Pittston Gazette

              I V. X Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO., I'A., FRIDAY. JULY .H, 1896. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. {"!8IE$ISiZ roue (ill wnuout it-mo tuning M«e a wave of the Prophet's long arms. don't want Louis Kyle, who has been fighting against us. to have a picnic with the ladies. We want to teach him manners.' Of course they won't hurt him if I can help it, but I must say they are a hard crowd to manage. I'll do the best I can.'' theatrical whisper, "Are you willing that I should explain all?" Spirit," said the guide, pointing out to the light. ' 'I can hear voices. " Mrs. Kyie. "That is his habit," said the captain to Howard. "The Prophet is strong in welcoming, but his feelings will not permit him to say farewell. " "They have ever come true, for all my thought has been devoted to learning the ways of the Great Aruhitect whu piled up the mountains, hollowed ths ' example of balancing one on tke ftm, so that a child's hand from behind oould send it crashing down. To show how efficient these would be, he sent one rock over, and the men breathlessly watched it as with increasing Fpeed and irresistible force it tore and crashed to the bottom, plnnging over and against the opposite side. and the subsequent tramping ttenrf Kyle whispered to Kushat: "No, 110I" she half shrieked. "Leave me; for heaven's sake, leave me, or kill me!" Above the sound of the waters, hurry- "They are going to take my brother through the pass. We must follow." . ing down to the placid lake in the oen- I ter of the valley, Mrs. Kyle heard the singing and laughter of the immigrant "I will not kill you. I would rather kill myself. I will leave you for the night. When we march on the morrow, Miss Kyle, I will speak with you again. I will tell you something that is near to my heart.'' valleys and filled the world with light There are no mysteries save in our own ignorance, no miracles save where we are blind. The doctor and his daughter need rest. Then they will speak to yon, and you will love them for your kindred trials." They could see the men walking off with the prisoner between Attd they could hear him ask: The men cheerfully obeyed the captain's order, and, leaping Into the saddle, started off to find Bouton's trail. There was no trouble in getting on the track of the outlaws. The hoofs of the cattle stolen from Kyle's valley were visible in every stretch of earth, and they had cut into the moss covered rocks like hieroglyphics. - children, and the sound came to her Louis rose to accompany him, but Nora threw her arms about him and cried out: ears like the seraphic singing of angels. What music is there to the mother like the laughter of children? Even Valentine Kyle was awed, and so filled with the supernatural exhilaration that his face glowed and his gray hair and beard looked like a saintly halo. "Let us get into the light," called out the guide. "It is pleasanter in the beautiful valley." They followed him out, but stopped again at a point where all the glories of the enchanted scene burst upon their bewildered gaze. There were children playing by the lake, and at the sight of the strangers they ran shouting to the caves in alarm, and their cries broke the illusion and told Mrs. Kyle she was still in the land of fear and sorrow and danger. As they crossed the valley they could see anxious faces peering at them from behind the rocks. Just as Valentine Kyle was about to call to them not to fear, a tall, rosy faced girl made her appearance and approached them with extended hands. '' I am Mary Clyde,'' she said. 4 'Come with ma You seem to have trouble, like ourselves.'' "Indeed we have trouble, my child," said Mrs. Kyle. "May you never know so much." "And may yours soon be lightened," said Mary, "and it will be if it is in oar power. We are only women and children with one old man here, but the Prophet says we are safe." Mary Clyde then led them to the cave entrance, and here the women and children came swarming out, all ashamed of their alarm, though their recent experience warranted them in the precaution. Mr. Kyle let his wife answer, and when she told them her name they all asked in a chorus, "Are you Louis Kyle's mother?" "Will you let me speak with my sister and Miss Blanch ard? This may be my last chance." "Oh, do not take my brother from mel Do not part us. We have done you '' Sakes alive I'' exclaimed John Clyde. "One of them stones would sweep down a regiment as a ball does ninepins.'' "Remember, captain," said Howard anxiously, "that my sister and Louis Kyle and his sister are with the outlaws. We must not hurt them." Bouton rose and bowed, then went back to wlipre the men were lying around the tamp fires. He coiled himself up in a blanket and was asleep in a short tima Sim Bliss tried to imitate him, but though he had grown more and more weary eveiy day since coming into this country, his narrow brain was too much crowded with thought for him to get much satisfactory sleep. "We can't do it," replied one of the men brutally. "If you wanted any favors, you'd orter ask Bouton." no wrong.'' The Prophet took their hands again and bowed over them as if he were calling down a benediction. Then be went off to find the doctor and Clara. "Hush, sister, " said Louis. "These cowards know we have done them no harm Your prayers cannot change them Be brave and defy them, for our friends live and they will demand an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'' They went on again, and when they were 60 yards from the camp Henry Kyle and Kushat were on their feet and after them. The men with their prisoner walked fast, though the road was rough and the path so dark that the hand oould not be seen before the faoa. They had gone over half the distance and were just abreast the place that Captain Brandon had made so terrible by daylight when Bouton's men came to halt and one of them asked: It soon became evident that Bouton's party had gone to their old camp, a fact that gave the captain not a little encouragement. About noon they reached the encircling hills that command a view of the whole valley. They saw the herds grazing by the river, the horses staked near the fires, and could make out the line that separated the Indiana from their allies. Mary Clyde had anticipated what he would do, and at once prepared couches, while others prepared food. The doctor ate with thankfulness, and lay down on the robes with a feeling of awe such as he had never before experienced, for he could not but feel that he had left the world. He was about to take her up in his arms when he heard a cry behind him, and the next instant Nora Kyle w;u kneeling beside' Alice, and her white arms! were supporting the beautiful head- Alice speedily revived, and, looking at the