Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 492 — page 28: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

_ stances demanded; while Mountain foremost craft with the utmost cara, . the “9s "| Laas eek ie oF 28 Nevermiss remains here all the Sioux will be knocking at bis door before morning.” ‘They kin knock an’ be condemn’d!” declared Yank, frowning. ‘‘They won't find us hyar. Let em knock, an’ then comein. Ef we cook breakfast, ter-morrow, it won't be in this coun- try hotel.” ‘‘ My white brother speaks wisely, as a war- rior should do. Let him take his people and go, and Mountain Eagle will help him.” Yank’s expression grew grave. ‘Ts it safe, Injun?” ‘I nere will be danger for the men and wo- men of pale-faces atevery step, and more strong arms are needed than they can count. Moun- tain Eagle has spoken; he will go with them. Listen! Toward the south, not further than the measure of two miles as the crow flies, another cave awaits you. Many an hour has the [n- dian searched, but the refuge was not found until to-day. it now awaits our coming—let us gol The mountaineer’s face had brightened. It was plain that he considered the addition of the chief to their party a most important measure, and the spirit of hope was contagious. All were impressed with the idea that Mountain Eagle was a most valuable ally, and his knowledge of the ground would be of great help. Yank and the chief consulted further. The chief obstacle in the way of success was to get the horses away safely. Mountain Eagle said that the hills along the north side of the lake were so full of Sioux that it would be folly, and worse, to try and pass them; and he had brought a canoe which, with the one already at hand, would carry all the human beings over, —_ But the horses would be needed when once across, and it would not do to part from them. The leaders decided that Yank should tale eharge of the animals, leading them along the shore, or swimming them, as prevailing cireum- Bagle ac- companied the fugitives, This plan was far from being to the taste of the rest of the party, and each face grew grave -at the idea of parting with Yank, but the latter took occasion to speak with them unheard by Mountam Eagle. ‘‘] want yer ter trust the chief as you would me,” he said, ‘‘fur I tell ye he’s worthy on’t. He’s young, but [njuns go on the war-path afore they're six weeks ago, so the Hagle counts a good twenty-five years o’ experience, He’s as brave as a tiger, an’ when it comes ter cunnin’, the hull Sioux nation can’t outwit him. Trust him fully, fur I answer fur him as I would fur amyself.”’ [t would have been impossible to convince his followers that any man could fill his place, but they made no remonstrance., All liked the ap- pearance of Mountain Eagle, and he met with no opposition. True, Miss Abigail indulged in a sories of shivers, but her fears were of actual value—she forgot for the time to assert that anybody had been ‘drinkin’,” which was a great relief. The hor ‘es were brought out of the interior and prepared for the venture. They were not tobe led out until it was known that the party could get under way. The two deserters must de left where they were. All preparations having been completed, the start was made. Mountain Eagle went first, and reported that no Indians were near. This was not strange, as only the rear entrance had been found, Then all the party passed the falling water, and their hazardous attempt was fully begun. They reached the water in safety, and the @anoes were duly produced. Mountain Eagle, Agnes and gear were to go in one craft, and Border Bullet, Prior and Inez in the other. Moses was included in the list of passengers, Yank waved his hand, and then the chief and Border Bullet dipped their paddles, and the canoes moved out upon the lake. CHAPTER XXXIV. TROUBLE ON THE LAKE. - Borper BuLuet propelled his canoe after the The loud sound of a paddle at that moment might ruin all, for the red enemy certainly were not far away. But he had more than this to think of. He was very skillful wlth a paddle for a white oman of his years, but he felt called upon to do extra good work while Mountain’ Eagle handled the other canoe. Befors they had gone two fathoms he knew that the chief was a marvel. All looked back at Yank. One moment the _-mountaineer’s tall form was visible; then he -. ‘turned back, and the darkness hid him from wiew. Border Bullet was far from being as calm as he should be. It seemed almost impossible for - Yank to get the horses away unseen. The Sioux were thick among the bills, and if they were on their guard, how was Yank to run the gantletin safety? Had there been only men in the party, he Sharpshooter