Pittston Gazette

              K-tTAHUSlIKlHHfiO. » VOL. XIA'k. JSO. 4ft ( Oldest Newspaper in the Wvoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZKUNE CO., PA., FRIDAY. JULY 10, !£!)(!. A Weekly local and Family Journal. strode out tne women looked up at him willi mingled awe and admiration. Thcfchildren gathered about him, and holding each other's hands, half in dread, half in admiration, they linked silently at the giant warrior in whose arms many of them had recently been. Turning to Dr. Blanch aid and Valentino Kyle, who, with Mrs. Kyle and (Jlara, were standing near by, the Prophet, said: "I leave the valley and the temple in your charge. Fear not if I should bo long days away, for when I return 1 will bring good news. " "But if you should not return?" tho doctor ventured to ask. "My fate is not in my own hands," replied the Prophet, with thrilling solemnity. "I aui tho servant of my Master, and his work for long years I have tried to do. Now, my peace be with you until I bring you joy." Tim Prophet waved his hand, and turning was soon swallowed up in the Stygian depths of the cave. He had traversal a few of the long cavern's chambers when lie heard a low solemn chant in the distance, and then the turn of an angle brought to view the coppery glow of a torch that burned so far away that it looked like a patch of red cloud surviving the setting of the sun. The Prophet's moccasined feet fell as lightly on the floor as the leaves on the surfaco of an unrippled pond. He strode on, hia deep, lone breathine alone tellinr of his humanity, till he came to the subterranean waterfall from behind which the light of the torch came. He bowed before the fall, which looked like a cataract of crystalline blood, and as he stood in this devotional attitude the waters turned black, and an Indian, bearing a torch, came out and called to the Prophet: jl :■ fy?{ you to give up your secret as to where the gold has been obtained. So far they have fisired you, but now Bouton is strong, and he has with him many men who know you only by name, and who consequently have not the reverence for you which we have who have long been dwellers in these mountaina From Bouton's movements I am certain that he is leading his force to your valley. " On hearing this the women sent up a cry of ueiight, and the doctor and Valentine Kyle hastened out. to meet the horsemen. Louis was hardly out of the saddle when the arms of his parents were about him, while near bj Mary Clyde was sobbing on her father's breast The Prophet stationed guards before the entrance to the cave, so as to watch the horses and the foe. And the people crowding near the entrance saw fire flash up by the lake, and they were told that Bouton and his men were in the Sacred valley. "That's so Bouton. You are talkin sense now. Why, cuss him, he's been a wuss enemy than all the troops and law oddicers from here to Texas. And I 'in for finishin the job without any more palaver!" ot sitting clown witn the intention ot remaining there till daylight, when ho heard the low murmur of voices near by. The murmur came gradually nearer until he could catch the words and recognize in the speakers Henry Kyle and Fairplay wits the first to recover his presence of mind, and shouting to his companions to follow him he fired at the young hero and the Indian girL In a few seconds a volley was poured at the devouted pair, and they fell across the captain, completely covering him. That was Pairplay's last order. Before the men could retreat the wall of the ralley directly in their front seemed to Dpen, and from it a band of men rwarmed out, \£ith the Prophet at their lead and Howard Blanchard and Louis iyle close behind The Prophet shouted f'hnrD«r pcii down from the sky ana saved me, "C sob1x»d the captain. ? The Prophet laid his oil the captain's broad shoulder and Vrvkvil into his blood stained face with an oymsion of unutterable questioning and tenderness.Another storm of applause followed the rising of Sim Bliss. Thin, beardless and weak looking, Sim Bliss formed a striking contrast to the hardy ruffians about him. But the contrast was only physical. In thought and feeling ho was quite in sympathy with these desperadoes, and with more strength and courage he might have been a leader. But he soon proved that he had a quality more admirable than any of them possessed and a power that made the strongest feel like an infant before him. Sim Bliss was fairly educated and well up in all legal forms and legal tricks, for law has its tricks as well as vice. Ho was a ready speaker, and he used words that were beyond the comprehension of his rude auditors, which was a strong point in his favor. Kushat "Rest," said the Sioux girL "You must be weary." "Let us wait It may be better to say no more—better that the dead past should bury its dead." "Let him lead his force to my valley, and he will lead them to destruction. As my soul liveth, this cannot continue. Come with me, Henry Kyle, for we now need every aid. " "I can never feel weary nor rest again, but you are wearing yourself out, Kushat Leave me, for the end is Hearing. Leave me before it comes," said Henry K vle, "No, uo, Captain Brandon; this most not be Break the seals which the angels of charity and silence have so long placed on your lips—break them, or I will," said the Prophet with great earnestness.C■%* mm m The Prophet turned to his horse, but Henry called to him: CHAPTER XXVII. "Leave you?" she exclaimed. "Is my love a thing that grows weary with my body? Shall I leave you now when you most need companionship? Oh, Henry Kyle, you know not the heart of Kushat!"For God and justice! Charged' ntts *«D9(ur«M Bouton expected to meet with a fierce opposition before entering the valley, and he knew if he was not opposed it wotild be on account of the prisoners. As the Prophet had told his companions the "prisoners were Bouton's strong point —stronger than his alliea One of the gang pfoposed that they should give three cheers when they emerged from the canyon into alley, but no response was given; the bravest felt an awe he oould not define and a sense of weakness in striking contrast with the recent vaunting. The cavalcade rode down to the lake and went into camp on the shore. The horses were staked in such grass as they had never cropped before, and they rolled and ate with a sense of enjoyment in striking contrast with the feelings of their masters. A cheer was the answer, and the immigrants and herders threw themselves with irresistible force on the outlaws. Utterly demoralized, though they outnumbered their assailants' four to one, they fled precipitously through the canyon by which they had entered the valley..am tno captain, • aim me rifleman who is ponding death into tho ranks of the outlaws is your brother Henry. Ah, if ho hud only joined ud in time!" i ps. "I cannot go with you." "You cannot?" asked the Prophet in " If the silence