The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-11-06

we drew ren-so quickly, indeed, that q
sudden halt brought my companions wea
horse to his launches, and then, making
fruitless effort to recover himself, the po'
animal rolled over on his side, and lay the
painting and helpless, while his master wi,
difficulty succeeded in freeing himself froi
the stirrups.
And still faithful Rover crouched on u
ground, his eyes flashing in the bright moor
| light, but not a sound did he utter; and 81.
knowing the dog as did, my heart leape|
at the knowledge that he had at last "ru1
his prey to the earth"
Another instant, and with Whispered
caution to Mr.. Scott to follow softly on foot
and to keep Rover back, rode quietly orI
keeping sharp watch for the group fell
sure were very near at hand.
Suddenly, out of the midst Of the deep 81
ence Of the night, sounded the voice loved
so dearly, raised, not in fear, but in sterI
warning and menace.
The ground was soft, and my gallan
Fleetfoots hooS fell noiselessly on the turf
and so it was that, turning a sharp corner
| came at once upon group totally unawar,
Of my approach-Mary, standing erect and
unAinchrngly; John Barton recoiling before
her upraiscd poniard.
"Villain scoundrel !" shouted, "defend
yourselrl'
My finger was on the trigger Of my pistol
but he was quicker than |, and even as
spoke bullet whistled through my cnp
casting it to the ground and then, before
had time to fire, learned that it had been
no vain boast OF Fleetfoots former master
a captain of cavalry, that che was as coed
as a man in a close fight"
Already excited by my voice, the sound
of Bartons pistol seemed to rouse him to sud
den fury, arl even as the ball whistled by
he made one leap to Barton's side, and then
rearing, struck at him with his foielegs.
There was fierce, hall-stded oath, a
dull, crushing sound, and then, as though
stricken by lightning flash, John Barton
lay prone ON the ground, dead, his skull
shattered and broken, and Fleetfoot stood
over him with dilated nostrils and flaming
eyes, as if triumphing over his fallen foe.
And |, as | leaped to the ground, and
clasped my beloved one in my arms, safe
aud uniniured, thanked God most fervently
not alone that her sworn foe was powerlesc
to harm her forever more, but that my
hands had been spared the stain of his blood.
Nor, 50 full of peace and thanklulness was
my heart did much regret that our treach.
erous driver, availing himselfof our self ab.
sorption in that bliss(ul reunion, had stolen
| away and escaped unLarmed las supposed
but when Mary's father joined us he told q
| different tale.
1.-THE fellow was in such hurry to es
cape you" said he "that he nearly rode owe
me before he saw me at all; then he fired
hastv shot, and | returned the compliment
and saw his lett arm drop helpless at hi
side, so he has a broken arm as payment fo
his rascality. lie deserved more, but victor
can afford to be forgiving"
That night, while the moon looked dowr
bright and glorious from the calm sky, W,
dug grave in the lonely valley, and rever
emily laid therein the errirg man, who's
evil passions had wrought his doom.
And then, when the sun rose again, anC
our horses and dog were rested and refresh
ed, Rover again became our guide, and aflei
three days of moderate riding. We reioinet
our comrades of the emigrant train, amids
hearty cheers and cordial expressions Of de
light at the happy issue of our wild ride
over the prairies.