Pittston Gazette

              X*LVl!KNO?43 * \ Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO.," PA., FRIDAY. JUNE 2Ci, 1896. k Weekly Local and Family Journal. (•'•SflSIISSf S. S D*r " Believing that the oatlaws would not dare to take them within reach of the law, and hoping that a rescue would Boon come, the doctor decided to leave all his efforts not needed for immediate use in the care of John Clyda Clyde and his companions having made up their minds to remain where they were till the doctor's troubles were over, at once began preparations for a permanent camp Promptly at noon Bouton came over, leading two saddle horses, Patch following with a pack mule intended to carry the "outfit" of the young ladies. young man and invoke his aid. Henry Kyle looked to be so different from the others that the doctor imagined he might be better, until he recalled that it was Henry Kyle who had oome as a spy to their camp on the grains and had afterward betrayed them. While he was thinking this over Clara laid her hand on his shoulder and whispered to him, as if she read his thoughts: echoed and re-echoed farther and farther off till lost in shadowy whispers. Up and on, the chambers becoming smaller and the passages or galleries shorter and narrower, until at lengtn the most slender had difficulty in getting through. Without any premonitory glimmer of twilight the Prophet led them through a narrow opening and out into the golden sunlight and under the deep blue vault their hands behind them, the captain gagged them to prevent their making an outcry. They were led back to where Howard Blanchard was anxiously waiting. And that young gentleman for some minutes could not credit the report when tho captain told what he had dona go. How could we enter the vaney where dwell his mother, his father and his sister and say to them: 'Louis was taken from before our eyes by the renegade Indians under Black Eagle, and we dared not follow. Louis would die to save others, but we raised not our hands to save him. No, Captain Brandon, though our hearts are good to you, we cannot remain with you. Even as 1 speak they may be murdering Louis Kyle, as they would have murdered this old man." "Then you must bo blind if you cannot see what we want," she said, avert- Valecti&e Kyle had come to the conclusion that it was not a false alarm and was hastily putting on his equipments when his daughter Nora, the In-; dian girl Kushat, and an old herdeff came rushing in. The herder called out! ing her face and waving her hand as if ihe would dismiss him. "You are right, Miss Blanchard," said Henry, slowly taking a backward step. "I ought not to have asked that question. I should have done something to beget confidence before making an offer of my services. Your father"— "There are horsemen in our valley,1 and they are galloping this way I" "That is Bouton's gang," said the Prophet "Hurry! For your lives, hurry!"' In less time than it takes to describe it Mrs. Kyle and her daughter threw on euch covers as they found handy, Mr. Kyle extinguished the light, and all went out If Valentine Kyle had enter-1 tained any doubts about the vicinity of • considerable body of horsemen, they vanished after-he had been a minute in the open air. His ears told that they were not 200 yards away. ' 'Follow me,'' he whispered. "I know every place of concealment about the valley." CHAPTER XIIL "Might we not appeal to Henry Kyle?" Captain Brandon did not tell Patch and Robb what he was going to do with them, so, as they tottered on behind the horses, they felt certain that the ropes about their waist would tag used to hang them when the next halt was mada While the gags in their mouths did not prevent their breathing neither of them could communicate with the other, nor ask the questions that were bursting at his sealed lips. Within an hour from the time of starting the party halted between Bouton's camp and the mountains to the south. The captain took the gag from Font Robb's mouth and asked: "Thank God for the light!" exclaimed Howard Blanchard as he tossed away the smoking fragments of his torch. He was about to add "is gone," but Alice interrupted him and in a way that startled him as he had never been startled in his life. From the first the handsome, graceful youth had made an impression on Clara, which she would blush to acknowledge to herself, but do what she would she could not banish him from her mind. The doctor shook his head and answered: "And how long will you follow Black Eagle?" asked the perplexed captain, who at that moment was deliberating about accompanying the herders on what he considered a fruitless mission. The Prophet waved his arms, and turning to Captain Brandon said: "Doctor," he said, "you can ride your own horse for the present Come, we are waiting for you." "Now you take the lead." "The horses are near by in Prophet's glen," said Louis Kyle " Do you dare to speak of the man you have so vilely betrayed? Do you come to wring our hearts with a fresh agony and taunt us with our helplessness"— the plainer, till he caught the phrases: The parting of the doctor and his daughters from the immigrants was sad in the extreme. The women clung to Alice and Clara, and the men oould not check their tears as they held the old man's hand. John Clyde helped Alice and Clara to mount, hands were waved "Why should we appeal to him? Does he not know the utter helplessness and misery of our situations?" "Till we all die or rescue him," wh the heroic reply. In obedience to the stronger will and the additional fact that Captain Brandon had rescued him from his pursuers, Howard Blanchard submitted at once to his control and followed where he led. Back into the hills they went until it was nearly daylight, when Howard, who had been stumbling on behind with feet as heavy as his heart, called out: CHAPTER X. Arid the bills are his footstool. A strong mountain is our God, "Then we must go there first" ' 'I cannot blame you, I cannot blame you,'' said Kyle in a choking voice. "Still will I obey the better impulse of my heart." "That is the Prophet," said Howard, awed by the sound and the silent sublimity of his surroundings. The captain stepped into the advance, and within a mile he led them to a bowl shaped valley, in which were many horses, the two herders left back by Louis Kyle keeping watch over a number that were staked. The other herders grunted their approval and began impatiently to gather up their bridle reins. "He does, father, and yet something tells me he might be induced to aid ua " ' 'If his own heart does not induce him, our words will not" "Go, then, and may success follow you. Should yon meet up with Louis Kyle, as I pray you may, say that I and