is to be broken I will do it But we must now consider the course that would bring the greatest happiness. Am I not right?" CHAPTER XXV. Kushat was not mistaken. Sho did hear firing and wo the smoke of rifles, and Henry Kyle was right in thinking that Brandon had been attacked. Far down the rift the clatter of hoofs and the jingle of arms told that Boa ton was through the pass and in possession of the trail leading to the Prophet's valley. The captain saw (hat a mitmt*D's delay would place him between two fires. surprise. "I will uot try to change your resolution, " said the Prophet "The Lord is working in your heart in his own  and to urge my advice would be flying in the face of Providence. " He paused, stroked his long beard and looked up at the sun. Then he continued: "Henry Kyle, I never thought to extend my hand in kindness to you again, yet I do so, and the past as between us becomes a dream. In my heart I shall pray for thee, and may all be well." "I cannot." "I cannot explain, Kushat, but I feel as if all my past life were drifting back as the stbrmolouds drift before the sunny wind or the darkness and mist roll away before the light. The end I speak of is the timo when by one act I shall mako to God and man full reparation for the evil I have done and the suffering I have brought to others. " The two friends walked across the valley, and on the way they passed the bodies ot a number ot dead outlaws with their ghastly faces upturned to the sun. rhem was Fairplay, his brouaed hauuK till clutching his rifle. As they were nearing the cave Captain Duncan met them and greeted Captain Brandon with a warmth that showed they were valued friends. There is a man over here, a prisoner, who wants to rtpoak to one of you gentlemen," said (Japtain Duncan. "Then he would have been true to himself," sighed Nora. Here Font Robb succeeded in halting them, when suddenly a cry went up from the outlaws: '"Troops, Robb, troops 1 Let us retreat or we shall be lost I" At length the tiring died out, aiid.the vermilion speck disappeared from far up the mountain side. When Boutin saw this and believed ho could move about in safety, he left the protection of the rooks and mounted his horse. He felt in his wicked heart that Henry Kyle watched for him, and death would be certain if he once ventured within range of the dreaded rifle. Not only hate for but dread of Henry Kyle made him doubly anxious to get him out of the wav, and, as has been shown, he used every means in his power to accomplish his purpose. As Bouton rode in the direction which Font Robb had taken he reviewed the incidents already recorded, and he felt elated and depressed liy turns. He had ridden about a mile when ho heard firing to the front, and he hastened to a place where Font Robb had been brought to a halt With an oath he demanded to know what was up now. After recounting Captain Brandon's crimes Sim Bliss proposed that Bouton should act as presiding officer of the oourt and that all the men present should consider themselves jurors in the case he was about to call up. In all this there was not even the semblance of legal method, but as he was the only man present aware of the incongruity the forms were accepted with duo solomnifcv"Keep cool, my men," ho Rhouted. "We must get in Bouton's advance) Press on ai"1 T ™"11 "over. " He checked back his horse, and the others, intent on getting down the trail before Bouton, urged their horses into a wild gallop, looking neither to the right nor left "It is the voice of human love that speaks," said the Prophet, rising and going toward them. "Next to the love for a raco which only God can feel is the love which a woman gives to the idol of her physical affection." "Is that the Prophet?" asked Henry Kyle, and the click of his rifle lock told that he was ready to attack or resist A bugle rang out clear and loud above the roar of the conflict Neither friend nor foe was long in doubt Out from the black rift the blue clad Norsemen swarmed, and as they entered the valley they drew their sabers and formed in line till the sun flashed on 60 uplifted blades. The officer in command hesitated. Though he saw that a fight was going on, he could not tell friend from foe. Seeing his perplexity, the Prophet ran toward the young officer, whom he had not Been before, and shouted: Henry took the extended hand in both of his, and bowing over it pressed it reverently to his lips. The other hand gave to iv.usnat, ana ne "Who is he?" asked the Prophet "I believes he calls himself Font Robb, but I recognize in him a criminal who is wanted by the governors of half a dozen states and territories," replied Captain Duncan. Kobb and liis meu were 011 foot, mid they attempted to head off the horsemen. They would, without doubt, have succeeded in their object had not the captain flung himself from his horse and brought them to a sudden halt by sending down the man who was in the advance. Still on kept the captain's party. They were 200 yards ahead of him when he remounted to follow. But in his efforts to save his men ho hail placed himself in deadly peril. out on the lake, turning it to blood and frightening the wild fowl sleeping in the sedgea Bouton affected a greater flow of spirits than usual. When the evening meal was over, he went from fire to fire, cheering the men and assuring them that if they continued to do as they had done a fortune such as would exceed the dreams of the most ambitious awaited every man in the party. The fact that some of the jurors were called as witnesses struck no one as being at all out of order—indeed, nothing that Sim Bliss oould have done or suggested would have been thought irregular. He was a lawyer, and they reasoned., as other men do about doctors, that he should know everything pertaining to his own calling. "May you be as true to yourself as you are to Heury Kyle." "I am so called by men. Happy shall I bo if I have won, when my work is done, the name of faithful servant," replied the Prophet, and he went over and stood before Henry Kyle D "I know not myself," she replied. " He is my life, for without him I oould not live. " They went over to where the prisoners were seated on the ground, guarded by a number of cavalrymen. "Yonder are the invaders and outlaws. Charge them, in God's name, and smite them hip and thigh till the power of Belial be broken!" "See har, gents," said Pont Robb, rising and touching his cap, D'I've got a favor to ask, and I'll say it's the cm© I'd do for either of you if you was in the same fix I am." The Prophet hastened ill the direction where he knew his friends to be, taking cure the meanwhile to run into no ambush, for, though others might believe in his invulnerability—and perhaps he encouraged the idea to strengthen him with the ignorant men with whom he came in contact—he never deceived himself in the matter. — "What news from the valley? What of my father and mother?" asked