The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-01-09


said, "and you'll see it ascend and ex-
plode in midair."
The bag began to fill, and finally arose
IN the air. Every eye was lifted to watch
Its course, and the hermit prepared for
his final move in his clever game to de-
lude the bandits. The balloon arose q
few feet Suddenly it exploded
Simultaneous nowls Of pain arose
from the throng. Every man seemed
gone wild suddenly. The balloon, as
Walford had intended, in exploding had
released some cayenne pepper, which
had fallen into the eyes Of the gaping
bandits. Blinded and in pain, they were
for the most part helpless.
Despard and Danton, however. had
escaped the general sunering, as they
had watched the hermit at little dis
tance. As Walford noticed this, he
flung package Of powder over the
lamp. Immediately dense vapor
spread over the scene.
1.-THE girl-the wagon" cried Despsrd.
@This is sll trick OF our enemies. See,
the man has disappeared" ..s
The hermit had certainly left the spot
where last they had seen him. Despard
and Danton made Simultaneous rush
for the wagon. At its rear stood the
man they sought.
Danton seized him by the arm and
held him firmly. Despard tore aside the
canvas and peered into the vehicle.
~The girl is gone!" he cried.
Walford started, fully as much amazed
as the bandits.
@Gone2' echoed Danton, incredu-
1ously,
ayes, 1t was all plot Who has
taken her?s he demanded OF Walford.
Tell me, or will kill you"
II do not know" ~.
sYou dot was some friend Of yours "
In his rage, Despard dealt the hermit
blow that felled him to the ground in
sensible. Then he rushed back to his
men. By this time they had got. the
pepper out Of their eyes, but were still
In deep pain. Hastily, Despard ex-
planned what had occurred. He divided
the men into parties, and sent them out
in search Of the missing 1nez.
He himself and Danton, with several
of the men, also started on the quest
They learned later what had really oc-
Cured.
Darrell Grey had rescued Inez Tracey.
He had reached the bandit camp, and
while the hermit engaged the attention
Of the outlaws, had hurried her away.
He went direct to the ravine, The hap
py Inez did not delay their fight by
questioning him. Together they reached
the place where White Fawn awaited
them. Darrell hastily explained all that
had occurred,
sWe must not remain here" said the
Modoc princess.
as It not safe retreat?"
GNo.n H.. .. ....
sWhy not?" ...'...
I'VE will be pursued 81. -
sBut the hermit. {"
@He will care for himself. Come.
She led the way rapidly down the ra-
vine.
y sLook!1 she said, after they had pro-
ceeded some distance. aWe are pursued.
They could see hurrying forms behind
them.
1--WE must reach the cliffs" said White
Fawn.
She finally found path leading from
the valley. It was toilsome ascent,
but they finally gained the top of the
cliff. 1t proved to be q kind Of natural
fortification, On the other side stream
flowed fifty feet below.
There was no way Of going on. They
must remain where they were, or retreat
the way they had come.
sWe are in trap" murmured White
Fawn.
SThe outlaws may not trace US here"
remarked Darrell. ''
They crouched behind some rocks and
waited. White Fawn watched the ra-
vine below. It was just beginning to
get light Day was breaking. She saw
several dusky forms coming up the mar
row mountain path. ,f
@We are pursued, she said Let the
Rangers friend prepare for desperate
conflict"