my two friends will hang on Bouton's trail till we die or have won." He turned as if in obedience to her imperative gesture and walked slowly he comes this way." With his rifle in his left hand and wife clinging to his right Valentine Kyle led the way, followed by Nora and Kushat, while the Prophet and the In-' dian herder brought up the rear. a ne words had but passed Captain Brandon's lips when the rhythmic lDeating of feet could be heard in cadence with the voice. Then the measure changed, and in more joyous tones the words rang out: in adieu, and the march to an unknown destination began. All Bouton's men were in the saddle and waiting. Henry Kyle, pale and reticent, was at the rear of the line, where the pack animals were in readiness. The prisoners, for such they were, were placed in the center of the line. The cavalcade headed for the south and soon wound out of the valley of the Blue Water. "Would you let me try?" "No, my child. I cannot permit you to seek an additional indignity. Let us endure with patience till heaven sends us aid." "I have here horses and saddles enough far all. The plunderers do not lay hands on my property." The Prophet went to a little hut near the center of the valley and came out with three sets of equipments. "Do you want to save your life?" "You can bet heavy I do," gasped Robb. "There is only C5ne way to do it"— "Point out that way, and I'm your man," interrupted Robb. The captain waved his hand, and the herders turned and disappeared on the trail of Black Eagle and his braves. A tow hundred yards back of the bona* the foothill of the highest mountain in sight was broken into ravines and up of rock heaps that looked at a little distance like the ruins of a mighty temple. Here in the long ago Valentine Kyle had often played with his boys and his baby daughter. At the present time a few of the more open spaoes were used as corrals for the sheep, but there was not a nook in it that Mr. Kyle my of his family could not have fonnd blindfolded. "Captain, do you think we are bettering ourselves by this flight?" The doctor drew Clara to his breast and kissed her beautiful white brow and left a tear on it "You are deceived," replied the captain. "The man who gallops back for re-enforcements when the battle is raging can hardly be said to be retreating. If Louis Kyle is living, I expect to hear from him before the sun goes down." "1 am Joseph, your brother," he said, "And still to my heart are you dear. You sold me. You thought I was dead. But God (or your sake Bent me here." In a short time all the hones necessary to give each man a mount were saddled. The delight of the herders, who were half centaurs, was unbounded at being again mounted. "You are sure that Black Eagle and his people are coming this way?" "About shore, captain," replied the other. CHAPTER XIV. The Indian pickets were recalled by three rifle shots following each other at regular intervals. Black Eagle and his ten Indians were ravenously hungry— the nomad Indian seems to have been born hungry, and there Is no authentic record of his ever having eaten enough Bouton was too prudent to feed his braves all they could eat He caused to be Bet before them what he considered a "square feed." And when they had finished every fragment and licked the platters clean he drew the young ohief Black Eagle to one side and said: Bouton was dozing by the campfire und dreaming over the plans that had filled his brain during the day. He was aroused by feeling a body pushed rudely against him, and he started up, expecting to find that one of the horses had broken his picket rop6 and wandered over to the fire. Great was Bouton's surprise at seeing before him a man with a gag in his mouth and his arms bound. It was not till he had taken out the gag and cut the*cords that he recognized in the frightened, half strangled man before him the renegade Patch With an oath Bouton demanded to know what had happened. Patch gave it as his belief that a very hot place had broken loose. By Lebanon's shadow we Btood, The dark cedars rose out 'irainst the sky, When the gray coat was dappled with blood And the slave traders came passing by. The Prophet had reached the exit of the cave and stood framed by the rocks and bathed by the golden sunlight "Youare here," he cried, "here, as I expected!" And he hastened out and gave a hand to each. Sim Bliss and his brother Tom, after the exultation over their success had subsided, began to ask themselves how their plans had been furthered and what remained to be done for their perfection. While the Bliss brothers were discussing the situation Bouton's brain was not 4 'And that they will have Dr. Blanchard with them?" The captain the lead, and descending from the mountain side, which they had been traversing, entered a valley. This valley narrowed as they went on, the sloping sides rising at a sharper and sharper angle until they became perpendicular and the valley became a canyon. Through this canyon a thread of clear water flowed, with a splashing and waving that struck Howard to be out of all proportion to its siasa Even the fall of his own feet and the soOnd of his voice impressed him as painful exaggerationa "Are you not going with us?" asked Captain Brandon, seeing the Prophet hold back. "That's 'bout the size of it—at least it looks so to ma " "Not unless you command it," said the Prophet "I want you to do exactly what 1 command you when we meet up with Black Eagle and his party.'' "We are safe here for the present, I think. Let us wait I hear calling, '' said Mr. Kyle. "I cannot command if you have a better reason for going in another direction. " "All right, captain. I'm your man, but I want to ax this: Won't you let me and my pard go free when you're through with us?" "Any news from Louis Kyle?" asked the captain as they followed the Prophet into the cave "Leave my own plan to myself." The Prophet raised his hands in benediction and said, with great solemnity: "May the God of Abraham and Tmm and Jacob and all the prophets guard you and watch over you. Amen and amen." They stopped in a little glen that seemed to be roofed by a projecting rock, for there was only a narrow strip overhead through which the stars ooold be seen. He turned and walked slowly back. back to where Bern ton and his gang were grouped. When he had gone out of hearing, Clara, who had followed him with her eyes, turned to her sister and said: "Follow me and you will see," said the Prophet, still striding ahead. "Black Eagle, you are the bravest man, white or red, in the mountains. I want you to help ma I want you to take this white man. Dr. Blanchard, away from camp tonight" "If you do as I require, I will let you off for the present