The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-11-07

closely after him. The stream was very
deep at its center, but the horses breasted
the swift current and landed them safely
on the opposite bank.
@Dash straight ahead" shouted the
scout; at is our only chance"
"No, no! look, Ralph; there is camp
| fire in our path"
The ranger brought his horse to its
launches and glanced quickly and con.
cernedy about him. Behind them and
on both sides the woods seemed filled
with yelling Indians. They had been
attracted to the spot by the warning
cry Of the Indian in the canoe.
Immediately after discovering the
strangers>.he savage had disappeared,
and doubtless reached his companions
who were Fastening to the thicket.
sDismount" ordered the scout in
low tone. ave are in scrape and
must make the best of it."
"Shall we abandon the horses?"
queried Darrell
"For the time being, yes" replied the
scout. 1.-THE Indians are coming. We
had better separate"
Ranger Ralph suddenly swung himself
up by the branches Of an immense tree
under which the horses stood.
Darrell Grey sought to follow his EXAM
pie, but, bewildered by the excitement
Of the occasion, delayed moment too
long.
Three stalwart savages suddenly came
into view.
That they had discovered him, the
yells Of the Indians instantly informed
him. He started for the river and ran
down its banks swiftly.
A cry Of concern broke from Darrels
lips as he glanced ahead Several other
Indians were running in an opposite d.
rection.
He was completely hemmed in, and
there. seemed no means Of escape except
q wild dash inland, which action would
expose him to the fire of his enemies.
He cast one quick glance at the tree
lined stream, and determined to trust
himself to the water. Then Darrell
dropped out of view and began to wade
out into the swift centralcurrento or the
river.
He could hear the savages talking ey-
citedly, and apparently making their
way toward him. Near the shore the
dropping willows afforded a shelter from
their prying eyes, but that he would not
long be safe there he fully realized.
He thrilled to new idea OF safety as
he saw an object floating neap him.
1t was the canoe that the Indian had
abandoned, and 1t was upside down.
Instantly Darrell conceived daring
plan of eluding his enemies. at least
temporarily.
He lodged down and came up with his
head under the canoe. Then he stood
in the water perfectly motioness.
The savages came down to the edge
of the stream and began searching for
him
He could discern that they were max
ing a thorough quest, and that finally
they divided and proceeded up and down
the stream.
When all was silent he ventured to
withdraw his head from the canoe and
glance about him. No one was in sight
in his near vicinity.
aIf could locate the tree where Ralph
hid himself I would rejoin him." he
soliloquized.
Just then, however, as he glanced at
the opposite shore, his eyes met vision
that startled and enchained him.
A campfire had been built, and q
large number Of Indians were busy put
ting up some tents
Near the fire stood q savage, evidently
their chief, directing their movements
There were two white men near him,
and they we're conYersing with him.
Darrell started as he recognized theml
One was Dyke Despard; the other was
his accomplice, Jim Danton. Even as
he watched them, be saw their two COM
rades OF the previous day pass, leading
their horses.
On one was seated q girlish form.
The heart Of the young scout thrilled
to wild emotion as he caught sight OF the
beloved face of Inez Tracey.
aShe Is in the camp, prisoner" he
breathed u will rescue her, or die in
the attempt"
He lodged down again as, against the
the light, he made out savage form
coming down the banks Of the stream.
In a moment Darrell was in his old posi-
tion under the boat
He believed he was as safe as before,
but he learned his error moment later
The boat was suddenly pulled toward
the shore, and he knew that the Indian
he had seen was its former occupant
Darrell quickly comprehended the stu
alton. Dodging down under the water,
he remained there for a moment Then
he raised himself slowly.
The savage was adjusting the canoe
few feet away. Darrell crept cautiously
toward him. A brilliant idea, to enter
the Indian camp in disguise, had entered
his mind
Selling a heavy stone, he dealt the
savage terrific blow. The latter fell
to the ground with groan.
@Victoryl" muttered Darrel, excitedly.
u will yet rescue the imperilled 1nez!"