Henry. The Prophet told him of everything that had transpired sincq he last saw him and of the condition of affairs in the valley, adding in conclusion: "I have 1* tD) "And 1 ha Jow are inj herders?" asked rophet "Safe, and siD i • herds," replied the ludian, who h. jgeof the stock in Ihe valicy, to whicn the Prophet led Captain Drandun and Howard Blanchard after tln-ir first visit to the cave. "What news from the world at ting." ne. Sim Bliss had been duly posted by Bouton as to the captain's offenses against the gang, and as there were witnesses ready to prove anything that might be charged, there was 110 trouble in sustaining all that was asserted. Still Captain Duncan deliberated, and it is doubtful if he would have gone into the action had not Black Eagle and his warriors opened fire from the cliffs, a fact that encouraged the fugitives to make a stand. "What are your people going to do with the captain?" asked Alice Blanchard of Bouton. Prom the valley Bouton saw and recognized him, and shouting to his men: "Take him alive! T;tke him alive!" he led the charge to head Captain Brandon off. Close pressed though the captain was, he might have goue through had not Bouton, who had been in the advance, flung himself from his horse and fired. He was a fine rifleman. He should be, for firearms had been his toys in childhood and his constant companions to manhood. The captain's horse gave three quick, bounds. The knees suddenly doubled up, and the daring rider wm dashed to the ground, when1 he lay bleeding and senseless. "Ho, ho!" shouted Bouton, running over and laying his foot on the captain's slow "Louis Kyle is in command," growled Robb. "What is that?" asked the Prophet, who was now in a mood to grant any reasonable favor, even to an outlaw an enemy. "Louis Kyle!" "Going to try him, miss." "What are they going to try him "When this trouble began on the Blue Water, 1 dispatched a trusty messenger to Fort Keogh for aid. If he has gone through, it should be here tomorrow, when we can capturo or destroy Bouton's people." "Jest as sure as you're thar. By thunder, I never saw sueh diekerin in all my life. Jest as soon as we gets one, another is off. Blow me if I ever saw or heard of such a snarl since the day 1 to born." It was the middlo of the afternoon when, after many glimpsta of Bouton's oncoming horsemen, he found himself within hailing distance of Louis Kyle's little party Howard Blanchard and John Clyde refused to recognize the Prophet in his strange attire, and they would have fired on him had not Louis peremptorily ordered them to lower their rifles. for?" "Before asking you, gentlemen ana friends,'' said Sim Bliss, after concluding the farce of taking testimony, "whether the prisoner at the bar is guilty or not guilty, 1 think it would be only right to ask the prisoner at the bar if he has anything to say in his own defense." Sim turned to the captain and nodded to show that he was at liberty to speak if he so desired. Riding quietly to the front of the line, the handsoine young officer in command called out calmly: "Attention!'1 "Don't let the sojers carry me off," said Pont Robb. "For shooting down their friends and killing one of them when we were in the pass yesterday." strife?'' "Yes, tote me away from har." "Carry you off?" "One of our people who came this morning before the sun had risen speaks of having heard much tiring and shouting during the ujght," replied the Indian."What right have they to try him?" "I fear that the messenger you sent trD Fort Keogh has fallen," said Henry K !e, adding with a sigh, "but come \\ it may I shall remain here and guard tli ih point" In an instant the men sat straight in their saddles, grasped the bridle reins in their left hands, and, with their saber hilts resting against their right hips, they gazed niotily at an imaginary lm« BO feet in front Even the jaded horses pricked up their ears in anticipation of the next order. "What would vou have me do?" Why, I'd have you gents take the law in your own hands. You're the parties as I've srone for last, and you oughtn't to let the military interfere. Tou'd ought to make it your own fun'ral and prepare the corpse acoordin to taste." And Robb, whose brain was none of the brightest, rubbed his head and looked disgusted and perplexed. "Maybe they have no right in West Virginia, but out in these mountains no "All will come out right in the end, depend on that, Font So far you've sliiAvn yourself to be a man, and may I (»• hanged and quartered if I ever forget it. But you must push those fellows. Flank them, drive them back and keep them on the run." The Prophet waved his hand, and tha Indian led the way with his torch until, through the tortuous passages beforo described, they emerged from the mountain side and stood bareheaded and bowed before the glory of the sun. They had been here but a few minutes, indeed the torch thrown from the man's hand was still smoking on the ground, when another Indian appeared, leading a powerful but splendidly formed horse. The equipments of the animal were quite in keeping with the Prophet's change of costume, and the proud creature arched its neck and champed on the bit as anxious to be off. "Guard well this entrance to the cave!" said the Prophet, pointing to the crevice from which he had emerged. The herders mxlded and laid their hands on their rifles. "And see that the people in the cave. Hie women and children, do not want food." — The herders nodded again and laid their hands on their hunting knivea Without another word the Prophet gathered up the reins and headed his horse for the hills and sped away like an arrow. From tho crest of an elevation thv.t gave him a view of the country over an area of 200 square miles the Prophet reined up and flung himself from his horse. After surveying tho landscape to the west, beginning on the horizon's rim and coming nearer to the monntain on which he stood, his eyes at length rested on a long irregular valley, that in the clear atmosphere seemed to be only a mile or two away. He could see the pygmy figures of many horses and men, v V-* \ A. » B "JB '' "Very wall. This point being guarded, duty calls me to another. We shall meet when rhe sun is up." "I have nothing to say," replied the captain. " I have no favor to ask. " "1 do not wonder," said the Prophet as ho rode up, "that ye do not know me in this garb Heretofore yo have seen me as a mountain priest Now I ajji a mountain warrior, fighting on the side of the Great Jehovah, and, as my soul liveth, I shall not prove recreant to the new trust" As -silently as he had come the Prophet disappeared, and Henry Kyle and Kushat took their watch on the summit of one of tfte loftiest crags that commanded the campflres of the outlaws. Though both should have been weary, they did not sleep, but sat side by side talking in whispers until day- I ight began to flush the east Seating "Forward, trot!" The