As soon as it is daylight I propose to hang your 'pard,' as you call the renegade cuss who betrayed us," said the captain sternly. They followed, and as they went on the light became dimmer, but so gradually that they could see the vaulted nxDf and the supporting stalactitic pillars with the greatest distinctness. Two hundred feet from the entrance the hall widened into a chamber of such proportions that the farther walls were but indistinctly discernible in thjj "dim religions light " In the center of this chamber—if such the splendid cathedrallike expanse could be called—a fire burned on what looked to bo an altar, and about it the indistinct forms of a number of men could seen. As the captain and Howard Blanchard ueared the fire one of the figures turned and came hastily toward them It did not need a second glance to discover the handsome face and graceful form of Louis Kylo. They heard the clinking of arms, tbs stamping and panting of horses that had been hard ridden and the pounding cm the walls of the log house. "HelloI Hello in ther&l" "That's Bouton's voice/' said the Prophet The high perpendicular walls of the canyon magnified the sound, the echoes being dashed back and forth till lost in a hoarse murmur far overhead. As they went on it seemed to Howard as if they were descending into the bowels of the earth. The narrow strip of blue sky looked like an ethereal river in which the stars were reflected, for be it known that in the profound depths that characterise the mountains of the west the ■tan can be distinctly seen even when "And where am I to take him?" "I do not know, nor do I care, only this—he must never be seen again." Without halt, over hills, into valleys, across streams, the men kept on for hours, Brandon in the advanoe and leading the rush of horsemen. In three A "Hist!" from the front and the sound of hoofs attracted the captain's attention. '' Sit down, man, and get your breath,'' said Bouton, laying his hand on Patch's shoulder and forcing him down. "Sit down and tell me all about it Don't speak out loud, for I've just had a devil of a time trying to quiet those two girls." ' 'Alice, I think we might trust that man." "Trust him?" repeated Alice. "Yes." "Not even his scalp?" "Do as I say," continued Captain Brandon, who was still near Robb. "That is Black Eagle and his crowd! Shout to them to halt!" "And yon, with a memory, suggest such a thought?" "Na" "It shall be as you say. When am I to return?" "Open up!" in a louder more imperative voice. ' 'Open up, oar we'll break in the doors!" "But he seems to have changed. It may be that he has repented and is anxious to help us." "As soon as you can." "By daylight?" "That will da" On the instant Robb called out: "Black Eagle, stop!" "Is that you, Robb?" . "Yes." Patch did sit down, and after a time he got his breathing under control and told his story with considerable clearness, though Bouton's impatient questions prevented anything like a consecutive narrative. "Start a fire," shouted one at the men, ' 'and burn them out." "Anxious to help us? Have we done anything to prevent his helping us if he has that desire? Why should he oome here to ask what we need? Is he ignorant of our wants?" "My children, there Is nothing left but to "Let me go back to a point where I can talk with those demons without exposing your place of oonoealmemt," said the Prophet. idle He rode apart from his men, his head bowed and the reins dangling from the neck of his horse. He had the habit peculiar to men who live much in solitude of thinking aloud, and on this occasion his thoughts ran something after this fashion: wbmit." "Good! My braves and I will rest Wake us when you are ready," said Black Eagle. "I thought you were on the other side of the valley." the cloudless sun shines with midsummer fervor in the sky of the upper world. "Can we ever get out of this place, captain?" asked Howwd Blanchard, when the darkness dense that be could hardly make out the form of bis guide a few yards in the advance He went over and lay down among the dusky renegades, and Bouton sought out the Bliss brothers and sat down between them. "I was, but Bouton called me back. " "And sent you after me?" "Yes." "And Brandon rescued the doctor?" said Bouton at length. "Yea It all happened just as I told Patch came over at this juncture with their breakfast and set it before them, then sneaked back to a place from which he could watch, and he saw that they left it untasted. Immediatley after breakfast Sim Bliss and his brother drew Bouton to one side, and the former said: Valentine Kyle was about to protest against this, but before he oould do so the Prophet had vanished. He hurried in the direction of the outlaws, and1 when he thought they oould hear Mm he called out: "What does he want now?" you." "Well," he said, with the expression of a man who had got rid of a care, "that point is settled." "He has changed his mind," said Robb, who was obeying his instructions with fine ardor. "Hist! For your life, do not speak so loud. Here! Follow me away from the ire. We must speak where there is no langer of being overheard." He led 3atch to the bank of the stream and sat lown beside him under a trea "Now go Du, but talk low, and for your life after his tell no one the story." "Captain Brandon and Mr. Blanchard, " he said in a husky and troubled voice, "I met the Prophet this morning, and ho told me all. I did what I could to avert the blow I never dreamed that you had a traitor in your own camp " "The Kyles and the Weldons are one There can be no doubt about that If this dog, Sim Bliss, told me the truth— and 1 think he did—the Kyles are the heirs to that estate, and if they put in an appearance the Blanchards would be nowhere. If Henry and Louis Kyle were both dead, that estate would belong to their sister Nora and her husband, if she bad one I am supposing now that Valentine Kyle remains in exile, and he will if he's wise The two Blanchard girls are pretty as pictures, but so is Nora. The man that gets Nora Kyle for a wife will strike the biggest kind of a bonanza. I think I see the gentleman. I think I see my way as straight as a string and clear as a trout stream " "I am here, Bouton, to answer (or, Valentine Kyle." w "Yea Trust to me and keep a good heart," replied the captain, without baiting or looking back. "What point?" asked Sim. "About the old xnaq." "Going to send him off?" "Changed his mind!" echoed the amazed chief. 