispered Moorooine, sadly. - -She rose suddenly to her feet, and had taken one step forward, when -Scarred Eagle, surmising her intent, pulled her back. - -“No; not yit!” he said. “Ye’ve put y’ur life at stake _once_ to git -the boy safe, an’ you ain’t a-goin’ ter resk it for me, by throwin’ -y’urself into their hands. Git down thar ag’in quicker!” - -He fairly crowded her into the aperture, between the log-floor and the -roof. Then, with steady agility, he darted past her, and established -himself in a similar attitude. At that moment three or four Indians -entered below, and one of them, assisted by the rest, seized the beam, -and drew himself over it. The concealed borderer knew that several -moments would elapse before the Indian’s gaze would become used to the -gloom in the loft. Even then, he might not think it worth while to -cross over, and look into the narrow space where they lay concealed. - -But the savage did not wait. Urged by the impatient queries of those -below, he at once stalked forward and glanced around. He must have -seen that no lurkers were upon the floor, but a mere whim prompted him -to advance toward the further side. A round, white object caught his -eye, and as he bent toward it, something struck him in the forehead -and face, causing him to start back with a howl of pain. He whirled -rapidly, and grasping the beam, began to descend, pursued by dozens of -yellow-jackets, which, not to be partial, pitched into his companions. -In less than a minute, not only the loft, but the cabin was vacated, -except by Scarred Eagle and the Indian girl. These two, lying quite -still, cared little for the stings they themselves had received. -Long after the Indians had left the spot, they remained in the same -attitude, not only as a measure of safety, but to allow the disturbed -hornets time to settle. - -In an hour, Scarred Eagle cautiously rose, and Moorooine followed his -example. They had not for a moment failed to hear sounds outside, -coming from those who mourned their dead, or from those who kept coming -in from a fruitless search. - -“They no come here ag’in,” said the Indian girl, hopefully. “How do -that?” - -“We scouts l’arn to make use of sarcumstances that other ’uns wouldn’t -notice,” replied Rhodan. “That nest was jest at my head, an’ ’twasn’t -much work ter rile the little chaps. Ay; there comes more!” - -The Indians began to come in fast, from the west and south. Three hours -passed, and little took place in the village worthy of record. The -concealed scout and his companion began to feel weak from their past -terrible exertions. Hunger and thirst, too, tormented them. But there -was nothing but to wait and watch in suspense. Scarred Eagle began -to fear, and with reason, that those in the cave would be unable to -assist them. Even if there were no new alarms, the camp would be too -vigilant for them to escape that night. Meantime the warriors, whether -successful or unsuccessful, would all be in, so that it would be -madness for the rangers to attempt his liberation, even if they could -know where he was. - -They would probably suppose he had effected his escape, and search for -him miles away. But he knew Brom would prosecute the search till death. - -The sun was considerably past the meridian, when, from their look-out, -they saw a number of Indians start up, and advance toward the forest on -the south. A moment later, they heard sounds denoting an arrival. - -“It’s plain all on ’em ain’t in yit,” whispered Scarred Eagle. “I don’t -know what’s kep’ ’em so long, onless--ay, thar they come!” - -A dozen or more came into view. They were greeted with yells of -delight by those already in camp, who rushed forward to meet them. -As they advanced into the center of the camp, Rhodan noticed they had -a prisoner, and soon discovered it was Tim Devine. A pang of sorrow -filled the breast of Scarred Eagle. He knew the faithful fellow had -been taken, while endeavoring to draw the Indians off. His arms were -closely pinioned behind, his hunting-frock was nearly torn off, and -his face was covered with blood. What had become of his companion, Dan -Hicks? - -It was a silent query soon answered. The excited crowd thronged around, -filling the air with gratified yells at the prospect of having one live -victim for torture. As they swayed to and fro, jeering and buffeting -the prisoner, one of them exhibited two bloody scalps of white men. One -of these Rhodan recognized as that of poor Hicks; and the other--he -feared, with a shudder, that it belonged to Ben Mace! - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -A SUDDEN REPRIEVE. - - -Preparations were at once made to torture the prisoner. He was led, or -pushed, forward directly toward the council-house. A rude post was soon -sunk in the ground, and to this he was securely lashed. - -Scarred Eagle set his teeth hard, and glanced keenly toward the rocky -bluff. He had a good view of it from his perch. He could not believe -the rangers were yet gone. They had not had a chance to steal away, -even on the supposition that their leader had escaped from the village. -They must, therefore, have noticed the arrival of the warriors with -their prisoner; if so, he felt assured they would undertake something -for the brave Irishman. He saw what they might do; but would they think -to undertake it? - -As if in answer to his thoughts, he suddenly caught glimpse of two -figures gliding along the edge of the woods toward the west. The view -was but momentary, but it made his gray eye flash with satisfaction. It -was the first sign he had seen, telling that the rangers were on the -alert since morning. - -“What do now?” said the Indian girl, speaking close to his ear. - -She had been watching those below them with fearful interest. - -“Nothing yit, girl. But there may be a chance for us to gi’n ’em the -slip soon. We must be ready.” - -“Too bad--sorry!” she said, glancing through at the howling rabble -about Devine. “’Fraid we can no help him. No git away ourselves till -dark comes. He be burnt then.” - -“The warriors don’t b’l’eve but what the rest on us ar’ well out o’ the -region,” explained the other. “But two o’ the chaps ar’ workin’ round -an’ I’ve no doubt’ll interrupt this work at the right minit!” - -“What? You see ’em?” - -“Not a minit ago. When the alarm comes we must down an’ put for the -river while the rest ar’ off.” - -“Then, if can, take him?” - -“The Irishman--yis. I’ll look at him. It’s likely we’ll have help. Ay, -they’ve begun thar deviltries!” - -The fierce maledictions and threats, delivered occasionally in broken -English, ceased at this moment. Standing a few feet away, a half-dozen -of the more experienced warriors began to test the nerves of the victim -by throwing their knives toward him. On either side of his head struck -the dangerous missiles, burying themselves in the post. The Irishman -never winced. Evidently he had schooled himself for the trial. Of -course due care was taken not to strike him fatally, as that would have -shortened his coming period of torture by fire. - -Full half an hour was thus occupied, when the programme was changed -by introducing hatchets. These were thrown with such skill that they -were allowed to clip the straggling locks of the victim’s hair, without -touching his head. But at last, either accidentally or by design, one -of the performers in the game threw his weapon cutting off a portion of -the victim’s ear! - -The yells that now arose, proclaimed that a new feature of the torture -had begun. And Scarred Eagle knew that the victim would be pierced or -struck about the arms and shoulders, till he was deemed fit for the -flames. - -“Eh! How pale-dog like it?” inquired one of the crew as he seized -Devine’s hair. - -Up to this moment the latter had not uttered a word or a groan. But -now, probably hoping to provoke this tormentor to finish the work at -once, he managed to draw back one foot, and suddenly planted it in the -fellow’s stomach, pitching him backward upon the ground! - -“Dthere, ye double-dom’d haithen, do y’ur worst, so!” - -Like lightning the worsted Indian sprung to his feet and rushed -back with upright weapon. At this instant two rifle-reports rung -out, telling with deadly effect among the crowd. And hardly had the -echoes of the first ceased, when another rifle spoke from behind the -council-house! Three in all, telling as many deaths. - -“Now--down quickly!” was the excited command of Scarred Eagle. - -Both sprung down and rushed out. By the time this was accomplished the -frenzied crowd were rushing like mad devils in the direction of the -shots. - -“Push for the bluff!” cried Rhodan to the Indian girl; and as he spoke -he sprung to the side of Devine. But the latter had already nearly got -his arms loose, and one dash with Scarred Eagle’s knife completed the -work. - -“Och! Howly Mother--” - -“Away with ye--_run_!” - -The Irishman bounded off. As Scarred Eagle started he cast a quick -glance back and saw that half a dozen of the Indians, notwithstanding -the sudden confusion, had caught a glimpse of what was going on and -were rushing back like a tornado. At the same moment a startling shout -at his left caused him to turn his head. Two Indians had already -reached the spot, having rushed up behind the council-house. - -One of these had pounced upon the Indian girl, and his hatchet was -already elevated, when the shout, came quickly followed by a blow so -powerful that the fellow dropped to rise no more. - -“Run, Moorooine--take the one after Tim, Revel--ah-ha, Rhodan, here the -devils come!” - -It was the voice of Brom Vail. Scarred Eagle had already raised his -rifle as the young man spoke; and as the words left his lips, their -rifles spoke