line moved forward to the music of jingling spurs and clattering scabbards. " I must say 1 do not understand you," said the Prophet "That being the case," interposed Bouton, with a smile of malignant triumph on his olive face, "I'll ask th« boys if they think Brandon guilty or not guilty?" "Waal, 1 ain't much on the  that's a fact But har's the pint: Why can't you and Captain Brandon take me right out and shoot me? If you don't want to take a whack at me, mebbe Louis Kyle would. The fact is I don't want to " ~ " * " * * — — pretty sure the favor obliged Font Ro ill* The next instant the thrilling notes of the "Charge" rang out From each man's hip a blade flashed high in the air, and from each rider's lips burst the cavalry cheer: "Charge! Charge!" Robb declared that he had men out flanking at that moment and that he expected to get the little party out of his way beforo an hour was over. Then he asked: He rose and looked at the men, and the men with one accord sprang to their feet and shouted: "He is guilty!" "What shall we do with him?" asked Bouton. The men gathered around him and shook his hands, each anxious to learn something of his own dear ones back in the valley The Prophet told the men about their people, and he showed a wonderful memory for names, for he mentioned all the children when he had given an account of the adults. He also told of his meeting with Henry Kyle, and he delighted the hearts of the immigrants by Celling them that Captain Brandon was not dead, but a prisoner. Howard Blanchard proposed that they should turn back and rescue the captain at once, and John Clyde seconded the ■oggestion with great spirit "We surrender! We surrender!" shouted the outlaws as they threw down the arms they had just nervously discharged.De took off and tried where I'm of bein strong up. This it gents, and I'd be forever f you was to grant it," said ab again, touching his cap nave not the power to grant your said the Prophet, "and not if we could. Life to us is Live while you can and prepare the God whom you have offend* "What are you goin to do with the .imntlf behind a rock, Henry Kyle pened his ammunition pouch to be * ady for the work of destruction he boss?" "You mean Brandon?" "That's tho rooster I'm alludin to." "Hang him!" was the response. They spoke too late to restrain the onset, even had the officer commanding ordered it, which he had not time to do "Font, what would you do with him?" asked Bouton, sinking his voice, though there was 110 one but Robb within hearing. "Don't you think we had better shoot him?" suggested Bouton. "That'll giv« every fellow a chance to get in a little work." iiCl marked out. * Great was his horror to find that the cartridges prepared for hid repeating rifle were expended or lost. Only one wan left, which, with I wo in the chamber of the gun, constituted all the ammunition he had depended on. "We request, would ! sacred, to meet ed." "Curse me if I'd give him a chance to get away," replied Robb. "And do you think I will?" "I hope not" "Yea Shoot him!" they answered, and more than one hand was reached back to the revolver stock.  "But yon have your pistols," said Kushat. "They art: loaded." "Ho, hnV fhonted ISnuton. "Now!" came the thundering response, and the men crowded forward. "When?" CHAPTER mnr moving breast. "We have you, eh? 1 want yon to know iU Curse \yu. Ijttant yon to know that you are m my power before you die! Here, boy*, carry this fellow to the spring. Bathe him and restore him. I shall let him know he crossed my path once too often!" "No, sir. I've been acting white man so far. When I oome to Bra ml on, I'll show the Indian side of my character. Now, push on, and I'll go back and follow with tho prisoners." "Going to try htm, mist." "True, but to make them effective 1 must get nearer. Will you follow me? Mark yon, Kushat, I would rather that you remain back." Old Lawyer Bliss in West Virginia got the dispatch of his son Tom from Deadwood. It was a full and therefore an expensive telegram. It told hCm that he was wanted in the far west with all the money he oould raise, and it further informed him that Valentine Kyle was living, and that he should come prepared with all the papers and power necessary for arrest So far Lawyer Bliss had successfully combated the efforts of the collateral heirs to possess themselves of the vast estate of old John Weldon, "the patriarch." The sole executor of the estate defeated them at every point with the one argument that the claimants had no proof that Valentine Weldon or hia children were not then living. man ever saw a right that didn't have the backing of power. What would all your law be if there was no power to enforce it?" He saw that he had unconsciously evolved a strong argument, and he felt rather proud of it as he looked into the beautiful pain lined face for an answer. "I think, "said Sim Bliss, "that to execute him now would be a little irregular. It is customary to give the condemned an opportunity to make their peace." "Not uow, " said the Prophet "We must not do anything to delight the heart of the oppressor." "I will follow yon even to the tents of death and tlirongh them," she replied, with her red hands on his shoulders.Bouton turned to ride back, and Robb shouted after him: "And," asked honest John Clyde, "do you think they'll be delighted to ■ee us coming at them?" "For heaven's sake send that Sim Bliss under fire! It'd do pie a heap of gixid to see that mildewed coyote knocked over." "Then we'll give him till sun up!" tfhouted Fairplay. The outlaws picked up the unconscious man, and the whole gang would have followed had not Bouton, now savagely exultant after his late depression, shouted to ihem: "1 know they would, for, though we might start, we could never reach the destination we had in view. Let us Watch and pray." Then, turning to Louis Kyle, who was atanding on a rock near by, looking back, he said: "If your people find the captain guilty, as they are sure to do, what then?" asked Alice. This suggestion was acted upon, and the condemned man was at once placed under a special guard. It seemed impossible, looking np from the valley, to entfr by any other than the route already mentioned, but Henry Kyle would not waste time in going to the canyon, the nearest regular avenue. While he and Kushat were climbing dawn the giddy cliffs, with as much security as mountain sheep, a scene of stirring activity was being enacted in the valley. Bouton nodded to show that he un derstood him and went back to the spring, where the captain and girls were still talking. "Pursue! Those men must not escape ns!" "Then he must die," said Bouton grimly as ho turned to rejoin his companiona Alice burst into tears. CHAPTER XXYIII. They threw themselves before the captain. before the bine wave broke, the sabers fell and half of them rose again crimson. In as brief time as it takes to write it the outlaws were