4 'Tom is going to start for Deadwood this morqing." "You! Who are yon?" asked Bouton. and the noise and the shouting ceased, about hi™ To pass from the narrow, black cell ut a dungeon into the center of an illuminated salon in Windsor palace, if suddenly affected, would be a transformation that would blind the eyes for the time and overwhelm the senses. If § light like the sun were suddenly to flash ii| the high heavens at midnight, people would ignore the phenomenon for (he moment in the overwhelming effect upon the senses, yet something like this happened to Howard Blanchard. There Was a short turn in the canyon—a turn that revealed what seemed to Howard Plaqchard like the door of a mighty furfiace filled with molten gold, and in this door the black form of Captaiu prandon stood out like a statue against tbenuj. "Yea " "With whom?" "Injuns." "Yes; he wants you to keep on to Quartz Run, where he'll meet you in the morning, and send back the doctor by ma" "What for?" asked the amazed Bern- "Our case is bad," replied tho captain, still retaining tho young man's hand, "and but for you it might have been worse Do your companions come to aid us?" "Do you not know, O firstborn «£ Belial?" Patch told his story with much detail, nor did he neglect to give himself due prominenca When he had concluded, Bouton slapped him on the back. "He is going to telegraph east for more money." "What will they do with him?" "Are you alone?" "Yon are the Prophet!" gasped Boon ton. "Lose him." On and on and up and up. "Na Henry Kylo is with ma " "That ain't a bad idea. We need money very much. When will he come back?" "They do. They are my father's herders, and there is not one of them who is not ready to die with me and for me," replied Louis Kyle "Without the ghost of the shadow of a doubt I wish we had the old man's son in the same box." "Lose him!" echoed the two brothers. hours the horsemen reined in on the summit of a hill, and the Indian who bad boen in advanoe extended his arm and pointing down said: "Very welL Both come up and I will give the old white man into your charge." "Now, Patch, not a word of this to any ona Do you understand?" "From thy false lips the tenth ha* fallen for once. I came to warn the in-j nocent of thy wicked designs." 1 "Of my designs?" repeated Bouton. His whole nature was superstitious, and at that moment he felt that the Prophet's fabulous gift was indeed a reality and "In a week or ten days." "With the cash?" The captain whispered to Louis Kyle, whose form was much like his misled brother's, to take charge of the prisoner and to shoot him down if he attempted to play falsa Without a word the young man went on, with his left hand grasping one of the outlaw's bound arms and his right hand clutching the stock of his pistoL Louis walked boldly up to the group of Indians, and in the indistinct light he reoognized the doctor. "You can bet your bottom dollar I do. I'm up to snuff, I am The feller that can keep a stiller tongue in his mouth than me was born dumb." "Before another sun rises they will have a chance to prove their devotion." "But you are sure you can get him?" This from Sim "See the fires in Bouton's camp!" "I hope so," replied Sim. "I'm certain. Now, my friends, let us rest till midnight" "Let us dash on," said Howard Blanchard, eager to hasten to the rescue of his father and sisters. "Very well, anything I can do to help him let me know. Of course he'll have sense enough not to tell where I am if he meets any one anxious to know." "And you can trust me that they will not bo found wanting," responded Louis "Good. Now go and take a sleep. It will soon be daylight" Mr. Bouton straightened up in the saddle, drew in the reins and urged his horse to that part of the line where Henry Kyle was riding, evidently in very low spirits. Ronton drew off his boots, wrapped a blanket about his shoulders and lay down with his feet to the flra He was soon asleep; but, though the Bliss broth era imitated bis actions and attitude, they oould not sleep. They lay side by side, talking in whispers, and starting nervously when the wind, with stronger force, shook the boughs above their heads or contended with the murmuring current near by. "No, na" said the captain. "Coolness, not impetuosity, must win. We must find out the-situation and all about the force we have to contend with before risking our lives." A shot from the Prophet'$ rifle ttrnteh*& him at Bouton't feet. « "Come, my friends," said the Prophet, "before doing more yon must eat and rest Of old the faithfnl lived in caves, but it is no place recorded that they lived without food- Come with me and bathe. Nature has mode ample provision here " Patch followed this advice by coiling up where he was and going to sleep at once, and Bouton went back to the slumbering fire and resumed his dozing. Tom assured Bouton that he knew what he was about, and that he could keep a quiet tongue in the interest of his friends. The result of this agreement was that before noon Tom well mounted and armed, was on the way to Deadwood " A penny for your thoughts,'' laughed Bouton, reining in and playfully slapping Henry on the back. He was about to detail Louis Kyle and one of the Indians to go into the valley on the scout when all were startled by hearing the approach of two horsemen. Enjoining silence on the men and drawing them back from the trail, Captain Brandon dismounted. The horsemen from the valley halted about (he middle of the hill and 200 yards below the point occupied by Brandon's party. Sim Bliss was awake when Patch came gasping into camp. Waiting till Patch sat down, Sim, always ready to play the spy, crept softly over to a point from whioh he could hear every word of the conversation without being himself observed. And when, for greater security, Bouton led Patch to the edge of the stream, Sim followed, and not a word escaped him. He communicated what he had heard to his brother, and it was agreed between them that Sim should make his way to Deadwood and telegraph to his father to come on. "Bold your hand to your eyes for a bit," the captain shouted back, himself letting the example, and Howard obeyed him. After a few minutes the captain called oat: ' 'Here is the old white man," said Black Eagle. "I am sorry you are going to take him back " He led them into a smaller apartment, illuminated by two torches, the red light of which fell upon a deep, clear fountain in the center. Henry Kyle half turned and asked: "What do you propose to do with Dr. Blanchard's daughters?'' "Now, open your eyes and come on." "1 haven't thought about them. I believe the Bliss brothers are enough interested in their welfare to see that no harm comes to them." They were awake at midnight when Black Eagle came over and roused Bouton. They sat up and anxiously watched The doctor rode toward the two men, and as he did so one of the Indian's horses became restless and plunged against Louis Kyle and Font Robb. So sudden and unexpected was the