The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-07-08

hhO ohVS aStuoity SpossOhCu auous Vuk
canoes, and setting our teeth frmly, We
padded as we had never padded be-
lore. Another bend was before US, and
just as we neared the turn Mark wheeled
round in his canoe aud levelod pair Of
field glasses up the river. He took long
survey and then picked up his paddle.
"There are three of them now," he
said, slowly. "They have launched the
boat and are coming In pursuit"
We bent to our paddles without a
word. Our canoes were light runners,
and we stood good chance of escaping.
But as we rounded the bend we en-.
countered an obstacle that doomed us tc
certain capture.
A stiff breeze blew up the river, and
the rolling waves instantly chec ked oui
progress. We knew it was useless to
think of making speed in the teeth OF
suoh gale.
Mark scanned the shores closely; on
both sides were the mountains.
"No landing place anywhere. Stop
] have it," he cried. "You see that
ledge of rocks over there2 Paddle yom
best for it," and as we shot across the
water he explained his idea: It's ou,
only chance. We must get our canoe
to the top of that cliff before they &c,
near enough to the bend to Sc, us.
think we can find a hiding place ut
there, and it's the last place they will
look for U.S."
Marks plan seemed impossible of &C.
complishment, for granite wall rose
abruptly to height of twenty feet, and
beyond it, dense with pines and under.
growth, lowered the mountain
Our canoes> bumped the shore, and
Mark leaped out.
"Quick pow" he cried. "Get to the
top of the cliff and let down that rope
of yours, Dale"
We clambered up little to the right
of the ledge, and by the aid OF She
bushes reached the top safely. The rope
was long one, aud, cutting it in half,
we made a running moose in each piece,
ns Mark directed, and dropped them
down to him. Sp-inging into the water
waist deep, he si,pped moose under
each end of my canoe, aud then, with a
tremendous effort, we hauled it up.
1t was heavy load, but we brought
it up safely, and dragged it back under
the pines. Dalc's canoe came next, and
then Mark put the ropes on his own ant
hurried up to help us.
We had barely dragged it over tho
edge and pulled it back into the shadow
when we heard the sharp click of oars,
and, peepipg out through the trees, we
saw Carson and his two boys rowing
swiftly round the bend. In great sus-
pense we watched them shoot past the
cliff and pull on down the river.
An hour later they came slowly back,
Carson and one son moving the boat
close along the mountain, while the
other boy travelled the opposite shore,
vainly searching for our hiding place.
We hardly drew breath as the boat
passed directly. beneath us. Then the
sound grew fainter, and soon the craft
vanished round the bend.
l wanted to start at once, but Mark
would not hear of it.
"No," he said, eve must wait till
dark. Carson is doubtless on the look.
out for u.s."
Toward sundown the wind fell and
the river grew calm as mirror. We
ate hastily prepared cold supper, and
when the twilight made the oppo site
mountain only blurred dark mass, we
prepared to resume our voyage.
We were just going to lower the first
canoe, and Mark was looking down over
the brink, when he suddenly spraug
back.
"Great Scott, Dalel" he cried. "You
have left your paddle standing up againss
the cliff"
Dale looked down; $50 I did," he
replied. Its wonder they didn't see
it."
'See ita" Mark echoed, angrily. "Ol
course they saw it. How could they
help it7 We're in a fix now. "I'll bet
dollar they have been watching all af.
ternoon for us to come down. Now,
here it's dark, and ten to one they are
planning to attack us. All through
your carelessness, toe"
Dale attempted to explain, but Mark
nc longer paid any attention to him. He
was listening intently.
Suddenly be turned and held up hi
hand.
tHush! Not sound," he said, softly.
"I hear boat coming, but it's still
some distance uu the river. Pull that
canoe back again aud get ready for an
attack"
There were but few preparations to be
made though, for Marks rifle and re.
volver of mine constituted our whole
arsenal.
Mark stretched himself on the edge Of
the cliff and motloned us back. Ter
minutes passed in silence. Then we
heard twice repeated harsh sound,
like the faint creaking OF oar locks.
could feel the cold perspiration
starting on my forehead as the next five
minutes passed in oppressive stiffness.
Dale had crept back behind the shelter
| of his canoe. was wishing most earn.
estly that something would happen t,
put an end to this terrible suspense
when Mark suddenly cried out, in
clear, ringing voice:
~ will shoot the first man that tries
to climb this cliff" and instantly came
a sharp click as he cooked his rifle.
For minute not sound was heard