The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-12-05
ROYAL RANGER RALPH;
The Waif Of the Western PrairieS
BY WELDON ]. COBB.
CHAPTER XVI.
IN THE CAVE.

CHAPTER XVI
IN THE CAVE.
Ranger Ralph, the old scout, was not
idle while all the events described since
his mishap at the river were transpiring:
When the horses ran away and dashed
the wagon over the cliff near Lone Can
yon Tavern, the ranger at first gave
himself up for lost
The descent was terrible one, and he
clung to the sides of the wagon as it
turned and fell, and finally struck the
water with crash.
Then, dazed and bruised, he was half
conscious that the horses had become
separated from the vehicle, and that the
latter, badly shattered, was floating down
the stream.
It had now become so dark, especially
IN the shelter of the cliffs that lined the
river perpendicularly, that he could not
estimate his situation except that he was
being borne rapidly away from the scene
of the accident by the streams sWuf
current.
4I'm rid OF the outlaws, any way" he
muttered grimly, "and probably near
their stronghold. I wonder If young
Grey has managed to find the girl, or II
she is still captive and on her way to
this desolate placer"
His predicament was not q pleasant
one, for the wagon box was Immersed ID
water and he was wet through from the
dip in the stream.
Finally it began to sink 80 low that ne
was compelled to climb out on the seat,
and thence later to the top Of the wagon
cover itself.
From here he regarded the fast-fying
landscape silently and clung to his 1rall
raft as it was driven hither and thither
BY the rock -choked current
There was final crash, and Ranger
Ralph was flung head foremost into the
river. "
The wagon was splintered to pieces as
It came in contact with huge rock in
midstream, and foated away leaving
the scout floundering in the water.
He managed to reach the shore. and
stood with dripping garments ruefully
surveying his situation.
Darkness and solitude surrounded him,
and there seemed no means OF leaving
leaving the narrow, confined canyon eX'
cept by the waterway up and down
stream. ... .-. ..' ..,.
Suddenly light appeared in the dis
tance, and the scout stood peering at 1t
for some time, vainly endeavoring to
make out its location and cause.
at must be lantern or campfire OF
the outlaws" he decided, and he deter
mined to endeavor to make -Ais way
toward 1t.
In the darkness and amidst unfa-
miliar scenes this was no easy task, and
his progress was slow andTaborious.
Clinging to trailing vines and shrubs,
scaling rocks, fording and swimming, he
managed finally to gain pile OF rocks
directly beyond which was the light he
had seen.
It proved to be as he had surmised, q
campfire, built somewhat back in q
cave-like aperture Of the rocks
1t was accessible by narrow, dan
gerous path from the cliff above, and
was evidently one Of the entrances TO
the mountain fastness of the bandits.
A dozen rough forms were visible In
the glow OF the freight and among
them Ranger Ralph readily recognized
several whom he had known to be MEM
bers Of Despard's outlaw band.
From his place Of espionage the old
-HCOQG COuIu W6tCA LID OuCAlCS olo oO-
termine at leisure the best course to
phrsue.
There was no fear Of interruption, for
while he might gain the entrance to the
cave it was not likely that they would
come his way. He was so near to the
entrance of the cave that he would al
most hear the laughter and conversation.
There was only this ledge Of rock be-
tween him and the open space IN. front
of the cave. ... -
The scout crouched low as two men
came toward where he was At first he
determined to retreat, as he feared they
were coming over the ledge; but as they
paused at the edge of the stream near by
he discerned that one OF them bore a
bucket in his hand, and that they had
come to obtain some water for the camp.
"What's the programme, anyway" he
heard one Of the men ask; ind the other
replied;
"a general breaking up of the band,
I hear the boys say"
GAnd division of the profits?"
4 @Yes. IT'S whispered about that Des-
pard is tired Of the life, and that It has
become too dangerous to suit him. He's
afraid of trouble with Shadow Snake,
and he's got some scheme for fortune
about the girl he has brought here"
"What trouble could he have with
Shadow Snake?"
aHe's afraid the old Modoc chieftain
will learn about his trcachery in regard
to the princess"
SWhite Fawn?"
ayes; and Dsnton and he have played
the Indians false"
aAbout what?n
@The emigrant train. They sto:e most
Of the plunder, and the Snake will re-
sent this and our desertioE. wouldn't
wonder If the Modoc chief sent mes
senger to demand restitution Anyway,
he's made enemies Of the sayages by his
actions"
The men returned to the cave just
then, but their conversation formed q
theme Of thought in the scouts mind for
some time after their departure
THE girl is here" muttered the
ranger, sand Despsrd has some plan for
leaving the country. ! must learn what
his schemes are, and at once But how?"
Ranger Ralph reflected deeply for over
an hour. Then, as q bold idea flashed
upon his mind, he determined on its i'm.
mediate execution.
He theorized readily that Despard
ueditated leaving the country, and that
he would probably take Inez Tracey with
him. The girl was now doubtless pris'
oner in the outlaws stronghold. The
fortune her father had left her was
the object Of Despard's plot.
To rescue The girl and foil the rene
rade in securing that fortune, the scout
felt that he must act quickly.