collision that Kyle was dashed to the ground, and with a quick bound Robb was in among the Indians. During the morning Bouton told Henry Kyle that he was going to find Captain Brandon, at the same time desiring Henry to remain with the ladies. Then Bouton lay down to sleep in anticipation of a long night ride. He had not slept long when he was awakened by Patch, who informed him that one of Black Eagle's Indians had come in. Bouton got up and questioned the Indian, who told him that he had seen Captain Brandon and the Prophet together.CHAPTER XV. This advice was to prepare the young man for the sudden effect of a light that wm natural, but dazzling on account of the change and the brilliancy of the surrounding snow peaks from which it was reflected. A few yards farther on Howard Blanchard discovered that the £anypn terminated in a valley or depression about a quarter mile in diameter. Excepting at a point directly opposite to that by which thejf had entered, this remarkable valley was shut J a by precipitous walls that rose up for , 000 feet or more, and here and there detached masses in the form of pinnacles and looking like the mighty ruins of Gothic cathedrals rose for 1,000 feet higher. The stream flowing along the bottom of 'the canyon by which the two men lad entered widened out into an irregilar shaped lake a hundred yards wide h its narrowest diameter and flashing |ike ft great mirror ip jhe center of the jock jammed basin. Here the waters •eeiued to rest before rushing on through the opening in the opposite wall, by which avenue they went down to join the sulphur crusted rocks of the wonderful Yellowstone. The lake was further fed by a waterfall that leaped from the summit of the wall, starting as a band of liquid silver and reaching the bottom a veil of iridescent foam The irregular shape of this valley added not a* little to its beauty. The few trees near the walls, the many shrubs bordering the lake and the grass carpeting the ex panae were of various shades of emerald, each, as the eye rested on it, seemiug the very perfection of nature's coloring exclaimed Howard Blanch ard, when he pould give utterance to Eia surprise, "this is wonderful!" "The Indians call it 'The Great Spirit'* Council Place,' " said the cap tain, his face glowing in the soft light that suffused everything about him "I will call you when the meal is prepared. " When the Prophet withdrew, Howard asked Louis Kyle how he reached that place with the Prophet and where his horses were its of the pfiQ meu- The In- "The Bliss brothers are natural bom protectors," gneered Henry Kyle diqpg slickly saddled their horaea, anC Bonton went over to where the doctor lay awake, on the opposite side of the tree from his sleeping daughters. "If you don't think they can flll the bill, why don't you go in and give them your services? Here you are in the sulks instead of being delighted at our success—at the success of your own plana " "Stay here, while I find oat who those people are," said the captain, handing his bridle to one of the herders. "Two of my men are guarding the horses in a well grassed valley far up the cliffs. But as to the manner of our reaching here I cannot tell you. I only know that I could not retrace my steps," replied Louis. "Fire, Black Eagle, fire I We are surroppded by Brandon's men. Hold on to the prisoner!" "Doctor," whispered Bouton, "I want to speak with you. Come over to the fire." Without another word Captain Rrandon disappeared in the darkness, and so qilent were £is movements that they did not disturb the murmur of voioes ooming up from below. More silent than the gentle night wind that swayed the oedars along the mountain side, the captain approached the h0T*wen, indistinctly visible between his eyes and the glow of the distant campflre. Measuring his distance by the sound of their voioes, he reached a point where he oould make out every word and halted. His fine ear detected and reoognized the speakers as Robb and the renegade Patch While they were discussing the situation in frightened whispers the stars began to pale and the crests of the mountains to the west took on the hue of fire opals. Bearded figures rose from the ground in every direction and began to yawn and stretch themselves, The horses and mules, resting with lowered hips beside the river, began to prick up their ears and resume their grazing. The fires were renewed, and those whose duty it was to cook set about getting the morning meal. Henry Kyle went down to the river to wash his face an* hands. He bent over a mirrorlike expanse under the shade of a bush, and he was horrified at the expression of his own face. It was so aged, ghastly and haggard. He had not slept much, and it seemed to, him that he oould never sleep again. His mother was ever in his mind, or when he was not thinking of her he was troubled about the prisoners, and he cursed himself for the part he had taken in their capture. Having bathed, he returned to the campflre, and though it was out of his way he passed near the tree under which Alice and Qlara were sitting. The former did not raise her white face. There was no need to do so. He could see the unutterable anguish of its expression and again he mentally cursed hijnSelf. He loved Alice Blanchard with all the fervor and blindness 6f his impulsive nature, and he imagined that when she was wholly under his protection he could win her. But ho had learned his mistake. Ho looked at Clara in an indefinite way, as one proocejj&ied stares into space. He saw tho girlish figure and the sad, and bo staggered back and woke up to a realization of tho situation. He could have sworn for the moment that his sister Nora was before him Liko one fascinated and moving against a weakening will, he went over and with uncovered head stood before the sisters. Still Alice never looked up She could not have been aware of his presence. Tho terrible grief in her brave, pure heart controlled every thought of her brain. The introverted look could take no cognizance of the external world. She did not return his bow, made no sign to indicate that she was aware of his presence, but she was thrilled when he fell on his knees and said with a choking voice: The astounded chief and his followers did not know what to make of this, but all realized that they were in the midst of danger, and quick as a flash they were off their horses. "Louis Kyle! Louis!" shouted Captain Brandon. that by some occult means he had discovered his secret It would no* do to oommunloate his fears to his equally superstitious companions, so he madeupj his mind to put a bold faoe on it "I am so delighted at the success of my own plans that I feel like cutting my throat" Anxious not to