would have taken place be- side his friend, and shared his dangers with far amore equanimity than he now felt. He remembered, however, the rare skill and ‘ee. ak Wee th ¥ , Py * - + any sagacity of the veteran, and tried to think only of his own duties. The darkness had not abated, and there was little fear that the canoes would be seen, unless other persons were on the lake. There was dan- ger of this, and due caution was used. The work of the Indian was remarkable; only his movements showed when he anppee his paddle, and the buoyant canoe seemed to float like a feather. Skill like this Border Bullet could not equal, but he did remarkabl well. They proceeded without any mishap until near the middle of the lake, when Moses, who had be- haved in bis usual calm way, suddenly mani- fested uneasiness. He arose in the canoe, di- rected his attention to the front, and began to analyze the air with all the exactness that his nostrils would allow, Accustomed to the ways of the intelligent animal, Border Bullet at once shared his un- easiness. He looked sharply ahead, but failed to see or hear anything. Then a growl broke from the dog’s lips, and the Sharpshooter saw his teeth gleam in the darkness. Mountain Eagle raised his paddle and held up one band to call for silence. The sound ot a paddle was distinctly heard by both men. The chief gave one brief order, ‘To the islands!” he said quietly. They were near the formations in question, and the canoes were at once propelled that way. Mountain Eagle could have paddled rapidly and observed the same secrecy, but he was careful not to set a pace which would lead Border Bul- let to splash water unduly. They reached the northern side of the largest island in safety, and the chief found a place where the canoes could be brought under the bushes in such a way that the occupants could remain in them and still be concealed by the drooping boughs. ‘‘ We bes’ wait awhile,” he said, falling into broken English. 7 me you see anything?” Border Bullet asked. Yo.” ‘* Yot, the enemy must be out.” ts es,” ‘Ts there danger that they will search here?” ** Maybe so.” ‘‘ Surely, they would not expect us to take refuge on the islands,” » ‘They know Nevermiss is wily as a fox and full of tricks. When men fight the great moun- taineer, they never know what he do.” ‘‘ The paddle sounds louder.” ‘‘ They comin’ this way.” ‘‘ Have you any orders?’ Mountain Eagle glanced at Moses, ‘The dog! He growl once—maybe, growl again. If Sioux hear him, there be trouble.” ‘‘Do not fear, friend Eagle. Moses knows when to growl and when not to. It is his fash- ion to give warning, but once tell him to be silent, and he will be like one dumb.” The young man laid one hand upon the ani- mal’s shoulder, ‘* Bo still, good Moses; be still!” he directed. Not a vibration of Moses’s tail, nor a turn of his head, indicated that he feard, but, though his attention was keenly fixed upon the sus- picious quarter, he seemed to become like a statue. . The sound of paddles was now more distinct, and Mountain Eagle again spoke: ‘‘Me go look. Stay here. [ not be far way.” Before the last words had fairly passed bis lips he was gone from the canoe. Ho might al- most have been & phantom for all the noise he made. The leaves scarcely rustled—he said and was gone. Border Bullet beheld the moverrent with re- newed uneasiness, he had not been given chance to oppose it. ountain Hees glided along toward the end of the island. Béfore he reached the point the sound of paddling had ceased and be was not surprised at what be saw when he reached a desirable place and parted the leaves. Two canoes lay side by side only a few yards away, and each was well filled with Sioux war- riors. They were in consultation, and though Moun- tain Eagle could hear nothing that was said, it was plain that they had something of more than ordinary importance to engage their attention. The chief, however, was quite sure that they had not seen the other canoes. If they had, they would have pursued rapidly, instead of remain- ing idle there. hey soon began to make gestures toward the islands, and Mountain EHagle’s decision was promptly made, He suspected that a search of the islands was to take place, and, if so, the sooner the fugitive canoes left the place, the better. He made his way back to his charges. ‘We will go,” said he, quietly. ‘“* Wait!” Border Bullet replied; ‘‘there is a canoe on the other side—below us.” be Wah y) The exclamation passed the Indian’s lips uietly enough, but he was far from being satis- ed with the situation. ‘‘ Where are they?” he added. Border Bullet, the Prairie Sharpshooter. em 2 EEE a ——$—$— $< eee en L he vr . 