The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1894-02-07


beyond words.
II was slow work to anxious hears.
Half the distance was past and the
shadow of the bluff over them before
q word was spoken. Beyond them in
every direction to the edge of the hor
izon the prairies were bathed in e
cool, pale gray mist. The wind in the
shining, low dropping pines murmured
a perpetual requiem.
Suddenly Nancy's horse SHE'D, near
ly pitching her from the saddle, SO un-
expected was the lurch Jack pulled
the beast up sharply, astonished as he
watched him culver and tremble.
''What happened him, NancyP" he
quiried There's nothing in sight. "
The girl made no response, but
grasped the reins tightly. With her
body bent forward and her neck
stretched out she scarcely seemed to
breathe, in her concentrated effort
to hear. AS Jack would have
touched her hands she drew in her
breath murmuring, 'Hush, Jack, lis
ten !"
Her lover leaned forward, but
rather to be near her than to hear, al
most smiling at her in the death-like
stiffness of the night. But, as he
listened, the smile died away. First
came the soft, thick sound of padded
football on moist ground, then the
sharp, cracking noise of broken un-
derbrush. A moments silence was
followed by the shrill, savage yell of
hungry beasts. The wolves had
scented their prey.
In an instant Jack was on the alert.
'Nancy Nancy!" he cried. Don't
sit motionless like that. They are
almost upon MS. Use your whip
strike Modoc square between the eyes.
He must die for you tonight, if need
be-"
The horses quickly responded to the
unaccustomed touch of the whip and
broke into smart gallop. in spite of
burning hoofs and quaking ground.
AT the sound of human voices two
ravenous mountain wolves broke
through the brush and settled into
steady trot in the horses trail. They
seemingly made no effort to lessen the
space between them, following at an
even distance, like two mocking,
sinister shadows. But the space grew
less and less, for the horses were be-
ginning to weaken. The whip, coax
ing words, even caresses from Nancy's
soft little hand were of no avail. The
hoarse, oft repeated cries of the wolves
affected the horses like ague.
AS Jack watched Nancy's face, the
deathly pallor, the drawn liues at the
corners of the sweet mouth, he knew
there was no need to explain the stu
alton to her, but not in the face nor
in single line of the supple, young
body was there a trace of cowardly
fear. What if she would not listen to
him would not let him save her 70
"Nancyl sweetheart No, no, do
not STOP" as she drew her rein at the
sound of his voice. "Give Modoc
loose rein and plenty of whip and
then, dear, listen to me. Listen with
your heart and swear You will do as l
say. Nancy, we can't both get out OF
this alive, Let me live up to your
trust in me-" Then, as for an in
stant the girls lips quivered child
ishly. Jacks voice broke and he put
his hand on his throat to choke back a
groan. Don't child, don't, he said,
unsteadily. 81 can save you, oh so
easily, Nancy, if you will only listen
and do as l say. Modoc has some
strength yet. He is afraid of the whip
and will keep up if he only has time
time" He repeated the word half
deliriously, it seemed SO unattain able
a thing.
az will manage this way, dear. I
will leave my horse, it will stop them
for little and then, as Nancy shook
her head resolutely, 81 can keep up
with Modoc for-Nancy, you must,
you shall for my sake, for your
fathers" So earnestly was Jack
pleading he had forgotten how the
distance was narrowing at every word.
Now, as he jumped lightly to the
ground, yell of ferocious triumph
rose up, almost at his very feet.
"On, Modoc, onl" he cried as he
snatched the reins from the girls
still hands and struck the horse
wildly on the neck and fanks. The
frightened beast plunged furiously foi
moment, then darted across the
prairie, but unincumbered, for Nancy
had loosened her dress and dropped
from the saddle to her lovers side.
The beasts were now advancing il
fantastic circles, fawning to the groun(
and opening wide their mouths will
} hideous yawning sounds.
Jack stood rigid, as one suddenly
awakened from heavy slumber. Thu
horror of it all was upon him. If only
he were alone it would not be so hard
just the sharp pain, the short struggle
and the farewell thought of Nancy anC
the 'little mater" But "Nancy
Nancy?" he moaned her name alouC
in his agony.
At the sound Nancy flung herself OF
| his heart. Jack Jack forgive me
| | could not go, darling. Heart o
mine, it was worse than death to go
! Kiss me, Jack, once. Good bye.
: can almost hear them breathe.
Jack took her close in his arms
} pressing her face to his breast.
, "Shut your eyes, sweetheart. 1t wa
! nothing, as Nancy started. But h
covered her face, lest she should Sc
I that the horse had gone down befor