disturb his (laughters, but wondering much at tho man* mysterious manner, the doctor obeyed him. Instead of taking his victim to the fire, Bouton conducted him to where Black Eagle and his braves were standing beside their horses. At a signal from the leader Dr. Blanohard was seized, gagged and bouncl on the bad; of one of the horses, go noiselessly was this done that (he wen sleeping near hy were not disturbed. The lithe figures swung into the saddles and the dread cavalcade crossed the stream and was swallowed in the darkness. "Did you not come through the can- The Indian was right The Prophet and Captain Brandon had counted their forces. On hearing of Louis Kyle's capture, the Prophet set out on foot alone to rescue him and came within a couple of miles of Black Eagle's warriors before night He kept on, nor haulted for breath or in doubt about the way, until he stood on the rim of Kyle's valley and «4W far beneath him the stars reflected in the placid lake. yon?" "No; we entered a cave miles away, it seems to me. Wo had no lights and bad to hold to each other's belts, the Prophet taking the lead. How he ever made his way through the Stygian labyrinth I cannot explain. But here we are, and only your presence assures me that we are not in another world." "Don't do that But why the feel- "Aye, thy designs. Think you not that I can read your purpose?" "I didn't join this outfit to make war on women and children. If this doctor and his son are prisoners and thieves, let the Blisses pay us for our services and take them away, though, to be frank, I think it a put up job, and you think the same thing." ing?" Louis had struggled to his feet from under the flinty hoofs when Robb saw him and called out: "When did yon come here?" "That matters not." "You were with the immigrants tbfa morning," said Bouton, recalling his soout's information. "That'sone of Brandon's men! Make him a prisoner and get backl" Louis Kyle was seized and dragged back, |n*t as the captain realized the situation and opened fire. In the mean-' time Dr. Blanchard, unopposed, had gone over to where his son was standing with the herders. "Yes, and with Black Eagle tonight 2) "With Black Eagle?" * "Evan so. But why should I exchange words with thee, O most cruel of mono, grel ours?" They washed their hands and faces in the pool and were surprised to find the water quite tepid to the touch and somewhat saline to the taste. In less than half an hour the Prophet again appeared and called to them to follow him. He led them into the place where the fire was burning and the grateful aroma of broiling venison filled the air. On wooden dishes ranged about the altar they found an abundance of cooked meats and delicious trout. They would have set to work eating with western promptness bad not the Prophet called out in a solemn voice: "We never had any doubt about that But the young ladies—what would you do with them?" "They are coming. I hear them far behind I have outstripped them as 1 would the wind on such a mission." "That's the solidest kind er sense, Robb, but can you get through wool what he took the Injuns in for and sent us out?" asked Batch"Why, I thought he was goin to send the doctor east with them lawyer chaps?" "Waal, that shows you're about as green as they make 'em. Them lawyer chaps wants the old man and 14* 0011 out of the way." "go's they may have the gals?" "Not a bit pf it So's they may have a full swing at a lot of loot to which the Blanchards has title in West Virginia. I've overheard enough to convince me I'm right, but I can't see clear through it." "I can take them to a place where they will be safe and well cared for." "Where is that?" "My father's house." "I thought you were never going back there again." ' 'Then you (bought wrong. My mother lives, and so long as she lives she will receive me, and I will seek her CHAPTER XII Down the steep hills the Prophet qpted to the meadowlike expanse that in the sunlight looked like a great emerald; in the granite setting of mountains.. As he neared the house, the location marked by the darker outlines of the surrounding trees, th6 resting cattle started up in alarm and the deep baying of a hound was heard in front The Ptophet, stopped the use of the second oersnn singular, a sure sign that nis spintuSCnature was sinxing tor toe time into abeyance, and continued: In the Prophet's cave, where slept Captain Brandon, Louis anc| Howard Blanchard, ytm no variation of Jigfot to tell the obanges that were going on in the outer world. The Prophet had that rare gift, an intuitive conoeption of the passage of time. He carried no watch, and he but rarely looked up at the sun, for which he had as idolatrous a reverence as the fire wojfhipers, who, in the far back ages inhabited these mountains and kept their sacrificial altars burning on the highest summit. "Howard! Howard!" he called out "Here, my father, here!" The young man ran forward, and in hi» great delight fairly lifted his father from the Baddle and folded him to his heart as if he had been a child. Howard Blanchard started to greet his father, Patch, bound though his arms were and with a gag in his "You come to the nest but the birds, have flown, and the cruel hunter that follows them must carry his life in his "There is still plunder in the nest," said the outlaw, maddened at being checkmated. "Clean out the house there I, Apply the torch!" he shouted to his men. "The light will show us the way to the corrals. The fat herds of Kyle's valley will be welcome to our friend " out" "Down, dog I down!" said the Prophet as the dog came fiercely toward him. The dog obeyed and slunk in ahead as if ashamed of his mistake. The Prophet ran up to the house and beat with his clinched fist on the door. "But supposing your brother falls in love with the girl who has now your heart?" Bouton chuckled and looked out between the horse's eatfs. "First kneel and let us return thanks." rf 'Ui W •' Every man knelt before a dish, so forming a circle about the altar, and the Prophet offered up a prayer, filled with Biblical quotations and startling rhetorical phrases of hiB own- Ho had the good sense not to pray the victuals cold. He brought up suddenly and set an example he would havo his guests follow. "I shall suppose nothing. I have pot been in the habit of considering the effect of my oowlqot My being here is the beat proof of that Excepting yourself and a few men of the same cast the members of this gang are creatures of impulse We act then think." "Who is there?" demanded Valentine Kyle from within. A cheer answered this command, and at onoe the work of destruction began.' One of the men outside lit a torch, but he did not long survive to lament his rashness, for