diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/68601-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/68601-h/68601-h.htm | 4967 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/68601-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 253729 -> 0 bytes |
2 files changed, 0 insertions, 4967 deletions
diff --git a/old/68601-h/68601-h.htm b/old/68601-h/68601-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 4e787ce..0000000 --- a/old/68601-h/68601-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4967 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> - <meta charset="UTF-8" /> - <title> - Scarred Eagle, by Andrew Dearborn—A Project Gutenberg eBook - </title> - <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover" /> - <style> /* <![CDATA[ */ - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.ph {text-align: center; - font-weight: bold;} - -.p130 {font-size: 1.3em;} -.p120 {font-size: 1.2em;} -.p115 {font-size: 1.15em;} -.p110 {font-size:1.10em;} -.p75 {font-size:0.75em;} -.p70 {font-size:0.7em;} -.p50 {font-size:0.5em;} - -.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} -.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} -.p5 {margin-top: 5em;} - -.mb2 {margin-bottom: 2em;} - -.break {page-break-before: always;} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } -hr.full {width: 95%; margin-left: 2.5%; margin-right: 2.5%;} - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - - -table.shrink { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - - -.tdr {text-align: right;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; -} /* page numbers */ - - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - - - - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - - -abbr, em, cite {font-style: italic;} - - - - /* ]]> */ </style> -</head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Scarred Eagle; or, Moorooine, the sporting fawn, by Andrew Dearborn</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Scarred Eagle; or, Moorooine, the sporting fawn</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 104</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Andrew Dearborn</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: July 24, 2022 [eBook #68601]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David Edwards, Thomas Frost and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Northern Illinois University Digital Library)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCARRED EAGLE; OR, MOOROOINE, THE SPORTING FAWN ***</div> - - - - -<h1>SCARRED EAGLE;<br /> -<span class="p50">OR,</span><br /> -<span class="p70">MOOROOINE, THE SPORTING FAWN.</span></h1> - -<p class="ph p130 p2">A STORY OF LAKE AND SHORE.</p> - -<p class="ph p115 p4">BY ANDREW DEARBORN,</p> - -<p class="ph p5"><span class="p120">NEW YORK:</span><br /> -<span class="p130">BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS,</span><br /> -<span class="p110">98 WILLIAM STREET.</span> -</p> - -<hr class="full x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - - -<p class="ph break"> -Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by<br /> -BEADLE AND COMPANY,<br /> -In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the<br /> -Southern District of New York.<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="full x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<h2 class="break">CONTENTS.</h2> - - -<table class="shrink" style="min-width: 40%"> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER I.</td> - <td>WHITE VS. RED.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">9</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER II.</td> - <td>MOOROOINE.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">16</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER III.</td> - <td>TWO LESS.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">24</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER IV.</td> - <td>THE HUMAN BIRD.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER V.</td> - <td>THE GORGE DECOY.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">37</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER VI.</td> - <td>BEAUTY IN BONDS.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">42</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER VII.</td> - <td>THE HEART OF LOVE.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">47</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER VIII.</td> - <td>A BLOODY TROPHY.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">52</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER IX.</td> - <td>A SUDDEN REPRIEVE.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">58</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER X.</td> - <td>THE FORLORN HOPE.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">62</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER XI.</td> - <td>NOOKECHIN.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">68</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER XII.</td> - <td>AGAIN!</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">75</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER XIII.</td> - <td>IN THE TOILS.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">83</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>CHAPTER XIV.</td> - <td>A NOVEL EXPEDIENT.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">88</a></td> -</tr></table> - - -<hr class="full x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span class="p75">WHITE VS. RED.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Crack!</span> 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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“S’pose you take rifle now, Scarred Eagle?” said the Indian -to his white companion.</p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>A few words will explain the meaning of the situation in -which we find these two men.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“S’pose you no do now, <em>have</em> to bimeby,” returned the Indian. -“Mebbe kill some now; den not so many to fight if -come up.”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Ay, Goodbrand; now keep ’er stidy’s ye kin, while I see -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span>what kin be done.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Ha, Scarred Eagle, dey find out <em>who</em> shoot now, mebbe,” -he said, though without relaxing for a moment his exertions -at the paddle.</p> - -<p>“Thar’s <em>one</em> 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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p>Hardly had the echoes of the reports ceased when Scarred -Eagle sprung up and leveled his rifle. Its report was followed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span> -by jeering cries from the pursuers, who redoubled their exertions -at the oars.</p> - -<p>“That <em>’ar</em> 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.”</p> - -<p>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 <em>three</em> 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!</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>As the canoe of the others came nearer, Goodbrand grasped -knife and hatchet in either hand, fully determined not to be -taken alive.</p> - -<p>He had not been more than a few seconds thus prepared,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span> -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 <em>bottom upward</em>, -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!</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“I knifed two on ’em the minit I riz up side o’ thar skiff, -Goodbrand,” said Scarred Eagle, with a shiver in his voice. -“<em>Them</em> won’t mislest us more, but t’other one’s hangin’ ter the -canoe yender.”</p> - -<p>Already had his Indian friend seen this, and seizing the -paddle began to sweep up toward the drifting canoe. But -suddenly, Scarred Eagle interposed.