The record-union., 1895-09-28
BEAVER SKIN.
written for REcoRD-Us1oS by A. p. Hail.
[Conctuded.l
CHAPTER IX,


to the cave. There was no doubt what
ever that the gang was in the cave, and
they were reasonably certain that hlrk
and his prisoner, Lucy. were there also.
They had traced them to the very trall
that led up the mountain side. The
horses they had ridden were in the hat
below. The peculiar shoe told that. So
if they could discover the entrance with
out being discovered in turn, they might
hope to either rescue Lucy, or by guard
ing the entrance. prevent their escape
until more assistance came.
1t was just al sunrise when Moceasin,
who had been below the others, discoV-
cred man gliding through the bushes
over the rocks. Where he came from he
could not tell, but as he was going in the
direction of the horses in the hollow he
had no doubt he came from the cave
He noticed particularly the spot where
he first saw him, and so soon as he had
disappeared went quickly to Beaver Skin
and related what he had seen. Calling
Clinton and Arthur they went to the spot
and examined the ground carefully. No
opening could be found.
Scanning each rock and bush Beaver
Skin suddenly espied broken twig not
larger than pipe stem. 1t was recently
broken. 1t was on the edge of hazel
bush which grew among the rocks.
Opening the bushes with his hands he
beheld, just before him, an opening in
the rocks, but so overgrown with bushes
that it could be seen only by STOPPING.
Pressing the branches aside he stood in
the entrance of the cave. Motioning Clln-
ton and Arthur they all stepped within
the entrance. Clinton, eager aud rsck-
less, rushed forward. At the right he
espied candle burning on a projecting
rock.
Hold on, boy" said Beaver Skin,
you are running your head into danger
when there's no need ONT. We must be
cautious. Ii they discover US they have
all the advantage on their side, and
they'll shoot US down. That won't do,
boy. We must 60 back, and, if possible,
capture the fellow that's OUT We come
here to rescue the gal, not to be shot Tor
sent 10 Nuggit Hill for help. It's only
ten er twelve miles. and bring the otfi-
GERS just as quick as they can come"
He drew out dingy old notebook and
pencil and wrote on it, giving it to Moe
casin, 10 whom he explained what was
wanted, with instructions to pilot them
back.
Instantly the old Indian set out, max
ing q little detour to avoid being seen
by the man who had gone to the hollow.
The others then began their watch Tor
the man. To their surprise he suddenly
cameron above and darted to the opening
so quickly that they had but little more
than glimpse of him. Arthur and
Clinton sprang for him, but he eluded
them and sprang under the bushes into
the entrance. The boys were alter him
in a moment, but The other, perfectly ia
mlliar with every part of the cave,
darted to the right in the darkness, and
Whirling, with revolver IN hand, fired,
the ball striking Arthur in the tleshy
part OF the arm.
That was bad" said Beaver Skin;
''but 'tlsn't deep. Tie your handkerchief
round il. Well fix 'em yet And now
we must watch this 'ere hole sharp. They
can't git out without being picked of,
unless it is powerful dark, and before
then we'll have help. The only trouble
Is some other opening. l think Clinton
and l will guard this door to the cave,
while Arthur can go little beyond there
in case there should be another open
ing"
Suddenly a shot from the entrance
graZed Beaver SKINS shoulder. Clinton
tired quickly at the smoke, but could see
no one. Another shot followed, which
whistled near Clinton's head.
I'VE must get out of the range little, "
said the old hunter, "or We'll be picked
OFT. Them fellers are desperate"
From their new positions they could
not be seen, while they were enabled to
see any one who moved past the opening
bush. They waited some hours, but
were not disturbed.
They're waitin' for night" said the
old man, "but 1t won't help 'em-the
whelps."
Arthur went little distance away, and
where the mountain was less steep,
choosing a fallen tree whose roots had
been torn up, taking the earth down to
the rock with it where it fell, and holding
it up made an excellent breastwork, be
thought. Behind this he sat down tC
watch the whole slope. After an hour OF
two, hearing a slight noise near by, be
turned and was astonished, beyond ex-
preston, TO see head OF brown hair
slowly creeping from out an opening In
the rocks brought TO light by the up
roofing of the tree. The head turned and
instantly he recognized Lucy.
With a cry OF joy he sprang to assist
her out. She was so surprised, so filled
with happy wonder, that she could no
speak a word. Arthur drew her from
the little opening and assisted her to bel
feet.
'Oh! God, be praised! God be praisedr
she said in a strange voice. Then turn.
ing to Arthur she gszed upon him in
wondering way as though not sure il wa.
Indeed he. Then light sprang into heI
blinking eyes, and convulsively flinging
her arms about his neck cried out: "Oh
Arthur, Arthur
Then, remembering herself said, while
the color mounted to her forehead, For
give me. am crazy, / know"
Arthur was not less dazed than Lucy
herself For moment he did not speak
Then he said:
nIr RI unt har
suffered. What good angel directed IN,
10 this spot? Thank heaven we have
found you"
Lucy looked at him gratefully and ther
asked:
"But Clinton. oh, where is Clinton?'
Arthur assured her he was Just bJ
guarding the entrance to the cave
Hastily he told her of their search anC
discovery of the cave. She also told Ar
thur of her capture and experience il
the cave. Then they went TO Clinton
1t was necessary for Arthur TO assist her
The wonderful strain of the last tive
days had told deeply on Lucy, but sh
could not wait.
When they approached Clinton and tn
old hunter, and Clinton caught glimps,
of his sister cllnging to Arthur's arm
he was speechless with amazement; bu
ma sprang to his feet and took her in hi
arms and held her silently in his EN-
brace.
son! thank God. we've got you again,
he said.
why, whsr in the name of cata
mounts do you come from? Well. this i
too good, too good. Bless you gal. bles
YOU" said Beaver Skin, as he held be
hand and laughed. "We'll hear all abou
il after awhile, but we mustn't lose sigh
of this hole in the hill for minute" an,
he went back to his post.
Lucy told the story of her capture, @
the ride, her treatment in the cave ant
escape.