a shot from the Prophet's rifle stretched him at Bouton's feet •« Awake, aalse! The Philistines be in our borders!" shouted the Prophet, when the time allotted for slumber had passed. At the sound of the deep sonorous voice the men sprang from the ground, some of selling their anus in alarm toward Blanchard, who was wholly ignorant oij the methods of this remarkable man, stareC\ wildly about him as if expecting an attack. As the Prophet spoke he brought out dried from the recesses that honeycombed the immense chamber, and setting the example he would have the others fellow he ate heartily and filled a pouch slung over his shoulder. "Then, Font, it must be blame^base, for I never seed a man ttuiok to see through anything that hac$ a glimmer of Jight in It as you," said Patch in ft complimentary tone. "I—I— A friend,'' was the reply. "Your name?" "Men oall me Daniel the Prophet Arise! Awake I The Philistines are in the hills, and they come this way with the speed of a mountain torrent and the destruction of a prairie fira Up, Valentine Kyle! Up, for the sako of your home, your wife, and your daughter f" "Now, my brethren,' * said the Prophet when the meal was concluded, "wo most have rest Sleep without fear, and when the time for action cornea I will call you." Bouton bowed with a mock oourtesy and rode to the rear of the line, where Font ttobb and Patch had charge of the pack mule* He gave them some orders, then galloped to the hea4 of the line, where the young Shoshone,  had command of the spouta fie remained with the Indians till the sfiq set. "If I oould," continued ywot Robb, "I'd like to save the old doctor for a bit and I'am all about it." This incensed the outlaws, and one at them, more impetuous than his companions, picked up the blazing torch and hurled it into the house. In a few minutes the building loomed out at the darkness and a cruel red light flashed in the windows. "And a fitting name it i& The combined hands of humanity, working through all the ages, could not build so glorious a structure to the honor of the •ver living God," said the enraptured l»Captain Brandon, who had been standing bareheaded, replaced his hat and said, ''Let us be moving on." "But why can't we do it?" asked Patch. "Cause if Black Eagle carries him off tonight, as I'm nigh shore he'll do, they'll take the other side of the vaV ley"— CHAPTER XL Still, as he spoko the Prophet continued his pounding on the door, and the echoes round about took up the hollow sound. In a few minutes the door was opened, and Valentine Kyle appeared shading a light and bending forward to get a sight of his visitor. When his eyes became accustomed to the gloom, he discovered the weird, gigantio form at the Prophet, and he drew back, with Bouton made known his intentions to his prisoners, informing them of the charge and his intention to take Dr Blanchard back to West Virginia for trial The doctor toro up thCJ warrant in his face, and indignantly denied the charge. Going back, the Prophet said: By this time they had reached an open valley, through which wound a broad, shallow stream, the banks lined witli oottouwood and the grassy expanse broken here and there by clumps of cedar and mountain oak& Bouton's trained eye at once fell on the proper position for a camp, and he dismounted from his horse. He sent a number of the Indians into the surrounding hills to act as vedettes and wait till Dr. filapohard camo up with Alipe an$ Clara. He would have helped the young ladies to dismount had they not anticipated him and sprung from their saddleq. "In the direction 9I the mountains?" "Fit*, Eagle, firel" "See, Valentine Kyle, your house is on flrel It is but a speedier form of the ruin that must come to every temple erected by human hands.'' As Howard followed him he asked, "Js it pot carious that this place is not inhabited?" "It is a place in the belief of the Indians too sacred for man to dwell in." month, at once started off, the darkness aiding his flight Robb was away with Black Eagle, and Louis Kyle was a prisoner in the same handa The captain was not long in ascertaining the exact state of affairs, and, though ho was deeply pained at the loss of his young friend, he reasoned that it would be unwise to follow up Black Eagle's party. "See that your arms and ammunition are in good order. up your loins as did the Qideonites'of old, for, as my soul tiveth, it will hot' fare well with them who beset our paths in these mountains." Captain Brandon had beard enough. Leaving Bouton's pickets nndisturbed he hastened back to the party, and as he went he pu bis plan of action, "What did you learn?" asked the anxious Louis, when the captain emerged from the darkness. "It was the only home left me in the wide world," sobbed the heartbroken The doctor deemed an explanation due to those about him, and told the story of his Ufa With much shrewdness he guessed at the plot in which Lawyer Bliss and his sons were so deeply interested. When the doctor had finished, sturdy John Clyde, as spokesman for the immigrants, said: man. i "Nay, speak not so. I. have a valley more beautiful though ndt so extensive as yours, and I have a home that all the torches that ever flashed could not burn down. Fear not for the oold or the hunger ; my ravens will bring us food," said the Prophet with contagious energy. "Bnt white men could have no such feelings." his hand on the pistol he had hastily fastened to his waist. "Yrua White men consider no place saored that they have not built themielvea. Our altars are sacred in proportion to the art we lavish on them. But this temple has a priest" ■ priest?" a priest as pure and faithful as ffyer devoted hi& life to the truth." "Who can he be?" "We are all *aDd Captain Brandon "I will tell you as we go back." "Go back?" "Fear not," cried the Prophet. "In God's name, believe I am a friend." "I do. Enter and tell us your mis- "It U welL Now, that we may advance with more rapidity, J have provided torches. Here aTe three." He handed the captain, Howard Blanchard and Louis Kyle each one. "Light them at this altar." "Yes. You must come with ma Howard, you take charge of the party in our absence," "This is our chance," he said. "Bouton's party is divided, and if wo hasten to his camp we can surprise and overpower him." "For God's sake, let me speak to you!" "Speak," replied Clara. "We are helpless to prevent you." sion." "I have no time to sit down, nor have you time to hear me. Bouton and his gang even as I speak are entering your valley"— "We don't need your explanation, doctor, to convince us of your innocence. We believe in you and are ready to fight for yon, though we one and all regret that our fighting will do no good at this time. But