The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1891-11-28
CHAPTER VI.
IN THE CAVE.

The truth came to the mind Of Darrell
Grey in moment of time, as he faced
the new foes which 50 strangely con-
fronted him.
a panther's den," he muttered grimly.
Quick, Inek. Miss Tracey, get behind
me-"
With low cry of dismay and dread
the girl gided to the side of the cave.
The pantherS had advanced so as to
cover the entire exit from the cave, and
crouching there, they glared ferociously
at the startled intruders.
Darrell saw that terrific combat with
the Infatuated brutes was imminent, and
quickly drew his knife and placed him
self on the defensive.
Inez, shuddcring and shrinking be-
hind him. stood fascinated at the terrible
pose of their new foes.
For the next few moments the scene
was one of intense int rest and silence,
broken only by the low, ominous growl-
ing OF the pantherS.
Slowly, steadily they began to circle
toward their intended victims, their
fangs showing hideously, their eyes gar-
ing with horrible ferocity.
Suddenly one of them made spring.
1t was only to receive shot from the
ItNolNtI WHICH bdIItl Hdu dldNn
The weapon contained but one cart
ridge. As he noticed that the bullet had
barely wounded the beast, but driven it
to temporary retreat, Darrell flung the
revolver to the ground.
Then, alone and armed only with the
knife, he stood at bay.
Again the fierce brutes crouched for a
spring This time one of them sprang
boldly upOn Darrell
The others cirCled around close at the
side of the large animal, while Darrell
pied the knife vigorously
Incz had rccoiled in terror as she wit
messed the attack of tn, panther As
her foot stumbled over some object on
the ground she seized it.
AN AK" she murmured. "left here BY
some hunter or Indian. / can help him
now"
She summoned all her courage as she
saw that Darrell Grey was engaged in
terrible struggle with the panther. The
AK in her hand, the intrepid girl hasten
ed TO the aid Of her Imperfect friend
The three antherS now entire sur
rounded Dare, haras>ing him on every
side iuez lifted the AK. 1t descended
with all the for Q of her fraiI arm upon
the head of one of the attacking ami
mails. That streng h, howcye", was
sufficient to send the panther to the
ground with howl OF pain. She fol-
lowed up the attack Oac of the pan
theirs had already been dispatched by
barre, and lay dying on the floor of the
cave.
\ second blow of the AK killed one of
the remaining ones, but the larger ami
mai chung to Darrell. cndeavoring II tear
l-,if 10
seconded at last in a vital spot Of the
panther'S frame, and it fell dying at
Darrcl'S feet
II was all he cou d do to otagger To the
open air. weak with the loss of blood
and exhausted from the terrible struggle
IN the cave.
lnez bent over him with anxious, Sc
icitouS eyes,
You are not seriously injure6?" she
asked, in a tremulouS tone.
NO; only few tritling bruises
Within half an hour Darrell was fully
recuperated
We will try to leave the gully" he
said.
BY the way we cameo" inquired
Ine,.
NO: fear eur enemies might be in
the vicinity of the canyon
But there seems TO be no outlet this
way"
"Then we will remain here until
night"
II was late in the afternoon when
they gained narrow gulch which they
found led into the main canyon.
Two hours later, just at dusk. after
travelling ,autiouSly for some miles, they
came out on plateau A mile beyond
them the lights Of a village showed
plainly.
Miners Gulch, at last remarked
Darrell.
They descended toward the settle
ment, but paused as at the edge of al
intervening thicket they heard human
voices in the distance.
Remain here for a few minutes. 3"
spoke Darrell. 1T may be our enemies
yonder.'
He penetrated the thicket by a wide
detour and reconnoitered for some time
Despard and Danton We're conversing
near large tree, while their TWO com