together. The Indians involuntarily halted before the -shock, while Rhodan and Brom turned like lightning and sprung toward -the bluff. Revel had just felled the Indian who pursued Devine. The -latter was near the bluff, the Indian girl quite near him. - -“Push on!” cried Revel; and as he spoke he raised his rifle. _Two_ -reports rung out, and instinctively Scarred Eagle and Brom turned. - -“Have at the devils an’ save Mace--hyar ’e comes!” - -And as Scarred Eagle spoke, the three bounded toward the remaining -Indians; but the latter wheeled and struck toward the forest, as a -stentorian voice behind yelled: - -“Spring on for y’ur lives! The hull pack o’ hellions ar’ turnin’ back!” - -A few desperate springs brought them to the bluff, where, dodging -behind a bowlder, they found Devine guarding the passage, the Indian -girl having already entered. - -Mace was the last to creep in, and he had just time to do so, and -close up the passage, when a score of Indians dashed upon the rocks. -As he crept on after the rest down the narrow, rugged passage, he kept -filling it behind him in such a manner that it would take hours for an -enemy from _without_ to force it. And yet he could not help thinking it -might be their last hiding-place on earth. - -Only faint, rumbling echoes came to the ears of the fugitives as they -passed to the subterranean chamber. But they had no reason to doubt the -doubly enraged Miamis knew where they were concealed, and would watch -them to the last extremity. - -Of course, midnight darkness reigned in the chamber; but it was -provided with pine torches, and one of these was soon lighted. All of -them were too much excited to converse for a time. Not five minutes had -elapsed since the work of torture was interrupted; and now, behold, all -except Goodbrand and Hill were safe from present danger. - -The arms of Brom tenderly supported the Indian girl. The Irishman had -sunk down exhausted; and Scarred Eagle, warmly shaking the hands of his -deliverers, was rapidly informed of their several adventures, and they -then began to consult anxiously. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE FORLORN HOPE. - - -The appearance of Ben Mace in the last scene may be briefly explained. - -When he sprung away from the side of Scarred Eagle, it was not yet -light. His pursuers were just able to catch the outlines of his figure -as it disappeared in the bushes. He did not doubt his ability to escape -by a straight run from the village; but he knew such a course would -necessitate a long run and prevent his giving any further assistance to -his friends. - -One of Scarred Eagle’s expedients suggested itself, and with the -thought he acted. Seizing a stone, he hurled it down the slope of -ground, and then dodged close behind a bowlder. In the brief space -necessary to do this, the pursuers dashed through the bushes, and in a -second were past him. He rose quickly, and circling to the right, began -to approach the upper extremity of the village. - -The nature of the shouts and confusion led him to believe Rhodan was -already a prisoner. He rightly conjectured that he might safely venture -to the river-bank, and secrete himself, or have opportunity to join the -party in the subterranean passage. - -Favored by the degree of gloom still prevailing, he succeeded in -reaching the opposite side of the camp, listening with wild anxiety to -the Babel of cries all around him. He was about to hurry to the side -of the river, when he obtained a view of the horde who at that moment -brought the bodies of Hulet and Sly Hate from the rear of the hut. He -had then no doubt his friend was certainly a prisoner, if not killed, -and resolved to at once attempt joining those in the retreat. - -He glided down the very path Moorooine had taken an hour before. To -his surprise he noticed a tall Indian gliding before him in the same -direction. Without pausing to think what the fellow’s object could be, -he followed him close, till the latter reached the water, where a light -canoe was drawn up. Into this the Indian hastily deposited a rifle and -several other articles. Having done this, he wheeled about, and Mace -was just in time to conceal himself in the shrubbery. - -The Indian passed him, springing up the acclivity as if intent on some -personal errand requiring great haste. As he disappeared, Mace laid -his own rifle in the canoe, which he began to push swiftly toward the -subterranean passage. He kept close under the bank, having no fears but -that he would be able to accomplish his purpose undiscovered. - -Within ten yards of the entrance he heard the reports of the rifles and -the yells and rush that followed. And the next moment he swept into -the passage and gained the rocky recess, where, to his deep surprise, -he found not only the three rangers, who had just fled from above, but -Brom Vail. - -The three rangers had witnessed the commotion, and poured in the -volley in hopes of diverting pursuit of the men whom they hoped had -got a start from camp. The explanation of Mace, while it shed a little -light upon the situation, left the fate of Scarred Eagle and Moorooine -involved in uncertainty. They little knew that at that very moment the -latter were snugly secreted in the very heart of the village. - -A number of hours passed before they found opportunity to take a -look over the camp--hours full of the deepest anxiety and suspense. -Brom Vail at last managed to peer out, and saw that the Indians had -withdrawn from the spot. Their hiding-place was yet unknown, but the -Indians were gathered in knots in the midst of the camp. What had -become of Rhodan and the Indian girl? - -There was not yet a chance to leave the retreat without being -discovered, and chafing with impatience, they consulted and watched -during the long hours. At last, near nightfall, the coveted chance of -stealing out was opened by the arrival of the _posse_ bringing Devine a -prisoner. - -The plan of Brom was acted upon the moment the savage orgies commenced. -Three were to steal around to the west and pour in a volley into the -savage crew, volunteering to undertake the perilous task, and risk -escape. Brom Vail, with Revel, took it upon himself to steal along the -bank of the river, and attempt two things: the release of the Irishman, -and to learn, if possible, something concerning Rhodan and the Indian -girl. The young man was filled with sad forebodings in regard to these. -His great joy, then, at the last _dénouement_ may be imagined. - -But their situation was yet extremely perilous, and all realized -it. Of course an attempt to leave through the passage they had just -entered was not to be thought of. And the water-passage--would not the -terribly-aroused Indians guard its entrance, believing it communicated -with their retreat? - -“There’s little doubt of it,” said Brom, as they consulted. “They -must ’a’ seen me in the scrimmage just now, an’ known me. That ’ud be -enough, ’cos they know how I escaped afore.” - -“Mebbe they _didn’t_ know ye,” said Mace. “They hedn’t a chance ter -look close, as to thet. Besides, you forgit that y’ur rig’s different -frum what ’twas. Thet canoe I brought in helped ye to a change o’ -garments as well’s to a rifle.” - -At this moment dull sounds came faintly to their ears from above. - -“The devils ar’ workin’!” remarked Scarred Eagle. “Take hold o’ here, -Mace!” - -The latter assisted him to push one of the canoes into the water. -Scarred Eagle stepped in. Mace was about to follow. - -“No, Ben,” said the other. “Wait here with the rest. One’s enough to -reconnoiter now.” - -He pushed off in the darkness, the others anxiously awaiting the -result. Meantime they ever and anon put their ears close to the upward -passage. The Miamis above were still at work endeavoring to force an -entrance. - -Ten minutes passed and Scarred Eagle came back with the canoe. The news -he brought was any thing but encouraging. He had advanced far enough to -see that a number of the enemy stood upon the high bank of the river, -with their gaze fixed upon the subterranean entrance. - -“They sartin suspect that it leads to our retreat,” he said. “But one -thing ag’in’ ’em is ’t they ain’t got any canoes. Thet is, none thet I -could diskiver.” - -“Some above!” said Moorooine. “Up near fort. Mebbe git them.” - -“It may be they will, gal,” said Rhodan. “We’ll know in the course of -an hour. It’ll be dark by that time.” - -The veteran scout sat down upon the hard bottom of the cave and became -silent. There seemed no further chance for that species of strategy of -which he was so perfect a master. A few hours would decide their fate, -and all knew it. - -A small keg of spirits and a quantity of jerked venison had been -found in the canoe which Mace had brought in. All partook sparingly, -and then, seeing that their weapons were in the best possible order, -huddled together awaiting events. - -At last the sounds made by the enemy above them ceased. They had -evidently become satisfied that they were expending their strength for -nothing. What would they next do? - -“Ain’t it dark outside by this time?” inquired Brom at last. - -“No, not yet,” replied Scarred Eagle. “It’s no use o’ pokin’ out that -way till we’re sure ’tis.” - -At this moment they heard the echoes of shouts above the dull roar of -the waters. They at once knew the sounds must have come from near the -east side of the camp, else they could not have reached their ears. - -The rangers huddled close to the edge of the landing, and bent forward. - -“The hellions ar’ makin’ ready to come at us here,” said Mace, grimly. - -“Not yit,” remarked Scarred Eagle, who had stepped into the canoe in -order to hear better. “I’d sooner think one or both of the others