we can say this—we do not propose to leave here till this thing is settled." "You will permit pie," he said, with p profound bow, "to be your humble "How long will you be gone?" asked Howard "And free my daughters," said the d09tor, now fully alive to the situation and ita necessities. CHAPTER XVL * 'I do not blame you for hating me," he stammered and rising stood with dejected head. "I, and I alone, atn to blame for the misfortune that has befallen you. In my heart, which iB not yet wholly dead to tho early teachings of a well beloved mother, I realize my own degradation, and I come to offer you my aid." We left Henry Kyle in charge of Boo* ed when Kyle went to Alioe Blanchard and informed her that he was about to leave. He advised the sisters to depart with him, but they resolutely declined to trust to his good faith servant so far as to take charge of youi horses." There was always a, light burning on the altar when a Are was not blazing them The Prophet lit four large earthen lamps, and placing one on each corner muttered a prayer that sounded, like an incantation, then shouldered hi* rifle and strode away advance. Tu Howard Blanchard it looked as if their oourse lay into the heart of the Titanic cliff that towered above the entrance of the eave, and such ig truth was the case. On they went past the fountain where they had bathed that morning, and along gloomy galleries whose vaults the torches failed to reveal and whose black glistening walls looked like the mythical furnaces of the lower world in which the fire had been long extinguished. On and on and up and up, through this awful temple of silence, this cave of the shadows, this hiding nlaoe of nioht The lightest footfall Before Howard could ask another question tho captain Louis Kyle had vanished. As they went down the hill the captain related what he had heard, and announced his purpose to capture the two men and use them for his own purpose. The objject was to overpower the outlaws before they oould give ar\ alarm to their friends in the valley, and so well was this intention carried out that neither Patch nor Robb oould tell how he was seized and thrown to the ground "Not long if all goes welL " "This," said Captain Brandon, coming to a halt, "is the home of Daniel the Prophet." "Let us mount and push on," urged Howard. "Entering my valley?" "Even as I tell thee." "But why?" He took the bridles, and when all the party was up he instructed one of his men to stake the horses in a peninsula formed by a bend in the river, the long rawhide ropes giving ample space for grazing. Huge fires were built, and from the packs provisions were taken for the evening meaL All got into the saddle, but Louis Kyle's herders refused, one and all, to go into the valley. "Of that remarkable being who came to oar aid?" "Yea" "Why does the wolf enter your folds? He comes for plunder or worse. Hark to the barking of your hound! The wind sweeps this way and he has scented them. Call your daughter, secure your arms and follow me with your wife. Delay not; a minute may be worth a life!" When Pr Blanchard became calmer, he saw that resistance would be useless, and he reasoned that Bouton would not hesitate to enforce his command. Drawing Alice and Clara to one side he said: "The danger is but little. There may be no fighting at all," said the captain. Going to where his saddled horse stood waiting him, Henry was in the act at mounting when he heard some one creeping toward him. A flash of lightning from an approaching storm revealed Patch. The report of Henry's pistol and a olap of thunder followed simultaneously. Then he mounted and galloped for the mountains. "The chances are he is now a prisoner In Bouton's hands." "We do not dread the danger," said the leader of the herders, a tall, stern man, "nor do we shrink from battla " "Your aidl You,offer your aid!" said Alice in low,. sad tones that pierced him like knife thrusts. ' 'No, Howard, the chances are he has reached this place ahead of us." ' They had come to a halt opposite a sej4es of opehings that looked like im men* honeycombs cut into the face oi foewalL Both heard a noise and bent fo listen. Prom faroff depths they caught the sound of a deep bass voice ■I.Howard recognized the air. He had often heard it in the camp meetings of Wes* Virginia The words, at first 4BdtattlunlihablQD plainer and "My children, there is nothing left but to submit to these men. Let us go with them, and trust to heaven to shield os from the harm they contemplate. " Dr. Blanchard gave no thought to himself. Anxiety for his beautiful daughters rent his heart, smd for the time unmanned him. If he oouid have had assurances of their safety, he would have willingly given up his own life, but such assurances could not be had. There was not in all the party a man to whom he could look for help Once, as he saw Henry Kyle passing, ItixA immlw Uk him tn oall__to thfl "Why, then, will you not follow me? It is but a few miles to yonder fire. " "That is what I said, and I will die befhre I break my word." "Your word!" In this there was another thrust These mere words can give no idea of the effect of the Prophet's manner. It was simply irresistible, and, with a woman's quick apprehension, Mrs. Kyle saw that he spoke with reason and felt that it would be wise to obey him. "Not an outcry," said the captain as he tied Robb's hands behind him. "We camo hither with Louis Kyle. He is our young master and our chief. He is and ever has been near to our hearts," said the man solemnly. "We will go with you, father," said Alice, with her arms about his neck 'We could not, would not remain back. Keep good heart and succor will coma 1 have faith in Louis Kyle." "I do not blame you for doubting it I have done everything to make myself and my promises despicable in your eyes. But try me and trust me. Let me know how I can help you." "Resist and I shoot!" hissed Louis Kyle, with one hand on Patch's red throat while the other held a pistol to his head. Henry Kyle's shot unfortunately did not take effect on the would be assassin. Patch was untouched, but thoroughly frightened When the horse galloped off, Patch sat on the ground and felt all his limbs to raak" sur» he had not toqgk OoaMnued ea Page Fear. "I know that, and were he here he Would have you obey me." "Were he here we should obey you without a thought of refusing. But he is not here, and that is why we must "Let us follow the Prophet, husband," sho said eagerly. "No harm can oome of it, for we have ever heard of him as a good man."  "As 1 have," replied the doctor "But let us be getting read?." The ruffians were too much astonished to resist in addition to binding "Truly, you must be anxious." «JI am.1 *