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>“It is Nookechin—one of my cousins,” exclaimed Goodbrand -in surprise. “I’m glad no to kill him, though kill me, mebbe.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span></p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span> -yet they knew lurkers might lie along shore, thirsting for their -blood.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“S’pose you give signal,” said the Indian.</p> - -<p>“We’ll steal up a little closer fust. Thar’s hardly an outline -of the shore to be seen now.”</p> - -<p>Goodbrand began to push the canoe forward. Suddenly a -single peculiar note came from the forest.</p> - -<p>“About with it, quick!” whispered Scarred Eagle. “It’s -Ben Mace’s signal, an’ warns of danger.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Now, Goodbrand, we’ve got ter calkerlate clus,” remarked -Scarred Eagle, as soon as they were out of danger. “We’ve -got ter land <em>somewhar</em>. 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.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“I see—yis,” said Goodbrand, to whom this species of -strategy was apparently new. “Den, if say go up, we go.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>For half an hour they continued to pull northward. As<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span> -the darkness deepened, they drew gradually nearer shore, and -soon their canoe touched a jut of land.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>Both stepped noiselessly ashore, drew their canoe under the -densely-wooded bank, and then began to steal forward through -the gloom.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span class="p75">MOOROOINE.</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">About</span> 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.</p> - -<p>A better hiding-place, or bivouac, for a <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">posse</i> 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.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Seems ter me Brom, as yer call ’im, orter showed hisself -afore now ef ’e <em>ain’t</em> got took,” remarked one of them, -a tall, coarse-looking fellow in homespun.</p> - -<p>“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 <em>stole</em> over, ain’t too long, I reckon.”</p> - -<p>“I know it’s dangerous. But he’s be’n gone more’n a day. -He started three hours afore this time yisterday.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>Hulet deigned no answer to the Irishman, but resumed conversation -with the ranger first addressed.</p> - -<p>“Then, you’re out on the distance tew,” he said. “It’s -sca’ce ten miles to the fort.”</p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p>“You said, twenty.”</p> - -<p>One or two of the group indulged in sneering chuckles.</p> - -<p>“I say so yit,” returned Revel. “Brom’s got to pass over -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span>the ground <em>twice</em> afore he gits back here, ain’t ’e?”</p> - -<p>“Yees needn’t ax <em>dthat</em>, Will,” said the Irishman. “Our -<em>laider</em> 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!”</p> - -<p>The laugh which went round at Hulet’s expense, was of -course not over-relished by the latter.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Who is it?” queried the Irishman, fiercely. “I’ll take a -joke but not an insoolt to me name, ye domd gossoon. Me -father <em>was</em> 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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>“Hold up, men,” interrupted Revel. “Don’t run it into a -quarrel. That’s foolish.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span></p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Wal, <em>laugh</em>, ef it suits ye!” said Revel, fiercely. “When -it comes my turn, I’ll let some on ye know!”</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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:</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Old Rhodan knows what he sent ’em for,” answered -Revel. “That’s all I kin tell ye.”</p> - -<p>“Ye mean him that’s called Scarred Eagle. He an’ Brown -seem to think oncommon of each other. Relashuns, ain’t -they?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span></p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>The Irishman here nudged Joe Hill.</p> - -<p>“Yis; dar-dark-darker’n the outside of a black b-b-<em>ba’r</em>,” -assented Joe, giving his face a comical twist.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Must be Ben Mace’ll come,” said another. “He hadn’t -so fur to go.”</p> - -<p>“That’s why I feel a trifle oneasy ’bout <em>him</em>, 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.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“How mooch for y’ur advoice, Misthur <em>Hugelet</em>?” said Tim, -quickly. “You’re afeard of runnin’ y’ur head ag’in’ a tree or -<em>bear</em>, whuch? Dthe id’a of a scout, a syees <em>purtind</em> to be, not -bein’ able to git through the woods for darkness! Pish!”</p> - -<p>“You’ll run y’ur head ag’in’ sunthin’ bimeby, Mister -Brogue,” said Hulet, “that’ll make ye—”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“He’d find his way through te-teto-te-tle—<em>durn it</em>—tetotal -darkness blindfolded,” added Joe, spitefully.</p> - -<p>“Good, Joe,” said Revel, with a laugh. “Now, boys—ah, -what’s that?”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span></p> - -<p>“Thar!” he ejaculated, “I’ve g-got ’er, though what she -wa-wan—<em>blast it!</em>—<em>wants</em> 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.”</p> - -<p>“Hurry out an’ look around, some of you,” said Will Revel, -quickly. “Mebbe thar’s others near.”</p> - -<p>“None but me,” said the captive, in fair English.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Why’ve ye come here, Injun girl?” asked Revel. “If it’s -to do us harm, you’re very foolish.”</p> - -<p>“No come for that,” she said, earnestly.</p> - -<p>“How’d ye know we war here?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Hear <em>dthat</em> now!” muttered the Irishman.</p> - -<p>“Why’d ye come to warn us?” asked Revel. “Ain’t ye -afraid we’ll harm ye?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Who sent you here?” asked Revel.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span></p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>“Me talk more with you, alone,” she said, avoiding the -bevy of eyes fixed upon her. Revel followed her a short -distance aside.</p> - -<p>“There is <em>so</em> 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.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see the white man?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Warriors call ’im Evil Eye.”</p> - -<p>“Ah—Ben Mace!” exclaimed Revel. “Did he run this -way?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>The Indian maiden glanced curiously into the ranger’s -face, and the rich blood mounted to her cheeks and brow.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>The girl’s manner changed at once. A look of deep apprehension -appeared in her face.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span></p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Mus’ go!” she said, suddenly. “Mus’ save White Fox -if can, an’ rest too.”</p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p>“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 <em>that</em> man?”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“That?” said Revel. “He’s a scout like the rest of us. -Does Moorooine know ’im?”</p> - -<p>“<em>Most</em> do,” she answered, in a whisper, keeping her eyes -toward him. “You know ’im long?”</p> - -<p>“Only a few days. Why do you ask?”</p> - -<p>“Sure now,” she whispered. “Have seen ’im ’round -fort with Injuns. Watch ’im sharp. He’s no <em>good</em> white -man. He carries two tongues an’ will betray you an’ me too -if can.”</p> - -<p>“What did they call ’im?” inquired Revel, excitedly.</p> - -<p>“Sly Hate. Take care <em>him</em>. 