The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1894-09-07

Tomorrow Mt midnight" said the
first, who appeared to be in authority.
when the whipp0Or-will calls three
times"
ut is WELL" returned the other.
"Shalf tell Brother Drebbery'
Pass 1t on to him, and from him
to the others. Nine to seven!''
"Seven to five!" repeated the other,
different directions. Their concluding
words had evidently been some form
Of sign and countersigl. The instant
that their footsteps had died away in
the distance Jefferson Hope sprang to
his feet, ard helping his companions
across the gap, led the way across the
fields mt full speed, supporting and half
carrying the girl when her strength
appeared to fail her.
'Hurry on-hurry ont" lie gasped
from time to time. I'VE are through
the line Of scntinels. Everything de-
ponds on speed. Hurry ont"
Once OH the high-road they made
rapid progress. Only once did they
meet any one, and then they managed
to slip into n field, and so avoid recog.
milton. Before reaching the town the
hunter branched away into a rugged
and narrow footpath which led to the
mountains. Two dark, jagged peaks
doomed above them through the dark
ness, and the defile which led between
them was the Eagle canon, in which
the horses were awaiting them. With
1nerring instinct Jefferson Hope picked
his way among the great boulders end
along the bed of dried up water
course, until he came to the retired
corner, screened with rocks, where the
faithful animals had been picketed.
The girl was placed upon the mule,
and cid Ferrier upon one Of the horses,
with his mOney-bag while Jefferson
Hope led the other along the precipi-
tous and dangerous path.
1t was beMildering route Tor any
one who was not accustomed to face
nature in her widest moods. On the
enc side great crag lowered 2 thou
send feet or moreE black. stern and
megacing-with long basaltic columns
upon his rugged surface, like the. ribs
Of some petrified monster. On the 9TH
er hand, wild chaos of powders and
debris made all advance impossible
Between the two ran -he irregular
track, go narrow in places that they
had to travel In Indian file. and 80
rough that only practieed riders could
have traversed 1t at all. Yet, In spite
Of all dangers and difficulties, the
hearts Of the fugitives were light with.
In them, for every step increased the
distance between them and the terrible
despotism from which they were fee
ing.
They soon had proof, however, that
thew were still within the Jurisdiction
Of the Saints. They had reached the
very widest and most desolate portion
of the pass, when the girl gave O
startled cry and pointed upward. On 9
rock which overlooked the track, show
ing out dark and plain against the cky
there stood a solitary sentinel. He saw
them us soon as they perceived him
and his military challenge Of "WhG
goes thereT' rang through the silent
ravine.
Travellers for Nevada" said Jeffer
son Hope, with his napd upon his ride
which hung by his saddle.
They could see the lonely watcher
lingering his gun, and peering down al
them as IL dissatisfied at their reply,
by whose permission" he asked.
1.-THE Holy Four" answered Ferrier
His Mormon experience had taught
him that that was the highest author.
ity to which he could refer.
mine from flve," cried the sentinel
Seven from Ave." returned Jefferson
Hope. promptly, remembering the
countersign which he had heard In the
garden.
Pass. and the Lord 60 with you"
returned the voice from above. Be.
yond this post the path broadened out,
and the horses were able to break into
u trot. Looking back, they could see
the solitary watcher leaning upon his
gun, and knew that they had passed
the out lying post Of the chosen people,
and that freedom lay before them.