ar’ -taken.” - -“I kain’t b’l’eve but what they got off. I see ’em run the minit they -fired. Thar couldn’t ’a’ b’en many thet follered ’em. The row we made -brought most on ’em back. ’Twould be jest like the chaps to turn back -ag’in the minit thar come a chance, though.” - -“The Lord help ’em ef they _be_ took, now,” said Scarred Eagle. “No -kind of a chance ’s left _us_ to help ’em, when thar’s so small a -prospect o’ helpin’ ourselves. Step in here, Ben, an’ we’ll steal out a -piece towarts the entrance.” - -As the latter obeyed, Rhodan turned toward Brom. - -“Tother canoe ’ll hold the rest on ye, boy. Ef ye hear a stone splash -in the water hereaway, push out at once.” - -In a moment longer he had turned the angle and disappeared. - -Those behind now stationed themselves where they could hear the least -unusual sound. None of them attempted to converse. Their suspense was -too deep. - -Half an hour thus passed, or rather dragged; for to those waiting, -it seemed hours. What could keep Scarred Eagle and Mace? Directing -Revel to steady the remaining canoe, Brom stepped to its further end, -and managed to obtain a view outward. He saw an outline of the other -canoe drawing silently toward him through the gloom, and far beyond he -plainly distinguished one or two moving bodies, revealed by the degree -of light prevailing outside. - -As he stepped back, Scarred Eagle and Mace glided to the chamber and -landed. Their report was not a cheering one. As Brom had suspected, the -Indians in their canoes were watching the mouth of the passage. - -“We must git to work quick!” said Scarred Eagle. “Them out yonder ain’t -sure we’re in here, though they suspect it. Mebbe we kin cheat ’em -ag’in.” - -“Work is it?” exclaimed the Irishman. “I’m ready dthin--pwat’ll be -doon?” - -“It shall be your part to keep watch with Moorooine an’ see if them in -the canoes ondertake to come in. The rest on us ’ll work at the passage -in the rocks. Mace thinks thar’s a prospect of workin’ our way up so ’s -to fire occasionally on them watchin’ above us. If we kin, it may draw -’em away from the mouth of the passage an’ gi’n us a chance to steal -out in the canoes.” - -Mace had already begun to remove some of the obstructions placed in the -rocky passage. The rest fell to work with a will, leaving Devine and -the Indian girl to watch the passage outward. - -As previously mentioned, the way up through the rocks was devious and -rough, and nearly thirty feet in extent. Half-way up was a kind of -niche where three men might stand abreast. The rangers hoped to be able -to fire upon the savages from this point. Could they do so, the Indians -might possibly believe the rocky passage extended no further, and -withdraw those who were stationed at the mouth of the water-passage. - -They worked with the energy of men who realized that life is the stake. -There was little danger of their being heard, as it was much easier to -remove obstructions from the inside than from without. - -In a few minutes they reached the desired point. Pausing they heard -sounds, proclaiming the Indians had again resumed work. - -“They’re gittin’ on faster now,” said Mace. “I judge they’ve got that -big stone moved, but it’s cost ’em more ’n a good hours work. Ha--look -out!” - -As he spoke, a rumbling, heavy jar was felt, as a huge rock fell -forward, lodging a few feet above them! Mace chuckled grimly. - -“Thar! Ye see it got the better of the scamps. Thet ar was fixed for -jest sich an occasion as this, but was never used afore. Now, it’s in -sich shape that we couldn’t git out o’ here ourselves in less ’n half a -day ef thar wa’n’t no one round to interfere.” - -“It’s bad!” remarked Scarred Eagle. “We won’t have a chance to let ’em -know we’re here except by shouting, an’ they’d see through that. If -we could git in a shot or two now, they’d b’l’eve we war in the last -extremity.” - -As he spoke, “thump, thump,” came sounds from above. Pressing up as far -as possible, between the wall and obstructions before them, he obtained -a view of several dark figures relieved against a starlit sky in the -distance. - -“That bowlder broke a section of the ledge as it fell, an’ the devils -ar’ makin’ thar way round it,” he whispered. “It’s jest the thing after -all--reach my rifle here, Revel!” - -Mace had made the discovery as soon as Rhodan. Revel handed them their -weapons, and stepped back. - -“Push y’ur weepon up as far as ye kin,” cautioned Scarred Eagle. “The -report ’ll be less likely to echo back below us.” - -But they withheld their fire. The Indians had suddenly ceased their -work again, and not a glimpse of them could be seen. Minute after -minute passed of unbroken silence. - -“I had hoped they’d keep on!” said Scarred Eagle. “But their crazy rage -is coolin’. Thet’s what’s made ’em work, when they mout ’a’ waited an -b’en jest ’s sure. Ah-ha--what’s ter pay now?” - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -NOOKECHIN. - - -The Irishman had scrambled up, and stood beside them. - -“For dthe luv of God coom below, quick!” he exclaimed. “Dthe rats are -movin’ in wud the boats!” - -“You an’ Revel keep here, Mace. You’ll know if wanted!” - -And as Scarred Eagle thus spoke, he hurried down after the Irishman. -He found the Indian girl standing as far out as possible, gazing up -the water-passage. Coming on slowly, were two canoes, each containing -three or four Indians. They could be plainly distinguished, for a torch -was fixed in the prow of the one ahead. It only cast light a few yards -ahead and around them, so that the watchers had no fears of being -discovered, till the canoe should approach nearer. - -“They want to come, but ’fraid to,” whispered Moorooine. - -“It shows they’ve doubts ’bout thar bein’ a hidin’-place in here. -_That’s_ in our favor, anyhow. Ef we could only make ’em b’l’eve thar -w’an’t any, we’d soon git clear.” - -The canoes came on very cautiously. Suddenly, the Indians, feeling the -increased current, began to dip their paddles to prevent moving too -fast. The one nearest the torch seized it, and waved it from side to -side, examining the walls. But, save at the secret chamber, there was -not the least cavity in the rocks. - -They held their canoes nearly motionless, and peered into the unknown -darkness. Evidently they did not like the idea of venturing further. -They were not rid of the superstition about the place, and the gloomy -depths, beyond, from which came a sullen roar, made them nervous. - -Suddenly a prolonged, dull echo came to the ears of Scarred Eagle and -Moorooine. They knew it was caused by rifle-reports up in the passage. -Those in the canoes heard the echoes; but to them it was of frightful -significance. Mingled with the sullen roar in the depths, it doubtless -seemed to their startled imaginations, that the evil spirit of the cave -was about to take vengeance on them for their temerity. At any rate, -they pulled back with the utmost dispatch. - -Leaving Moorooine to watch, Scarred Eagle sprung back and hastened up -the passage. As he gained the spot, he heard yells outside plainly. - -“We’ve hit one o’ the curs--what’s goin’ on below?” cried Mace. “Is -thar a chance--” - -“Yes; come on for y’ur lives!” interrupted Scarred Eagle. - -They hurried back into the chamber. - -“Ar’ they in sight, Moorooine?” called Rhodan. - -“No; all gone!” said the girl, joyfully. - -“Then out with these ’ere, quick!” - -Both canoes were at once launched. In the foremost and largest, four of -the rangers took their places. Brom and Moorooine followed in the other. - -As they moved forward, they heard the sounds of excitement, which told -that the savages were rushing to the spot, where, as they doubtless -supposed, their enemies were attempting a desperate resistance. - -“Steady!” cautioned Scarred Eagle, as they neared the mouth of the -rocky channel. “We must feel our way for a minit or two. T’other canoes -may not be out o’ the way.” - -Two minutes later they stopped, and peered ahead. Not a sign of a canoe -could they see; yet those that had ventured into the passage could not -yet have had time to land. To do so, they would be obliged to move a -distance up where the bank was more sloping. There was no danger that -these might be lying to the right or left of the entrance, behind the -juts of cliff. - -The rangers consulted a moment. They were far enough to see the -reflection of starlight on the water further out. Had it been darker, -they would not have hesitated to risk an attempt to start out. They -concluded to move close up beside the right wall, and then steal up and -endeavor to obtain a view of the opposite side of the entrance. - -The canoes came nearly up to the wall, when Devine, glancing back, saw -something floating toward them. - -“Luk!” he said, in a wild whisper. - -The object was where the starlight shone upon it. As the rest turned it -disappeared from sight. At the same moment, shouts came from the right -of the entrance, and a canoe was heard rounding the adjacent angle. - -“Back!” whispered Scarred Eagle, in a tone of startling earnestness. - -Quickly as the order was obeyed, the canoes had hardly turned, when the -foremost was struck by another containing half a dozen Miami warriors. - -Instantly a burst of wild yells rung out, and were echoed back from -the adjacent banks; and, at the same instant, “crash! crash!” rung the -blows of hatchets. There was no time to level a rifle; no time to push -back into the cavern without a struggle. - -Six against four! Unfortunately, Revel, at the first onset, received a -blow which laid him powerless in the canoe. His fall, while it made the -odds more fearful, caused the canoe to surge back, and at that moment -Brom, pushing his rifle