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.</p> - -<p>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 -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span>play the game no further!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Phat’s come across yees?” exclaimed the Irishman.</p> - -<p>“Did thet Injun gal—”</p> - -<p>“Whar’s Hulet?” interrupted Revel, sternly. All glanced -around, and several spoke at once.</p> - -<p>“Why ’e was here not a minit ago, ’cos—”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“It’s all over with me, boys,” gasped the stricken man. -“Go on—all of you, an’ take the traitor, and avenge my -death.”</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span class="p75">TWO LESS.</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Exclamations</span> 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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span></p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Now!” shouted Will Revel. “<em>You</em> try ’im, Dan, an’ I’ll -keep on.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Hold—what’s this?” cried a voice, suddenly.</p> - -<p>“It’s a traitor—Sime Hulet—head him off, Mace, quick!” -shouted Will, who had recognized the speaker.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span> -whence it appeared to come. The fast-approaching darkness -however, began to render objects on the open space very indistinct.</p> - -<p>Will Revel glided noiselessly to the side of Mace.</p> - -<p>“Take ’eer!” cautioned the latter. “We’re in a hornet’s -nest jes’ now. How’d ye find out ’bout thet cussed Hulet?”</p> - -<p>Will rapidly explained.</p> - -<p>“Hah! Then ’twar the Injun gal thet jest gave the -signal!”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Where were you, Mace?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Who?”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>Their whispers instantly ceased, and they listened intently. -Any one unused to such scenes would not have believed a -leaf had stirred.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“We must sarcumvent ’em in that game,” said Mace.</p> - -<p>“How? fall back?”</p> - -<p>“No—go forrard. No doubt half a dozen on ’em’s gone -down the ground, an’ no knowin’ how many ar’ d’rectly oppersite. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span>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.”</p> - -<p>“Very well. Shall I speak to the others?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll git into greater danger by that,” said Revel. “Them -that ar’ watchin’ from where it’s darker ’ll see ye the better.”</p> - -<p>“’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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Where go now?” she whispered.</p> - -<p>“Over yonder,” replied Revel. “Some of the warriors -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span>have gone below here, an’ll soon be up ahind us.”</p> - -<p>“Be much careful,” she admonished. “More warriors -comin’ from lake.”</p> - -<p>“Ar’ ye sure?”</p> - -<p>“Yes—sure. Has Evil Eye any news?”</p> - -<p>“No,” replied Will. “Seek Rhodan and Goodbrand. If -we live, the White Fox shall be found.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Mace?” he whispered.</p> - -<p>“He’s behind,” whispered a voice belonging to another of -the rangers. “Four or five ar’ but a leetle ways ahind us.”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>The latter nearly fell himself, but recovering, was in time<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>He noted these circumstances, even at that fearful moment; -and then he was struggling fiercely with his enemy.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>“Where’s the rest?” whispered Will.</p> - -<p>“A little below us, workin’ their way up,” said Mace. -“They’ll git tired o’ this, cuss ’em.”</p> - -<p>“Poor Hank!” said Dan Hicks. “That makes two.”</p> - -<p>“They’re gittin’ paid!” said Mace, grimly. “Hish!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span> -Yet to venture on signal-notes would apprise the savages of -their exact position.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span class="p75">THE HUMAN BIRD.</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Of</span> 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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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’.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>They were not more than ten yards from the edge of the -woods beyond, which was marked by deeper darkness. What -had Mace discovered?</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span></p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>Not the latter, evidently, for soon he moved on.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“I was right!” whispered Mace. “That volley tells it. -They don’t suspect we’ve crossed the openin’. Come on!”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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 -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>A few moments of strict silence convinced them of this. -Savages at the right, left, and not a hundred yards behind -them.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Spread out!” said Mace. “Thar’ll be less chance o’ bein’ -hit.”</p> - -<p>“Let us turn on dthe domd apes,” cried Tim Devine, as -a bullet grazed his shoulder. “Dthey be on us in a minnit.”</p> - -<p>“No; r-r-r-r-<em>run</em>, durn ye!” blurted Hill.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span></p> - -<p>Three minutes later.</p> - -<p>“I—say—Mace, what d’ye think of—”</p> - -<p>“Yis; down for a second and turn on ’em. Don’t waste -lead!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Take dthat! Och, here’s for betthur nor worse, thin!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Gi-gi-git—oh, cuss ye!” muttered Hill.</p> - -<p>“Hish!” said a voice. “Crunch down hyur all on ye, an’ -not stir onless—”</p> - -<p>The voice was that of Scarred Eagle. He had not a chance<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>Every one of them understood Scarred Eagle’s object. His -plan was the bold one of trying to draw the entire <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">posse</i> 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:</p> - -<p>“Now—to the lake-shore for y’ur lives!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>Then every man reloaded as quickly as it was possible to -do in the gloom.</p> - -<p>“What d’ye think, Mace?” whispered Revel.</p> - -<p>“We might ’s well skim back an’ git ter the bivouac ef -we kin. The woods ’pears ter be full on ’em, cuss ’em!”</p> - -<p>“Just what I think. Less you an’ me an’ Dan, try to find -poor Hank an’ the rest, an’ make stret back.”</p> - -<p>“An’ laive Scarred Aigle is it?” said Tim. “Divil blow -yees, pwhat wan of ye—”</p> - -<p>“Oh, <em>shet</em> up!” ejaculated Hill. “Him an’ Goodbrand ’ll -uther dodge ’em or take th-th-the <em>boat</em>; blast ye, come on!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>But they had not proceeded very far when the noise and -commotion ceased. Mace paused and glanced back anxiously.</p> - -<p>“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—”</p> - -<p>He suddenly ceased speaking and listened intently. A -thrill war-whoop echoed through the woods in the direction<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span> -of the baffled Indians. It was succeeded by a chorus of fierce -shouts.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>As they were hurrying on, a dark figure appeared suddenly -before them.</p> - -<p>“No go yit—wait,” said a low voice.</p> - -<p>It was the Indian girl, Moorooine. And as she spoke the -rangers were around her.</p> - -<p>“What!” said Revel. “Do you know what has happened?”</p> - -<p>“She kain’t do no good—come on,” exclaimed Mace. “We -orter know what that war-whoop meant.”</p> - -<p>“’Twas Miami whoop—but friendly one,” persisted the -girl. “Warkechin. Know him. Called Goodbrand.”