Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1895-08-16
CHAPTER XIV.
IN A TIcgL1sH SITUATION.

IN A 5H SlTUATIONs
The first proceeding of Elie, after the
withdrawal of Gaddler, was to ad ance
to her lover and throw her arms around
him.
With the keen, thoughtful instincts of
her sc she compfehended only too well
the agoHies he was enduring at that mo-
ment-his burning self-rcproaches, his
regrets, his appreh ns.ons
at will be all ght darling" she as
sured him, with tenderness which at
tested how closely their loves had be
como knit during their long journey to
Montana ave shall be rescued by
some heayen-sent deliverer or make our
esca; e. DO not doubt it,"
Perry groaned, caressing her.
at is not your fault, darling, that we
are prisoners" insisted Elfe, her sweet
face glowing with love and affection
"Do not ct at our s:tultion."
1--WE ought to be thankful that things
are no worse" said Mrs Ranklc. "That
Gaddl is capable Of burying us all
alive in separate holes It's something
that we are together, and that there are
three of us with stout hands"
-Four" suggested a mysterious voice
from the APARTMENT which had been as
signed to the ladies.
Mrs. RankIe was ready to accept the
idea of something supernatural
"Did you hear that, sir?" she asked,
nervou@ly. "Just as was saying there
are three of us, distinctly heard the
word"
"Fourl" came again from the adjoin-
ing apartment.
as some one there?" asked Perry,
after moment of bew lderment.
y certainly heard the word four"
affirmed Elfe Tower, sinking into a
chair.
ats only some of Gaddler's people
who are trifing with u.s." suggested
Mrs Ranklc. "Or it may be q arrot.
If the occasion had not been so seri-
GUS this suggestion would have probably
prod ICED an explosion of laughter.
1t was certainly hard upon Charley
Takcr, as much as he strove to disguise
bis voice, to have it compared to par
rot's
"And the fourth will now put in an
appearance, added Baker "Only-no
no Sc! No excitement Remember that
all our lives are at stake
In the Sfange and wondering hush
that succeeded, Baker made his appear
ance in the doorway, calm and smiling,
with his finger on his lips
"Charley Baker" exclaimed Perry,
rushing toward him and seizing his
hand. "What a pleasure! and, espe-
cially, what surprised"
Baker murmured an incoherent re-
sponse, but did not fail to give the hand
of his friend and employer hearty
shake.
"And. this young lady is the one I an
nounced to you by telegraph, Charley
Miss Tower, who is to be my wife, "
pursued the young millionaire proudly,
facing about and advancing to his be-
trothed. "As a near friend of m ne,
darling" he added, "Charley knows who
and what you are, and will be proud and
happy to make your personal acquaint-
| ance."
A few pleasant words were exchanged.
Mrs. Rankle coming in for her share OF
attention, and then Ellie exclaimed
softly:
"You are not prisoner, Mr.. Baker?"
"Not in the sense that you are, Miss
Tower" replied the mining expert. 81
mean by this that Gaddler is not aware
Of my presence.
"Bravo!" commented Perry. excuse
me If stare at you, Char ey. III seems
a sort of return from the dead. Gaddler
has been telling us that he Killed both
| YOU and Colonel Whipsaw yesterday"
"It's not that villains fault that am
| alive" returned Baker "He certainly
did all he could to make true his declara'
tion!"
"Tell me ALL" rejoined Perry, waving
| his friend to a chair and sitting down
| while Elfe and Mrs. Rankle proceeded
to explore thor new quarters. "The
villain got trace of your presence at the
| Musselshel?"
ale did-the very day of my arrival,
| replied Baker. ale also followed me tC
| Colonel Whipsaw's, and seemed TO divine
| at sight the business which had brought
me here"
"'nd then tried to kill you?"
| "As you shall see."
1t was very stirring narration thai
| succeeded, but we need not linger upon
its details, they being covered by the
facts which have already been given.
"And you, sir?" asked Baker, when he
had concluded his revelations.
In response to this suggestion, Perry
fastened to relate the experiences he
and Fife had had with the SIX ldders be-
fore leaving Chicago and to narrate how
Gaddler had captured them ntheir ar
rival at Custer.
! [ro BE Continued