The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1889-10-25

1
longer SEQ the footprints no was fol-
lowing. no threw himself down upon
tho green bank Of running stream,
ate few mouthfuls from his wallet,
took . long drink OF tho flowing
water, stretched himself out on tho
ground, with one hand resting on hiz
trusty rifle. and almos: Immediately
went TO sleep. though In that peculiar
condition OF mind and body. the re-
suit OF long experience in sccnes OF
danger, that the slightest unusual
sound would DO sure 70 wake him.
Six or seven hours was all tho rest
that Jack required; and the moon by
that time being we'll up. and pouring
down silvery food through cloud
less sky, he arose. took another drink,
and resumed his course on the broad
trail. This he followed at slower
pace till daylight once more made II
clear bcfo' Q him, and then he hurried
forward as on the day preceding.
Tho sun was perhaps two hours
above tho horizon whom he reached
tho place where the Indians had en-
camped on the night following the
capture OF his wife. Here no spent
some half an hour In examining the
different footprints, and when, among
Others, no found those OF his pretty
bird. and saw where she had passed
the night. his agitation and excite
ment became painful. and he several
times groaned out as one enduring
great bodily suffering.
At length he set his teeth hard, with
an answering determination drew
his hands slowly over his face, and
outwardly became more composed.
Then no commenced broad circuit
around the camp, to find the depart
ing trail In doing this he discovered
point where three horses had filed
on from the main body; and suspect
ing these had been detached and sent
OF with the fair captive in . home-
ward direction, he at once resolved
TO follow this trail instead OF the
other.
''Ef I'm wrong" he muttercd.
goodbye to little Kate for the pres
emit; but Ell I'm right. and It's in one
human mater to do II. I'll hev her back
ag'in. and the scalps OF them as TUX
herr
With this he again set forward in
the manner deserted. and. with only
now and then a brief rest, continued
the same hurried pace till near sun
set, when he came upon tho previous
nights camp OF the three Indians.
showing that thus far he had gained
upon his enc mics. With the widest
anxiety OF hope and fear. he now made
IN eager search for the footprints OF
his little wife; and when at length he
found them. where she had dismount-
ed and been secured to troe, thus
proving that her life had 90 far been
spared and he had taken the proper
course. such contending emotions OF
Joy and rage took possession OF him
joy at the discovery and rage against
her foes-that for time he was like
ono dementcd.
Since branching on from the main
body. the three warriors had kept
straight course. little north OF west;
but on the third day Jack Hawks
worth reached y spot on an open
plain. where they had made halt,
and from which, TO his surprise. he
now found tho trail led directly
south. toward range Of hills
that could barely BE- discerned
In the blue distance Knowing
that among these hills was . rare
spring Of medicinal waters. which the |
Indians not unfrequently visited. II oc-
CURED 70 him that the present party
had gone thithcr. and might. perhaps. /
make q halt long enough Cor him to |
come up with them. The idea afforded |
him fresh hope, and raised his spirits |
% he started onward again.
When night again fell upon the
scene. tho hills were looming up II
rugged lines before him. but still miles
away. Knowing the exact location Of
The spring, and that II was 50 situated
% 10 command view OF the broad
plain in the direction Of his approach.
be resolved. weary - he was. to push
% n the dark and gain safe position
among the hills before morning. oven
Ihould he not succeed in surprising his
,nemies while resting in supposed So
,urity.
II was life or death to him. and he
strained every nerve and muscle 70 the
ast tension. and succeeded in reach
ng the base Of tho hills In such an ex-
aausted condition that he was obliged
o throw himself down on the Garth
Ind rest for an hour TO recover
strength enough 70 60 through with |
What was yet before him. He had two
niles yet to 60 TO reach the spring,
Ind when ut last he slowly dragged his
lching frame in sight Of Il the late
noon was already silvering tho tops
Il the trees, and he knew that day was
bout breaking. II
But now thoro camc thrill Of Joy |
o his heart that sent new life through
'ut his dropping frame; for now II
vas no who heard the whinny OF
Torso only a few rods distant, and felt
Issured that he had not made fatal
mistake in his calculations. Guided
.~tslx ,