</p> - -<p>Mace paused. “How d’ye know?” he said. “An’ yit—”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; tryin’ save <em>both</em>,” said Moorooine. “Now you -know <em>that</em>—go on, help.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>It was, indeed, Moorooine, who had turned back to meet them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span></p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Friends most here,” added the girl. And as she dashed -away, Scarred Eagle and Goodbrand sprung forward into -their midst.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span class="p75">THE GORGE DECOY.</span></h2></div> - - -<p>“<span class="smcap">On</span> to the gorge!” exclaimed Scarred Eagle, hurriedly. -And forthwith, all were gliding back in that direction.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>Mace hurriedly explained what had taken place, together -with the fact revealed by the Indian girl, that Brom was a -prisoner.</p> - -<p>“What!” said Scarred Eagle, hoarsely. “The boy took?” -The revelation of Hulet’s treachery and death was as nothing -to this.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>At this moment, Goodbrand, who had remained in the -rear, glided up.</p> - -<p>“Bes’ go!” he whispered. “Comin’ ag’in, an’ more from -village, guess!”</p> - -<p>“You that <em>kin</em>, find the body of poor Hank an’ hide it -from their devilish ways!” said Scarred Eagle.</p> - -<p>This was soon done. The friendly Miami kept somewhat<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span> -in the rear of the rest, who pressed cautiously on toward -the gorge.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>They were nearing the retreat when Scarred Eagle suddenly -halted and listened anxiously.</p> - -<p>“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’.”</p> - -<p>“’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’ <em>him</em> -till the last!” This resolve was echoed by the rest.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“No danger come here afore light,” added Goodbrand. -“They keep big watch an’ look for trail in mornin’!”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>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 <em>dead body</em>! 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!</p> - -<p>The men looked at each other with faces blanched.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>The rangers stood consulting with their leader, when suddenly -Goodbrand came in.</p> - -<p>“They comin’—<em>find</em>!” he said, excitedly. “We bes’ go -quick, ’fore surround!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Now, Goodbrand,” said Scarred Eagle, pausing, “tell us -the lay o’ the denger that we may use our wits to the purpus.”</p> - -<p>“This right way!” was the other’s whispered reply. “They -comin’ from way we came. Very slow come, so’s take sure.”</p> - -<p>“Hish!” interrupted Scarred Eagle. “<em>We’re surrounded -now!</em> Drop close, every man, an’ not stir for your -lives!”</p> - -<p>As he gave this order, he glided from their midst directly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span> -back toward the gorge. Perhaps not more than two of the -men imagined his object. But not one of them moved or -even whispered.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“That tells it,” said Scarred Eagle, pausing. “The skunks -think they’ve got us caged, an’ now we must work fast. Ar’ -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span>ye sure ye killed the tretor, Mace?”</p> - -<p>The sudden question made the men glance into each other’s -faces in surprise.</p> - -<p>“The blow I gin ’im orter done it,” answered Mace, with -a savage imprecation. “I didn’t hev any time ter look -close.”</p> - -<p>“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, <em>now</em>. -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—”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>“Ef by the wust ye mean <em>denger</em>, 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’ <em>back</em> 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.”</p> - -<p>“A chance, is it? Pwhat c’u’d the two of us alone -do?”</p> - -<p>“I needn’t say thar’s no time to lose, Tim,” said the other, -“an’ I trust ye won’t hender us.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll <em>sthay</em>,” said Tim, spitefully. “Ownly—look now: -suppose yees all git in dthe lurch! S’posin’ yees all fail! -<em>Dthat’s</em> it—how are we to know?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span> -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.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span class="p75">BEAUTY IN BONDS.</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> 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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span></p> - -<p>“What is it?” whispered Ben Mace.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Kin it be thet some o’ the reds have come in another direction -from the gorge? If so—”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“What’s ter be done? Ef we wait ter foller ’em—”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>Scarred Eagle and Mace now dropped upon all-fours and -stole forward, imitating the stealthy advance of a panther.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span></p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“What now, Rhodan?” said Mace, as they rose.</p> - -<p>“Foller ’em up,” was the brief reply.</p> - -<p>“We mout flank past ’em.”</p> - -<p>“’Twould be no use. We’d lose as much as we’d gain.”</p> - -<p>“’Tain’t an hour to daylight now.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Goodbrand an’ the rest must be at the jut afore this.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>The two were stealing forward again, keeping as near to -the retreating Indians as possible without danger of discovery.</p> - -<p>“Thar’ll be a powwow when these ’uns git in with thar -burdens,” said Mace. “It’ll rouse the hull nest.”</p> - -<p>“It’ll be the more in our favor,” said the other. “We -must keep a sharp watch for the Indian girl.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“What kin it mean, Scarred Eagle?”</p> - -<p>“Let’s git nearer and see. Thar’s a good chance now.”</p> - -<p>They began to glide forward, on hand and knee, directing -their course so as to gain the rear of a row of rude huts.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>“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 <em>her</em>, as I live!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“The brave gal’s been catched in tryin’ to do sunthin’ for -Brom,” said Rhodan. “<em>He’s</em> 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?”</p> - -<p>“Lead on!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>They lay as close to the ground as possible. The savage<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</span> -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 <em>seen</em> them by a chance look-down. -One lightning glance on the part of the scouts, revealed the -odious face of the wretch, Hulet!</p> - -<p>“Now, speak,” said the Indian to the renegade. “What -has Sly Hate to say that he has not said?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Ugh!” muttered Heavy Sleep, shaking his head. “A bad -Manitou keeps council there. What mean?”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“White Fox got away, but drown in river,” she said, faintly. -“Me no care for to live now! Hide down quick—some -comin’.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span class="p75">THE HEART OF LOVE.</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">To</span> understand Moorooine’s situation, it is necessary that -we briefly trace her movements after leaving the side of the -rangers in the forest.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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 <em>success</em> -might be. But she did not shrink.