The Forrest City times., 1894-07-27
appeared. but this monstrous firehy was visible all the time.

the shore. He didn't want to go on, but some irresistible power impelled him to do so. Suddenly he found him. self within twenty yards of the point, snd-sober!
 He slunk down behind the bushes in | amazement, for the firefy which he had followed was the light of Injun Joe's camp fire, and Injun Joe was there; but not the lnjun Joe the laugh and scorn and mock of the village, but another being altogether full blooded brave in his war paint, with tomahawk and rifle by his side, and his copper-colored cheeks glowing in the freight with vermillion. A long scalploclx hung from his shaven crown. s'Gosh. what's this?" said the per- plexed Barney. "The boys will think I'm dreaming."
 The Indian did not stir or give one sign of life He looked across the river at the long range of the Lauren tian hills, as if marking the dark sweep of the pines which crested their summits. He seemed to be waiting. Barney crcpt a little nearer. Suddenly birch bark canoe shot out from little island in the middle of the river and glided noiselessly through the night. It was padded by squaw. She was clad in deerskin, and toque of eagle feathers rose from her long, flowing tresses.
 Come, my white brother, come." said Injun Joe, without looking | around. "Lelota waits" Barney came forward with an un- easy laugh. '.I reckon, old Fenni- more Cooper, you'll have the judge down on you if you're up to any of your larks."
 Come" said Injun Joe. gravely, and Barney stepped into the canoe, which sank nearly to the waters edge. The squaw paddled noiselessly. with swift, rapid strokes, across the river until they reached the opposite shore. | They got out and beached the canoe. "Come," said Injun Joe, leading the way, and Barney, humoring the joke, fell into single file.
 They went on through the dark night, treading upon the noiseless needles of the pines. The boughs bent down and hid the moon. Barney be- gan to shiver. Was it a phantom in front of him, or only drunken lro- auois bent upon some mad folly inspired by whisky?
 1 Presently they began to climb the mountain side. lnjun Joe went in front with catlike activity. Barney began to feel blown. but followed his guide until they emerged into a little glade or clearing entirely free from pines, and covered with short, smooth turf. l The moon sailed overhead an owl cast slanting shadow on the grass as it swept up into the light. In the center of the glade was another camp fire, and around this were sitting four Indian braves Paint scalp locks, weapons all were there. A little to one side oi the fire was post sunk in the ground. It was clipped and scared and stained with dark streaks. Could they be blood?
 Barney turned to flee, but he felt that he was covered. Il didn't count on this yere picnic, gents, he said. with reckless effrontery. "Mebbe you're reclonin' on war dance? I'm not the one to spoil fun. Go ahead They went ahead in most un- pleasant manner. Barney was dragged ! to the post, and tied to it with deer skin thongs in a sitting posture. The Indians resumed their seats around the fire. Barney took out his pipe. and began to smoke. A grunt of ap- proval went up from the grisly forms by the fire.
 |. l. sr a said Barney, his blue eyes dancing with fun. sMebbe you'll make up your minds what you're goin' to do with me-"
 The squaw appeared with little birch basket, and each Indian cast a black bean into it.
 II don't seem to take hand in this yere game" said Barney, with un- abated good humor.
 Say him prayer to Manitou, said Iniun Joe. 'shim come heap soon. lie touched the handle of his tomahawk in sufficiently grim manner to be un- pleasant
 j, It suddenly occurred to Barney that it wasn't joke, and cold shiver ran down his spine.
 | Iniun Joe watched him keenly. .Where French Lefebre?" he said. ..Got him scalp He produced a hand full of black hair. clotted with blood.
 It was incredible. Barney remem- bered that French Lefebre had sud denly disappeared some months ago, but as everyone supposed he had gone into the lumber camps no one but his creditors took any interest in the mat ter. or associated his departure with the half dozen or so of miserable h. l a....s ...ho l;nnarad ont their lives in