Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1890-06-07


port in order to balance himself, was a
antagonist to his drunken
rival. Again and again Lemourier tried
to break his guard, but was foiled by an
agility and address which deprived him
Of what little prudence he possessed.
The glittering blade which fiickered be-
fore bis dazzled eyes suddenly forced
his sword from his hand, while the
sharp point which pressed against his
throat told him that he WAS vana uished
Then was heard the steady tramp Of
feet and the provost marshais
guard appeared upon the scene.
CHAPTER v.
A SAD AEMENTo.
The sun having risen and dispelled
the fog, the voyagers looked out for
place to land. A little creek almost
by overhanging branches Of
fered safe retreat and the canoe was
drawn up on shore, breakfast disposed
Of and Marden lay down to rest while
Jabe and Ariel kept watch. There was
a serious doubt in their minds whether
their escape from the redskins had !
been SO thoroughly covered up as to
preclude the fear OF pursuit The up
6eCU1uK VI OHoC6hOC ullk hV JIG 0SpAAOhVCo
to accident, but the disappearance Of
the other with its human freight might
we'll excite suspicion in the breasts of
the wary savages. While Jabe. there
fore, watched tho river from his hiding
place, the restless half-breed lowered
around the spot where Marden slept
until the thought occurred to him that .
Jabe, being in recumbent position,
might sleep at his post; wherefore he
hurried to the spot. Slight as was the
sound Of his approach, the ranger heard
it and made a gesture which caused the
boy to crouch to the earth while he
cpept to the river bank. A canoe,
padded by two braves, was gliding up
the stream, and it soon became apparent
that they were scrutinizing the shores
for some trace Of the presence of foe.
On reaching the mouth of the creek
they paused. Something had attracted
their attention; they were about to In
vestigate. Jabe's eyes, following the
direction Of theirs, had discovered the
secret. A newly-broken branch over
hanging the creek had betrayed their
hiding-place. The canoe approached
cautiously; it entered the creek. In
another moment all would be discov-
cred. Jake was In the act Of cooking
his rife, but at sign from Ariel he de-
sisted. The report Of gun might be
heard at the camp. The boy fitted an
arrow to his bow and waited. A grunt
from one Of the braves announced that
he had found the canoe, and he was
about to launch 1t when the half-breed's
arrow buried itself in his chest, while
Jabe from the bank above hurled
boulder through the bottom of the hos
tile bark which narrowly missed its re-
naming occupant. AS the canoe sunk
beneath him, however, the brave seized
an overhanging branch by which he
swung himself to the further side Of the
creek and disappeared in the timber.
Ariel, having aroused his master, re-
turned to his post on the river bank.
from whence he returned hastily with
the news Of another canoe on the river.
Marden determined at once to proceed
and gave orders to launch the canoe.
1--WE will paddle quietly up stream"
said he, land they may follow US in the
belief that we are their friends, for they
can not distinguish US at such dis
tance."
Again Ariel took his place in the bot
tom Of the canoe as it headed up stream,
and 1t seemed as If Marden's stratagem
still held Its course.
It was now past noon, and strong
breeze made ripples on the stream,
Ariel olapped his hands and pointed
to the pursuing bark. She was coming
ON rapidly, propelled by a blanket sail.
"She is overhauling u.s." said Mar
den, land we may rs we'll end this
matter at once" He turned the PROV
Of the canoe to shore, with the inten-
ton OF landing, when q shot from the
pursuers whistled past his head. Jabe
instantly returned it, with what effect
he could not see, as the blanket con-
cealed the enemy. Marden coolly wait
cd until the canoe was almost on line
with him, when the angle of the sail
gave him glimpse of the man at the
stern and he fired. The little bark
forged ahead, struck q snag in the
middle of the stream, and turned
slowly round. The heavy sail forced "
over on its side, and 1t foated helpless
ly down stream. Then a befeathered head
rose to the surface for a moment and
sank out Of sight.
AhSo oA0O Va youho, oooOt AAoSS Ao'S
hit one of them," said Marden, as he
stepped on shore; land now to see il
there are any moro redskins on oul
track. Ariel, climb this tree, it will
give you good view Of the river" The
boy obeyed, climbing into the topmost
branches with the agility of squirrel
but soon returned with the mute as
sursnoe that no enemy was in sight.
Night was approaching and the tired
voyagers were fain to find a place o.
rest and security. The stream was be-
coming narrow and comparatively shall
low, and a small island in its mids
forced it into rapids on either side. Thi
Marden selected for their bivouac, am
the canoe bore them to its lower extrem
ity. Here they ventured to make q fir
with the aid Of powder flashed In a ria'
pan. It was kindl4d in the hollow stumI
| 4f q tree, the light carefully concealed
i khAl -