beautiful, sad face bending over "I have not forgotten. We must watch out for them." CHAPTER XX. He caught his sister to his breast; then he took Alice's hands in his. No word passed between them. For a few seconds they stood looking into each other's eyes, and each saw there the trust and faith and love and hope that would never die, for it was of the kind that is older than time and as enduring as eternity. "But what if they wait till dark? We cannot tell then where the prisoners are." Bouton had sent on the plunder of Kyle's valley to the camp of which Patch was then in charge. He expected to hear of Henry Kyle's death on his return. He was angry with Black Eagle for not having annihilated the herders, and he became wild with rage when Font Kobb told them the herders had made their escape the moment he withdrew his men at the order of the Shoshone. Before daylight the next morning the camp was astir. While some prepared food others loaded the pack mules and saddled the horses, duties that seemed to require a great deal of shouting and a deluge of profanity. The prisoners were served with food as before and Font Robb brought up horses for Alice and Nora, when Bouton offered to assist them to their saddles. "We must still show them that it is dangerous to pasa If they stay where they are, they make a dry camp, and so will break down their animals. See! Here they come!" As has been mentioned, the Prophet had an instinctive conception of the time and could tell the hour if he had been days in absolute darkness. Dr. Blanc hard could not be expected to do this. He woke up before day, and guided by the limits on the <ar #ent over and sat near it, for thdto was a companionship in the flickering flame* As he sat there he heard a deep sigh, accompanied by a light step on the rocky floor. He looked up and saw a haggard face in a setting of white beard and hair. The two old men—old in appearance if not in years—looked at each other for some seconds in silenoe. Valentine Kyle knew that this was his kinsman, Dr. Blanohard, but he could not have recognized the altered face. Dr. Blanohard guessed that this was Mr. Kyle, the father of Louis. Not a shadow of suspicion glinted his mind that this could be the lost Valentine Weldan, who so many years before fled from the valley of the Great Kanawha, his hands red with the blood of the murdered Frederick. Dr. Blanohard was the first to speak, and as he did so he took the cold, reluctant hand of Valentine K?l# in his. When Bouton reached his camp, which he did before daylight, he was delighted to find a large accession to his force. More than a score of white men had come in from the south and as many runaway Indians from the reeervat..'jrw to the north and east In addition to robbing stages and killing miners, Bouton's gang "did a large business in horses." The organization at one time numbered many hundreds of men, and its field extended from the Mississippi to the Pacific and from the plains of British Columbia to the plateaus of old Mexico. "Didn't yon hear a noise as if we was The cavalcade came on again, as it moved into sight the men on the cliffs oould see that the line was broken into three parts; that the horses were massed, and that in the center of each party was one of the prisoners. It would be impossible to so guide a rock as to be sure it would not plunge through the oenter of each party and so destroy the very people they were so anxious to save. On they came. It was growing dark when the head of the party entered the dreaded defile. Captain Brandon's men would not have been so anxious and nervous had their positions and the foe's been reversed. Just as the foremost horseman came abreast of the beginning of the obstruction a huge Btone started, through the nervousness of the man behind it, leaped from the crest, and with the sound of thunder crashed down. A horse and rider were swept out of existence like flies under a trip hammer. Up from the depths came shouts of horror. follered?" They were nearly through the pass, and Kushat was about to ask Henry if the time for action had not come when, quick as a flash, he bounded from her side and with his uplifted rifle knocked one of the men senseless. He was in the act of raising his rifle again when, with a cry of alarm, the other man leaped to one side, and drawing a pistol fired. So close was he that the shot would have been fatal had not Kushat, with the rapid spring of a mountain lion, thrown herself on his arm and sent the shot into After conducting Louis Kyle to another part of the camp, Bouton went over and talked to Patch. In order that their conversation might not be heard, he led the renegade to one side. They had been there but a minute or two when a shot rang out and the degraded Patch wheeled as if on a pivot and fell dead at Bouton's feet "It's the Prophet's doin's," said Font Robh At Alice's request Louis Kyle was permitted to ride beside them. But before Bouton would agree to this request he made Nora promise that some time during the march she would drop back and talk to him for an hour or two. To this the poor girl consented for her brother's sake. She had the greatest horror of this man now that she felt he knew her father's secret Innocent of the world's ways and fearful that Bouton had it in his power to legally destroy her father and all the family, she would willingly die if called on for the sacrifice to save them. "The Prophett" "Yes, Bouton. He's over thar with Louis Kyle," and Font Robb pointed to where the men were standing. Bonton drew a pistol and urped his horse oyer, bat if he had any purpose to ■hoot he changed his mind when he ww the Prophet standing with the long rifle resting in the hollow of his arm and his bine eyes glittering with a light that meant mischief. Nora Kyle, after her cry on seeing her brother, tried to reach him, bat Boa ton ordered his men to take her back. Bonton dismounted after returning his pistol to his belt, and assuming an air of bravado that did not indicate his feelings he asked: Bouton felt that the shot was intended for himself and that another would follow with deadly effect, so he turned and ran, and as he ran he glanced back, and away on the hills he saw Henry Kyle and beside him the slender form of an Indian girl. The horse thieves were held together by awful oaths of fidelity and still more awful penalties for treason. Their camps were lodges, and one of their members could recoguize a "pard" or make himself known wherever he went. But the great bund that held them together was mutual protection for individual gain. So perft ot was this organization—and, no donbt, some of its branches still exist—that horses could be run through from Texas and sold in Colorado or be takC 11 from Montana to Missouri without detection and with the