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span></p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>The moment he disappeared, Moorooine glided beside the -aroused ranger and quickly severed the thongs about his wrists.</p> - -<p>“Don’t stir till I tell you!” she whispered. “Me go out -first an’ find best way to git off an’ cheat warriors.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Mustn’t—no time now,” she said, releasing herself. “Put -hands together again as before; use this knife to loose feet -when time come.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“If I escape, you go with me,” said Brom.</p> - -<p>“Yes; go help you clear.”</p> - -<p>“You must go with me for <em>good</em>, Moorooine. I want you -always. You shall be my wife.”</p> - -<p>“Talk of that when more time,” she said. “Go with you -<em>now</em> first. Have to for always, s’pose, or else warriors kill -me.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Would <em>willin’</em> if need,” she said, as she pressed his hand. -“There—now must go, hurry. Be back very quick!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span></p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Come this way,” said the Indian, who was called Heavy -Sleep. The girl could but obey, and the trio moved further -aside.</p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>“Yes, be killed <em>hard</em>!” 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 <em>live</em>. -Speak!”</p> - -<p>“And if I say no?”</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>The savage clutched her arm more tightly and said:</p> - -<p>“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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span> -you do? Be my squaw, or burn at the stake with the whole -tribe mocking and hating your memory? Which?”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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 <em>fast</em>. We shall be watching you.”</p> - -<p>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 <em>ruse</em>, she was in the -prison-hut beside Brom.</p> - -<p>“It’s the last chance—<em>run</em>!” she exclaimed, in a wild -whisper.</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span> -with one bound leaped into the deep, swift current, not twenty -feet above the mouth of the subterranean passage!</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span class="p75">A BLOODY TROPHY.</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Scarred Eagle</span> 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.</p> - -<p>“Courage, girl,” he whispered. “I b’l’eve Brom’s saved. -We must git out o’ this afore they come back!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Now’s our time—come!” he added, turning to the Indian -girl.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>They had barely time to do this when a savage entered -hastily and stood beside the girl.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>At the moment they were near a large square hut, and having -no time to do better, crouched close beside it.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Must git in here if can—quick!” whispered the girl.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“This council-house,” said the girl. “Mebbe not look here -soon. Best hide up there!”</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span> -lifted her up, almost as soon as the suggestion was made, and -as she obtained a footing he sprung up after her.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>Scarred Eagle and Moorooine lost not a second in moving -close to the eaves of the roof and stretching themselves at -length.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Good—very good!” she whispered, at length.</p> - -<p>“What is it, gal?” inquired Scarred Eagle, anxiously.</p> - -<p>“The canoe gone!” she answered, drawing a breath of relief.</p> - -<p>“What canoe, Moorooine?”</p> - -<p>“Mine. They s’pose we took an’ escaped!”</p> - -<p>“Is that what they say—ar’ ye sure?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; sure. We safe for more longer anyway. S’pose -white friends safe too—all safe? Why s’pose White Fox -safe?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; seen ’im run—jump in, above the dark passage. -Bad place—bad spirit lives there.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Good,” she said. “They help us if can, then.”</p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p>They listened, Moorooine keeping her ear close to the -crevice. Suddenly she turned her head and peeped out. She<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span> -recognized the warrior whose proposition to save her an hour -before had been so suddenly interrupted by Scarred Eagle.</p> - -<p>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 <em>loft had been searched</em>!</p> - -<p>“No hope now, only for <em>you</em>!” whispered Moorooine, -sadly.</p> - -<p>She rose suddenly to her feet, and had taken one step forward, -when Scarred Eagle, surmising her intent, pulled her -back.</p> - -<p>“No; not yit!” he said. “Ye’ve put y’ur life at stake <em>once</em> -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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“They no come here ag’in,” said the Indian girl, hopefully. -“How do that?”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>A dozen or more came into view. They were greeted with -yells of delight by those already in camp, who rushed forward<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span> -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?</p> - -<p>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!</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span class="p75">A SUDDEN REPRIEVE.</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Preparations</span> 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.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span> -seen, telling that the rangers were on the alert since morning.</p> - -<p>“What do now?” said the Indian girl, speaking close to -his ear.</p> - -<p>She had been watching those below them with fearful -interest.</p> - -<p>“Nothing yit, girl. But there may be a chance for us to -gi’n ’em the slip soon. We must be ready.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>“What? You see ’em?”</p> - -<p>“Not a minit ago. When the alarm comes we must down -an’ put for the river while the rest ar’ off.”</p> - -<p>“Then, if can, take him?”</p> - -<p>“The Irishman—yis. I’ll look at him. It’s likely we’ll -have help. Ay, they’ve begun thar deviltries!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p>The yells that now arose, proclaimed that a new feature<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>“Eh! How pale-dog like it?” inquired one of the crew -as he seized Devine’s hair.</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p>“Dthere, ye double-dom’d haithen, do y’ur worst, so!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Now—down quickly!” was the excited command of -Scarred Eagle.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p>“Och! Howly Mother—”</p> - -<p>“Away with ye—<em>run</em>!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span></p> - -<p>“Run, Moorooine—take the one after Tim, Revel—ah-ha, -Rhodan, here the devils come!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Push on!” cried Revel; and as he spoke he raised his -rifle. <em>Two</em> reports rung out, and instinctively Scarred Eagle -and Brom turned.</p> - -<p>“Have at the devils an’ save Mace—hyar ’e comes!”</p> - -<p>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:</p> - -<p>“Spring on for y’ur lives! The hull pack o’ hellions ar’ -turnin’ back!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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 <em>without</em> -to force it. And yet he could not help thinking it might be -their last hiding-place on earth.