forward, fired, killing one of the assailants, -who fell back into the water. The incident gave the other three time to -snatch up their rifles; but by this time another canoe was approaching -rapidly. - -The rangers were not permitted to level their rifles, for the -assailants, knowing that aid was at hand, recovered in time to beat -down the weapons, springing in with their hatchets to the attack. - -“That’s it--quick boy--git us apart!” - -The hoarse exclamation of Scarred Eagle, as with his two companions, -he made almost superhuman efforts to beat back the assailants. The -endeavors of Brom were somewhat aided by Revel, who began to recover -from the effects of the blow. Even then, it seemed impossible to get -clear of the assailants before the latter should receive aid. But -suddenly their canoe was tipped backward by an unseen hand, and the -warriors, losing their balance, tumbled into the water. One of them -was dispatched by Mace. At that moment, a form appeared beside Brom’s -canoe, and a voice shouted: - -“Me--White Fox--take in quick--Goodbrand!” - -Moorooine identified the speaker in time to stay the arm of Brom, -raised to strike a supposed enemy. - -As Goodbrand sprung in, the voice of Scarred Eagle was heard above the -din: - -“Hyar they come; give them a volley or we’re lost!” - -Another canoe was sweeping up, the occupants paying no attention to -their companions in the water. Not two rifle-lengths separated them as -Scarred Eagle spoke. Almost immediately the four rangers fired, doing -fearful execution; then, taking advantage of the confusion, they swept -back toward the subterranean chamber. - -But the Indians, now reinforced by another party in canoes, soon -followed. The rangers had barely effected a landing when they found two -or three canoes within twenty yards of the retreat. One of them carried -a torch. - -“The devils know our weepons ar’ empty, an’ don’t mean to give us time. -Load quick, and if they come too soon, club y’ur rifles!” - -As the veteran scout issued this command he himself began to reload, -the rest following suit. - -“Quick! here come!” suddenly exclaimed Moorooine. - -As she spoke she darted back, and a canoe rounded the turn, the torch -in its prow revealing the cave and inmates distinctly. - -“Hyar they be--beat back the devils!” shouted Scarred Eagle and Mace -together. - -As quick as thought their clubbed rifles came down upon the occupants -of the foremost canoe, some of whom in their wild rage had attempted -to leap into the chamber. Yells, cries and groans rung out through the -dark depths, presenting a scene of the wildest confusion. The Indians -pressing in the rear let fly another volley of arrows, but most of them -passed over the heads of the assailed, who had temporarily beaten back -those in the foremost canoe. At this instant a heavy object fell with -a crash in one of the canoes, striking down some of its occupants, and -tipping it over. - -“Thet’s it--the rocks,” shouted Mace. - -“Ay, dthim’s dthe boys. Musha, take dthat, ye haithens. Och, we’ll -bate dthem wud sthones, so!” - -In less time than it takes to describe it, the Irishman had inaugurated -this species of warfare. There were plenty of loose rocks in the -chamber, and the rangers hurled these so rapidly among the crowd of -assailants that the latter were glad to withdraw out of range as quick -as possible. The moment they did so the rangers began again to reload, -a torch left in a remote corner of the room affording sufficient light. -They could hear their assailants still moving away in the darkness. - -The rangers now had time to glance at each other, and question -Goodbrand, whose timely aid ten minutes previous had probably saved -them all from capture or death. His statement was brief. His companion, -Joe Hill, had escaped, while he himself had been struck down with a -hatchet as he ran. Being brought forward and recognized, they were -about to sacrifice him on the spot, so great was their rage; but -at that moment came the shots fired by Revel and Mace upon those -endeavoring to force the passage. In the increased rush to this spot -only three or four were left around Goodbrand. While the attention of -these was for a moment diverted, the thongs with which Goodbrand was -bound were cut, and he recognized the whisper of Noochekin in his ear: - -“Me pay back you now for savin’ my life on the lake. If catch ag’in you -die. Debt paid now. Go.” - -He darted away, and was pursued, Noochekin himself joining in the -chase. The latter stumbled over a log, retarding the rest, till -Goodbrand disappeared behind a lodge. Thence he crept under a jut of -the bank, where he lay, till fearing discovery, he dropped under the -water, intending to swim into the chamber. As we have seen, he was in -time to aid his friends. - -“Then the canoe side o’ the entrance must ’a’ be’n watchin’ for ye?” -said Scarred Eagle. - -“No--watchin’ for _you_,” was the answer. “It come round the jut as me -started to swim. They mistrusted some trick, an’ meant if _was_ in here -you shouldn’t git ’way.” - -“It must be--yes, Goodbrand; you’re right. The devils hev be’n beat too -bad to neglect watchin’ any p’int which may look ’s ’ough we mout take -advantage of it. We’re in our last corner, chaps, an’ thar’s no need -o’ denyin’ it; but we’ll rest awhile, ef the scamps ’ll let up, an’ -prepare to meet ’em when they come. ’Twon’t be soon, uther, ’cos they -kain’t but see they’ve got us.” - -“Yes; but the hellions ’ll r’member these last two days,” said Mace, -grimly. “No danger of their comin’ at us ag’in right away. They’ll wait -till we’re as weak as babies from hunger, an’ then try ter git the hull -_posse_ on us _alive_! We mout ’s well keep it up, an’ git our deaths -by fightin’.” - -“It’s better’n to be kilt alive at dthe sthake!” assented Devine, with -a shudder. - -“Time enough to begin another scrimmage; thar’s no danger but that the -entrance ’ll be guarded close enough now,” answered Scarred Eagle. “But -we’d best recruit as best we kin, so’s to hev our strength collected -for the last trial. Thar’s jest a chance some on us may git off, though -it’s a small one. D’ye see a light ahead, boy?” - -The question was addressed to Brom, who stood beside Moorooine in the -end of the canoe, peering back through the passage. - -“No!” was the response; “but thar’s several canoes hovering outside the -entrance, in the starlight. They ain’t a-goin’ to come back here right -away.” - -“Of course not. What is it, Revel?” - -The latter had crept up into the other passage, and now returned. - -“The scamps are _filling up_ the passage,” he said. - -“Ay--’cos it’ll be easier to watch the other way. They needn’t ’a’ took -the pains.” - -He saw that Revel, after waiting a moment, made a silent gesture for -him to come forward. He followed him up into the passage as far as it -had been cleared from the inside. Revel carried a new torch, and by its -light revealed a crevice which he had discovered. Then, putting the -torch behind them, they could distinguish, at about ten feet distant, -the starlight from outside. - -“I thought of this just now,” said Revel, “and came up to look again. -I discovered it at the time you came after us to escape in the canoes. -Now that that chance is gone, here’s another. What do you think of it?” - -“One man workin’ outside, where thar’s room, mout, in two hours, -make the place big enough for us to creep out,” said Rhodan. “To git -outside--thet’s the hull question. One on us mout try it.” - -“What is?” - -Turning they saw Mace and Goodbrand, who had crept up. The matter was -at once explained. - -“If one could git out, what chances ’ud thar be to work ’ithout bein’ -seen or heard? Thet’s the second question,” said Mace. - -“The side we’re lookin’ through is opposite the spot whar the reds ’ll -be likely to keep any sort of watch. Besides, they’ve jist filled up -the hole above us, so, if one on us _could_ git outside unseen, thar’d -be a chance. An’ it seems as ’ough one might. Let us get down an’ -consider the chances.” - -They returned into the chamber, meeting the others, to whom was -communicated what had been discovered. Instantly they began to devise -some expedient by which one might leave the subterranean region, and -what one of them should undertake the desperate feat. - -Goodbrand insisted on having the task. His color, and readiness with -the Indian tongue, caused his request to be unanimously granted. But -now, how was he to steal out without it being known by the waiting -enemy? - -“Thar’s no airthly way but to move up an’ engage the reds in a -skirmish,” said Scarred Eagle. “We must do it in such a way that -Goodbrand can slip noiselessly into the water an’ swim for it. He’ll -hev tu turn to the right of the entrance an’ endivor to git a chance to -draw himself up on the rocks. Ef he kin manage that far, the rest’ll be -easier.” - -“Thar’s another thing,” said Brom. “What can he carry to work with?” - -There was a short silence. They had nothing with which Goodbrand could -work among the seamy rocks except knives and hatchets. