Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1895-02-01
the ladder, down which Club had swiftly

the ladder, down which Club had swiftly
descended.
AS Hank Dawson reached the ladder
he called "Where are you, Chub?"
"Here, dad! Oh! quick-quick. Help
me to get him out of here!"
81 told ye," said Hank Dawson, nod
ming to the detective.
He descended the ladder Immediately.
Bash held the lamp overhead.
"My God! It's Bash. sure enough"
the detective nearo Hank say, as he
held the lamp
"Can l help you down there?"
aI reckon you can"
"No. no." said Club, vehemently. "Tll
help lift him, dad. I'll go first, holding
his he0d"
The detective could hear strong voice
answer:
"There's no need If you'll unbind my
feet and my arms, | can manage after
awhile to get up myself.
AS Hank reached up the ladder for the
lamp, the detective descended.
Together the three looked at Dan
Bash as he struggled into a sitting pos
ture after he was unbound.
His captors had tied his ankles firmly
together, and then had ted his arms He
was living on his side in a very painful
position, when Club found him there in
the dark.
"Don't-don't touch that arm, please, !"
he said to Hank.
"Sore?"
ats broken"
"Broke, DAM"
poor (bph's toorc roSe unhiddon
They overflowed In spite of her.
"Yes-broke in two places I'm afraid y
He sat upright, moved his feet and
looked at them.
sJust wait until tho blood circulates. "
"Here, l reckon II help it on mite
Hank uncorked his pocketflask, and,
pouring out stiff drink in the cup OF
| the cover, handed it to him.
Dan Bash gulped it down eagerly
"That ought to help some, said Hank
at does. feel it now"
"What kind of a hoe is this, any
how?" said Hank, looking around him.
Seems like a hole in the ground
"Tbat's just what it is" said the de-
tective "Seel Here is the face of a
rock. They've found a large cavity
here by accident-dug little more earth
out, shaped it into this queer shape, and
used it for the Lord only knows what
See! Why, there wasn't much work to be
done. Here's rock on this side AMI a
rock on this side. We're between two
rocks with straight sides, or faces. "
"Thats So" said Hank, examining the
place curiously.
"If there were vines here it would be
the place I dreamed about" said Club.
"You dreamed | was lying herc?" said
the lover, quickly
"Yes-but there was room for the sun
to shine down on YOU"
"So there is-or ought to be. They've
covered me up-kept the daylight out,
said Dan, sadly.
"Fecl like movin' ycs?" Hank asked in
sympathizing tone.
Dan made an effort and succeeded in
mounting the ladder with the help OF
Hank Dawson's strong hands. He moved
with difficulty He was weak-faint
with hunger and pain
ais that daJ light out therc?"
eyes, Dam" said Club, as she held his
sound arm, and walked to the door OF
the cabin, followed by her father and
the detective.
"Thank God" said Dan, as he put his
hands up over his eyes, which were
blinded by the sudden light.
The crowd gathered near the rude hut
cheered the moment they behe d him.
"It's him-Dan Bash! Hurrah."
The cheers that were sent up from
Badly echoed from the mountain SIDE to
| the road far below.
They were caught up by the search
ers below and echoed again across the
other mountain slope, until the sound of
rejoicing was heard full five miles over
| the mountains.
Everybody within sound Of the voices
that cheered until their voices grew
hoarso knew the missing bridegroom
was found.