dead or prisoners in the hands of the troops. The few that had attempted flight were halted by the Prophet's rifles. The Prophet did uot seem more excited than usual He was always intensely in earnest, but not more so now than was his habit After the evening meal was over he replenished the fires on the altar, and telling the people to withdraw to the chamber in which was the fountain he knelt down tnd so re maiiifd some minutes with his head bowed down and hia hands clasped. He uttered not a word, but to God, whom he worshiped, his prayers were louder than the musical thunder- of all the earth's organs. He rose hastily, and going to where the people were gathered waiting by the light of the torches hn said to Howard Blanchard: Captain Brandon was earned to the spring, near which Alice Blanchard and Nora Kyle wen- Kitting, weary, pah' and downhearted. Nora had heard of the. gallant captain, but had ne\ser seen him before. She did not even know who he was when he was placed on the ground beside her, with the blood flowing from a cut in his fiead and the near from brow to chin looking as if it had just been made. It did not need a second glance for Alice to know who it was. W ith a cry of agony she sprang to her feet, and hurryiiiR over knelt beside him and placed her ear to his broad breast "Yes," replied Louis. Then, coming over, he laid his hand on the Prophet's arm and continued: ' 'Neither I nor any of the men here dreamed of anything else but that you should take command after we were pure that it was you approaching We place ourselves in your charge, and whatever you command that shall we do." "Do you see the Philistines?" "Dcf not cry, Alice Do not give way, my child We have all done what we thought was for the best," said the captain. And be made a movement as if he would lay his kindly hand on her head, but the cords cut into his wrists and reminded him that he was bound. CHAPTER XXVJ. While Dr. Blanchard and Valentine Kyle, as we shall continue to call Valentine Weldon, stood each with his arms about the other, a deep, solemn voice came from the cavern's j?Ioom savins: The sun was not yet up when Bonton's men, more thirsty for blood than even the night before, demanded that Captain Brandon should bo led out and shot Bo' than will*" If there were ever sons who deserved to be called "chips of the old block," Sim- and Tom Bliss were the men. Father and sons were as mnch alike as two of last year's peas in company with one of the year before. From a man who had deserted from Bouton'B party and was making his way to the settlements Lawyer Bliss learned the whereabouts of the Kyle and Blanchard families. Though not sure of it, he-felt confident that the former were the missing Welilona The lawyer brought a guide with him, and this guide led him to the canyon, at the entrance to which they left the vehicle in charge of the driver and oontinued down through the pass on horseback. "Welcome, thrice welcome}" cried the Prophet as he advanced to Captain Duncan with extended hands. "And I am glad to be here to help you, my friend," said the young officer with that deference of manner that showed his high respect for the man before him "I think," he added, with a grim smile, "that I came none too soon." "Tho Lord is in his holy temple, and brethren should live forever at peace. Through great tribulation we go up from the depths, guided by the light of duty :ui(l sustained by the strong hand that is ever within the reach of those who will grasp it Even from the wilderness came the words, 'Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make ye his paths straight' Ye that labor and are heavy laden come to me and I will give you lest" "But," she sobbed, "they will take you away and kill you." "Louis speaks for me," said Howard Blancbaid. "They will take tne awiyr and go through the farce of a trial, uot to elicit truth, for that is a thing they knqw nothing about, but to afford amusement or satisfaction to the red handed gang. I do jiot fear the result because I do not and never have feared death." "And for me,"added John Clyde, and the others joined in \uiominously. "And whatever Louis Kyle says or does that we do, " said one of the herdera, who on a former occasion showed bin devotion to his young master. "Thank God, he still lives! Bring prater, Nora I Help me, help me! This is Captain Brandon—iCaplain Brandon, ohr protector and friend!'' "I am going to leave." "Did my messenger reach Fort Keogh?" "Prom my earliest recollection I have heard of Captain Brandon," said Nora, who was also weeping, "but until he was captured 1 never saw him. He has been not only my hero, but an idol of my father and mother, who never set eyes upon him. If 1 could save him by dying, I would gladly do it" "I am sure of that my " «aid the captain. "Bu$ ii} pur dire distress we should not lose sight of the fact tbftt these men cannpt—certainly not in this pWe-r-have their own unobstructed way The Prophet is here, and he is a host Louis Kyle is here with the herders; besides Howard Blanchard is Jierp with the and Henry Kyle, like angel, is watching from the cliffs and the God of the just is watch' ing over all The outlaws are not as strong as they were. The Indians under Black Eagle have refused to accompany their white allies, or rather their white masters, into this valley, which to their people has ever been held sacred as thd dwelling place on earth of the Great Spirit Let us therefore have patience. Wo still live, and the end of our efforts and hope i»not yet in sight The girliyfelt the better for the paptain's brave, strong Cu*d they were about to assure him of the fact Whan two fougli men uaine from the largest fire and stood before them. "Going to leav? us, " exclaimed the people in a gasp of agony and surprise. "He did, but he had been wounded, and was so faint when he came in that ho had as much difficulty in telling his story as we had in comprehending it I told the general that I knew you and that your messenger could be trusted, so he sent me, and, though wo had a rough ride of it, I am glad we are here. But before we can explain further let us see about the wounded. " " If Captain Brandon were here," said the Prophet "now as in the past 1 would submit as a child to his control, once we were outside the temples where 1 preside, but now with your consent 1 will try to act as be would were he hem "So, my friends, mount your horses and fall back. The Philistines are in sight See the sunlight flashing on their arms!" Nora at tho call hastened to Alice's Bide, and one of the men brought water from tho spring. Alice loosened his collar, poured water between his lips, From the deeper shadows of the cave I ho Prophet advanced to the altar's light, imd extending a hand to each laid with a solemnity that wholly obliterate the seeming incongruity of his "Yes; it is necessary that I should leave, and I ask Howard Blanchard to