certainty of finding a market. the earth. The next instant the seoond outlaw was down and forever indifferent to Bouton and his plans. Before Louis Kyle could comprehend what bad happened a knife flashed, and the rope that bound his arms fell to the ground. "Follow me," whispered Henry, seis* ing his arm. Reaching his companions, he ordered them to arm and scout the surrounding hills. Nearly 80 men, all on foot, obeyed his order, and soon the sound of firing was heard on the hills and more than one wounded man came limping back to camp. She wanted an opportunity to tell Louis that Bon ton knew their awful secret, but Bouton staid so near that she "They have with them a prisoner," taid "Where did yon come from?" her, the could not but think in the uncertain light that it was her sister. "And you did not escape, Clara?" she sighed. IJiruton. "Who are you?" "From the scene of your robbery and outrage," said the Prophet without hesitation. "I am yoar friend, and once 71m call* ed me brother,'' was the reply, with • sob at the close. It was after dark when Fairplay and Font Robb returned, and they brought the gratifying news that they had driven Captain Brandon from the hills. "And yon are still my brother," aried Louis, and he reached oat his arms, for in the sweep of gratitude all the past at this brave though erring youth was forgotten. They were just through the pass when a voice demanded in low, stem tones which Henry recognized as of Font Robb: "Who goes there?" "And why did you come here?" "To tell yo«r people that the hoar of vengeance is approaching—to find Hen- "I am Nora Kyle, the sister of Louis, and—and"—she was going to add, "of Henry," but she checked herself and ended by saying, "and I, too, am a prisoner." "I am." "And it cost us dear," said Fairplay; "mighty dear. 'Cause," continued the bearded outlaw, "we've lost more men than Brandon had in his outfit." "Then," said Mary Clyde, "I shall kiss you." And thereupon all the other women and all the children followed Mary's hospitable example. When Mrs. Kyle told them that her home had tteen destroyed by Bouton, "You are Mr. Kyle?" he said kindly. "Iam Or. Blanchard. Wet hpve heard of each other through kindred troubles.'' " I am Valentine Kyle. Like yourself, I have suffered," said Mr. Kyle, and he sat down on a blanket near the doctor."It is a curse*" said the doctor, "a curse from which the innooent were fleeing, but it has followed us." "A curse?" repeated Mr. Kyle. "Yes. It is the story of a faraway land, and it would not intereat you to hear it But it has fallen on you as well as on me." ' 1 "How has it fallen on roe?" asked Valentine Kyle, speaking hoarsely and bowing his head on his hands. "Your son Louis ctaife to our aid, and t is, I am sure, because of this that the mtlav, s attacked your place." ry Kyle and tell him that Bouton'a torch has fired his father's home and to assure Louis Kyle that more than one friend was watching him from the mountains round." Bonton gave the 1 risoners into Font Robb's charge, enjoining him to guard them as he valaed his life, and then turned to talk to the new arrivals. His "A prisoner I God pity you. " "A prisoner, and so is Louis." CHAPTER XXII. "And have you done all this?" Unknown to each other, though united by a close bond of consanguinity, these two girls were at once draw 11 to each other by that strongest of tiC s, a common affliction. Nora Kyle knew that the girl resting in her arms w;u her cousin, bat she could not tell her so. She felt that the secret of her fa ther's crime must remain locked in her breast forever, yet did the fart impress her now, and she, who had often in her solitude sighed for a sinter, now felt that she had one in her arms. Bouton'a delight at being re-enforced cannot be described. He felt elated at his increased power and confident that no opposition that Brandon could make would check his schemes. But Brandon might call in the aid of troops from some of the forts. There was danger in this, and Bouton determined to obviate it by wiping Brandon out of existence. and that her daughter was then a pris- "I visited your camp left in charge of the renegade Patch, and I there learned that Henry Kyle had fled from his vilo associates. Before this he has learned at your deeds and taken the oath of annihilation. '' oner in his hands, the indignation of the immigrant women became extreme, and Mrs. Clyde, Mary's mother, declared with lunch emphasis that death would be eomcthing like a pleasure if 6he could No answer was made, but still tha brothers, with Knshat between hurried on. "Answer, or I'll fire I" shouted Font Robb, now thoroughly alarmed "I am Henry Kyle," replied tbe owner of that name. just. sC e Bouton tortured as she would have him tortured and its he deserved to be tortured "for just five minutes." *- Desirous of talking alone with the Prophet, Bouton motioned for his companions to get back, then sinking his voice without lessening the malignity of his expression he said: "Henry Kyle I" exclaimed Robb. "Yes. Fire if you dare. I did not tnean to bring you under my rifle. Font Robb, for once I called you friend. You must begin the straggle between yon and me, and I will end it." "And what are you doing here?" asked Robb, who in his heart admired and feared the reckless and generous companion of his past misdeeds. "I witi- you, and I want yon to carry the Bouton." While Henry was speaking kept walking on with Louis they reached the protection of a rodM££ tha exit from the pass. Next to his fear and hatred for Brandon was that entertained for Henry Kyle The unprincipled always hate those whom they fail to destroy. The death of Patch gave Bouton a good excuse to influence his men against the man whom they had hitherto admired for his address and daring, and as fellows of his class always think in crowds they soon worked themselves into a hatred of Henry Kyle that found an outlet in oaths that were loud if not deep. % -K'j-lo told tlirm (ho little he luui learned Irom the Prophet about Dr. Blanchard and his family. The report was that the doctor had escaped, but that the girls were still iu the power Gf the outlaws. "All our men are out aiding in the fight," said oue woman, "and we'd be willing to go and help them if it wasn't for the children." The immigrants did all in their power to comfort their guests, and all spoke of a termination to the trouble which the most imaginative did not feel in her heart. About the middle of the afternoon the children, who never tired of the beautiful valley nor ceased to wonder at the grand caves, came running in, the leader shouting: "The Prophet! The Prophet is nom- "Good evening, ladies." "Did I not tell you never to come near my camp?" could not speak to him about it, and even if Bouton were away she dared not speak to