The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-11-21
The Waif Of The Western PrairieG,
BY WELDON j. COBB.
CHAPTER XII.
lNEZ.

the imposition he had undertaken.
When he had knocked the savage at
the river insensible, he had boldly deter
mined to assume his identity Temporal
rilY, and penetrate to the camp OF his
enemies.
The venture was q perilous one, but
dt seemed as if fate favored its execu-
. tion.
Darrel had soon donned the apparel OF
the unconscious savage, and his war
paint enabled him to finally present the
appearance Of genuine Modoc warrior.
He had staggered to spot where sew
eral savages were quarreling over q keg
OF LIQUOR, and amid the excitement OF
the hour, no one seemed to notice him
particularly.
Several times he was addressed in the
Modoc language, but he feigned maud.
, lin drunkenness, and only responded
with few incoherent mutterings-
Thus it was that he entered the camp
where Ranger Ralph was prisoner.
his rescue Of the scout has already
been seen by the reader.
So far he was entirely successful in
his movements; but Darrell saw that his
imposture must sooner or later be dis
covered.
He did not, therefore. return to the
same band OF Indians from whom he had
rescued Ranger Ralph.
Instead, he wandered into the main
encampment and determined to locate,
If possible, the tent in which Inez Tracey
was held captive.
:. he found that a large number OF the
Indians and two Of Despard's band had
gone south on the expedition against
the emigrants.
It was when near large tent that the
sound of familiar tones awakened his
immediate attention.
Instantly he recognized one voice as
. belonging to Dyke Despard.
He was addressing his associate Vance,
and he asked:
3Then Danton and the others have
gomez"
aYes," replied Vance. aThey will at
tack the emigrant train, secure our
share of the booty, meet the others OF
the band and come at once to Lone
Canyon.
"Good- Now then, as to our move
Saents?"
@Well?"
~We must leave here at once"
@For Lone Canyon?"
Eyes"
sand the girl?"
3Get Trailing Fox to 90 to the wigwam
for her" r.....'-
~Then will get the horses ready?"
@At the edge Of the camp, yes. The
Indians may be suspicious II they find Us
leaving them, but the Fox will aid us as
he Is friendly to us"
.All right"
Darrell withdrew rs Vance seemed
about to leave the tent.
He knew that If ne acted It must be
At once.
he hurried in and out among the wig
vans, and at last paused before one OF
them. .-..'
It was where an o!d squaw sat before
. smoldering camp fire.
Glsncing beyond her Darrel saw the
form OF q woman lying on some buffalo
skins.
ut must be Inez," he murmured,
wonder II can pass the old squaw un-
observed"
The latter was nodding drowsily as he
stepped toward the tent She reused in.
stantly at his advance.
Immediately Darrell resumed his role
Of drunkenness He had flask Of liq-
uor in his pocket and this he extended
toward the woman. She seized 1t
eagerly.
Darrell muttered some incoherent
!. words about Shadow Snake. The squaw
seemed to comprehend that the chief
had sent him to the place, and did not
attempt to stop him as he walked boldly
into the tent
Upon the rude Indian couch lay Inez
Tracey.
Her eyes were wet with tears, her face
pale and alarmed. She started to her
feet with cry of terror as the pretend.
ed drunken Indian approached her.
@Ugh! pale face come with mel" he
uttered
She followed him from the place silent
ly, despairingly.
He led her, not toward the center of
the camp, but through its purlieus, anx-
ious to reach the open country beyond.
Every nerve thrilled with the intens-
est emotion as he realized that the res
cue was nearly assured.
The Indians whom they met paid no
attention to them. Poor Inez, fearing
some new captivity, seemed about to
taint away
40 she walked unsteadily, Darrell ap-
preached her nearer.
"Courage!"
She started at the fervent, unexpected
word.
walk straight on," he breathed,
hurried!y. 1We are not yet safe"
A half-suppressed CRY Of JOY broke
from the girls lips.
"Darrel!-Mr Grey" she cried; "oh!
ran wa eecaneo0
"Yes, yes Follow me faster"
stop them!"
The words came from behind them
and caused Inez to utter a startled cry.
Darrell seized her arm and made for q
near thicket.
Coming toward them were Despard,
Vance. aud several savages
"Discovered!" cried Darrell, despair
ingly.
Instantly he was surrounded
aWhat are you doing with that girl'"
demanded Despard gruffiy.
aUgh! Shadow Snakes ORDERS" grunt-
"A lle!n shouted Despard. Here!
Where is the Wolf? This man is no In
dian, but a spy. He stole the VOLTS
identity, and is spiriting the girl away"
Angry, menacing faces confronted the
young scout. One savage sprang before
him with an uplirted tomahawk.
At glance Darrell Grey recognized
him. 1t was the Modoc warrior whose
garb he had stolen at the river few
hours previously.
The young scout was In q position Of
terrible peril.
CHAPTER XIII.