Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1888-04-12

that their movements would be OBJ
served by the savages. Yet they
might wander wide from tho trail.
Still thcy knew that the rocks heapcd
about them extended over. but a small
territory. and if the savaycs did not
leave their vicinity they could not help
stumbling upon them
As the darkness increased the way
became more difficult. but they made
rs little noise as possible and kept
their cars strained for any sound that
might be waftcdto them. F or an hour
or more they continued their search
without either being out of sight of
the other: They dared not separate
for fear that if they lost sight of one
another they would have to give some
signal 10 bring them together and
thus alarm the savagea
Suddenly Sam passed close beside /.
large rock which lowered above thcm.
and laid his hand on the arm of his
companion.
What is it," demanded Luke. in a
low tone.
'.Hark! Don't you hear any thing?"
Both listened in,enlly.
mo"
"Bnt did.
From where did it seem 10 Gomez
Right out of this rock here."
What did it sound likc?"
Like human voices. We must DO
close upon Them"
Certainly we are. il you heard any
thing. Round the other side Of the
rock. perhaps"
Il did hear something. H ark. there
it is again. You heard it then?'
yes, there is some one close beside
us. as you say"
Again the sound of indistinct con-
vcrsat;on was borne to their ears.
Let us move cautiously around the
rock. Sam. Hold your gun in read
mess. and be sure you make . good
shot. if we find enemies there.
His companion made no answer, but
moved silently forward. and Luke fol-
lowed close upon his heels. As SILENT
ly as phantoms they moved around the
rock and at last found themselves ut
the spot from hence they had started.
Not glimpse of q human being had
they got. although more than once the
sound of voices reached their ears
which they could have sworn came
from about or within it.
where can they be?" said Like. in
tone hardly above a whisper
On or in that rock" answered
Sam.
But l saw no way where one could
climb to its summit A man would
need wings TO get there"
LET us make another circuit and
look close rs we go. Depend upon it,
they are here"
They started to make the trip again
and had gone but a little distance.
when the smell Of smoke attracted
their attention.
A fire must he burning near them.
but no ray of light came from any di-
rcc,ion.
They had paused at this new sign.
and q moment later Luke exclaimed:
Look! here is the entrance to a
cave. The voices we have heard have
come from the very heart of the rock"
There was indeed a dark opening in
its side which they had not observed
in their former trip about it. The enc
tire rock might be merely shell. and
those they sought were doubtless with.
in it. In whisper they debated what
to do.
Should they venture in and face
what they might find there. or should
they make some sound which would
bring the savages 10 tho entrance
where they could be dispatched with
less danger 10 themselves and the cap.
iivcs.
The latter course was decided on,
and then Sam uttered cry that
would have startled any one with the
strongest nerves. The cry went echo.
ing away among the rocks. and then
all was still
A moment more and stcalthy foot
steps were heard within. and then two
savages emerged into the night. and
stood for an instant gaz ing about
them. Another instant and there
were two flashes and two reports
almost as one. and both savagcs fell
upon the rocks, each with bullet in
his heart.
Hurrietlly they reloaded their pieces
which was accomplished not mo-
mcnt too soon. Another brace of red.
skins appeared only to fall lifeless
over the bodies of their companions.
Il think we have done for them
all. J." said Sam. when they had again
reloaded. and no other enemies ap-
peared. Il thought from the trail
that there was not more than these we
have here. Now let us see if the cap
TVS are unh armed and who they are
vino have put us to so much trouble.
They ut once entered the passage and
felt their way along its various turn
:,,~~o sf1,.~ L. l:x.1,s - c,>~.n