him on thii» subject iu the presence of Alice Blanchard. As the long cavalcade wound down through the narrow valleys it looked like a small army expecting a battle, and such it certainly was. To avoid the inevitable dust as well ;is to prevent an attack on the head of the line, if Captain Bnuidon should see fit to ambush them, Bouton placed the prisoners to the front. After they had gone some miles Bouton w hispered to Nora, "Remember your promise and drop back beside me." With pale face and compressed lips she obeyed him. "You must Djfft think me harsh," he began. "Think of how long I have kept the secret. I knew it before you were born." With the round of thunder it crashed down. CHAPTER XXI. "What if you did? Think yon that I am to be ordered by you—that I, who (or long years have been a free man in these hills, am to be controlled by a godless heathen and red handed bandit? I come and go as do the winds, and you might as well try to stop them as to control me," replied the Prophet, his bearing more defiant and his strong right hand pressed against the lock of his rifle. Throughout all the trouble Captain Brandon had shown himself to be tireless and patient. If he ever felt fatigue, he never spoke of it, nor did he show it by any lessening of his amazing energy. If he ever lost heart, as he might well do in the face of the continued and ever increasing troubles, he succeeded in keeping his depression to himself. From the first he was hopeful, and when others got low spirited he cheered them up and strengthened them with assurances of final success. When he pushed his way to the place where he had seen Alice and Clara from the opposite side of the canyon and found them missing, he gave no sign of impatience. "Perhaps so, but you say it would not interest me to hear the story of a far-/ away land. I assure you it would," said Valentine, with his face still averted. Captain Brandon peered down and could see the confused mass of men and horses, and he could hear the nervous orders of the leaders, high above which rang out Bouton's voice: "It eases a sorrow to speak of it," began the doctor, "but I would not tot that reason add to the sorrows of another. However, it is still night, and the people are sleeping. You will lie down again before day?" "Get back, men, get back! Brandon, curse him, is on the cliffs I" pushed through." pleasure at receiving so large a re-enforcement was somewhat dampened when he learned that these outlaws had fled into the mountains to escape the troops and the vigilance committees that had been sent against them. Said one bearded giant, kiiown to his companions by the misnomer Fairplay: "If there's any little job you'd like to have It was understood that an active campaign would be begun on the morrow, and in anticipation of it the outlaws cleaned their rifles, sharpened their knives and cast bullets by the fire. The slender, picturesque forms of the Indians, the leaping flames and polished, flashing arms, made a picture that Alice Blanchard never forgot She was sitting on the ground talking in low tones to Nora Kyle and gazing now and then in the direction where she knew Louis to be when a shadow fell on the ground between them and looking up she saw Bouton. The first line fell back on the second and the second on the third, until, orderless and demoralized, they were oat of the fatal rift "What are we to do?" asked Font Robb, who, with Bouton, had been trying to get order out of chaos. "Do?" replied Bouton. "We most stay here for the night Dismount, men. It is not the first time we have been "I have slept enough." "Let me hear." "Tel.' « ■ --- his gang cued from Bon ton that I have left two at in the rift and that I have reetheir hands my brother. I defy the bloodhonnda my trail, and that one by shall go down before my rifle, that I stood over the rain at home, burned down by " A1- "I have never been so foolish to try to check the wind or alter its coarse, bat no man ever defied me who did not find me ready to resist or oppose. I have never crossed your path. I have let you have your own way, but you have seen lit to cross my path, and you must take the consequences.' * In a sad monotone Dr. Blanchard told the story of the Weldons—how old John Weldon died, cutting off his granddaughter, the doctor's wife, in his will and leaving his large property to Frederick and Valentine Weldon, the former unmarried; how Valentine favored the south and Frederick the north in the war that had just begun; how Valentine fled and Frederick was missing; how a body supposed to be Frederick's was found long afterward far down the river; how the curse of that act had reflected on his children, and how he had determined to go with them into a new land, leaving all the property that might have been theirs in the hands of Lawyer Bliss. All, everything up to the present moment, he told his silent listener.Tell him thai he has pat on ing!" "This'll all soon blow over. The troops and vigilantes get tired and soon peter oat Men ain't a-goin to hont as long without pay, and there's no pay for vigilance committees, I'm happy to say. Now, as we're all over here, Boaton, if there's any little job yon'd like to have poshed through, and I have a hint that there is, why, jest give the word, and me and all the boys will give you the very best we have in the shop. " Without asking a question all hurried out aud saw the Prophet crossing the valley accompanied by Clara Blanchard and her father. The women and ihildren ran to meet them with shouts one the; Tell him  my father's . him, and that I there To the doctor, who was nearly disconsolate, the captain said: forced to make a dry camp." While the captain was watching from the summit of the pass and the outlaws were tangled up in the darknea another and au important observer occupied a position on the opposite hill* This was Henry Kyle, and he was accompanied by the faithful Kushat All day Fairplay and his gang had followed them, but at a distance so safe that they never came within range of the dreaded rifle. As it was evident he did know the secret aud impossible for htr to tell how long he had known it, or how iie became possessed of it, she was forced to believe hini, though, as tho reader knows, his knowledge was CDf a very recent date "I never shirk any consequences. If you think to restrain me it must be at your own periL " "There is good reason for their leav ing. Let us try to find their trail." earth was too small for Boutan and mat. I shall follow him night and day, far henceforth I am sleepless, and the balance of my ill spent life shall be used in making reparation to the innocent and bringing vengeance to the camps at the guilty. His end is nearing, and I shall live to see it" w The Prophet raised his voice, and every man within 100 yards