The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-09-26
He stalked away in wrathful and
gloomy sullenness, after closing aud
locking the door behind him.
CHAPTER XIV.
IN A r1CKL1sH SITUATION.

IN T1CKL1sH SITUATION.
The first proceeding Of Ellie, after the
withdrawal of Gaddler, was to advance
to her lover and throw her arms around
him.
With the keen, thoughtful instincts OF
her sex, she comprehended only too well
the agonies he was enduring at that mo-
ment-his burning self.reproaches, his
regrets, his apprehensons.
at will be all right darling" she as
sured him, with tenderness which at
tested how closely their loves had be-
come knit during their long journey to
Montana ave shall be rescued by
some heaven-sent deliverer' or make our
escape. Do not doubt it,"
Perry groaned, caressing her.
ut is not your fault, darling, that we
are prisoners, insisted Elfe, her sweet
face glowing with love and affection.
@Do not fret at our situation"
1--WE ought to be thankful that things
are no worse" said Mrs. Rankle. THAT
Gaddler Is capable of burying US all
alive in separate hcles It's something
that we are together, and that there are
three OF US with stout hands"
@Four!" suggested mysterious voice
from the apartment which had been as
signed to the ladies.
Mrs. Rankle was ready to accept the
idea Of something supernatural
@Did you hear that, sir?" she asked,
nervously. GJust as I was saying there
are three of u.s. distinctly heard the
word"
3Four!1 came again from the sdjoin-
ing apartment
sIs some one there?" asked Perry,
after moment of bewilderment-
II certainly heard The word four" !"
affirmed Ellie Tower, sinking into q
chair.
sits only some Of Gaddler's people
who are trif1ing with u.s." suggested
Mrs Rankle @Or It may be parrot. 3"
II the occasion had not been so seri-
ous this suggestion would have probably
produced an explosion Of laughter.
It was certainly hard upon Charley
Baker. as much as he strove to disguise
bis :sice, to have 1t compared to par
rot's.
sAnd the fourth will now put, In an
appearance, added Baker. @Only-no
all our lives are at stake"
In the strange and wondering hush
that succeeded, Baker made his appear
ance in the doorway, calm ard smiling,
with his finger on his lips.
@Charley Baker!" exclaimed Perry,
rushing toward him and selling his
hand. "What pleasure! and, espe-
cially, what surprised"
Baker murmured an incoherent re-.
Spouse, but did not fail to give the hand
Of his friend and employer hearty
shake.
sand this young lady IS the one I an-
nounced to you by telegraph, Charley
Miss Tower, who is to be my wife"
pursued the young millionaire proudly,
facing about and advancing to his be-
trothed. aAs near friend of nina,
darling, he added, "Charley knows who
and what you are, and will be proud and
happy to make your personal acquaint-
enca7
A few pleasant words were exchanged.
Mrs. Rankle coming in for her share Of
attention, and then Ellie exclaimed
softly:
aYou are not q prisoner, Mr.. Baker?"
aNot in the sense that you are, Miss
Tower" replied the mining expert. 81
mean BY this that Gaddler is not aware
Of my presence.
aBravo!" commented Perry. @Eycuse
me If stare at you, Charley. 1t seems
a sort Of return from the dead. Gaddler
has been telling US that he killed both
you and Colonel Whipsaw yesterday"
ats not that Villains fault that I am
alive, returned Baker. "He certainly
did all he could to make true his declara-
tion!"
aTell me all, rejoined Perry, waving
his friend to chair and sitting down,
while Elfe and Mrs. .Rankle proceeded
to explore their new quarters. "The
villain got trace of your presence at the
Musselshell?"
aHe did-the very day Of my arrival"
replied Baker. ale also followed me to
Colonel Whipsaw's, and seemed to divine
at sight the business which had brought
me here"
aAnd then tried to kill you?"
~As you shall see."
It was q very stirring narration that
succeeded, but we need not linger upon
its details. they being covered by the
facts which have already been given.
sand you, sir?" asked Baker, when he
had concluded his revelations
In response to this suggestion, Perry
fastened to relate the experiences he
and Elie had had with the Skidders be-
fore leaving Chicago, and to narrate how
Gaddler had captured them on their ar
rival at Custer.
TO BE coNrIHuED.1