The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1891-12-19
ROYAL RANGER RALPH;
The Waif Of the Western Prahies,
BY WELDON j. COBB.
CHAPTER XII.

siderable wonderment to Ranger Ralph
To the young scout. however. it had
resulted most naturally. and he wa:
amazed and delighted at his success in
the imposition he had undertaken.
When he had knocked the savage a.
the river insensible, he had boldly deter
mined to assume his identity tempora
rily, and penetrate to the camp of hi:
enemies
The venture was perilOus one, bu
it seemed as if fate favored its execu.
ton
Darrell had soon donned the apparel O.
the unconscious savage, and his war
paint enabled him to finally present tbs
appearance of a genuine Modoc warrior
He had staggered to a spot where sew
eral savages were quarreling over kee
of liquor, and amid the excitement Of
the hour, no one seemed to notice hin
particularly.
Several times he was addressed in the
ModCc language, but he feigned a maud
lin drunkenness, and only responded
with few incOherent mutterings.
Thus it was that he entered the camp
where Ranger Ralph was prisoner.
His rescue of the scout has already
been seen by the reader.
So far he was entirely successful in
his movements; but Darrell saw that his
imposture must sooner or later be dis
covered.
He did not. therefore. return to the
same band of Indians from whom he had
rescued Ranger Ralph
Instead, he wandered into the main
encampment and determined to locate,
If poss bic, the tent in which Inez Tracey
was held a captive.
He found that a large number OF the
Indians and two of Despard's band had
gone south on the expedition against
4 e emigrants
1t was when near large tent that the
sound of familiar tones awakened his
immediate attention.
Instantly he recognized one voice as
belonging to Dyke Dcspaid.
He was addressing his associate Vance,
and he asked:
"Then Danton and the others have
gomez"
"Yes," replied Vance "They will at
tack the emigrant train, secure our
share of the booty, meet the others of
the band and come at onte to Lone
Canyon.
"Good. Now then, as to our move
ments?"
"Weu?"
I'VE must leave here at once"
"For Lone Canyon?"
"YeS."
"Aud the girl?'
"Get Trailing Fox to go to the wigwam
for her"
Then | will get the horses ready?"
AT the edge of the camp, yes. The
Indians may lie suspicious if they find US
leaving them, but the Fox will aid US, as
he is friendly to us ?"
"All right"
Darrell withdrew as Vance seemed
about To leave the tent
lie knew that il he acted it must be
at once.
He hurried in and out among the wig
vans. and at last paused before one Of
them.
1t was where an cd sluaw sat before
q smoldering camp fire.
CHANGING beyond her Darrell saw the
form Of woman lying on some buffalo
skins
at must be Ine1," he murmured, I
wonder if | can pass the old squaw I'M
observed"
The latter was noddng drowsily as he
q
stantly at his advance
Immediately Darrell resumed his role
of drunkenness He had Task of liq-
uor in his pocket and this he extended
toward the woman. She seized it
eagerly
BARRE mUttered some incoherent
words about Shadow Snake The Sluaw
seemed to comprehend that the chief
had sent him to the place, and did not
attempt 10 sop him as he walked boldly
into the tent
pom the rude Indian couch lay Inez
Tracey
Her eyes were wet with tears. her face
pale and alarmed She started to her
feet with a cry of terror as the pretend
81 drunken Indian approached her
7 gh. pale face come with me-" he
uttered
She followed him from the place silent
ly, despairingly.
He led her, not toward the center Of
the camp, but through its purlieus, anx-
louS to reach the open country beyond.
Every nerve thrilled with the intens-
est emotion "a he realized that the res
cue was nearly assured.
The Indians whom they met paid no
attention to them roor Inez, fearing
some re1v cortiyi.v saamod obo,,, -
faint away ~
As .Lo ,yall,o5 ,,s,o.5ur D,,,
n,oarbad bar no.ror "p
.r.a,raaa,p
Sl'.aes
~ ''' "' tue iei ''i'' uiieA pec'eo
aIyon, s,roi,,,,. -
r,rr;odT,, atvo Va, , men,
hait ,ro, nv. - -.
60 no. ;.i.i 80. - Joy ofohe
"Darre',-Mr trrey" she cried. "oh'
can we eScape2n
Yes. YES. Follow me faster"
stop them"
Thn words came from behind them
ana caused lnez to utter startled cry.
Dalrel seized her arm and made for a
Il ar thicket
Coming toward them were Despard,
Vance and several savages.
discovered. cried Darrel, despair
ingly
Instantly he was surrounded.
What are You doing with that grl?"
demanded Despard, gruffiy.