of where they stood heard him. They were engaged in this work when they discovered Black Eagle's Indians and at the same time caught sight of the two girls between the two lines. "Good evening, ladies," he said, .removing his hat and bowing deferentially. "I am sorry that I cannot make you more comfortabla " "If you are going to uso it now," she managed to Bay, "better that you hail used it before.'' Bouton dreaded this man as he did no other man in the world, but he well knew that to show fear would be to lose control over his equally superstitious men. He had told them before to shoot the Prophet on sight, but they had not done sa He now resolved that they should keep him a prisoner if he could not prevail on them to kill him. Now, if ever, he most be strong, and he was equal to the occasion. Turning to his men he called out: They charged down and met Clara flying toward them. She was caught in the captain's arms, and Howard Blanchard was for pressing on, but the captain, seeing that the Indians outnumbered them three to one, called a halt and prudently got his men under cover of the rocks. They saw Alice being carried off, but tfcey did not dare to Art! on the men surrounding her for fear of doing her harm. As soon as it was dark Captain Brandon cautioned his little band to remain where they were while he crept down to ascertain the position and force of the enemyD "But you can make us more comfortable," said Alice sternly. "That's all right, Fairplay. I know I can count on you, and I'll confess I have a job on hand that I want to finish up, but isn't there danger that you'll be followed?" asked Bouton. This was said with a dramatic intensity of voice that struck horror into the souls of Robb and his companions. Every one of them felt that the weather had become suddenly cold, and ths bravest did not dare to make a reply. Though stiff from being bound and weak from anxiety and sleeplessness, the strength bom of excitement kept Louis Kyle up and enabled him to follow his brother and Kushat After some time of hard climbing Henry came to a halt in a little depression on the mountain side, where his horse and Kushat's were grasing. "Then command me, for I have the houor to be your must obedient servant," and as he spoke he turned his face so that the light from the distant fire fell on his white teeth and made them cruelly conspicuous. "Did I uay I was going to nee it uow?" "They will start no fires tonight, Kushat" said Henry to his companion. "This must be my opportunity." "You talk as if you might," she said nervously. "The brother, Valentine, must have been a very bad man," Mr. Kyle managed to say. "Follored!" repeated Fairplay. Bouton nodded. • "To do what?" she asked. "To attempt the rescue of the prisoners.""Then I fail to make myself understood. My French is better than my English. Shall we talk French?" "There isn't any more danger of belli follored than there is of the great Missouri runnin up hill in flood time. Why, I tell you, we've shook 'em all off." Seeing that he wanted her to speak, Alice said: "No," replied the doctor hurriedly. "Valentine Weldon was as brave and generous as the brother whom he so loved and whom he could not have meant to harm." "I did not"mean to say what I did." "I do not understand French." "You would enter the camp?" "Yea" v "But if you are caught it will be death," she said, with a shudder. "I know that, but it will be death to him who tries to stop ma Stay you here, Kushat" " But you had a right to. I repeat, what is it I can do to add to the comfort of either?" "Very well. We shall keep on as we have been doing. You see many men about us here?" He waved his hand back at the cavalcade, and Nora nodded. "The Prophet and Lonis Kyle are prisoners. If they attempt to escape, ■hoot them down." "You are sure?" "But he killed him—reddened his hands in his blood." He pointed to the men who were to do this work and then went over to where Black Eagle was talking to Nora Kyle, whom he had assisted from her hone. Clara was so much unnerved and fatigued that it was found impossible to go on with her that night, and so, making virtue a necessity, it was agreed to remain where they were till morning. Soon after dark, to the surprise and joy of all, the Prophet entered the camp, and in reply to John Clyde's question as to where he came from he replied: "I'm sartin. Think I'd be such a fool as to leave 'em the ghost of a trail? No, sir, the hunt's up and here we are. Now, what's your private muss?" And Fairplay showed his entire self possession by biting a semicircle from a plug of tobacco and tendering Bouton a similar lnxury. "Leave us to ourselves," replied Al- "They want to catch your father and get a large reward." "And if they catch him what will they do?" she asked with a shudder. "They will hang him." "Ah, you are cruel, but I shall not be." Bouton tried to laugh, but the girls were struck with the harsh, metallic ring of his voice. "I fear that you blame me," he went on, "for the inconvenience you have been subjected to. You will not believe m« if I tell you that I alone have saved you from worse treatment" "I will not believe that of Valentine Weldon, be he living or be he dead. If he was the cause of his brother's death, it was an accident or a blow struck in anger, when Valentine had been drinking. No, no I Valentine Weldon could not have done that" "WhatI Would you go alone?" "Yes. I cannot take you into such danger." Spreading the saddle blankets on ths ground he said to his brother: "No, I will remain in the shadmr." "Yon mnst be very -weary. Yon hav« yet hard work before yon. Sleep here till daylight and Knshat and I will guard yon as the eagles guard their yonng." "Miss Kyle," said Bouton, removing his cap, "I regret that my desire for your continued safety should force me to seem harsh I request that you speak to no person in this party bat myself." "Hang him!" she said with a gasp. of joy, but Valentine Kyle and his wife remained back in the shadow. "Then I will follow," she said, with decision. "I, too, am armed. I am a Sionx, and yon will not try to stay me. Where yon go, I will go. Should yon fall I will be beside yon, and death shall not part ua." "Yes. Hang him up by the neck till he is dead. Aud they will put your mother in jail :uid your brothers, and keep them there till thoy are dead. " "I cannot meet him, wife. I cannot meet him!" cried the unhappy man. "Do you remember Brandon?" asked Bouton. "If living, would you meet him as of yore?" asked Mr. Kyle, trying to appear calm. "Meet him, husband. Even if he should recognize you he can bear you no malice. Dr. Blanchard was ever your friend!" "I was speaking to her about Kushat," said Black Eagle, "and the white maiden does not tell me the story yon did." "I have come up again from the valley