Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-06-27
CHAPTER XXX

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Bouton had sent ON the plumber of
Kyle's valley to the camp Of which Patch
was then in charge. He expected to hear
Of Henry Kyle's death ON his return.
He was angry with Black Eagle for not
having annihilated the herders, and he
became wild with rage when Font
Robb told them the hertlers had made
| their escape the moment lie Withdrew
his men at the order of the Shoshone.
Its the Prophets doin's, T" said Font
Robb.
1.-The Prophetr'
'Yes. Bouton. He's over thar with
Louis Kyle, and Font Robb pointed to
where the men were standing.
Bouton drew pistol ard urged his
horse over, but if he had any purpose to,
shoot he changed his mind when he
saw the Prophet standing with the long
rifle resting in the hollow of his arm
and his blue eyes glittering with light
that meant mischief. Nora Kyle, after
her cry on seeing her brother. tried to
reach him, but BOutOn ordered his men
to take her back. Bouton dismounted
after returning his pistol to his belt,
and assuming an air of bravado that
did not indicate his feelings he asked:
| Where did you come from?''i
"From the scene Of your robbery and
outrage said the Prophet without
| hesitation.
"And why did you come here?''
TO tell your people that the hour Of
vengeance is approaching-tO find Hen
~ Kyle and tell him that Bouton's
torch has fired his fathers home and
to assure Louis Kyle that more than
one friend was watching him from the
mountains round"
And have you done all this?'.
Il visited your camp left in charge of
the renegade Patch. and there learned
that Henry Kyle had fed from his vile
associates. Before this he has learned
Of your deeds uad taken the oath OF an
Inhalation.
DESTROYS Of talking alone with the
Prophet, Bouton motioncd for his COM
panions to get back, then sinking his
voice without lessening the malignity
of his expression he said:
Did l not tell you never to come
near my camp:''
What if You did? Think you that
am to be ordered by you-that 1, who
for long years have been q free man in
these hills, am to be controlled by a
goddess heather and red handed bandit?
! come and go III do the winds, and you
might as well try to stop them as to
control me-" replied the Prophet, his
bearing more defiant and his strong
right hand pressed against the lock of
hissrifie.
II have never been SO foolish to try
to check tho wind or alter its course,
but no man ever defied me who did not
find me ready to resist or oppose. have
never crossed your path. have let you
have your own way, but you have seen
hit to cross my path, and you must take
the consequences.
II never shirk any consequences. If
You think to restrain me it must be at
your own peril -
The Prophet raised his voice, and every
man within 100 yards If where they
stood heard him.
Bouton dreaded this man as he did no
other man in the world, hut he we'll
knew that TO show fear would be to lose
control over his equally superstitious
men. He had told them before to shoot
the Prophet ON sight, but they had not
done 81. He now resolved that they
should keep him prisoner If he could
not prevail on them to kill him. Now,
if ever, he must be strong, and he was
equal to the occasion. Turning to his
men he called out:
"The Prophet and Louis Kyle are
prisoners. If they attempt to escape,
shoot them down.
He pointed to the men who were to
do this work and then went over to
where Black Eagle was talking to Nora
Kyle, whom he had assisted from her
horse
Miss Kyle. said Bouton, removing
his cap, Il regret that my desire for
your continued safety should force me
to seem harsh. / request that you speak
to no person in this party but myself. -
Il was speaking to her about Kft
shat. - said Black Eagle, land the white
maiden does not tell me tho story you
did"
Because she knows nothing about
| it. How should she?''
''She should know ALL" said the In
| dian.
| yet she does not Harkl What
shouting is that up the hill?' asked
| Bouton
my braves are chasing the herders -
| Il thought I heard q woman's cry
Bouton listened again. and as the cry
was not repeated he turned to Nora
! and said:
| MY conduct seems harsh, but in the
end You viii see that am your best
| friend
! To this Nora made no replt-indeed
her attention was that moment attract
ed by the rapid discharge q rifles and
the shriQ cries Of the Indiana
! There is fighting. Black Eaglep'
shouted BOuton.
There has been fighting all day.
| replied the Shoshone ssThe her1exp arc
out Of the canyon. and my people aro
: following them mp"
It Is more tlinn that. !"
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