The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-01-16
CHAPTER XVII.
THE Mopocs.

CHAPTER XVII. @
n THE Mopocs. ~
The plots and movements OF Dyke
Despsrd, the bandit leader, were fast
approaching climax, as he was soon
20 learn In 8 tragic and unexpected
manner s
The Indians whom his spy had dis
covered IN the ravine were indeed mem.
bers Of Shadow Snakes tribe, and he
had avoided deadly conflict by his
timely escape. The savages had located
his recent camp, had trailed h1m'to the
Tavine, and later explored the clih, but
found no trace Of him.
Darrell Grey had remained faithfully
Ut his post In the fort.
When the rain and mist obscured the
outlaws he did not retreat from the In
trenchment, but endeavored to watch
the cliff as best he could. Thus hidden
ty the gloom, the outlaws escaped with.
out his knowledge. He was amazed
when at last the mists were dispersed
and he saw no trace OF his enemies in
the vicinity.
Instead, q score Of dusky warriors
were ascending the winding mountain
paths.
What did It mean?
He was perplexed and somewhat
alarmed at the discovery. The savages
seemed to be following trail and were
coming directly to the summit OF the
cliff Sooner or later he must be discov-
cred, and resistance against such su-
perior numbers would be folly. Besides.
by this time White Fawn and Inez must
have effected their escape.
Ee could not explain the mysterious
disappearance OF the bandits, but he OBJ
served that there was q possibility OF
leaving the fort and retreating before
the Indians reached the summit Of the
elif
Darrell began to creep behind the rocks
In the direction the Modoc princess and
Inez had gone he saw, some distance
away, q place where he might essay
descent to the valley, and fastened TO-
reach it.
Suddenly he started in dismay. g..
Asif by magic, two stalwart savages
had darted across his path. Before he
could retreat or advance they had seized
him securely
They gave utterance to a triumphant
1ell.. and -bsgsn- to lead him toward the
fayfne where their chief was. Darrell
faced his enemies boldly as they gather
cd around him. ...
Shadow Snake listened to the rapid
words Of barrels captors, I'm explana-
ftol Of their researches. Then lie turned
10 the prisoner. 49,
~Ugh!" he calculated; @who is the pale
face2"
Shadow Snake did not evidently recog-
nize Darrell as the man he had liberated
et White Fawn's request at the outlaws
stronghold in Lone Canyon. In his new
disguise, the Modoc chief did not suppose
his present prisoner and his daughters
friend to be the same person.
u am the friend Of the White Fawn. !"
he said, simply. ,-- ..
The chief started.
Ughl The pale-face knows the prin-
cess?" a
. ~Yes.s
sYou have seen her of late?"
"a few hours since"
sWhere?'"
:. Briefly Darrell related how he had met
the White Fawn. He told the Snake
that he had once saved his daughters
life. he related how he had rescued Inez
3f6m Despard, and detailed The pursuit.
and the attack on the mountain hut
The old chiefs eyes blszed fercely as
Darrel spoke Despard's name
"Ughl" he uttered savagely. @The
Black Crow shall be trailed. Whittier
has he gomez"
II do not know.
sand the Fawn?"
Escaped by the rsvine to the river.
Shadow Snake held brief conference
with his braves.
GThe Eagle shall be the friend Of the
Snake" said the Modoc chief to Darrell.
sTogethor we will find and punish tho
Crow"
Darrell showed tho rattlesnake chain
White Fawn had given him, and this CO.
mented the confidence and friendship OF
the Modoc braves. Shadow Snake at
once went around the cliff, and reached
the ravine on the other side.
@The canoes are gone!" he uttered an
grily, as they came to the spot Where
Despard had reached the river.
Indian sagacity soon formed theory
rs to their theft, which proved to be tie
{ correct one. The canoes they learned
had evidently been taken at intervals
-AThe Fawn went first with the pale'
face maiden" explained Shadow Snake.
aWhy do you think SOP" Darrell VEN
tured to inquire.
aBecause the boat was pushed into the
,votor as an Indian would CO ii, and the