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

wildly. aAh! Ralph, If it should
be-"
"Who?s
@Inez"
The scout started.
@No, no; -rney wouldn't dare to kill the
girl that way"
aYou do not know them No crime is
too deep for these inhuman ghouls'
Quickl Aid me; must know who IS IN
that cave"
In moment they were at work tear
Ing and dragging the half-faming mass
from the mouth Of the cavern.
Even after they mad removed 1t the
place was so filled with smoke as 70
choke and blind them.
Still, Darrell did not delay, but dashed
recklessly forward
A cry of horror and yet Of relief es-
caped his lips as he saw human form
lying on o pile OF leaves. It was that OF
q woman, but it was not Inez Tracey.
Instead, the dim light Of the cave
showed face dusky, though beautiful
the countenance of an Indian maiden.
She was bound hand and foot, almost
suffocated by the smoke, exhausted.
diving, threatened by terrible death
when Darrell found her. he lifted her
bodily in his arms and bore her to the
outside air.
In profound amazement Ranger
Ralph stared at the strange figure.
Darrell released the bonds that Sc
cured the girl. Her wild, haunted eyes
swept his face for moment her bosom
heaved, and she grasped his hand in the
deepest emotion. :.
aThe White Fawn win never forget
you'll" she uttered, in gasping cry OF
gratitude.
aWho is she-how came she here?'
asked the bewildered Darrell
.Ask her; she speaks our language, 1t
seems" suggested the scout.
The Indian girl shrank back at the
words; she shook her head vehemently.
aThe White Fawn has her secrets,
and will not tell them. But when the
day comes when the Black Crow stands
face to face with her again. let him be-
ware!D
"Despard!" calculated the scout at
was he who shut her up in that cave to
die. See here. my girl, we've helped
you out Of difficulty; will you return
the favor?"
The Indian maiden did not direct at
tention to the ranger, but fixed her eyes
with a devoted light on the face OF
Darrell.
aThe White Fawn would die to serve
the young pale-face, she said earnestly.
sThen lead US to the prairies below
spoke Darrell.
She sprapg before his horse
sFollow!" she said
They obeyed their dusky guide, who
fed them from the spot with the swift
ness and accuracy of one familiar with
the locality.
Not a word was spoken until they
reached the base Of the descent to the
plain below. The broad prairie, with
its wooded stretches, lay before them.
AS far as one of these the girl accom-
panied them. Then she turned as If to
leave them. Suddenly she paused, In q
listening attitude. Then she sped light
ly through the timber.
aShe will RETURN" said Ranger Ralph.
sShe has discovered something, you
think?" asked Darrell.
A minute later the Mhe figure OF
White Fawn reappeared.
"a camp of friendly Sioux" she said,
briefly. aThey are on their way to the
reservation. They are my friends.
They go my way. Come; your horses
shall be cared for, and you shall be fed"
She led Darrel's horse by the bride
until they reached q spot where about
twenty Indians sat around campfire.
The savages greeted them in friendly
manner, and they remained for an hour
with them, securing valuable informar
ton as to the country around them.
They were informed that the rowing
bands of Indians were massing their
forces under the leadership Of chief OF
the Nez Perces, who was urging them to
general attack on the settlements OF
the pale faces. -.
It was as they were leaving the camp
that White Fawn clasped the hand OF
Darrell Grey in q warm, earnest pres
sure.
@Yon have saved my life," she said.
HWhite Fawn never forgets friend or
foe. Take this and in your hour OF
danger, it may serve you, If you ever
fall into the hands Of Shadow Snake or
his tribe" ~
She fitted away ere Darrell could ask
for an explanation Of her strange words.
He regarded the singular ornament
she had given him, as his horse started
away. It was piece Of Indian chalk
stone, with some strange characters en-
graved upon 1t, and bound together by 3
chain made of the rattles OF snake.
Little did either Of the men dream OF
its future value to them, or Of the effect
upon their future the mystery surround
ing White Fawn was destined to exert.
r. ~ were now compelled to exert
caution in their movements, and kept to
the timber as much as possible.
The information they had received led
them to believe that their enemies had
gone to join the savages, massed in camp
at the Pueblo River, forty miles across
the country.
To reach this they would undoubtedly
have to pass through much danger, and
it might be impossible to follow Des-
pard's trail closely.
Several times that day they saw va
grant parties of Indians in the distance,
but concealed themselves until they were
out Of sight
There are two points for US to remem-
ber," said the scout that evening at
dusk.
what are they?" asked Darrell.
3First, to attempt the rescue Of 1nez
and remove her to place Of safety"
SAnd the other?"
ITO reach Walford the Recluse, to
| whom Inez's father left her fortune, be-
fore Despard learns where he is. We are
likely to encounter many dangers ere we
accomplish it, and must be wary, for we
may come upon our enemies at any mo-
ment.
aHicfi1