The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-12-26

woman love-Inez Tracey"
1t was Darrell Grey who spoke, but
not, in propria persona, as the reader
first saw him,
He was eIaborately disguised, and In
nowise resembled the young scout who
had rescued Inez Tracey the eventful
night at Ten Spot when our story
opened.
His disguise and appearance in the
district described may be briefly ex-
planned
When he had been set free by Shadow
Snake at the outlaws stronghold IN
Lone Canyon, he had, as directed, gone
at once to Miners Gulch.
He knew that 1t would be dangerous
and useless to attempt to lind lnez or
the scout with the hostile tribes around
him. His return to the Gulch was not,
therefore, retreat, but forced hight
for safety.
Once arrived there, he aroused the
natives by relating all the exciting
events of the preceding few days. The
result was that score OF determined
men set out the next day to rescue their
imperiled companion, Ranger Ralph.
Not a trace Of the scout, Inez, the old
hermit, or the Indian princess could be
found
The Nodocs had returned to their usual
camp, here they were so numerous
that q journey thither would be useless.
The bandits had been dispersed or
killed, md the disappointed Darrell could
learn nothing of Despard or the sur
viving members Of the band.
All the parties to the recent plot OF
the desperate had mysteriously and
strangely disappeared.
Utterly dispirited the young scout re-
turned to Miners Gulch.
He had no means OF knowing whether
Inez Tracey was prisoner in the hands
Of the Modocs or was the captive OF
Despard. He inclined TO the latter be-
Lief, however, and at last determined to
act upon 1t.
Assuming that Despard had escaped,
he resolved to gain trace of his where.
abouts If possible. 1t was for this rea-
son, knowing the willy foe with whom he
had to deal, that he disguised himself.
He visited Lone Canyon, found the
tavern in ruins, and tie bandit strong
hold entirely deserted Thence he went
south, visiting all the many mining
camps along Pueblo River.
He pretended to be prospector, but
kept sharp lookout for some OF the
escaped outlaws.
Finally. one day, he met at tavern a
man whom he recognized as q former
member OF Despard's band From him
he deftly learned that Despard and Dan
ton had escaped the Modocs. They
were to meet at Dead Mans Gully in .
few days. Despard was in hiding and
Danton had gone after somc hidden
treasure. ..
That afternoon Darrell arrived at the
gully, where tavern that was q gem
eral center for the miners was located.
Darrell announced to the landlord that
he intended to remain for several days,
and secured q room at the tavern.
That night and all the next day he
haunted the bar-room Of the place,
keeping sharp lookout for Despard.
He made many guarded inquiries as to
the outlaw, but could learn nothing def-
mite concerning him. =
The next evening, however, an episode
occurred which indicated that his efforts
to locate Despard were destined to be
rewarded with success at last
1t was just after dusk, and he was
seated in chair near the bar, when a
stranger entered the place.
The others in the room, engrossed In
card playing and drinking, did not no.
tice him, and Darrell himself only be-
slowed passing glance at him. The
stranger bore small sachel In his hand
and wore heavy sombrero that effect
ually shadowed his bearded face.
he addressed the landlord in low
tone. The moment ho spoke Darrell
started violently.
aDanton!" he breathcd, excitedly.
He had instantly recognized the voice.
He controlled his emotions, however,
and listened intently.
"Are you the landlord?" asked the
disguised Danton.
Eyes"
II was to meet a friend here"
~What is his name?"
aFuertado." r
"a Mexican?"
@Yes."
aThere's no one here Of that name,s
said the landlord,
"Then he hasn't come yet I'll wait
for him. Can you give me q room2"
= eyes"
Danton placed coin on the counter.
Sand send Fuertado to me when he
comes"
.All- right
: Danton was led to an apartment In the
rear of the bar-room by the landlord.
Darrell Grey was keenly excited. He
walked out into the open air and re.
f1ected deeply. His enemies were near
ly in his power.
The disguised stranger was certainly
Danton. The man Fuertado he had
named was undoubtedly Dyke Despard.
sWhat had I better do?" he mused.
Darrell formed quick resolution. He
had made the acquaintance Of one Of the
principal men Of the place the day pre-
vious, and had impressed him favorably.
His name was Brown, and he was an ex-
offcio Sheriff of the district
Darrell hastened at once to the cabin
where he lived. Briefly he related the
true object of his visit to Dead Mans
Gully. The Sheriff listened~interested-
IL. He had heard Of Despard, and evi.
IDENTIFY bore him no friendly feelings
"You want me to help you?" he said.
"Yes, replied Darrell.
Sand arrest the man."
SAT once"
ION what charger"
1Trafn robbery and murder
slave you any w.tnesses?"
mot here"
That's it, you see. Despard has some
friends among the regular miners"
"Well?"
"They would demand speedy trial,