take charge during my absence. Are you all willing?" Lawyer Bliss had 10 men with and his son and self made 12. They were ail armed, but the shrewd old maa placed more reliance in the legal processes which he carried in his pockets than in the aggressive or resisting power of his party They entered the valley after the fight was over and Captain Brandon and the Prophet had gone to tbe cava The men and women coughed and nodded, and toward Blanchard fidgeted with hia belt ami appeared ill at ease. bathed the gash on his head, and even satisfied herself that the wound waC not fatal by feeling the skull. In 20 minutes the captain looked into her face, smiled and whisjjered: words "Whom the Lord hath joined let no man part asunder." And surely this beautiful command was never more appropriately employed outside of the marriage service. "I feel," said Dr. Blaueliard, laying his hand 'D11 V;deu tine Kyle's shoulder, "like one who has b"en tnuisported to a sphere that is not :»f the earth. After this I shall be surprised at nothing." The men threw themselves on their horses, and the Prophet and Louis  keeping to the rear, turfle$ ifl'their saddled uow apd then to look back. They oould see tltit Bouton had brought the prisoners to the front so as to deter resistance"Let the women and children stay in this ulace. Until I return thev must not, venture nearer to the entrance. \)o you understand, Howard Blanchard?" He recognized the speaker. oblige them. He wont over to where the captain was sifting on the ground, and with the expression of a demon iu his yellow eyes he said: Captain Duncan rode off to give orders to his men, and the Prophet went to where his own friends were gathering across the valley near where Captain Brandon had been set up as a target. On the outskirts of the crowd he saw one of the immigrant women bending over a wounded man and giving him water. He approached and discovered Bouton, with the death damp on his yellow forehead and his lifeblood welling from his yellow breast "You, Aliije?'" " Where is JUcnry Kylet" "Yes, I, my friend. Oh, why has this misfortune befallen you of all men! You, our guide and protector! Ynu, on Whom all depended for advice and direction!"and he knew they were Bon ton's people. And to the north, nioviug in the direction of his own valley, he saw the silvery puffs of smC Dke that told a fight was going 011 in t hat direction. "I do (md shall carry it out," replied the spirited young num. The flickering light from the altar fell on Henry Kyle's face and revealed death's unmistakable pallor. From the brave breast the red current was oozing. He clung to the hand of the dying girl beside him, and her glazing eyes were turned to him with their old fond expression. Dr Blanchard had examined the wounds of Henry and Kushat, and when he rose and shook his head sorrowfully Mrs. Kyle threw herself on the floor beside the son who had so bravely redeemed his errors, and she cried with that heartbroken agony that only a mother can feel: The Prophet raised his cap reverently and gazed up as if his blue eyes were piercing the roof and looking through all obstacles to the source of all power. Then he covered hi* head, threw his rifle into the hollow of his left arm and strode down to the Stygian labyrinths of the cava In a few moments he was in the home of eternal darkness, yet without increasing hi? speed he kept on, avoiding every obstacle and turning every angle with as much certainty as if the midday shone full on his pathway."I own yon one. Captain Brandon. Tho time bats eome when I can pay yon buck with interest" The sun was setting when the Prophet and his friends entered the depression terminating in the canyon that led into the wonderful valley, which seemed to be the objective point of the marauders There could be ho better place in which to make a stand The Prophet's force oould easily have held it against ten times Bouton's numbers, and some of the men urged him to make a flght there. He said in reply: "Von are right as to our power to keep them back. The defense is in our favor, we are in their and they know It "tlow so?" asked J(ohu Clyde. "Wheream I?""heasked, risingotihis elbow and gazing about. "And yet there art; greater surprises iu store for you. Ask me not to speak now, but wateli and pray." And the Prophet, set, the example in the latter ordinance by dropping on his knees then and there, and the two old men knelt on either side and bowed their heads. And while tho Prophet prayed with much solemnity and the cavern eehees were multiplying the sound the yellow light of anot her day crept in from the outer world, and the fires on the altar KT"W dimmer. Mr. Kyle sought out his wife, and after talking to her for some time came kick, and taking tho docfejr by the hand whispered: The Prophet remounted, and every foot of the way in front and on each side was scanned as he galloped in the direction of the conflict Not a deer started from the grove nor a bird flying by in rivalry of his own flight passed unuo- Bouton motioned to one of the guarcbi, who unbound theoaptain's feet and bade him rise. " You are a prisoner," sobbed Alicr "A primmer?" he rC'j*-utCCl •troked bis forehead as if to dear uwa; the mists still clouding his brain. iinil hC The captain obeyed without assistance and looked up from* the place where the men were drawn up with their rifles to the entranco of the cave and then to the cliffs and sky, but in uo place did his eye rest on anything that promised hope. "This is the end I have foreseen for thee and all who travel thy ways," said the Prophet, dropping on his knee beside the dying outlaw. "Yes," she suiCl, "you ure a prisoner lu Boa ton '* power." tioed. It was this keen observation that showed him u number of Indians dodging U'hind the rtjcks ahead, and led him above the thunder of his Jiorse's hoofs to distinguish the short, sharp crack of rifles. The Indians saw him coming, iuid-with cries of alarm they left their hiding places and ran down the rocks, piack Kagje leading the advance. The Prophet reined his horse, brought down his rifle in the same action and fired. One of the Indians in retreat threw up his hands and fell on his face. "And Howard and the other men?' he asked eagerly. "Have you power to shrive and confess me?" said the outlaw. "They seem to have elnded pursuit. " "And Louis Kyle—where is Louis Kyle?" "I claim no such power, but while life lasts mercy and forgiveues extend their arms," said the Prophet solemnly. "Are yon ready?" asked Bonton. "Oh, my son, my sonl Would to God that I could die with you or for youl" Gradually the hoarse, solemn roar of the subterranean waterfall broko 011 his ear, and a faint glow, like the specter of a dying light, fell on the shadows in front, making them all the darker for the contrast. The man in charge of his herders hod orders to appear at the falls with a torch whenever there was danger in the outer world, so the Prophet expected thia But he was not prepared to see the pf half a dozen torches aud a§ Uiany torch bearers behind the falls. As was his hnbit, he uncovered and stood behind the plowing illuminated curtain of water, till the torch bearers one by one came out and stood before him. Tlio captain made no rtply; but, drawing himself np, he took position between the two armed men who had been gn;irding him. "They say he escaped last night." "Es^jfedV" "Because in this canyon we cannot ghoot at them or destroy them without at the same time destroying our friends. '£heir prisoners are their shields, and they know they are safe behind them." The outlaw struggled as if he would say more, but fell back, with his purple lips drawn back from his white teeth, mid over his eyes fell the glazed death veil, the scarcely percepitble yet impenetrable film that divides time from eternity. 