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -AGAIN! - - -They did not pause long. True, the chance of Goodbrand’s doing any -thing was small even should he succeed in reaching the spot. But it was -better than no chance at all and something else might occur to him by -which to assist his friends. - -The canoes were again made ready, and the party, with their weapons in -good order, entered. They could quite plainly see the canoes of the -Indians outside, while they knew it was impossible for themselves to be -seen until they should approach quite near the entrance. - -Slowly they stole forward, making no noise that could be heard outside, -above the monotonous roar of the channel. - -As they advanced they could see the Indians more plainly. There were -three canoes of them, and a constant stream of inquiries and answers -was kept up with those on shore. - -They evidently feared the rangers were preparing to make some desperate -attempt to dash out. They had had abundant evidence of their power of -resource in danger, and meant to leave no way open. - -The rangers understood this, and felt it was all the more favorable for -the success of their plan. - -The foremost canoe, directed by Scarred Eagle, at last came to a stop. -Twenty yards further would reveal them to those outside. - -For a moment the rangers consulted in low tones on the chances of -actually making a dash past their enemies. The three canoes of the -Indians were somewhat to the left of the entrance. But if they should -get past these there were enough Indians standing along the banks to -riddle them before they could get any thing of a start. So they gave it -up, and Goodbrand prepared for his desperate work. - -The canoes of the rangers now rested in the middle of the channel. -Goodbrand, shaking hands with his companions, let himself silently into -the water and in a few seconds swam to the right wall, and as far up -as it was safe to do. Glancing _toward_ the light, his friends could -make out the outlines of his form as he sought for a place to rest -until the proper moment should arrive. - -In a few moments they saw that he remained motionless, and waited for -his signal. This was to have been a waving of his arm thrice. But the -moments sped on and no signal came. - -Scarred Eagle was about to push up nearer, when he observed Goodbrand -relinquish his hold, and in a moment the latter had noiselessly swum -back. - -“What’s the trouble, Goodbrand?” - -“No trouble,” he said. “Something good. Follow me close up. Some chance -all get way--cheat all the warriors _now_. If mistook, then we can try -other way jes’ same.” And without waiting for reply, Goodbrand let go -the side of the canoe and swam back, as silently as before. - -Word was passed to Brom, who was in the rear with Moorooine and the -Irishman. Then the canoes were turned, and pushed close up beside the -friendly Miami. - -As yet the shouts and inquiries of the enemy were kept up from shore -and stream. Their canoes remained in nearly the same position, and -a continuous watch was maintained over the entire surface of water -adjacent to the dark entrance. - -“Here!” whispered Goodbrand as they came up. “Give me ramrod--quick!” - -Taking one from the hands of Mace, he pushed it up in a slanting -direction through a fissure in the rocks. The gaze of the rest -following his movement, met a beam of pale light coming through the -hole made in the loose earth above. By it they were enabled to see that -the fissure was large enough for them to crawl through, and that the -covering of earth above could be easily removed. - -For a moment after making this discovery they remained inactive. The -chance of escaping so unexpectedly presented, thrilled them one and -all. And yet a single mishap might rob them of it forever and fatally. - -Scarred Eagle was the first to speak, which he did in a low whisper, -as if fearful it might be heard above the noise of the subterranean -passage. - -“We must arrange carefully. Can you creep in thar by standin’ on my -shoulder, Goodbrand?” - -“Yis, easy; quick. Easy to move the earth above. Den we can keep below -slope of bluff, an’ not be seen.” - -“Understand then. You go first. If them out yonder come this way for -any cause, all that ar’ left here at the time ’ll scull back after -firin’ into the enemy. After that, failin’ to hear any one outside the -passage from the chamber, it shell be taken as a signal that this way -is yit secret, and that help is waitin’ hyar. Now--stiddy the canoe, -men, while Goodbrand mounts ahead.” - -The latter, stepping upon the shoulder of Rhodan, easily got within the -fissure, and began to clamber up. It was necessary to go scarcely his -length, however, when he encountered the covering of earth. - -“Be keerful!” admonished Scarred Eagle. “Don’t let any of the earth -fall back, nor a stone.” - -The most intense and painful anxiety now prevailed. So near to escape -on one hand, and to capture and death on the other. - -Goodbrand worked forward cautiously. Gradually he removed the slight -barrier of earth, and they saw him push his head through, and knew he -was taking a rapid survey of the bluff. In a moment he settled back, -and turning his head, whispered: - -“All clear--come on!” - -Having warned them, he moved again, and in a moment had passed entirely -out, throwing himself flat upon the ground outside. - -With beating hearts the rest prepared to follow. Moorooine was assisted -up, and began to crawl forward. Revel was the next in order, Scarred -Eagle refusing to go till the last. But before Revel had a chance to -ascend, a movement was heard outside in the starlight, and looking out -they saw a canoe of the Indians in motion. - -“Git y’ur rifles ready!” muttered Scarred Eagle, in a low tone. “It’s -impossible to tell what they’re goin’ to do, but--” - -“Hold stiddy for y’ur lives--_Moorooine?_” - -It was the voice of Brom, sufficiently loud to reach the girl’s ears -without being heard by the enemy. - -“What?” she answered. - -“Lie still where you be--don’t move a hand’s breadth or the reds may -notice the light which your body now hides!” - -He spoke as rapidly as possible, then turned to watch the canoe. This -was moving as though again to enter the depths of the passage. - -“Hish!” muttered Scarred Eagle, bending forward. - -“Tell ye it’s time ter take the _oars_!” remonstrated Mace, excitedly. -“We mustn’t be diskivered in this spot! Ef we be, our chance is gone -here, sartin!” - -“As long as they’ve no torch we’re safe from that, yit,” remarked -Rhodan. “They’ve got to pass ahind us before they can see us. -Ah--now--silence for y’ur lives!” - -The occupants of the approaching canoe, five in number, swept their -bark suddenly aside not ten yards above the rangers, and began to glide -toward them. Rhodan at once divined their object. It was not to again -penetrate to the rocky chamber, but to gain a position where they could -see if a light was visible therefrom. - -It was too late for the rangers to move back without being heard. -Nor did Scarred Eagle wish to. He had hopes that he could remain -undiscovered, and that the explorers would soon turn back. If not, he -was confident of being able to worst the fellows, and make good his -retreat before others could interfere. - -With their own canoes pressed close to the wall, and ready to use -paddle or rifle as occasion might warrant, the borderers awaited -developments with bated breath. Nearer came the canoe of the warriors, -and lower crouched the whites. Suddenly the canoe stopped. It was so -near that the rangers, looking _toward_ the light, could make out the -forms of its occupants peering forward into the darkness. For several -moments they remained thus; then, dropping back upon foot and knee they -swept back, and rejoined the others. - -The rangers lost no time in making their exit from the place. One by -one they ascended till only Scarred Eagle was left. Seizing the hand -of Mace, he was assisted up, and in five minutes after the Indians had -withdrawn, all of the whites were gliding away toward the opposite side -of the bluff. - -It was now considerably past midnight, and heavy clouds began to drift -across the sky, rendering the starlight dim indeed. The little party -soon halted at the edge of the water on the other side. They could -plainly hear the excited jabber of Indian tongues behind them, and knew -that no time was to be lost. - -But how to escape from the bluff was the question now. To their right, -after ascending the bluff, lay the deep forest. An attempt to escape -that way would expose them to great danger, as it was quite certain -some of the Miamis would be hovering near the place. Not a canoe was to -be had, and not a log could be found on which to float to the forest -further south. - -After a short consultation Scarred Eagle and Mace left the rest, and -ascended the bluff to reconnoiter. Goodbrand and Revel, moving apart, -kept as sharp watch as possible around the left curve of the bluff -toward the subterranean passage. - -“Dthere must be a way for us now dthat we have got so fur out of it,” -said Tim at length. “Och musha, me head!” - -“I b’l’eve thar will, Tim,” replied Brom, who was supporting Moorooine, -into whose willing ears he had been whispering. “You’ve had a hard one -over gittin’ me clear. If I k’n ever pay ye back--” - -“Luk, now!” interrupted the Irishman. “Sthop, ef yees don’t want to -rise me. Is it of pay y’ur goin’ to talk, an’ to Tim Devine? Yees know -betthur. Wouldn’t yees do as much for me, an’ more? We done dthe besht -we c’u’d, though. Poor Dan Hicks! Och, musha! B’ated down; an’ him -skulped before me very eyes!” - -The poor fellow’s voice trembled with emotion. - -“It’s b’en an onusual adventur’,” remarked Brom. “Of course we all mean -to stick to each other. Thar’s three lost, not to speak of Hill. I hope -’e made good ’is escape. He couldn’t ’a’ done nothin’ for us. Thar -wouldn’t ’a’ b’en one us alive ef ’t hadn’t b’en for--” - -“--Dthe wan beside yees--why don’t ye spake it?” said the Irishman, as -Brom paused. “Yes, God bless ’er. She’s a haro to dthe core, and wan -I’d shed me besht blood for--thrue’s me father was a docthur w’u’d I. I -what, they’re coomin’ back, an’ now I’m in hopes dthurt a way to l’ave -dthis divule’s ragion.” - -Not for a moment had Brom and his companions ceased to keep a sharp -watch about them, and their