4 - ¥ ** Sgt + “4s o . > et He id ; : 7 2, ie west \'¢ C¢ @ mm ‘‘ Look through the bushes, and you can see the craft just off the lower point of the island.” Mountain Eagle obeyed, and he saw all that was promised. Another canoe was there, as stationary as those above. He let the bushes fall back into place. For amoment there was silence between the fugitives, and the chief had a momentous question to solve. Direct retreat was out of the question, for they could not leave their cover without being seen, There were two ways left. They must cross the island, con- veying their canoes with them, or remain in hiding and trust to Providence. The matter was quickly decided. The sound of paddles suddenly became audible again, and it was clear that one craft was passing down the southern side of the island. ‘‘ We stay here!” the chief briefly added. a As you will, Mountain Eagle; we trust to you, Border Bullet tried to speak cheerfully, but he doubted his success. Every moment was giving bim increased confidence in their guide, but the odds seemed terribly against them. In case of discovery, their chances would certainly be next to hopeless. He looked at the women. Inez and Agnes were singularly calm outwardly, but Miss Longstreeter was plainly a badly- frightened woman. Richard Prior was quiet, but calm. ‘‘ Let my friends be brave,” continued Moun- tain Eagle, presently. ‘‘The Sioux will search the island, but I do not think they will find us, They will not waste time to Jook all around the island under the bushes. Be calm, and speak no word,” There was another pause, and then the barely- audible crackling of dry sticks showed tbat the Sioux were on the island. ‘‘Oh! massyful Providence!” lamented Miss Abigail. ‘‘I wish I was back in Cloveryard, Connecticut! The sins o’ the wicked—the wine- bibbers an’ the carousers—are fallin’ heavily et oF a who is righteous at heart like me, an’ the— Mountain Eagle laid his broad hand upon the woman’s arm. ‘¢ Be still, or me take your scalp!” be ordered, in a voice which seemed to freeze her blood, eb O-o-oh " It would have been a screech if the temper- ance orator could have summoned lung-power enough, but she feared Mountain Eagle near! as much as sh2 did the other Indians; but his threat literally frightened her into dumbness for the time. She cowered back, and said no more. The chief whispered to Border Bullet and then left the canoe. Gaining the bank he stretched his muscular form out in a position almost pros- trate, yet in such a way that he could readiiy meet any foe. Border Bullet laid down his paddle and held his knife instead, with his revolver close to hand, He would gladly bave spoken to console Inez and Agnes, but it would have been reckless folly to utter any words then, Prior followed his example, The noises on the island, slight though each was, increased. It was plain that a more or less thorough search was being made. The canoe at the west kept its place and still shut off retreat. And escape in any form seemed almost impossi- ble. Bither their flight from the cave was known, or the Sioux suspected that such a move- ment would be made. In any case, the fugitives were practically surrounded, and if the search- ers used the skill for which their race was noted, discovery appeared certain. Once discovered, what chance would the fugi- tives have? All these thoughts occurred to Border ‘Bullet but, as be worried only for the women, bis usua coolness did not desert bim. He was prepared fe - his part, and his was a clear, steady ead, Nearer came the searchers—nearer yet! One, at least, was only a few yards away, and his — slow movements were strikingly panther-like in point of stealth and caution. What would be the result? Border Bullet grasped his knife more tightly, and glanced toward Mountain Eagle. The dark- ness hid the chief, and there was no sign of life near him. At this moment a single rifle-report sounded on the air, coming from a distance, The exact locality the Sharpshooter could not distinguish, though he believed it to be west of the lake, but the peculiar sound of the rifle he did know—it was Yank Yellowbird’s. Here was another cause for anxiety, and at a_ crisical moment; the tall mountaineer would not have risked a shot except in a case of extreme necessity. What misfortune had befallen him? There could be no answer then, and no second report followed. wt hen all of Border Bullet’s attention turned to the island. The nearest Sioux had advanced until only a few steps away, and he was on the © very edge of the land. Was it possible to escape the notice of his keen, trained eyes? And Mountain Eagle! He lay in the very ~ path of the searcher, Obviously, a collision — must occur, = anes m4