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>The arms of Brom tenderly supported the Indian girl.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</span> -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.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span class="p75">THE FORLORN HOPE.</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> appearance of Ben Mace in the last scene may be -briefly explained.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</span></p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>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 <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">posse</i> bringing Devine a prisoner.</p> - -<p>The plan of Brom was acted upon the moment the savage -orgies commenced. Three were to steal around to the west<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</span> -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 -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dénouement</i> may be imagined.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Mebbe they <em>didn’t</em> 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.”</p> - -<p>At this moment dull sounds came faintly to their ears from -above.</p> - -<p>“The devils ar’ workin’!” remarked Scarred Eagle. “Take -hold o’ here, Mace!”</p> - -<p>The latter assisted him to push one of the canoes into the -water. Scarred Eagle stepped in. Mace was about to follow.</p> - -<p>“No, Ben,” said the other. “Wait here with the rest. -One’s enough to reconnoiter now.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</span>Thet is, none thet I could diskiver.”</p> - -<p>“Some above!” said Moorooine. “Up near fort. Mebbe -git them.”</p> - -<p>“It may be they will, gal,” said Rhodan. “We’ll know in -the course of an hour. It’ll be dark by that time.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>“Ain’t it dark outside by this time?” inquired Brom at -last.</p> - -<p>“No, not yet,” replied Scarred Eagle. “It’s no use o’ -pokin’ out that way till we’re sure ’tis.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>The rangers huddled close to the edge of the landing, and -bent forward.</p> - -<p>“The hellions ar’ makin’ ready to come at us here,” said -Mace, grimly.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“The Lord help ’em ef they <em>be</em> took, now,” said Scarred -Eagle. “No kind of a chance ’s left <em>us</em> 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.”</p> - -<p>As the latter obeyed, Rhodan turned toward Brom.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</span></p> - -<p>“Tother canoe ’ll hold the rest on ye, boy. Ef ye hear a -stone splash in the water hereaway, push out at once.”</p> - -<p>In a moment longer he had turned the angle and disappeared.</p> - -<p>Those behind now stationed themselves where they could -hear the least unusual sound. None of them attempted to -converse. Their suspense was too deep.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Work is it?” exclaimed the Irishman. “I’m ready dthin—pwat’ll -be doon?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</span> -believe the rocky passage extended no further, and withdraw those who -were stationed at the mouth of the water-passage.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes they reached the desired point. Pausing -they heard sounds, proclaiming the Indians had again resumed -work.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, a rumbling, heavy jar was felt, as a huge -rock fell forward, lodging a few feet above them! Mace -chuckled grimly.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>Mace had made the discovery as soon as Rhodan. Revel -handed them their weapons, and stepped back.</p> - -<p>“Push y’ur weepon up as far as ye kin,” cautioned Scarred -Eagle. “The report ’ll be less likely to echo back below -us.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</span></p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span class="p75">NOOKECHIN.</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Irishman had scrambled up, and stood beside them.</p> - -<p>“For dthe luv of God coom below, quick!” he exclaimed. -“Dthe rats are movin’ in wud the boats!”</p> - -<p>“You an’ Revel keep here, Mace. You’ll know if -wanted!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“They want to come, but ’fraid to,” whispered Moorooine.</p> - -<p>“It shows they’ve doubts ’bout thar bein’ a hidin’-place in -here. <em>That’s</em> in our favor, anyhow. Ef we could only make -’em b’l’eve thar w’an’t any, we’d soon git clear.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a prolonged, dull echo came to the ears of Scarred<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>Leaving Moorooine to watch, Scarred Eagle sprung back -and hastened up the passage. As he gained the spot, he -heard yells outside plainly.</p> - -<p>“We’ve hit one o’ the curs—what’s goin’ on below?” cried -Mace. “Is thar a chance—”</p> - -<p>“Yes; come on for y’ur lives!” interrupted Scarred Eagle.</p> - -<p>They hurried back into the chamber.</p> - -<p>“Ar’ they in sight, Moorooine?” called Rhodan.</p> - -<p>“No; all gone!” said the girl, joyfully.</p> - -<p>“Then out with these ’ere, quick!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</span></p> - -<p>The canoes came nearly up to the wall, when Devine, glancing -back, saw something floating toward them.</p> - -<p>“Luk!” he said, in a wild whisper.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Back!” whispered Scarred Eagle, in a tone of startling -earnestness.</p> - -<p>Quickly as the order was obeyed, the canoes had hardly -turned, when the foremost was struck by another containing -half a dozen Miami warriors.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“That’s it—quick boy—git us apart!”</p> - -<p>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 -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</span>beside Brom’s canoe, and a voice shouted:</p> - -<p>“Me—White Fox—take in quick—Goodbrand!”</p> - -<p>Moorooine identified the speaker in time to stay the arm -of Brom, raised to strike a supposed enemy.</p> - -<p>As Goodbrand sprung in, the voice of Scarred Eagle was -heard above the din:</p> - -<p>“Hyar they come; give them a volley or we’re lost!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>As the veteran scout issued this command he himself began -to reload, the rest following suit.</p> - -<p>“Quick! here come!” suddenly exclaimed Moorooine.</p> - -<p>As she spoke she darted back, and a canoe rounded the -turn, the torch in its prow revealing the cave and inmates distinctly.</p> - -<p>“Hyar they be—beat back the devils!” shouted Scarred -Eagle and Mace together.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Thet’s it—the rocks,” shouted Mace.</p> - -<p>“Ay, dthim’s dthe boys. Musha, take dthat, ye haithens. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</span>Och, we’ll bate dthem wud sthones, so!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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:</p> - -<p>“Me pay back you now for savin’ my life on the lake. If -catch ag’in you die. Debt paid now. Go.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Then the canoe side o’ the entrance must ’a’ be’n watchin’ -for ye?” said Scarred Eagle.</p> - -<p>“No—watchin’ for <em>you</em>,” was the answer. “It come round -the jut as me started to swim. They mistrusted some trick, -an’ meant if <em>was</em> in here you shouldn’t git ’way.”</p> - -<p>“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 -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</span>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.”</p> - -<p>“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 <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">posse</i> on us <em>alive</em>! We -mout ’s well keep it up, an’ git our deaths by fightin’.”</p> - -<p>“It’s better’n to be kilt alive at dthe sthake!” assented Devine, -with a shudder.