brief conversation had been carried on in -whispers. As Tim spoke, Revel and Goodbrand came up. - -“The reds mistrust something, for they’ve started into the cave with -torches,” said Revel. “Less move forward.” - -“Thin we’ll hear from dthim soon, I’m thinkin’.” - -“They’ll see the canoes we left, an’ that’ll tell the story.” - -“It will, onless, as may happen, the canoes drifted down beyond the -chamber,” said Brom. “In that case they’ll leave us a little more time.” - -They were creeping cautiously up in the direction taken by the -elder scouts. These had now been gone nearly half an hour. Suddenly -Goodbrand, who was some paces ahead, put back his hand and sunk to the -earth, the rest speedily following his example. - -What had he discovered? In a few moments the question was answered. -Three dark forms began to loom into view, dealing down the slope of the -bluff. The rangers did not attempt even to exchange a hurried whisper. -There was no need, for each of them comprehended the situation, and -held the same theory. In some way Scarred Eagle and Mace had aroused -the suspicion of these warriors, but evaded them. The latter, to -satisfy their curiosity, were searching over the ground where they -suspected an enemy had lurked. - -The concealed party well knew why these warriors made no outcry. They -could have no suspicion, as yet, that any of the whites who had been -driven into the subterranean passage, had escaped. But the latter might -have companions watching for a chance to render them aid. - -Nearer they came, glancing sharply around, and stepping so lightly that -they seemed like moving phantoms instead of living forms. Brom and his -companions lay as silently as death, hoping to escape detection by -these prowlers. All knew that an outcry or struggle could hardly fail -of being heard beyond the bluff, and would at once bring others to the -spot. But they held themselves ready for a quick struggle, if it should -prove necessary. - -The three Indians were several paces apart, and paused every moment in -their course, listening keenly. In this manner they passed the little -party, who lay so close to the ground that only the closest inspection -could reveal them. - -Brom, who lay furthest to the right, began to move aside, and the -others followed his example. In a moment or two, all were crouched -beneath the shelter of a scraggy spruce, under which the Indian spies -had already searched. The outlines of the latter could now barely be -seen passing around the curve of the bluff; but they did not pass out -of sight. As if satisfied that their ears or sight had deceived them, -they turned back after a short pause, directly toward the whites. - -But the latter had already moved on, nearly in single file, keeping the -spruce between them and the warriors. Suddenly a whisper, which they -recognized as Rhodan’s, warned them aside. They were in time to dodge -behind a protuberance of the bluff as the Indian spies loomed into view -between them and the spruce. - -“Don’t show a limb!” whispered Scarred Eagle. “Ef I move, all on ye -foller, an’ be sure to use no weepons unless they see us first. These -’ere mustn’t be allowed to make an outcry.” - -A few seconds after the delivery of this order, the spies came on -boldly. They were passing a yard or two below the party, when they -suddenly halted and gazed out over the water. Looking _downward_, they -could distinguish nothing; but they had heard some sound, as of a body -moving through the water. They at once glided down close to the edge of -the shore. - -Scarred Eagle had also heard the slight sound, and well knew it was -Mace swimming forward and pushing a log before him. The sound had -ceased now, and he felt sure the latter was aware of the presence of -the three warriors. Had they discovered him? - -They squatted down close to the water and remained motionless. Minute -after minute passed, and still they moved not. The hearts of the -rangers began to beat wildly. At any moment their absence from the cave -might be discovered, when the entire bluff would be surrounded and -searched closely. And in a little more than an hour it would be _light_! - -“We kain’t wait longer, nor we kain’t avoid a tussle with these chaps -below us,” whispered Rhodan to Brom. “It’s Mace out thar, with a log -brought from across the angle of water. The hull of us must steal -onto them chaps. Pass word to the rest, an’ remember we must take ’em -without raisin’ an alarm, or lose the lives we’ve brought so fur out o’ -the jaws o’ death!” - -From one to another was the order passed. Then as silently as a -shadow, the veteran scout rose with Brom and Revel at his left. Foot -by foot they crept toward the spies, whose attention to the water -seemed completely absorbed. A sudden dash from behind, and they found -themselves thrown to the earth, while bands of iron clasped their -throats. At this moment a movement, heard a few yards out, told that -Mace comprehended the scene, and was pushing in with the log. - -The captured spies were stout fellows, and expecting death, made every -endeavor to struggle or cry out. But those who came behind threw -themselves across their bodies, while Moorooine, with the remnants of -a blanket, assisted to gag them. While this was going on, Mace reached -the shore with the section of a tree-trunk. - -“What! End the devils an’ done with it,” he said, savagely, drawing a -knife as he spoke over one of the captives. - -“Hold!” said Scarred Eagle, catching his arm. “Put that spirit out of -ye, Ben; enough blood has b’en spilt, an’ this is onnecessary. An’ -remember _these_!” he added, nodding toward Goodbrand and Moorooine. - -The other understood him, and hurriedly began to secure their rifles -and ammunition on the heavy log, Goodbrand and Tim assisting. The -spies were securely bound, and placed so that they would not easily -be discovered in the gloom. At this moment several dark figures were -discovered on the slope above moving down toward them! - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -IN THE TOILS. - - -“Cling to the log, an’ push off!” whispered Scarred Eagle. “We must be -quick or all his lost!” - -The party darted as silently as possible to their places, Rhodan -and Ben Mace at either end of the log. In a moment longer they were -drifting outward, swimming as fast as they were able. Moorooine and -Devine kept their glance behind, being hurriedly directed to give -notice when the Indians should come down to the water. - -“Now--they most there,” said the girl, in a whisper. - -All ceased their exertions, for it was impossible to proceed without -disturbing the water sufficient to attract attention. The most lively -apprehensions now filled their minds. Would the new-comers at once -discover their bound comrades? They were coming on in a line that -would bring them within half a dozen yards of the latter. But suddenly -pausing, they separated, two going to the right and two toward the left. - -“S’archin’ for them that we took!” said Rhodan. “They think t’others -ar’ too long away. We kin begin to move ag’in.” - -The log was again pushed forward slowly, in order not to attract the -notice of the new-comers. As these moved further away, the whites -renewed their speed, pushing out with all their strength. But a sudden -loud splashing came to their ears, and glancing back, they were able to -discover that one of the bound warriors had, by desperate exertions, -got his feet sufficiently loose to work around and strike them in -the water. The noise attracted the attention of the others, who were -already rushing back. - -The men now put forth an almost superhuman strength, in their efforts -to push the log forward. They had no doubts their whereabouts would -soon be known, and a wide-spread alarm given. Full sixty yards were yet -between them and the opposite shore. All would depend on their reaching -it in time. They could hear a rush of feet around the east side of the -bluff; but as yet, no sounds of alarm came. What could this mean? Were -not the bound spies yet found? - -Once, as Moorooine glanced behind, she fancied she saw a canoe rounding -the bluff. She hastily communicated her suspicions to the rest, -inciting them, if possible, to greater exertions. - -Straining every muscle in the work, the little party soon landed on -the shore. Hastily securing their arms, they entered the dark woods. -Without expressing it, all wondered that so little commotion had been -heard from the bluff. Could it be possible that the Indians were not -yet aware that their prey had escaped? Before moving forward they -glanced back. To their dismay, they saw three or four canoes darting -toward them, spreading apart as they came on, and occasionally -displaying torches, which gave a clear view over the adjacent waters. - -Nearly all of the little party comprehended the situation at the same -moment, and it caused a terrible reaction of disappointment. Not only -was their escape known, but it had probably been discovered before, -or about the time they had left the shore of the bluff. As far as -possible, the Indians had restrained all notes of alarm, and gone -to work silently, that their escaping victims might not know of the -pursuit. - -No sooner had the lights been displayed, than the long-suppressed -shouts broke forth from river and forest. Nothing more was needed to -confirm the fact that the doomed whites were surrounded. The Indians on -the river had detected the floating log, and knew their victims were -within the circle. It was evident, the entire force of the village was -abroad, determined this time to prevent the possibility of their escape. - -“Thar’s only one thing,” said Scarred Eagle, hurriedly, and yet coolly. -“The