The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1886-10-16
CHAPTER XVII.
MORE SURPRISES FOR LUKE


In the meantime Luke was far off in the
direction pointed cut by the girl.
He had begun to ascend the mountain
path on a trail be fancied must be that of
those he sought, when his eyes fell upon a
party of men in secluded valley just be-
low him.
Great Cesar where in thunder did them
chaps come from2 What kin they be dom
way up here? Look like some o Black
Jacks band. Yes, see the red hand on
their coats. Now | must manage to get
leetle nearer. l want to hear what they
are talkin' over so earnest-like."
But it was good quarter of an hour be-
fore he had reached near enough to catch
their words.
Something of genuine romance in this,
drawied one of the men,
a good deal more of grim reality" re-
piled another; "or there will be at the ter
mination."
You think your plans are well laid; no
danger of clash or failure?"
None, whatever
And the little girl is safer"
Il hope SO. / advised her to return to -
in order to be entirely safe. She possesses
wonderful control over the Indians, and
yet | tremble when she goes off among
them all alone"
Anyway we have secured both Rick and
the jewels"
At these words all glanced at sulky-
looking individual, clad in ragged garments,
who lounged among them in silence.
Il don't think the New York Sing Sing
could be more terrible than to be in the
power of these red devils. Only my knowl-
edge of medicine saved me dozens of times.
AS for the Jewels, | was fool to rush off
West with them. I'm glad to be rid of
them.
Ready to turn States evidence, hey?"
"Yes, / don't care what"
Come" said he who appeared to be the
leader. "Our horses are rested; we must
be moving on toward Blue Gulch. | have
much work ahead. This is only the begin
ming
Then they mounted their ponies and rode
off down the valley.
Luke scratched his head in perplexity
"Of all the thunderation queer things
this takes the lead! Talkin about jewels
an Sing Sing, an goodness knows what.
Well, for once I'm stttmped, fur a fact"
Luke, still sadly puzzled, resumed the
former trail.
The day passed 1t had been one of a
long series of splendid autumn days; but
this day was warmer and haZier, and soft
wind swept down the needles of the noun
tain pines, and sighed among the canyons
threateningly to we'll attuned ears.
Coin ter rain about to- morrer," NUT
tered Luke. Il don't jist like that heavy
look TO the air. Nav be bringin around
genoone old mountain tempest. Feared
I'll lose the trail alter all. "No, hello! there
they be, sure as I'm a Twin man."
Luke was right; the ones he sought had
paused for the night in ravine of beauty
or oil, h,-t ha
growth of tall pines around it.
The wLisk of a ponys tail had revealed
their presence to Luke.
Running Deer had spread blankets for
Starlight under a ledge of rocks, where she
would be protected if storm arose. JAS
per. wearied with his long series of advent
ures, had fallen sound asleep near the graz
ing ponies.
Luke paused moment, deciding what
was best to do.
81 could reveal myself easy enough" he
muttered, "but they are all right and Run
ming Deer's keepin guard. So. guess I'll
just keep little dark. l may be more ac-
count on the outside. l don't like the looks
o the weather nohow."
An hour later the wind had increased to
great violence. Heavy darkness surrounded
| them. A few icy drops of rain came dash
ing down.
| Running Deer and Jasper were looking
| around eagerly for a secure shelter for
! themselves and ponies.
Come" said Running Deer, "a storm is
near, and the water will dash through this
| place. We must seek higher ground. 1
know place, if we can get there. Star
| light, camel"
| Together slowly they made their way out
| of the ravine up the mountain side.
| Running Deer tore aside a mass of vines
| and low bushes and led his pony into
what appeared a small cave.
| Jasper and Starlight gladly followed.
Shall l strike a match?" inquired JAS
| per, anxiously.
Yes" replied Starlight, Il want a
| glimpse of where We are"
| One instant the match glowed brightly
and revealed deep rocky recess in the
mountains side, with ample room for them
| all, and protected on all sides but one.
Quite secure nest, Running Deer.
| Hank! how the wind sounds, and how
| heavily the rain falls. We did not get
here moment too soon."
What is that?"
| "Histm said Running Deer. your light
was seen. Enemies are around u.s."
| Jasper grasped his rife, and all awaited
developments with bated breath.
TTO RE CONTINUEO I