</p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p>The question was addressed to Brom, who stood beside -Moorooine in the end of the canoe, peering back through the -passage.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Of course not. What is it, Revel?”</p> - -<p>The latter had crept up into the other passage, and now returned.</p> - -<p>“The scamps are <em>filling up</em> the passage,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Ay—’cos it’ll be easier to watch the other way. They -needn’t ’a’ took the pains.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</span></p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“What is?”</p> - -<p>Turning they saw Mace and Goodbrand, who had crept up. -The matter was at once explained.</p> - -<p>“If one could git out, what chances ’ud thar be to work -’ithout bein’ seen or heard? Thet’s the second question,” -said Mace.</p> - -<p>“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 <em>could</em> -git outside unseen, thar’d be a chance. An’ it seems as -’ough one might. Let us get down an’ consider the chances.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“Thar’s another thing,” said Brom. “What can he carry -to work with?”</p> - -<p>There was a short silence. They had nothing with which -Goodbrand could work among the seamy rocks except knives -and hatchets.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span class="p75">AGAIN!</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">They</span> 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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>Slowly they stole forward, making no noise that could be -heard outside, above the monotonous roar of the channel.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>The rangers understood this, and felt it was all the more -favorable for the success of their plan.</p> - -<p>The foremost canoe, directed by Scarred Eagle, at last -came to a stop. Twenty yards further would reveal them -to those outside.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</span> -swam to the right wall, and as far up as it was safe to do. -Glancing <em>toward</em> 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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“What’s the trouble, Goodbrand?”</p> - -<p>“No trouble,” he said. “Something good. Follow me -close up. Some chance all get way—cheat all the warriors -<em>now</em>. 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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Here!” whispered Goodbrand as they came up. “Give -me ramrod—quick!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</span></p> - -<p>“We must arrange carefully. Can you creep in thar by -standin’ on my shoulder, Goodbrand?”</p> - -<p>“Yis, easy; quick. Easy to move the earth above. Den -we can keep below slope of bluff, an’ not be seen.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Be keerful!” admonished Scarred Eagle. “Don’t let any -of the earth fall back, nor a stone.”</p> - -<p>The most intense and painful anxiety now prevailed. So -near to escape on one hand, and to capture and death on the -other.</p> - -<p>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:</p> - -<p>“All clear—come on!”</p> - -<p>Having warned them, he moved again, and in a moment -had passed entirely out, throwing himself flat upon the ground -outside.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Git y’ur rifles ready!” muttered Scarred Eagle, in a low -tone. “It’s impossible to tell what they’re goin’ to do, but—”</p> - -<p>“Hold stiddy for y’ur lives—<em>Moorooine?</em>”</p> - -<p>It was the voice of Brom, sufficiently loud to reach the girl’s -ears without being heard by the enemy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</span></p> - -<p>“What?” she answered.</p> - -<p>“Lie still where you be—don’t move a hand’s breadth or -the reds may notice the light which your body now hides!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Hish!” muttered Scarred Eagle, bending forward.</p> - -<p>“Tell ye it’s time ter take the <em>oars</em>!” remonstrated Mace, -excitedly. “We mustn’t be diskivered in this spot! Ef we -be, our chance is gone here, sartin!”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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 <em>toward</em> 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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>It was now considerably past midnight, and heavy clouds<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>“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—”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>The poor fellow’s voice trembled with emotion.</p> - -<p>“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—”</p> - -<p>“—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 -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</span>dthis divule’s ragion.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“The reds mistrust something, for they’ve started into the -cave with torches,” said Revel. “Less move forward.”</p> - -<p>“Thin we’ll hear from dthim soon, I’m thinkin’.”</p> - -<p>“They’ll see the canoes we left, an’ that’ll tell the story.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>The three Indians were several paces apart, and paused -every moment in their course, listening keenly. In this<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</span> -manner they passed the little party, who lay so close to the -ground that only the closest inspection could reveal them.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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 <em>downward</em>, 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.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>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 -<em>light</em>!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</span></p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“What! End the devils an’ done with it,” he said, savagely, -drawing a knife as he spoke over one of the captives.</p> - -<p>“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 <em>these</em>!” he added, nodding toward -Goodbrand and Moorooine.</p> - -<p>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!</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</span></p> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span class="p75">IN THE TOILS.</span></h2></div> - - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Cling</span> to the log, an’ push off!” whispered Scarred Eagle. -“We must be quick or all his lost!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Now—they most there,” said the girl, in a whisper.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“S’archin’ for them that we took!” said Rhodan. “They -think t’others ar’ too long away. We kin begin to move -ag’in.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</span> -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?</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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 -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</span>Power!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Rhodan paused, and turned to Brom and the girl.</p> - -<p>“’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 <em>for</em>, ’cept the -good o’ you an’ my brave girl here.”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, they noticed he had laid down his trusty rifle, -retaining only his other weapons.</p> - -<p>“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 -<em>may</em> git off!”</p> - -<p>He grasped a hand of each, and then attempted to turn, -but they clung to his hard hands.</p> - -<p>“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 <em>alone</em>, better’n I could. -She’s ’s dear ter me as life, an’ she shell be saved. I’ll go -an’ bein’ younger—”</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>Before another word could be passed, a figure loomed up -beside them, and the voice of Mace whispered:</p> - -<p>“Come out here, Scarred Eagle. Goodbrand has stole down -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</span>toward the bank, where the lights last showed a canoe.”