Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-02-06

cape 20 yne upper part OF rne ravlne.
Once safely away from the dugout he
could easily hide until the miners re.
turn
He set about his preparations without
delay. Quickly and quietly he filled a
large bag with the precious metal and
hid what was left under the embers Of
the fireplace, carefully raking the ashes
over the spot again. He purposely left
the hole under the bunk uncovered, &c
that the ruffians would be sure to see
that the treasure was gone.
Now he was ready. and after stand
ing in listening attitude for few Sec
onds he crept to the entrance of the dug
out, the revolver held in one hand and
the bag of gold in the other. He was
barely outside when he heard a scrapins
noise straight overhead. and quick
ly two dark figures dropped lightly be-
hind him. The tricky ruffans had made
a detour above the dugout and crept
down over the rocky hillside that form
ed its roof. No doubt it was their inten-
tion to rush i'll and overpower the lad
before he could shoot them, and had
they dropped a moment sooner they
might have been successful. But Tom
discovered them before they saw him,
and instantly he went plunging down
the slope at full speed. AS the coast was
now clear, he turned southwark along
the narrow path, hearing shouts and
rapid strides behind him.
He ran faster and faster through the
night. sticking to the path by blind in
stinct and intent only on escaping with
the gold Suddenly he felt slippery
rocks under his feet and knew that be
had blundered astray. Then a rife
cracked, and at the same instant he fell
forward. He felt stinging pain along
his head, stunning blow over one eye,
and after that he remembered nothing.
When Tom came back to conscious
ness, he was lying on Old Derringer' g
bunk in the dugout, and the miner him
self was sitting near him on stool.
The sun was shining in the doorway,
and the kettle was boiling over the fire.
He suddenly remembered all that had
happened, and he tried to sit up in spite
of his weakness and headache.
''Lie still. youngster. I" said Old Der
ringer in strangely tender tone
you'll be all right after bit.
''The goldl" cried Tom. Have you
got it?''
EVERY nugget" the miner replied.
THE bag was in your hand, and seen
the rest peepin from the ashes.
'But how did get here. and what
became of the robbers?"
II reckon 1 shot one, answered Old
Derringer "Leastwise there was blood
on the stones. You see come along just
as they fired at you, and then they hus-
tied up the gorge as quick as they could
go. The ball only nipped your head, but
you had an ugly knock from tumblin on
the rocks. 1 carried you up here, and
all night long you kept talkin wildlike
about gold and robbers and-and about
your home at Carlisle. away of in Penn
sylvania. That was my home, too.
youngster. Say, il you don't mind, is
Mellish your real name?'
"No," said Tom. My real name is
Woodruff :"
Old Derringer turned pale. "Not the
son of John Woodruff"
He was my father, I" Tom answered.
The next instant Old Derringer was
kneeling by the bunk and had his arms
around the amazed lad "I'm your Un-
Gle Jim," he cried hoarsely, what run
away from home 90 years ago. John
Woodruff was my brother. Thank God,
we've found each other, lad. I'm goin
to sell the claim to a party at the settle
ment fur big price. and as soon as he
comes up to see it you and NELL go back
to Pennsylvania and buy the old home
stead. And as fur foreign lands-why,
there amt one you shan't see if you
want to- Well take a trip together. 7"
Old Derringer stopped for want Of
breath, and presently be and Tom dis
cussed more calmly the wonderful things
that had happened. 1t was better than
medicines for the lad. and by evening
he was on his feet, as sound and we'll as
ever.
A few days later the two were travel
ing east as fast as steam could carry
them, and Tom knew that his days Of
tramping and privation were over. In
the strangely discovered relative he had
found lifelong friend and protector.
William Murray Graydon in Philadel-
phia Press.
Attacked by o Rhinoceros.
The author of Discovery Of Lakes
Rudolf and Stefanie" had shot zebra.
and his men were making ready to cut 1t
up, when two rhinoceroses appeared in
the distance Apparently the firing Of
the gun had disturbed their nap and
made them thoroughly angry.
Though more than 400 PAGES off, the
rhinoceroses swerved aside when they
saw us and then dashed upon US with
the speed Of race horses. As usual, my
black companions took to their heels,
making for solitary tree some distance
off. 1t was hopeless for me to think Of
reaching it, and there was not so much
as blade of straw for cover anywhere.
And behind the dead zebra, which would
have been better than nothing, three of
my Laen were already crouohing.
There was nothing for it but to brave
the situation out. SO knelt on one knee,
the better to take aim. and with my
elephant gun in hand waited to fire till
could hope to kill. 1t seemed long
time before could cover the shoulder
of either Of the huge beasts. and I knew
any other shot would be useless The
result was that did not pull the trig-
ger till one Of the animals was only
some eight or ten PAGES off.
1t staggered and fell, but the next
moment was on its feet again. It was
not killed, but its ardor was cooled, for
1t turned away. followed by its compan-
ion. Twice it seemed about to fall, and
did not think second shot would be
necessary, but it got away with undi-
minished speed. and though we followed
it for some distance we lost it.
Plea For Second Glass Cars.