'Brave, dear mother," he gasped. ' Kiss me and say you forgive ma " "Yes, so I heard some of the men §ay. 'We have not seen him since we attempted to enter the pass. " "Forgive yon, my sonl Oh, yon never sinned against my lovel To me yoa were uever false! 1 knew yon would coma back to me and back to yourself 1 It was your head that erred and not your heart that harbored evil I We were to blame, for we took you away from the active Ufe for which you were designed But vou will live—my brave boy must livel My kisses will warm your cold brow! Oh, Henry, do not leave me now that vou are back, pure and white souled as when your first cry—the first cry of my iirst child—told me I was a mother 1" "Come I She who has borne mora than half t he burden and kept my heart from breaking long since is pear by ami desires to speak with you. " As he stood there the people began to wake np, and with shouts of gladness tho children ran out to tho sunlight, and down to the lake, where tho trout were leaping and the birds, on balanced wing, were looking at their double in the beautiful mirror beneath. "We've come for Captain Brandon," said one of the men. "Move on!" commanded Bouton. They led the captain to the edge of the cliff. As he went on he could hear behind him the heartbroken cries cf Alice and Nora, and once he turned his ej-es to look back at them. • 'If he has escaped, lie will join my little party, and under his leadership 1 will not be missed. And yet we are too weak to spare one man. Well," he added, with a sigh of satisfaction, "having done our best we she (uld lio sat i sfied to f;w« the consequences without a murmur. " It was qnite dark when they emerged from the canyon, wherein the roar of the waters had drowned out their own voices and the tramping of the horses. In the face of the cliff beyond the lake •iiey saw a dull glow, and they knew it came from the caves where the few men and the women were watching. "I am here," Replied the captain. "(iet tip and come along with us," said the men, beckoning to the captain to rise^ "I caiinot walk. See, my feet, like my hands, are bound," replied the captain."A good, brave shot," shouted a girlish figure behind the Prophet He wheeled ami in the fvt of reloading his rifle saw Knshat standing out on the rocks. Tho Prophet heaved a sigh and muttered a prayer, then went to tho throng that surrounded objects of greater interest"Do you want to bo blindfolded?' asked Fairpla.v, who seemed to bo in command of the riflemen. "What I" he uskeCl "Were the hounds in pursuit of you?" • • ' 1 "1' The iuaa drew his aud with a dexterous slash Cut (lie that bomifl the1 captain's feet, an*} WW* iu the act of arizing him roughly by the arm when tue captaiu bouudeCl up and said, ain ready!" "No, « replied the captain. "I have never feared to look death iu the face." As he forced his way through low sobs, as from breaking hearts, fell upon his ears. He raised his bowed head and saw the tall form of Captain Brandon. There was blixxl on his face and breast, blood that covered tho gear on his check, but it was not his own. It was tho lifeblood of Henry Kyle. For a moment tho two friends were in each other's arms. The captain sat, np and looked in the direction from which came the slow but regular discharge of what he knew to be a repeating rifle. White puffs of smoke marked the location of a rifleman in the cliffs that towered above the irregular depression in which tho outlaws bad halted. There was a great commotion among the Indians and white men who remained back with Bouton, and every time a puff of silve ry smoke rose from the cliffs a man fell, or a wounded man ran out ot range, Bouton knew In his heart who the dreaded rifleman was, anCl he took good care to keep out of sight. A few minutes and two rifles began to flash from the cliffs, and Black Eagle hastened to Bouton's side and said with an expression of mingled anger and alarm: "In pursuit of me and Henry Kyle," she replied. "Let thein come into the valley," the Prophet to jris ulfn, who, in their impatience, wore aniious to tnake a stand ity the entrance to the canyon. "My men,'' said Bouton, advancing with his rifle in hand to the front, "I demand the first shot. " After breakfast was over the Prophet disappeared in the cave, carrying a torch. He came back in a few minute*, lDut in the short time ho had effected a Complete change in his costume. Tho heavy robes of fur that he wore winter and summer in such fantastic shape were laid aside, and he appeared clad in a suit of white buckskin, with beaded pnoccasins and ytringed leggings. The tunic, belted at his waist, showed off his splendid form to advantage and proved that he had not yet lost the gruco of youth as well as revealing the secret of his amazing activity and powers of endurance. The long auburn hair was thrown back behind his ears and secured (.here by a tight; tit ting cap, the band C if Drhich was made of blue porcupine quills. On the breast of thin tunio and covering it like a shield was a Maltese cross and below it worked in garnet •beads tb«-words, "In this sign conquer." The silver hilt of a knife that looked like c short sword protruded from » tinely wrought scabbard in his belt and two revolvers, with stocks decorated in the same way, were fastened over his hips. From his shoulders a cartridge box was slung on one side and a silver canteen on the other. In his left hand he carried his long rifle. Jie "And where is Henry Kyle?" "He is here. " "Why are you all here?" he asked. He raised his weapon, but at that instant a shot rang out from the cliffs and Bouton tottered and fell Poor motherl The bullets that passed through your brave boy found a lodging place in your heart "Not hiding. Henry Kyle may have been wicked, but lie is uot a cowan}," said the Prophet, discounting and leading his horse up to where Kushat stood on the rocks. "Uul our wives and children are over yonder. ' said tint; of the men. "Waal, stan in haratween \m sheriffs," said the (nan who had go far kept silence. The