of the shadow of death with no faculty impaired. I have been in the fiery furnace and come out unscorched. Yes, I have even been in the den of lions and heard them roaring, but they cowered before my glance and did not dart: to strike their hungry teeth into my flesh. I did not fear, for I relied not on my own strength. Nay, I courted the danger, and, lol I am here. What harm has befallen our people?" "Captain Brandon?" Fairplay showed that he remembered this gentleman by drawing himself up to his full height and closing one eya Nora believed this. If she did not, she had neither the courage nor knowledge nor strength to refute it, so awfully did the picture impress her. Louis followed this advice, and ha felt again as he had felt in the past when his elder brother was his ideal at all that was brave and strong and handsome. The rising snn was flushing all the cloud patches floating in the upper bine and lighting up the crowns of the snow peaks when Louis Kyle woke from a refreshing sleep and saw his brother and the Sioux girl standing with their backs toward him and talking in low tones. Kushat brought some driod meal from her saddlebag, and of this the three made a meal which to the brothers was the sweetest they had ever eaten. When they had finished breakfast, Louis laid his hand on Henry's shoulder and said: "Are you not the leader of these— these"— "Aye, that I would. Were he living 3 would take him to my heart, where his memory has ever been,'' said the doctor, with tears in his eyea She reached out her little red hand, and taking it he said with some resignation:"Say robbers or whatever* you will, Miss Blanchard, and I'll confess that 1 am their leader. If I were not, as I said before, your fate would be worse. And I intend using my power for your continued safety, though I know you will not believe me." "No, I will remain in the shadow till I can escape from here.'' "That's the man, Fairplay." "The devil I Is he in these moontains?"' 'Then come, Kushat I have not so much love that I can lose yours. Let it be as yon say." "Because she knows nothing aboot it. How should she?" "You do not want this to happen?" he asked after a painful pause. "That you must not do, Valentine. Look out, my husband. See, time has so chiuiged him that I could not tell that I had ever set eyes on him before. Tlio children are shouting his name. That alone assures me I ani not mistaken. If you wish to remain unknown, he cannot recognize you. Only in your bravo heart and love for me are you the Valentine Weldon of 19 years ago. Here, here they are. Do not crouch back in the darkness. See how like our Nora the young girl looks. " "Valentine Weldon is living!" said Mr. Kyle, rising and reaching oat his hands, then letting them fall helplessly by his side. "She should know all," said the Indian."Why should you aCk me?" "He ia" "What doin?" "5"" "Only to show that I think as you do, and to tell you that it is all in your hands." Henry Kyle and Kushat crept so close that they could see in the indistinct light the groups of men standing by their horses, and from the speaking they were able to tell exactly where Boutan was. It was agreed between Henry and Kushat that they should not speak after they had reached a point within hearing of the outlawa They crouched on the ground waiting for  when they heard Bouton ask: "Yet she does not. Hark! What ■hooting is that up the hill?" asked Bouton. "Hunting me down." "What's his force?" "Living!" exclaimed the doctor. "Yes; living aud here. I am Valen tine Weldon!" Bouton threw himself on the grass, and at that moment fresh fuel added to the nearest fire lit up the scene, so that they could see each other plainly. "Indians and white men, I think something like 20 men. " "1 guess you'll scrape up 100 rifles pretty close?" "In my hands?" she said eagerly. "I thought I heard a woman's cry." "My braves are chasing the herders." The captain gave a verbal report of everything that happemd. Then the Prophet, with more directness and moch less ambiguity than was his habit, related his own adventures, to the great amazement of his friends. "Yes. That is what I say. You can save them and make all right again. Will you do it?" He turned in the saddle and tried to look under her downcast lids. Dr. Blanchard seized the hands again extended appealingly, and drawing the old man nearer to the altar he looked into the haggard face, and clasping him to his heart cried out: "Valentine, Valentine! My brother, my brother!" Bouton listened again, and as the cry was not repeated he turned to Nora and said: "Yes, you think I am very bad, Miss JSiancnard, and she thinks l am very bad. Is not that true?" This conversation here came to a close, for the new arrivals crowded around Bouton and he had to recognize them He showed that he had a wonderful memory for names, particularly as the names borne by these wretches were such us never parents gave at baptismal font Many of them were decidedly personal, being derived from the physical defects of their owners. Bowlegs, Cockeye, Snub, Bald Sam, Whisky Nose, Brick Top and Knock Knee were some of the recognized titles, and they were principally owned by men whose years and appearance were neither youthful uor attractive. Buckskin Joe, Montana Lew, Faro Bill and White Horse Harry were acknowledged as names by the dandies or experts of the gang. The herds from Kyle's valley stood a chance of being at once annihilated by these fellows. Two oxen and half a dozen sheep were at once killed. Several fires were built and the meat not placed on the fire to broil was hung on the green branches of the trees. "My conduct seems harsh, but in the end you will see that I am your best friend" "It is," replied Alice. "Yes," she replied, "I would gladly die to save them.'' ' 'And how did you come to escape?" asked the captain when the Prophet told of his capture. "I know that, and yet, Miss Blanchard, I am not a Cain. You have heard of Cain, but I am not one. I have never made my hands red with a brother's blood. Do you understand that, Miss Nora?" "But you need not die. " "What then?" Mrs. Kyle seized her husband's arm and kept him standing back near the entrance to the cave, where, without being directly observed, they could see all that was going on outside. "Where is Louis Kyle?" "He is har," said one of the men. "Where?" "Let us go to our friends. Let us find Captain Brandon." To thia Nora made no reply—indeed her attention was that moment attracted by the rapid discharge of rifles and the shrill cries of the Indians. Captain Brandon was as much amazed and set back by Bonton's re-enforce ments as that person was delighted. He knew that a fight in the open would be madness, and his only hope lay in an) bnscading the out laws. Howard Blanchard, who, with John Clyde, had