Los Angeles herald., 1891-07-29

sne sJoIe cautiously through the under
brush to a point near the spot where she
had last seen the men.
They We're still there, but evidently
contemplated a move of some sort.
Mentally Kate made note Of two facts,
the first of which was that both men
were villainous looking specimens of hu-
manity; secondly, their horses were reek-
ing with sweat and apparently much ex-
hausted
Leaving the animals to feed by the
wayside, the two presently crossed the
road and struck into a path leading
down to the brook, one of them point
ing with his rattlesnake whip to Naomi's
footprints in the black soil.
Katie heard her name pronounced by
the most savage looking one. and mo-
ment later the scoundrel passed by,
scarcely three feet from her place Of
concealment. Within easy reach of the
coveted treasure. he was, luckily for
Katie. unconscious of the fact. With
his heavy whip he struck an ugly little
blow at the identical bush through
which bright eyes were peering. For
moment, as the little girl afterward ad-
mitted, she was ''almost afraid"
On her hands and knees she crept back
short distance, ruefully mindful of the
fact that numerous sharp stubs and roots
were running her Sunday gown. When
far enough away she arose to her feet
and fled back to Naomi with the speed
Of a hunted deer. christening her,
Kate started to lead her toward the road,
though she knew not what obstacles
might intervene, the thick growth Of
young trees rendering it impossible for
the eye to penetrate many yards in ad-
vance,
They were almost out; so near, in fact,
that some oddly twisted birches, which
Kate remembered to have observed grow
ing upon the opposite side of the track,
were in full view. when horse and leader
were both brought to a sudden halt.
A huge fallen tree lay directly in front
of them, shutting off all hope of escape
in that direction On one side the
gnarled, earth covered roots of another
PROSTATE monarch of the forest present
ed an equally formidable barrier, and at
her right lay many dead branches, the
cracking of which would inevitably be.
tray her presence to the human blood
hounds SO close upon her track. Poor
Katiel
In moment Katie felt great, glad
thrill Of hope springing up within her
heart. Instantly she resolved to mount
Naomi and make bold dash through
the brush at all hazards. Accordingly
she climbed to a seat in the saddle pre-
paratory to making the attempt.
| Naomi, however, was an intelligent
brute and had no notion of running the
gauntlet in such reckless manner. To
Katie's surprise she obstinately refused
to advance hairs breadth in the di-
rection her mistress desired, but, instead,
commenced backing off. Being taller
than Kate, it may be that she had made
discovery which the girl certainly had
not, i. e., that a pair of extremely fierce,
black eyes in that quarter were watch
ing every movement with sinister in
terest.
A few PAGES back the mare stopped;
then started rapidly forward and, almost
before Kate conprehended what she was
about sufficiently to tighten her hold,
the horse went over the gigantic log with
something Of the agility of a kitten, her
hind feet sending out ringing echo as
they struck against the hard wood.
"Bravol" cried our heroine, forgetting
prudence in her admiration.
A loud shout, followed by hoarse i'm
precation, instantly gave her to under
| rl~ k1,oL L -Lo I,
discovered. However, the way before
her was clear enough now. Naomi swept
out into the track and galloped away at
breakneck pace.
For the life of her Katie could not have
refrained from sending back triumph
ant little huzzah to the discounted rascal
who stood watching his prey thus make
her escape.
His reply was bullet, which went
whizzing by her head so close that she
felt the breeze it created in passing.
The other man, warned by his confeder-
ate, came running up, and hastily
mounting their horses. both started il
hot pursuit. But those weary steeds
were no match for Naomi, who, fresh
from her incoming, appeared to exult in
the wild race she was leading.
For mile or two the chase was KEEP
mp, but curses and flying shots proving
alike Intellectual in recalling the brave
little maiden, they at length turned thei1
horses in an opposite direction and rode
sullenly back, and were seen no more il
those parts until some months later
when Nemesis hunted them down on {
charge of horse stealing, which wa
proven against them. So far as thu
writer knows they are still under govern
ment surveillance, and likely to be 81
for some years to come.
Without further adventure Katie
reached Rydal, and had the satisfaction
of seeing old Mr., Steinfelt in possession
of his money.
The sheriff of the county, who was
friend of Mr.. Tynedale, accompanied
her upon her return.
In spite of being an accomplished
equestrian, our young friend nowaday
never ventured upon such long journey
, unattended. ~
The Tynedale family and their friend
are still disposed to lionize her in conse
quence of the episode above narrated
but Katie modestly waves all claim t,
heroism, declaring that it was Naom
, who brought her safely through. DE