Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1889-09-26

M. ar: e.; g. ;s !; '.' 's 81
onds had passed, they understood that il
came from apoint much nearer than be-
fore.
There was no time TO lose.
The pursuers, led by the dogs, were
fast overtaking them, and ere long the
expected climax would come TO pass.
Come" said Jack. hastily, "let us fly.
The doctor himself must be with those
who are in the rear, and should they
come up with US, they would just as
soon let the brutes attack us. Can you
run, Nora"
She showed him that she could, but
the thickets barred their progress con-
siderably. They had the satisfaction OF
knowing, however, that their pursuers
were no better off, for they could hear
the impatient noises given vent to by the
hounds as they struggled in leash.
Jack still had his arm around his com
panion, but had long since replaced the
revolver, as he needed his good right
hand TO assist him In his passage
through the thiekets, and, besides. he
would probably have plenty OF warning
ere the pursuers came upon them.
They had the satisfaction OF knowing
that all the while they were drawing
nearer to their point OF safety, and that
If the pursuant took no livelier turn, and
they were able to keep at their present
pace, all would be well.
The country seemed TO grow still
wilder, but Jack knew he was going in
the proper direction, for now and then
they could catch glimpse OF the silvery
surface of the river beyond the hanging
moss and masses of Virginia creepers
that lay between il and them.
Things were working nicely, and in
their favor. too so that Jack had no rea-
son to complain; but he suspected that
IL was too good to last, and awaited
with each passing minute for some
change in the program.
1t came.
All at once the hounds took up a new
cry. and no longer gave vent 20 the long
drawn bay, but this had been supplanted
by short, eager banks OF fierce satlsfac-
ton.
Jacks face turned trihe pale, and he
shut his teeth hard together. but his
eyes flashed, and his frame seemed
to become firm as rock.
Either the hounds had been suffered to
go free, or else they had slipped the leash;
at any rate, they were untrammeled by
masters, and were racing along after the
fugitives, rapidly coming up with them
He had had much experience with
blood-hounds in the South. and knew
there was but one remedy for it.
Perhaps, after all, it would be for the
best, for the hounds once out Of the way,
their pursuers would have no means Of
finding out where they had gone. not
being skilled In following trail; yet il
was far from pleasant task the young
man had before him.
Nora speedily comprehended the truth,
for she saw that something had occurred
to give her lover start, and soon recog-
nized the difference in the sounds back
OF them.
Still she was brave, and uttered no
word OF fear, only striving TO increase
her pace to the utmost.
Nearer and nearer came the dread
sounds, and 1t was evident that the
hounds, knowing they were fast overtak-
ing the fugitives. were anxious for the
carnival of blood.
1t could only be delayed few moments
nore, and then all would be over.
What would be the end ?
Nora shuddered as the thought came |
% her. for she knew the peril would fall |
lpon Jack alone. Oh, if she were only /
armed, she would stand at his side and
meet the assault bravely with him, but
'he had not weapon of any sort.
All depended upon his revolver.
Carefully Jack looked at the weapon 10 |
zee that it was in proper order.
At last the ferocious hounds were so
rear that their sharp banks seemed to
liz the wood full OF echoes, and Jack
ould even hear them dashing through
he underbrush.
Tho time for action had come.
Quickly he put Nora among the lower
ranches of tree and took up his sta
ion beside it. Not a second too soon
vas this done, for out from the bushes
prang an enormous dun-colored hound.
The beast crouehed at sight OF him and
ttered low, terribly fierce growl. Even
n the moonlight it could be seen that the
ound was ferocious brute, black about
he muzzle, and with two rows OF sr-g-
estive white teeth showing behind as he
urled his lips.
His blazing eyes were fastened uroz
ack, and it was evident that, like a
anther, he was crouching in order TO
iake fatal leap.
Knowing the nature of the brute so
ELI, the young man was well aware of
he TACT that the time for action had
ONE. and thai IL he delayed now, all
light indeed be lost.