been watching from the summit of a neigh boring hill, came running down at sun rise, and in answer to the captain's question said excitedly: CHAPTER XXIV. "I will put you on the road sad watoh you till out of all danger," re- * plied Henry, "but do not ask me to go with you. I have sworn an oath, and when I have done what lie* before me I will oome with you to father and mother and ask forgiveness. Till then do not urge me, but yet a little longer let ma follow my own bent." "I left in the darkness. Though the guards saw me as plainly as you do Dow, they dared not to raise their rifles against the Mountain Prophet. I held them as with a spell, but the spell would have been broken had I attempted to carry off Louis Kyle. Trust me, his rescue wfll come in good time," said the "A thousand times better than dying. You can have them all together again if you say to me the one word 'Yes.' " "If I say 'Yes?' " "Har on the ground/' replied the man. "I thought it'd be better to tie him up, and so I've done it." "And Valentine Kyle and his wife have arrived,"said the Prophet, raising his bronzed face to the sun. "I knew that (rod would answer my prayer. Where are they?" "There is fighting, Black Eaglet" shouted Bouton. The story of her father's life—his life secret and life torture—flashed through Nora Kyle's brain, and she would have fallen had not Alice's arm been around her. "If you say it to my question. But you must not say it now. I will give yon time to think. " "Louis Kyle," began Bouton, "your friends have blocked my way"— "There has been fighting all day," replied the Shoshone. "The herders are out of the canyon, and my people are following them up." "I am aware of that, and am glad at it," replied Louis. He hesitated and looked into her fare again, and to avoid his gaze as well as to learn his object she asked: "In the cave," shouted the children, and every hand was 'pointed in the direction that he might not make a inis- "You will not be so glad when you hear my plan to defeat Brandon." "You think not?" Prophet. "I know nothing about you. I want to know nothing," Nora managtDd to gasp In her pure, gentle heart she imagined this man a wizard, who by some occult means had possesm-d himself of her father's secret. "Let it be as you say, Henry. I only wished others who loved you as much to be made happy by the change that has come over you." "It is more than that." "What more can it be?" "Now, in truth," said the delighted captain, "I feel strong, and unless Bouton gets all his force together I will not shrink from giving him battle." "What is the question?" "They are coming this way I" "Bonton's men?" "I hear a woman's cry." "It is"—Bouton drew nearer and whispered—"it is, will you consent to become my wife?" Dr. Blanehard and the Prophet helped Clara from her horse, when she was at once surrounded by the women and children, and she was kissed and cried and laughed over till her cheeks were reddened with kissing mid her brow whitened with that rarest of cosmetics, the tears of friendship. Mr. Kyle's old herder appearing, the Prophet ordered him to take the horses to the other side of the valley, "where," he said, "never a horse grazed before, for the valley has been saen d. Bnt the. horn; that carries the fugitive from cruel persecution is an take. "I am sure of it I have sent through 80 men, and when daylight comes Brandon will find himself under my rifles." "We shall soon learn all about it," ■aid Black Eagle with that stoical indifference that Indians assume so often as to make it seem a natural characteristic, though it certainly is not." "Yes; every one of them, and they look like a cavalry regiment. Where can they be going?" "Tell them when you see them." Henry was interrupted by a low cry from Kushat She had ascended an elevation near by and wm watching in the direction of the pass. "Ah, my friends," cried honest John Clyde, "did I not say last night that, things were on the mend? I am not a prophet, but I knew we could not be beaten all the time.'' "And will not you be under his? Yon should know by this time that Brandon has a habit of shooting back. " "I do not wisli to tell you of myself, only so far as my life is connected with yours. I knew your father* before'you were born, before lie came to these mountains to l.ide from the world. I know why he did come, yet I have never tried to harm him, never thought of giving his secret to the world. There are others searching for your father, and if I weut with them it was not because I wished them to succeed. You blame me, but on your knees you would thank me if you knew what I had done, what I have prevented being done." She looked at him with horror in her eyes and a "No" trembling 011 her lips. But he wheeled his burst) aside and said: "I cannot say, Howard, unless it be to hunt us. If that is their objeot, the chances are all against their having a pleasant time of it" Then, changing his manner to one of oommand that so well became him, the captain called out, "Come, men, to horse and keep close together." "HahI There they come! know now." We will "Let him shoot But tell me—do you call him your friend?" "What do you see?" called Henry. "A hopeful man is better than a prophet of eviL Let me clasp thy hand, my friend, for good words art; next to inspired words," said the Prophet, and he took John Clyde's hand and shook it heartily. "I do not want the answer now." "The white smoke of rifles!" "They have with them a prisoner," «aid Bonton. "I do." The brothers ran to where she stood, and looking toward the valley they could see that a conflict was in progress. "Captain Brandon is attacked," exclaimed Henry, "and he is holding them at bay. Now to the rescue! Now I may have a chance to strike the blow that I swore should fall on Bouton's head We will leave the horses. Come, Kushat! Come, Louis!" The outlaw chief went out to meet the Indians, who were coming down the rocks. He had not gone many yards when, to his great joy, he saw and recog- Biaed Alice Blanchard For economy in guarding rather than frurn any desire to do a good act Font ttobb placed Louis Kyle under the same tree with Nora and Alice, and gave them iuto the charge of the Indiana. This enabled Louis to speak to his sister, as he had yearned to do since he first saw her a captive. From Nora he learned all the particulars of the destruction of their burnt' and tier own capture. The Prophet had already assured him of the sitfety of his father and mother. Under the guidance of the Indiiui herder, Valentine Kyle and his wife succeeded in reaching the cavee to which the Prophet had sent them. They went down to the valley of the Great Spirit through the canyon by which Howard Blanehard first entered with Captiiin Brandon. Though broken hearted, weary and on foot and much accustomed