Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1892-12-15

ma at nr5t 1chfeu, Dut was au isihnu VI
lava. That so great mass OF lava could |
float seemed incredible, until Macdonald
bethought him that. the mass was un-
doubtedly composed of pumice, fields
pathic scoria produced by volcanoes,
that is lighter than water.
1t Immediately occurred to our hero
that the robbers were probably on the lava
vessel, and he closed the lantern without
delay.
Once more he was in intense darkness.
As the island came nearer he could dis
Germ dim light. He at once came to
the conclusion that the mass was OF con-
siderable size, and that the light arose
near its center from camp fire around |
which the outlaws were probably |
gathered. He breathed more freely, feel
ing confident that he had not been dis
covered.
When the island had almost reached
the shore it caused slight swaslliny OF
the water, and guided by the sound,
Macdonald could almost tell where the
floating lava was. Cautiously putting
out his hands, he felt them come in con-
tact with hard and moving service;
and as the island touched the shore he
gave leap of sufficient power to carry
him we'll upon the singular craft. He
sat still for few moments, and TO his
alarm noticed that the island had not
fingered at the shore, as he had hoped
that it would do. 1t was already NOV
ing steadily away, and he surmised that
the currents of the singular lake, or river,
so ran as to carry the mass round ana
round the cave. So regular appeared to
be the movement that he believed the
robbers had been able to ascertain just at
what times during the twenty-four hours
of the day (for he could not believe that
the lake was of so vast size as to re-
auire days to make its circuit) the island
could be depended upon to touch the
shore that he had left.
After slowly climbing upward for Six
or seven feet Macdonald came to the
top of the island, and then learned that
his theory as to the dim illumination
was correct. The island was circular,
about one-half acre in extent, and near
its centre was the fire, now burning low.
The island shelved from its elevated
sides toward the centre, and on. account
of the bowl-like surface it was possible
to see the entire area, although the edges
could not be distinctly seen on account
of the inability of the fire, except In Its
immediate vicinity, to overcome the
power of the darkness. Rolled In blan-
kets and stretched around the fire were
eight robbers, asleep. About ten feet
from the fire was wigwam covered
with strips of straw mating that had
been laid upon the slanting poles of the
frame. That his dear Helen was in this
| faTt
tain.
How to act under the circumstances
was most perplexing To attempt TO
rescue Helen. or even to communicate
with her, would be an undertaking
fraught with the greatest hazard.
While our hero hesitated his eyes
were attracted to some plumber that
the robbers had left in pile a short
distance from where he stood.
Among the articles were heavy horse
blankets. A bright idea came to Mac
Donald. He removed his shoes, went II
his stocking feet to the pile, selected TIVE
blankets, folded them into as small ;
, compass as possible. placed them on on
, arm, and, lantern in hand, approached
the fire and the eight men, who slep
soundly after the arduous work OF tn
previous night.
When he was few feet from the fir
Macdonald paused and laid the blanket
, on the lava. 1t was singular and mos
! exciting situation. Far from the aid o
friends, in cavern, on mysterious low
island, that foated in subterranea
lake of unknown depth and exteat, on
hero stood in the presence of foes who
should one Of their number happen t
q awake and give the alarm, would shoe
= him in an instant.
Macdonald did not, however, spen
y any time in thinking of the singularit
= and peril of his situation. In the mos
= careful manner he proceeded to cover tn
burning sticks with the blankets and
!, smother the fire. Owing to his precau
4 tions, should the robbers awake, befol
n they could light their lanterns he coul
70 escape in the darkness.
q Once more the cave was wrapped
= inkv darkness. Macdonald moved III
n side of his lantern sufficiently to CIV
. him the little light that he needed. II
- approached the wigwam with beatin
heart. At this moment one of the vi
n lains stirred and groaned. 1t was
II moment of terrible suspense. The ma
N muttcred something, and it seemed as
20 he must certainly awake. NacDonal
~ closed the slide and waited, while IL
- perspiration started from every pore
% his body. But the danger passed. III
:. man sunk into deep slumber. MacDol
"a aid gave himself little light .secon
! time, and peered into the wigwam. Ye
x Helen was there!
y She recognized him, and did n
ne scream.
: "Nhat dear, brave fellow you are
. she ruurmured, "t to risk your life 4
- me ~
At this moment one of the villai
al awoke.
&c "What is the matter with the fire
ne he cried
- Macdonald had taken the precauti,
to close his lantern while Helen and
-, we're whispering. so that there was
-, danger of immediate discovery.
VA The man got up and began to fumt
he around. His companions awoke, al
in swore because they had been disturbed
Not a moment was to be lost.
tn The situation was desperate, well-ni
Die hopeless. Macdonald feared he h
n iJlaycd brave aud most perilous p'
lat only to be defeated. While he was
,re terrible suspense not knowing what "
ee- best to do, the dear girl whispered
m, hin:
ng "Let us fly. There is boat. l cal
nd in it,"
ley 'sCan YOU find it 2"