The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-11-14
CHAPTER XII

VQey UUTo ulm tOWdlQS taOll
with yells of triumph.
The demonstration soon drew large
throng to the spot, and the scout, Sc
curely bound, was tied against tree,
the cynosure Of many murderousL eyes
and the object Of the Jeers and insults OF
his victorious foes.
a grim look came over the old rangers
face as he saw the Modoc chleftatn,
Shadow Snake, approach the spot.
With him were his renegade allies,
Dyke Despard and Jim Dsnton.
The outlaw leader started, and then
stared in mute wonderment at the man
he had endeavored to kill at Ten Spot
two nights previous.
aRanger Kalph!" calculated Danton,
with savage scowL HE bears
charmed life"
The eyes OF the Modoc chief kindled
with satisfied hate IS he recognized an
enemy who had more than once crossed
his trail to his serious disadvantage.
@The Ranger is spy" he hissed
what brings him here?"
The scout was Silent
sYes; he has been trying to incite the
pale faces to attack the tribes" said
Danton. sHe Is a dangerous enemy"
sLet him die before we leave here at
another sum-" ordered the Snake briefly
to the Indians about him.
The old scout did not speak. Into his
mind came o memory OF what he had
overheard Despard and Danton say
about the daughter Of the old chief.
He resolved to bring this intelligence
to the knowledge of Shadow Snake, but
the opportunity was not yet presented
He formed plan to see the chief
alone, when Despard and Danton would
not be near to deny his statements or
silence him.
For over an hour he remained secured
to the tree watching the savages, who
paid no further attention to him for the
present.
In some way they had secured kes
OF liquor, and were intently engaged in
disposing Of it as rapidly as possible.
The old scout knew from experience
that as soon as the Indians were fight
ing drunk they would pay attention to
him.
He recalled his many battles with the
tribe, and knew that they were full OF
animosity and hatred toward him.
To his surprise, however, when they
had finished the liquor the majority OF
them staggered from the camp, entirely
ignoring his presence.
Only q few sleeping inebriates now
guarded the prisoner.
The scout eudeavored to free himself,
but was not able to break the bonds that
secured him.
In few minutes the Indians returned
with a second keg Of whisky, from the
direction of the main camp.
They were all, or nearly all OF them,
very much intoxicated, and struggling
along with them were several other saw
ages from q different camp. One of
these attracted the rangers attention by
his helpless and reeling condition.
As the savages placed the keg on the
ground and began to drink from it, this
Indian stretched himself out on the
green sward as If to sleep.
His hand almost touched the form OF
the captive scout, and the latter looked
somewhat startled as he observed that,
unperceiveo by his companions he had
drawn knife which he held half con-
cealed in his hand
The Indian appeared to be drawing
nearer and nearer to the scout, and
finally stealthily drew the keen blade OF
the knife over the withes which secured
Ranger Ralph to the tree.
The next moment the lariat that held
the rangers form captive was also cut.
Ranger Ralph was relieved Of his
bands.
sDon't move yeti"
The scout started as his strange
friend uttered the words in low, eau
tious tone of voice.
@Darrel Grey!" he muttered, in amaze
ment allow did you come here?"
SNever mind now, but act quickly.
These Indians are so drunk they will
not notice you Make no suspicious
move while talk with you, and warn
me If any Of them seem to notice US or
come this way"
Darrell lay with bis back turned to the
Indians, who were perhaps ten feet dis
tant-
The old scout kept his eye upon them
and listened intently as Darrell resumed
the conversation in cautious tones.
"There is one way to es,ape safely"
he said. "You must follow that"
"Where?"
ITO the east Once across tho river,
strike to the north and you are safe
from ambush, for the savages are In.
tending to move south and are camped
in that direction"
allow did you come here-this disguise
were you not afraid?"
II risked it, and luck has favored me. "
"You cannot long continue it," re-
marked the scout
@Why not?"
aYou cannot speak word OF the Mo-
doc language"
THAT is why pretended to be intozi-
Gated"
aYou cannot. keep up that pretense all
night"
II don't expect to-"
"What them"
sTo find the girl and escape with her. "
aTo-night?"
Eyes"
Ranger Ralph looked serioua
The inexperience Of his young friend,
he feared, would lead him into trouble.
So far, however, Darrell had outrivaled
himself in his tactics Of dealing with
the Indians.
II have marked out q course OF &C.
tion," said Darrel, confidently, "and l
expect to carry it out successfully. You
know what these red fends meditate?"
"Tne attack on the emigrant train?"
ayes. From what have heard, they
intend moving at once. The train
should be warned. You can do that"
sHow? I cannot reach them in timer"
SYou can with g horse. In q few
minutes will stsgger to the corral and
have a. horse ready for Won. Then YOU