circle ’round us is a big one, an’ they won’t be in a hurry ’bout -closin’ it up, when daylight ’ll so soon show things plain. We must -separate. Some on us may git off, but I needn’t say it’s onsartin. Ah, -well, whatever’s the will o’ Providence we must give in tew. Come, boy, -an’ you tew, girl! We three ’ll keep together, be our fates good or -bad; ’cos I know it’s y’ur wish as it is mine. The rest kin go separate -ways, an’ each trust to his own gifts an’ a Higher Power!” - -The trio moved silently away in the gloom, Brom tightly clasping the -hand of the Indian girl. He soon became convinced the others kept -together, and were following on a parallel course to their own, and a -few yards to their left. All commotion had now ceased, and the silence -was most thrilling. They had absolutely to feel their way, and knew not -when a lurking foe might spring upon them. Each one carried a hatchet -in one hand, and the deadly knife in the other. As they advanced down -the line of shore, an occasional ray of light was reflected from the -torches on the river. But at last these were no longer to be seen. No -doubt those in the canoes were posted at intervals a short distance -from the banks, listening for the movements of the fugitives. - -Suddenly Rhodan paused, and turned to Brom and the girl. - -“’Twon’t last much longer, boy,” he said. “Ef we don’t meet some o’ the -reds soon, daylight ’ll be upon us afore long at best. For myself it’s -no gr’et matter, ’cos, beyond the nat’rul desire to live, I’ve no gr’et -object to live _for_, ’cept the good o’ you an’ my brave girl here.” - -As he spoke, they noticed he had laid down his trusty rifle, retaining -only his other weapons. - -“An’ now,” he added, “I’m off toward the right, hyar. The minnit ye -hear a shout an’ a rush, you two put nor’-west. Mind to bear a trifle -toward the village at first, an’ then keep on to y’ur left, ’cordin’ as -ye judge the way is clear. Ye _may_ git off!” - -He grasped a hand of each, and then attempted to turn, but they clung -to his hard hands. - -“No, Rhodan!” said Brom, hoarsely. “’Twon’t work. You’d go to sartin -death, an’ ye know it. An’ to save us! No--stay; you kin help this girl -out _alone_, better’n I could. She’s ’s dear ter me as life, an’ she -shell be saved. I’ll go an’ bein’ younger--” - -“No--me go too, den!” said Moorooine. “Hark! Warriors not far that -way now. You shall no die for me. Do no good if did. We better die -together. See--thar one come!” - -Before another word could be passed, a figure loomed up beside them, -and the voice of Mace whispered: - -“Come out here, Scarred Eagle. Goodbrand has stole down toward the -bank, where the lights last showed a canoe.” - -“Ay, I know what the Miami wants to ondertake; but too _many_ mustn’t -try it, even ef thar’s an atom uv a chance. I don’t say thar ain’t. Go -back with Mace then, you two,” he added, addressing Brom and the Indian -maiden. “What I hev spoke of ’ll be of advantage to ye even in that -case.” - -“What, Rhodan?” - -“I’m goin’ ter stir up the devils that ar’ hoverin’ out here,” said the -other, as he stripped his wet hunting-frock. “Go on with ’im, Brom, an’ -the girl too.” - -“But, Rhodan--” - -“Don’t waste time,” he interrupted. “I’m detarmined on this, ’cos it’s -for your good, an’ the hull on us.” - -“Then I’ll go in for the same stretegy,” said Mace. “Go quick, Brom. -Ye’ll find Revel an’ the Irishman jist back hyar. Goodbrand ’ll be back -in a minit, to lead ye to the water. I’ll creep lower down, an’ raise a -row at the right time. Am I right, Scarred Eagle?” - -“Yes, go!” said the latter. - -As he spoke, the three exchanged a hurried clasp. The next moment -Rhodan glided away in one direction, Mace in another. Brom, tenderly -clasping the hand of Moorooine, pressed toward the spot indicated by -Mace. - -In a few moments he found Devine and Revel, who seemed to be expecting -them. Hastily communicating the plans of the others, the four at once -relapsed into silence as they waited for the return of Goodbrand. - -The moments, so full of fearful suspense, seemed hours. The darkness, -meantime, seemed to deepen, as it often does just before daybreak. -Not the slightest sound yet broke the solemn stillness; yet they were -conscious that all around them foes were lurking, or crawling forward, -ready to pounce upon their victims. - -They strained their eyes toward the dark line of water just visible -below them. Suddenly a light flashed out whose rays penetrated nearly -up to the little ascent upon which they stood. It was gone in a moment, -leaving a blacker darkness around. - -But the light, though momentary as that of a lightning-flash, had -disclosed a canoe close up to the bank, in which were five warriors. -And the watchers were in time to notice that this canoe was below the -others, which were grouped one above another, to the south angle of the -bluff above. - -It was evident, then, that the Indians supposed the fugitives were -hidden directly opposite them, and that, attempting to pass up, down, -or back, their capture would be inevitable. And should they, in sheer -desperation, take to the water, sharp eyes and ears were watching in -anticipation. - -Nearly five minutes had now passed and still Goodbrand came not. -He must have just seen the light, giving him the very knowledge he -evidently sought. What was detaining him? - -Brom leaned back, and without taking his eyes from the direction of the -river, whispered: - -“Either Goodbrand is took, or has found some o’ the reds atween us an’ -him. What d’ye say, Revel? I think we mout’s well be movin’ toward the -way Mace has gone!” - -His only answer was a grip upon his arm, and a whisper in his very ear: - -“Be careful an’ very ready! A warrior come--very close--behind us only -very little.” - -Brom turned silently. Just behind him crouched Revel and Devine, whom -the keen-sensed Indian girl had similarly warned. She herself had -slowly leaned against a tree, and inclining his body toward her, Brom -sunk to foot and knee! - -For half a minute the dread silence continued. Brom began to fear his -whisper had been heard beyond the ears of his companions. Ah! There -comes a movement--hardly perceptible is the sound, but still enough -to show that an enemy is almost beside them. A gesture from Moorooine -reveals the fact that a warrior is upon the opposite side of the tree! - -It is a fearful moment, but prompt action is necessary. Brom -straightens up and leans forward with drawn knife. His intention is to -spring like lightning behind the tree and kill the warrior if possible -without giving the latter a chance to cry out. - -“Waugh!” comes at this moment a whispered exclamation at the left, -quickly followed by a few cautious words in the Indian tongue. Turning -his head he saw another Indian, who stood so as to command a view of -both sides of the tree. - -As a lightning suspicion flashed through Brom’s mind, the one behind -the tree moved aside toward the new-comer, uttering a few words as he -passed. The next moment a long, muscular arm clasped him from behind -and a hand was upon his throat. Then there followed a short, silent -struggle, and the warrior was pressed to the ground, stunned and -senseless from a heavy blow on his head! - -“Now come quick!” whispered Goodbrand, excitedly. “If don’t, some come -’tween us an’ shore!” - -Silently and in single file they followed him. They were within twenty -paces of the bank when there came to their ears the unmistakable sounds -of a struggle at some distance behind. As they dropped to the earth -a smothered groan rung out through the solemn depths, showing that -Scarred Eagle had encountered an enemy. - -Instantly a light was seen flashing from the edge of the water -immediately in their front, and a rush was heard in the direction of -the sounds; then a shrill cry rung out below them, ending in a groan -that told of death. Several dark forms leaped past, immediately in -front of the fugitives, and became lost in the gloom! - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -A NOVEL EXPEDIENT. - - -Goodbrand rose to a half-stooping position and began to glide forward -again. The rest followed closely. In a moment or two they all stopped, -conscious they were within ten feet of the edge of the bank. - -The various sounds occasioned by the maneuvers of Scarred Eagle and -Mace had ceased. The fact was terribly significant to all. The Indians -were too fearful of the stratagem of the whites to permit themselves -to be drawn far away. They knew a simultaneous rush would give some of -their victims a chance to escape, taking advantage of the darkness and -noise. - -Goodbrand had not communicated his plan in words, but all understood -it. It was to attempt to surprise and overpower those in the canoe, and -then try to escape on the river. Wild and desperate as was the scheme, -it promised better than any other mode. The noble heroism of Scarred -Eagle and Mace had enabled them to get so far. Could they now succeed? - -A few thrilling moments passed; then Goodbrand, exchanging a low -whisper with Brom, began to worm himself forward alone. The latter -turned slightly, and communicated with Moorooine, who in turn passed -word to the men behind. Then, silent as shadows all rose to their feet. - -Hardly a minute passed when Goodbrand rose silently near them. - -“Canoe here!” he whispered. “Four warriors in it yit. Their eyes and -ears are wide open. Only one way to do. Must do quick, for--hark! -They’re goin’ more down banks.” - -“Let’s make the rush then,” said Brom, hoarsely. “’Tain’t likely we -shall succeed, but it’s our last chance. Is t’other canoes near?” - -“Not very. Above. Only see ’em when light comes. There ’tis now.” - -Again