The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-04-09
CHAPTER VI.
Hate has a keener scent than

"You did not tell why Mylo came for me.
"No. | think tainted the day he left. When
| came to my senses he was gone-went prob
ably for help"
''What has been the trouble recently?"
"Vernoy has been watched. He failed to
come at the usual time | sent Uncle Jabe and
Lightfoot after him, as l had decided to leave
as soon rs possible. Vernoy does not know
who watches; thinks there is more than one.
The leader is stout. red-haircd man; Light
foot calls him Firescalp, but it is undoubtedly
Baker. The day Nlylo disappeared | thought |
heard footsteps. | was alone and afraid did
not dare to move for a long time. When | did
venture out, | saw three men on the op-
posite mountain, and | was sure some one was
near the cabin, from 1Iylo's behavior He in
sisted OH going out but would not let him. |
could hardly get bock-suppose | tainted. l
found myself some time after on the floor alone.
Uncle Jabe could not get to the city without be-
ing seen. Lightfoot carried the gold to Mrs.
Scott and left word for Vernov 10 come pre-
pared To move us back to life once more. Uncle
JADE came back two days before YOU came.
Lightfoot and Nernoy may come ANY day. |
have everything in readiness except one nugget,
which is still in its mountain home.
After consulting Uncle Jabe, they found that
worthy willing to go with thom next morning If
the coast was clear. They were called to an
early breakfast that Max pronounced one of the
best. Uncle Jabe was left to follow when his
work was done Frank led the way 70 Il rocky
ledge near a spring. where she and Max sat until
Uncle JADE put i'll an appearance.
'No gold here, Miss Frank; You hab wrong
place, sure"
She piled away few rocks and asked them to
look.
"well, tink You find gold anywhere after
dis. said Uncle JADE. i'll wild excitement.
"Why, Frank, You are an heressl 1t must
be worth half n million"
Frank smiled. Il think you exaggerate its
value, and then it is not mine; it belongs to you,
my friend
'''To me! Do you think 1 would take your
gold?
Not if you prize the gold more than you do
me. If | can trust you with myself. surely gold
should not be an obstacle.
Miss Frank hab a heap in de bank, Mrs.
Scott say"
'Never mind what Mrs. Scott said Will YOU
try To get orr beauty ont of its nest?
They did try for some time before they sue
ceeded. IL required their united strength to
get it home, and when there they did not feel
safe with it. What if some one had seen them?
They wanted TO fly to some place of safety, but
many dangers and long distance lay between
them and San Francisco. At length Lightfoot,
Vernoy and the mules came not as formerly.
but in the darkness of night, silently, cautious
~. They had left the city very cautiously, vet
two men were on their track day and night
They appeared not to know of their presence.
ana went directly 10 the mines Nernoy unlOadcd
at the "big tent; told Paul Grayson of their
danger, and asked for advice. They finally de-
cided to wait day or so for Baker to come
back. He, with a stranger he called Tom Mar
SHALL came in near shutdown next day. Paul
received them quietly. and asked them TO join
his mess, az Baker had nothing in readiness.
Baker, well pleased accepted the invitation.
After supper, ne asked Vernov when he re-
turned. Not for some DAYS: would like to STAY
a week, but his mother made him promise not
So You keep promises, do you?'
YES but when Tn 81 | think | shall have
one high old holiday that will make them open
their eyes. I'm getting tired trotting back and
forth after two scrawny mules
Baker appeared delighted with the boy. and
advised him to be man at once, and not wait. He
kept him talking till bedtime, when Vcrnoy pro-
fessed to be tired and sleepy, and lay down
upon blanket. His eyes were closed appar-
emily, but open enough to watch Baker.
When all slept Baker got up very softly, took
SEINE pegs and cord from his pocket, tied the
cord to peg, and pushed il INTO the ground,
passing the cord over and around Vernoy, so
that II was impossible for him to get up without
Bakers knowledge. Vernoy slept on with his
eyes open until ne was sure Baker slept, when
he quickly cut the cord, raised the side of the
tent sufficiently To pass under, and found Paul
Grayson and Lightfoot with the mules ready TO
start. Paul showed them rocky path that led
to the river they could follow this and leave no
traces.
Baker and his friend slept till near noon the
next day. They vowed they had been drugged.