Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-12-21

eOUCl fOlh'
preston.
81 guess we'd best go home again.
"No, father; Pm not going home until
I find DAN"
"Sho, Club"
81 can't, father"
"Why?"
al tell you can't, father. He's some
where nigh"
ave don't know nothin' about that,
Club"
"He has been followed or overpow-
cred, and / think l know who did 1t.
But I must find him. Dead or alive,
must find him"
swell, well, WE'LL"
"You can 90 on round the cliffs, father;
gome of us will hunt through the big
woods, wherever we think he might
be hid"
ats all nonsense, Club; but it's just
as you like. I'm going to do Just as you
like now, I'll hunt till daylight-PH
hunt all week if you say So"
al do, do, father"
"Whv. of course-why shouldn't do
anything you ask me to? Besides
maybe he may be lying somewheres'
Anyhow, here | am."
And there were Others, too, a GoZcn
or more, who resolved to hunt the noun
tains until daylight.
They secured the mountain Businesses
till daybreak.
Then they breakfasted at Hank Daw-
sons, and ten strong men said tney
would devote another day to the quest:
"Pll never forget you folks" SAID
Club Dawson, smiling on them as they
mounted their horses in front OF her
fathers house
Her own horse was champing his bit,
eager to move.
The party were well provided for.
They had abundance for lunch, and
every man had his flask of liquor. They
set out resolved to solve the mystery, II
it could be solved.
They hunted all that day and until
midnight, and then the volunteers sadly
confessed their labors were fruitless, as
they assembled once more, as by pre-
vious arrangement, at the house where
Dan had boarded.
The people who made him welcome In
their family were almost distracted
They had grown to like Dan Bash very
much. Two grown sons regarded hin
as very superior being They were
among the most active searchcrs
These men shed bitter tears
Not so Club.
Club had not shed tear in the pres
ence of any one since the horse came
running up to her at her fathers fence
with flying name.
"It's all no use, boys" said Hanl
Dawson, sadly. "You may go home"
Club was silent She remained silent
until the crowd separated.
When the two were alone with th'
people of the house, Club sad:
"Father, you know who has done this,
81 suspect, Club. I'm not ready t.
swear it. "
a am. 1 feel it. 1 can't tell you how
but, father, know it,.
"You're nervous-upset, Club.
81 am-but it amt that"
"You can't know it, Club, less yo
soe it. or hear something that you car
prove. Have you?"
"No, haven't. But | tell you kno'
It lust as well as l know I'm talking I
YOU. Father-Im just as sure Dan
alive as I'm talking to you.
"If he's alive-where Is he? Don't G.
too fast. How do we know what tur
things may take. It's best not 10 81
what you think"
~ know understand. You thin
some people may say that because W
can't find no sign of Dan Bash--he's ru
awav-gone and backed out Of the maj
riage."
"Mv God, Club, didn't say that"
"But you can't help thinking wha
people will think, father.
Hank Dawson was silent. He was
honest he would not lie to her even then
81 know it. I've had plenty of time
think. That's why I'm not going
give up"
@That's all right. Club. OF course
Is nat'ral you won't give up looking
dad"
There was something of her old bright
ness as she uttered the term of endeal
ment.
"Well, Chub-out with it,"
"Suppose you give out that we're goiI
to stop here now till morning. It's aftc
10. We can take rest, and have goo
talk with the Biggers, and then, alon
about half-past or 3, you'll start HON
with me-"
sJust as you like, Club Anythin
you say"
So they talked to the Biggcrs as
they would remain till the next day.
"You've some little scheme, Club,
said her father in 4 whisper.
"Ill tell you by and by, dad"
Then they sat down to late supper
all the volunteer party hal eaten hear
ily before bidding each other good night
and after they ate began TO talk over tt
extraordinary disappearance Il La
Bash.
rT0 RE CONTIEUED.