</p> - -<p>“Ay, I know what the Miami wants to ondertake; but -too <em>many</em> 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.”</p> - -<p>“What, Rhodan?”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“But, Rhodan—”</p> - -<p>“Don’t waste time,” he interrupted. “I’m detarmined on -this, ’cos it’s for your good, an’ the hull on us.”</p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, go!” said the latter.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</span> -that this canoe was below the others, which were grouped -one above another, to the south angle of the bluff above.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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?</p> - -<p>Brom leaned back, and without taking his eyes from the -direction of the river, whispered:</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>His only answer was a grip upon his arm, and a whisper -in his very ear:</p> - -<p>“Be careful an’ very ready! A warrior come—very -close—behind us only very little.”</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</span></p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p>“Now come quick!” whispered Goodbrand, excitedly. “If -don’t, some come ’tween us an’ shore!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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!</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter nobreak"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span class="p75">A NOVEL EXPEDIENT.</span></h2></div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Goodbrand</span> 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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>Goodbrand had not communicated his plan in words, but<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</span> -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?</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>Hardly a minute passed when Goodbrand rose silently near -them.</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p>“Not very. Above. Only see ’em when light comes. -There ’tis now.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Now our time!” whispered Goodbrand, rising.</p> - -<p>“Hold!” whispered Brom.</p> - -<p>A sudden, peculiar expedient had suggested itself.</p> - -<p>“What for?”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“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 -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</span>’ll be on hand, if they take the bait, ur <em>don’t</em> take it!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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:</p> - -<p>“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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Out into the stream!” cried Brom, wildly.</p> - -<p>“Look out—arrows comin’!”</p> - -<p>“Och! murdher!”</p> - -<p>“Give ’em yer rifles, quick!”</p> - -<p>“Crack! crack-crack!”</p> - -<p>“Now row with y’ur stocks—my God, <em>quick</em>, it’ll help some.”</p> - -<p>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.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</span> -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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“These jest behind ain’t gainin’ on us—push on, an’ <em>courage</em>!” -cried Brom.</p> - -<p>“Ef we kin git inter the current furder out—ah, good -God, t’others are cuttin’ across that way!”</p> - -<p>“Turn it, Goodbrand—turn it quick! We’ll work harder -ter strike the current furder down!”</p> - -<p>“Luk out, the bows are coomin’ intil us. Murdher!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Murdther—dthe Vargin purtict—here’s soom jist upon us!” -cried Devine, at last.</p> - -<p>“The rest keep on for <em>life</em>, an’ we’ll look out for these, -Tim,” cried Brom. “If we stop a minit, the others ’ll overhaul -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</span>us—ha!”</p> - -<p>Two rifles spoke from an adjacent bend of the bank, and -one of the nearest pursuers fell into the river.</p> - -<p>“’Twas Rhodan an’ Ben!” shouted Brom and Revel, simultaneously.</p> - -<p>“An’ dthe durned apes are b’ated in <em>dthat</em> game; whist—hoora!” -yelled the impulsive Irishman.</p> - -<p>“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—”</p> - -<p>“No—no!” cried the Indian. “Lose ground if do. We -got safe so fur, git safe longer!”</p> - -<p>At this moment, Devine ceased his labor, and the canoe -lurched, nearly upsetting.</p> - -<p>“Ha, Tim, what’s this? Ah, the brave chap’s—”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Quick—good God!” exclaimed Brom, as he drew him in, -“we’ve lost by this. There they come!”</p> - -<p>“Gi-gi—stoo—gi—<em>durn ye all</em>—stoop down, thar!” came -at this moment, in a ringing voice from shore.</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Thank God! Hurrah for the victory!” shouted Brom, the -others joining in.</p> - -<p>“Come i-i—<em>come in</em>!” shouted Joe Hill. “Ar’ ye all -thar?”</p> - -<p>“All but Rhodan an’ Mace. Look for them up-shore. -Never mind us.”</p> - -<p>And then, standing up, Brom pressed Moorooine to his breast, -without speaking.</p> - -<p>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!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</span></p> - -<p>“Ay, boy!” said the former, with a tremor in his voice, -“Providence has ordered that we ain’t yit to part.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Mebbe ye thought I’d de-de-<em>desarted</em> 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!”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>“Courage, Tim, my boy!” said Scarred Eagle, bending -over him. “Ye’ve got among friends, an’ the inemy ar’ -routed.”</p> - -<p>“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?”</p> - -<p>“Good music!” said Mace. “It’s the shouts of the retreating -reds.”</p> - -<p>“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.”</p> - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>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<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</span> -he loved, were united in Christian marriage. Scarred Eagle -and Goodbrand made their home with them, and Mace was -always a welcome visitor.</p> - -<div class="nobreak"> -<p>Thus, reader, we have traced one of the episodes of frontier -life. And now our story is done.</p> - - -<p class="ph mb2">THE END.</p> -</div> - - -<div class="transnote break"> -<p class="ph">Transcriber’s Note.</p> - - -<p>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.</p> - -<p>The table of contents was created by the transcriber.</p> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCARRED EAGLE; OR, MOOROOINE, THE SPORTING FAWN ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin-top:1em; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE</div> -<div style='text-align:center;font-size:0.9em'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE</div> -<div style='text-align:center;font-size:0.9em'>PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> - 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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you - are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws - of the country where you are located before using this eBook. - </div> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that: -</div> - -<div style='margin-left:0.7em;'> - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </div> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate/">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</div> -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/68601-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/68601-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e355f2f..0000000 --- a/old/68601-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null |
