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

low, determined tone, ut you do not In
stantly tell us where Dyke Despard Is
will kill you'll"
It was the outlaws bitterest enem!
who spoke-Ranger Ralph.
.-. CHAPTER xxx.
A VILLAINS TRIUMPH
The tolls were fast closing in upol
the heartless prosecutors OF the beauti
full and innocent 1nez Tracey, and IN
flash Dyke Despard realized that
vital moment in all his plots had ar
rived.
He knew that q word to the rough bu
honest throng in the bar-room OF the
tavern would lead to his arrest, and 4
trial in which Judge Lynch would award
him the fate OF death by hanging.
How these two men happened to meet
at the tavern-how they had managed
to penetrate to this room-he could not
surmise.
Even Danton, terrified at their sudden
appearance, did not notice Despard'i
return to the apartment
For moment the outlaw chief seemed
about to draw weapon and spring upon
his unsuspecting foes. Than his eye
flashed fiercely, as surer and more
silent means Of disposing Of shem came
to his mind.
Marvin had told him of the trap-dool
leading to the cellar. As his eye fell
upon the floor, he noted that both OF the
newcomers stood upon that portion OF
it which comprised the trap. Sunk IN
the floor at the extreme edge was a
small bolt. To draw this back meant to
release the trap.door, Despard doubted
not.
He determined to boldly risk all on
operating it, to the disaster OF his foes
He stepped forward cautiously. Hi
hand reached the bolt. There was q
creaking sound. Ranger Ralph turned
quickly, but too late to avert the dis
aster.
The door fell with crash. Both men
were precipitated into the gloom and
darkness Of the cellar. A low cry o1
malignant triumph escaped Despard'a
lips. ...-.
aBahled!" he cried. aQutck, Danton,
the lamp!"
His companion brought the light to
the trap. Despa1d peered eagerly into
the dark void Fully fifteen feet below,
upon a rocky, uneven floor, lay two
forms. Apparently the fall had robbed
their enemies Of sensibility.
A ladder led from the trap downward.
This Despard pulled up into the room.
Then he closed and locked the trap-dool
just as the landlord entered the room.
The latter seemed somewhat excited
u guess you were right about being
pursued" be said
"Why SOP" asked Despard.
1.-TWO men came into the bar-room
few minutes since who acted very sus'
piciously."
"Where are they now?"
u don't know. They disappeared
very mysteriously."
"rhey came here"
aWhat?" calculated Marvin, incred'
ulously.
Eyes, they came here"
"You knew them?"
GAs our deadliest foes"
@And they are gomez"
"Into yonder trap"
In graphic language Despard detailed
what had occurred.
"Can they escape readily?" he asked
as he concluded his recital.
aNot unless they know the way to q
secret door to the stables"
"Then let US act Marvin, do you
wish to make few thou. and dollars.
HOf course do"
Every well. In this house now there
are two girls"
Marvin started. aHow did you know
that?" he asked surprisedly.
II do know it. One Of them-ths
white one-I love. The other, an In
dian girl, has her fortune In diamonds
In her possession.
The landlords eyes cleaned avari-
ciously as Despard unfolded his plan.
Marvin was to act in immediate col.
lusion with them.
1.-THE men in the cellar will be insens-
ible till we are away" said Despard,
"You get your wife to pretend to befriend
the girls"
sTll fix all that, only Imust not appear
as being in your plot. 1t would hurt me
among my customers.
"We'll manage all that"
Thus 1t was when, half an hour later,
Inez and White Fawn stole from the
tavern. The landlady had pretended to
aid them. but was only acting under
orders from her husband. She told them
to 20 to an old hut few rods from the
house, where she would bring them
horses little latter.
She had left lantern with them, and
the two girls stood silent and alone,
watching its Pickering rays and anxious
ly awaiting the woman's return.
A wild cry Of dismay arose from 1nez
Tracey's lips, as the doorway suddenly
framed two forms. In moment Des-
pard and Danton came into view. The
latter seized the Indian girl. Despite
her struggles. her arms were quickly
bound behind her.
"You have not escaped US yet," hissed
Despard, as he grasped Inez' arm. snake
no outcry If you value your safety"
Paralyzed with terror, poor 1nez stood
pale and mute, shrinking in horror from
the triumphant face of her enemy.
@Danton," spoke the outlaw chief,
"you know your part. Search the In
dian girl for the diamonds"
White Fawn did not speak, but her
dark eyes flashed fiercely on the man
who had so wronged her. Danton ut
tered cry Of delight as he drew from
the dress Of the Indian girl small box,
which he examined hastily.
"The jewe!s?" asked Despard, eagerly.
Eyes"
avery we'll. Secure them safely and
watch your captive,