they crouched down. The light would otherwise have revealed them -in spite of the bushes separating them from the edge of the river. In a -moment it was concealed again. - -“Now our time!” whispered Goodbrand, rising. - -“Hold!” whispered Brom. - -A sudden, peculiar expedient had suggested itself. - -“What for?” - -The young ranger did not answer at once. It was evident the canoe was -slowly moving down the bank. While they listened it drew up a few yards -below them. - -“Goodbrand, now use your best wits. You know thar lingo. Take -Moorooine, and steal forward till you are quite near them, then take -her in your arms, an’ do you, dear girl, be unconscious. Make ’em -b’l’eve you’ve been took prisoner. Goodbrand shall play your captor. He -shall tell ’em ’e took ye, and ask ’em out to make room for you. The -rest of us ’ll be on hand, if they take the bait, ur _don’t_ take it!” - -Brom spoke hurriedly. Goodbrand, by a gesture, signified his -approbation of the scheme. The Indian girl at once moved to his side, -and the two started forward toward the canoe. - -They gradually made themselves heard as they advanced. The three men -glided close behind. The warriors were on the alert. Suddenly seeing -one of their number, as they supposed, they peered forward anxiously. -At this moment Goodbrand, clasping the form of Moorooine in his arms, -addressed them in panting tones: - -“Step out quick! The Sporting Fawn is taken, and can be kept in the -canoe till the others are found. Their race for life is nearly run!” - -Suppressing a cry of triumph, the four warriors immediately vacated -the canoe, one of them steadying it for Goodbrand to enter with his -insensible prisoner. As the latter stepped in he dropped his charge, -and suddenly turning, struck down the one holding the canoe. At the -same instant the other three were knocked headlong, just as they were -in the act of springing forward. - -Like lightning the others sprung in beside Goodbrand and Moorooine. -Already had the former seized the paddles and the canoe was now gliding -down the bank. All this had not been accomplished without some noise. -One of the savages had been knocked into the water, and the splash, -coupled with groans, rung out plainly. The fugitives had not moved ten -yards when lights from above flashed over the water, showing them to -those in the other canoes. - -Instantly the most wild and alarming yells arose as the canoes behind -started in pursuit. The yells, answered from the line of shore, were -succeeded by a rush of feet. - -“Out into the stream!” cried Brom, wildly. - -“Look out--arrows comin’!” - -“Och! murdher!” - -“Give ’em yer rifles, quick!” - -“Crack! crack-crack!” - -“Now row with y’ur stocks--my God, _quick_, it’ll help some.” - -Already Goodbrand and Moorooine had turned the canoe and were -propelling it with all their might, not ceasing for a moment, though -both of them had been struck by the arrows. To cease from their -exertions now would be certain capture, and setting their teeth hard, -the whole party worked on, taking the risk of being struck by those now -rushing down to the banks. - -By some accident the torch in the prow of the foremost canoe of the -pursuers had been extinguished, again enveloping the scene in darkness. -A perfect Babel of shouts filled the air, as if the Indians, aware -that nearly all the fugitives were before them, were concentrating -all their energies to the work of ending the protracted search at -once. In the midst of the din the pursued heard a splashing toward -their right, showing that a number had sprung into the water in their -infuriated surprise and eagerness, and a moment or two--just enough for -the contrast to disappear--the fugitives became conscious daylight was -dawning upon them. - -“These jest behind ain’t gainin’ on us--push on, an’ _courage_!” cried -Brom. - -“Ef we kin git inter the current furder out--ah, good God, t’others are -cuttin’ across that way!” - -“Turn it, Goodbrand--turn it quick! We’ll work harder ter strike the -current furder down!” - -“Luk out, the bows are coomin’ intil us. Murdher!” - -The Irishman got an arrow through the back of his neck, and it passed -into the arm of Brom. The rest escaped the volley as by a miracle, and -the moment it passed sprung to their task again. - -All this time the space to the left and right, as well as behind them, -rung with malignant, crazy yells, defying description. But having -struck the main current they were now making rapid headway, determined -not to be diverted for a second. They occasionally cast glances back, -but not at the expense of relaxing labor; yet they could not see that -those in the nearest canoe had lightened their craft by the exit of -three warriors, leaving three more to make accelerated speed. - -“Murdther--dthe Vargin purtict--here’s soom jist upon us!” cried -Devine, at last. - -“The rest keep on for _life_, an’ we’ll look out for these, Tim,” cried -Brom. “If we stop a minit, the others ’ll overhaul us--ha!” - -Two rifles spoke from an adjacent bend of the bank, and one of the -nearest pursuers fell into the river. - -“’Twas Rhodan an’ Ben!” shouted Brom and Revel, simultaneously. - -“An’ dthe durned apes are b’ated in _dthat_ game; whist--hoora!” yelled -the impulsive Irishman. - -“Go in, boys! That’s it; they kain’t reach us from shore, while these -ahind hev spent thar arrers, an’ ain’t gainin’ a bit. What--hold--turn -the canoe in, Goodbrand, towarts the p’int ahead; ef t’others ar’ thar, -we’ll manage--” - -“No--no!” cried the Indian. “Lose ground if do. We got safe so fur, git -safe longer!” - -At this moment, Devine ceased his labor, and the canoe lurched, nearly -upsetting. - -“Ha, Tim, what’s this? Ah, the brave chap’s--” - -He ceased speaking, as he grasped the Irishman, who had nearly -fallen out. And no wonder. His terrible experiences during the last -twenty-four hours, his sufferings as a captive, of which the rest knew -little, and his last wound--all had culminated at last, and the man of -iron endurance had fainted. - -“Quick--good God!” exclaimed Brom, as he drew him in, “we’ve lost by -this. There they come!” - -“Gi-gi--stoo--gi--_durn ye all_--stoop down, thar!” came at this -moment, in a ringing voice from shore. - -All recognized it and huddled down, as two canoes, full of their -pursuers, surged up not three boat’s-lengths behind. The next moment a -dozen rifles rung out from the shore, followed by despairing shouts and -groans behind. - -“Thank God! Hurrah for the victory!” shouted Brom, the others joining -in. - -“Come i-i--_come in_!” shouted Joe Hill. “Ar’ ye all thar?” - -“All but Rhodan an’ Mace. Look for them up-shore. Never mind us.” - -And then, standing up, Brom pressed Moorooine to his breast, without -speaking. - -The next instant, the canoe touched the shore, and a group of hardy men -waited to receive them, foremost among whom were Scarred Eagle and Ben -Mace! - -“Ay, boy!” said the former, with a tremor in his voice, “Providence has -ordered that we ain’t yit to part.” - -Still clasping the Indian girl, Brom put his hand tenderly on Rhodan’s -shoulder and undertook to speak, but his voice failed him. They all -met, as brothers long separated, the rescued all grasping the hands of -Scarred Eagle, Mace and Joe Hill, in turn. - -“Mebbe ye thought I’d de-de-_desarted_ ye,” said Hill. “Ye see what -I war about. I met the advance of Bradstreet’s army jist in time fur -this. Hear that. Thar won’t many of ’em iscape!” - -It was now light enough to distinguish objects plainly. Far up the -shore came the numerous reports of rifles, showing the Indians were -surprised and routed at every point. The noise aroused Devine, who had -been laid upon the ground, attended by some of his companions. - -“Courage, Tim, my boy!” said Scarred Eagle, bending over him. “Ye’ve -got among friends, an’ the inemy ar’ routed.” - -“An’ is it y’ursilf to tell me dthat?” he answered, struggling to his -feet. “Good! I thought I was dead, so. Phare’s dthe rist? Ah--all here, -dthe Vargin be praised! Phat’s dthat?” - -“Good music!” said Mace. “It’s the shouts of the retreating reds.” - -“Och! musha! I’ve but wan ear,” said Tim, putting up his hand with a -grimace; “but it’s wilcome to sich music. Give me a sup of wather, for -I’m wake, jist.” - -Something stronger was furnished to all of the rescued. As the light -increased, those in pursuit came back, forming a numerous company. As -the day advanced the main division of the army came up and acting upon -the report furnished by the rescued scouts, prepared to advance to -the relief of the besieged fort. This was done, and the fort relieved -without a struggle. The followers of Pontiac, alarmed and disheartened -by repeated reverses, had abandoned the region. - -In three days the scouts, now thoroughly recruited in strength, -returned to one of the border settlements. Here Brom Vail and the -beautiful and brave Miami maiden, whom he loved, were united in -Christian marriage. Scarred Eagle and Goodbrand made their home with -them, and Mace was always a welcome visitor. - -Thus, reader, we have traced one of the episodes of frontier life. And -now our story is done. - - THE END. - - - - -Transcriber’s Note. - - -In this file, text in _italics_ is indicated with underscores. - -Printer’s errors were corrected where they could be clearly identified. -Otherwise, as far as possible, original spelling and punctuation have -been preserved, including variations in dialect. - -The table of contents was created by the transcriber. - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCARRED EAGLE; OR, MOOROOINE, -THE SPORTING FAWN *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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