to the wonderful scenery of this marvelous land, they could not but be awed by the sublimity of their surroundings. The shadows und gloom were in sympathy with their Own hearts, and as hand in hand they went down deeper and deeper into the canyon it seemed .to Mrs. Kyle that she must, have died with her husband, and that in death, as in life, she was still clinging to him and h ading him through the darkened way out to the gate called Beautiful. CHAPTER XX IK "I will give you a chance to test his friendship.'' "Go on. I am listening." "I propose to send you through, go as to be with Font Robb when he nfikes the attack. My orders will be to plaoe you in the advance. Then let Captain Brandon shoot if he will,'' said Bouton gloatingly. .bYom the elevations that crossed tneir course they could look back and see the cloud of dust that marked Bouton's advance, and in this way they knew that they were still keeping the same distance between them. Late in the afternoon they came to a mountain defile a half mile in length and with steep walls and rocky crests. The captain then told him what they had planned about Clara before he came up or they had thought of seeing him. instrument of the Lord and becomes The poor girl was much exhausted. -Her feet were nearly bare, and her hands jutd face were blistered by exposure to ithe broiling sun of the day just closing. £he and Clara had become separated Just as the Indians came in sight. The latter, blinded by alarm, ran off with all speed, and, as it turned out, Bhe went in the right direction, for in her flight she ran into the arms of Captain Brandon, who, with his party, had been searching for the girls. Though Alice had not lost her presence of mind, she was so overcome by exhaustion that flight wai impossible, and so *be fell Into the banda of Black Bagle'a braves. sacred in his service. Place the animals in the best grass. No harm can come to "And you planned right, but now it must be changed somewhat," said the Prophet. "Myself and the doctor will go on with the maiden to my retreat, and when we have left her with friends we will return with food, and mayhap we may have more aid I have called for it, and it may be forthcoming 111 time. Follow me on the trail of the foe and strike whenever he conn s within reach of your arms.'' "If you have been so very good," said Alice Blanehard, breaking in on his special pleading, "why is it you keep us and Mr. Louis Kyle prisoners?" them here With the saddle und equipments on his arm the Prophet entered tho cave and found Valentine Kyle and his wife sitting in the shadows away from the altar. Striding over, he took a hand of each, and in a voice filled with unusual pathos he said: "Carry out your plan. I am not asking favors of you, and I never expect to,'' said Louis Kyle, with a proud ring in his voice. With blazing eyes and compressed lip* and nostrils dilating with the keen excitement of the occasion Henry KJ%, examining his rifle as he ran, Hnahml down the mountain. ' 'They must come through here," said the captain, halting at the farther end of the defila "Here we can bring them to a halt" "And yon," he said to Alice, a tender light coming iuto his eyes as he watched her face; "I hoped that you might be saved these trials." "That is a proper question and I wish I could explain it, for I do not wish to be misunderstood. But though I seem to be, I am not my own master. There are others who direct I must pretend to submit to their wishes that I may be able to protect you both from harm," said Bouton, with a great affectation of sincerity and candor. Bouton turned to two men who were standing behind him and said: [TO BE "Untie his feet, but keep his arms bound Take him through the pass, and if he attempts to cry out so as to attract Brandon's attention shoot him down at once. Do you both understand?"- "Ye mourn still for your children as if tiny wero not. My heart is with yon in your sore affliction; but, as God reigneth and m\ soul liveth, the clouds shall pass away and the sunlight of peace and joy shall pour in on your purified hearts. Oh, ye who have so long walked with downcast eye s, the end of the gloomy way is nearing! The atonement has been made and the joy awaits those who have been sanctified by sorrow. " The men dismounted and led their horses up the northern face of the precipitous hill through which the defile ran. They secured the animals on a little plateau, and followed the captain to tho top, which was covered with bowlders of every size and angular masses of rock detached from the mountain by volcanic action. Philosophic*!. "That I wtis not is not your fault. You did everything that man could do to avert the blow from my family," replied Alice. Miss Crummer—Why are you constantly postponing the wedding? The Prophet drew the herders to one side and talked to them for some time in low tones, and, though they marie 110 audible reply, it was evident from the way in which they nodded their heads that they were agreeing with him. He came back, leaped on his horse, and, motioning to the doctor to take a posi*'op on the gther aid# of Claru, they Mrs. Widdoweeds—Ah, my dear, yo* have no idea how much more interesting a man is as a lover than as a husbantQ —St Louis Post-Dispatch. The men said they understood very clearly, but they did not reply like men at all delighted with the undertaking on hand They advanced, and freeing the young men's feet told him to rise. Then they examined the ropes that bound his arms, and finding them looser than they liked they tightened them and told him to follow. During the talking They had been talking for nearly two hours, when Bonton, happening to pass near where they were, ordered Louis Kyle to be moved to another place. "You cannot defend yourself with mysteries," said Alice. "I cannot believe you unless you explain all. " At sight of Bonton the little atrength that had enabled her to walk in the cnidat of the Indiana and flo prevented their laying handa on her gave way, «&d ah* to the around in a awuon. And when the sunlit opening to the valley came in sight she stood and clung to him and closed her eyes, not during to look at the glory that seemed of another world. I to Drawback. "I do this," said Bouton to the young ladies, "in order to appease the {eeliniu whil They say; ' W "Explain all, Miss Blanehard?" "Here is our ammunition," said the captain. "Imitate me." "I never did like that theater, *" ob»! served Mrs. Onswell as they drove home after the plaD. ' 'Its acrostic properties are very defective."—Chicago Tribune, "Well, I am willing to explain all." Ha draw nmrar to Nora and naked, in a "That is what 1 said." "Httm in tJDu »alIn* (if the Great ' 'J&ay your words prove true," sighed He began at ouoe to roll the stones to (ho uA—e nt tii« manintaa. and ha