captain obeyed, and one of the men uttered the word "March!" when Alice and Nora came before the captain and with loud sobs threw their anna about him and kiaaed his wounded, face. "Because our herds have been seized and we bavo been driveu away, "said the man who, it will bo remembered, met the Prophet at the same point on a previous occasion. "Where is father?" Henry managed lo ask, and with unexpected strength ha turned his head and looked up at the luixiouk faces clustering around "Aye, and (rod is everywhere. I jet them come in, | say," eaid the Prophet in tone* that for the first time had in them a ring of command- CHAPTER XXIX. As Bouton fell the rifle he was about to aim at Captain Brandon dropped from his hand, and he wheeled about as if on a pivot and so faced his astonished men. All heard the shot, but they did uot know what to make of it. There was no foe in sight, and they were on tho point of concluding that it was an accidental shot from one of their own rUU'.i when they heard yells coming down from the cliffs, and looking up they saw Bluclt Ragle motioning wildly at something still lower down. "H thank thee, thou Great Jehovah," cried the Prophet, "that thou hast saved my friend I" "Not a coward, but too lato jlo ) learn that I have been and am a wicked man," said Henry Kyle, coming into view and standing bowed and abashed before the Prophet, " Who was the foe?" asked the Prophet "plack Eagle mid his friends, " replied the man. 'Why, you talk as if you wanted them to ooiue in," said the astonished immigrant "I am here, my boy!" cried Valentine Kyle, and he was beside him, kneeling with tho same expression he wore when he knelt beside Louis and told him tho crime that weighed so heavily on his soul. "Come this way. Let us withdraw, " whispered Captain Brandon. The darkness prevented their seeing ) that his oyts tCye was filled with tears and (hat h'» VMiaed cheeks were wet Tile oaptaiu was conducted to the largest fire, about which all the outlaws had assembled, to witness if lipt to yartioipate in this sickening tyirlesque on justice. He was placed on the ground in a position where all could see him, and the men who had been chatting and swearing at once became silent Ronton rose to his feet, and after some forced coughing delivered himself as follows: "Black Eagle 1 Ah, I know he would not daro enter the valley sacred to the Great Spirit. So ho want* to show his white allies he is still working for by attacking me away from the place he dreads. Let it be so. " Th Prophet waved his arm, aud thD. The Prophet looked into the center of the group and saw Dr. Blanclwrd placing Henry Kyle and Kushat on two stretchers that h;ul been hastily constructed of rifles and bhuikets. "Did not Moses train with the Egyptians, the despoilers of his people, before he became the leader of Israel and the man who talked with Ood and troughi down tho laws of the people! |jive not in the past, Henry KyV- A long life lies before you m which to make amends for tho sin you have 'Then 1 am not deceiving yon. Let them come into the valley They  uiy consent. They Dvill not liave my consent when they want to leavfl,'' At that moment the poo* youth recalled the story of the Prodigal Soa, which his father had often read to him, and he sighed: Far up the canyon they could hear the shouting of the men and the tramping of hones blending with the roar of the waters and multiplied again and  by the echoes so jiecnliav to the wonderful chasm. The women heard thu tramping of the horses and snatched np their children and trembled and crouched near the entrance of the cava Pr. Blanchard and Valentine kyle seized tneir rifles and Htood ready to defend the eutranoe. But tho Prophet allayed their fears by shouting out while yet 100 yards otf: "Are they dead?" asked the Prophet "Not yet Come, let us talk apart. We can follow them to the grave." f IKushat it) up the re with Henry Ilyle yon told me that it was the other broth er she loved," torch bearers, forming in single flic "My father, I have sinned against tfyeir flambeaus held high over their heads, preceded him through the galleries and chambers of the cavern that led to the upper world The astounded outlaws forgot for the moment the man they were about to execute and scattered to get a better view of tho source of danger. While they were watching Black Eagle and his Indians, Henry Kyle, whoso unerring rifle had stretched Bouton on the earth, never to rise again, dropped into the valley, with Kushat beside him, and before the outlaws could realise what had happened tlicy throw themselves before the captain, and, both having pistols, open- They walked under the towering rocks and watched the sad procession forming and moving across the valley. All the Kyles and the Blanchards were there, but the wailing of the women told that the journey of one of them would not end, but rather begin when his bearers had set him down again. heaven and in thy sight, and I am no more worthy to be called thy son." "She seems to love the family," sneered Bouton as he stepped behind a rock to keep out of lange. Henry briefly narrated the events of the previous night, including the escape Of his brother Louis and the capture of Captain Brandon, and he added that h'd thought Bouton was making for the valley of the Great Spirit. Henry coq- dona " "Bravely have you compensated for the sinning," and Valentine Kyle kissed his son and wept Nora Kyle overheard the conversation between Bouton and Black Eagle, and Watching the cliffs, from which the puffs of white smoke curled up, she saw » bit of vermilion coloring moving along the giddy crest of the rocks, and •he said to Alice: The Arcs burning in Bouton's camp served tho Prophet for a guide, but he was so familiar with every inequality of the ground that he could have made the journey blindfolded. He had not gone half the distance, and had reached a point from which ho could see the dark figures of the outlaws between the flfea and himself, and he wj»a in the uct "Boys, Captain Brandon has always been down on our crowd, and if we were as bad as he thinks we are, instead of giving him a trial, as we intend doing, we'd kill him on sight." "Can Kushat be saved?" asked Henry feebly. tinned "I am beside you," she said in a low, sweet voice that in no way told of the agony she must be suffering. "I am befljflr* TIVT * "• "Yes, Bouton and his people believe that you have great stores put away in the caftes, and often they have thought uf attacking and robbiiut sou or forcing "The rifles were raised to destroy me, and I looked into the black muzzles With a feeling that they were tho last things on which my earthly eyes would rest, but, like a guardian angel, he drvp- He was interrupted by Fairplay, who had rejoined the party as they were enti*rina tJhua ruuivou witiij  "JXbfttii&Bstat-" "Fear not. It is 1, Daniel, with our friends." CoutioueU en Fag« 4, ed tu g.