Rock Island Argus., 1896-06-19

ne looked with mingled fierceness ant
contempt at the outlaw leader.
Il want to tell you. - said Bouton
who did not want to lose his characte
for firmness in the eyes Of the me,
crowdiDg around, THAT it will be safe.
for you to leave this camp and to re
main away
Safer" repeated the Prophet.
"Yes. that is what / said.''
Il have never considered nv owl
safety in coming or going through thes'
hills. l have never thought of dangel
from man when felt that was obey
ing the behests of the great Jehovah
Didst think that dreaded thee or tn,
bandits? Why should fee, /, who nev
er feared the face of mortal man:''
Bouton waved his hand and half turn
ed on his heel.
shall 60, said the Prophet solemn
ly. Il can be Of no use at present to tn,
oppressed. shall go, Bouton, but
will return, and when / come within
reach of your peoples fire you will b.
within the reach of this. .''' He patted
the long weapon resting in the hollow
OF his arm and continued, For every
indignity you offer to the people now in
thy power a life will be taken'
The Prophet stepped back, and kept
stepping back until he was over the cor.
raj wall and lost in the darkness.
Let him 60" said Bouton, with q
laugh. Let him go and rave to the
rocks and trees, as is his habit. But ]
command you, men. if he ever comes
within reach again shoot him down as
you would WOLF
Bouton went back to Alice Blanchard,
and again his hat was in lis hand.
Tell the ladies not to fear, " he said.
"Have them put their children to sleeu
again. We are not the monsters we have
been painted, as hope to prove to
you
IF you are what you claim, " she
asked, "why have you made war on in
nocent and inoffensive people?"
II have not made war"
"What do you call your conduct,
then?''
Il am acting in the interest of law. "
"Of law:" And the shadow of q sneer
gathered about the beautiful lips.
Yes. There are men here who have
warrant for the arrest Of DIR. Blanch-
ard and his son"
Il have seen the men. Their name
is Bliss:''
Eyes"
"And you believe them?''
II cannot help believing them. I
have seen the papers, and they have
paid me for my services"
But are You authorized by law to
aid these wretches?"
There is no law in this land, )" re-
Piled Bouton, but that which each
man can enforce with his strong right
arm"
Then you confess that you have no
right to do this thing?'
"A right? Why, Miss Blanchard,
might is right here, and reckon You II
find 1t pretty much SO the world over.
If your father and brother are innocent,
they can prove it when they return to
West Virginia.
Then we return together as we
came" said Alice.
II beg your pardon, but it has been
decided not to subject yourself and your
sister to the trials and Inconvenience
OF return. You remain in our charge
for the present" F"
Without waiting to hear her comment
on this, Bouton turned and walked hur-
riedly away. As he neared the fire he
saw the men under Font Robb crowding
around prostrate form. He knew that
the man ON the ground was Henry Kyle,
and in his heart he hoped he might find
him dead In this hope he was disap-
pointed. Skilled in the rude remedies Of
that land. Font Robb had assured him.
self before carrying the wounded man
back that no bones were broken and that
he still .breathed. When Robb got him
hack to camp. he discovered cash on
his head aad saw that he was suffering
from a shock that would have knocked
the breath forever ont Of a man Of or1li-
nary vitality. He bathcd the wound and
bound up the head, which, in addition
to forcing water into the unconscious
mans mouth, had the effect of bringing
him back TO reason. Kyle had opened
his eyes and was looking around him in
q dazed way when Bouton forced his
way through the crowd and stood before
him.
ts"Hello, Hank! Who did this:' asked
Bouton.
Il don't know. ;" replied Henry Kyle,
and he raised his hand to his forehead
and shut his eyes the better to collect
his wandering senses.
"You don't know? Well, if any one
was to treat me in that way. I'd be apt
to know who it was and to remember
him till the day I died.
1T was Captain Brandon" said
Black Eagle.
Hah! This is case where the hunt
er was hunted, laughed Bouton. But
never mind. Hank; better luck next
time. You have failed, but have won. I"
And the young ladies, the Blalch-
ards!" asked Harry eagerly.
"Oh. they are safe and sound. Yen
don't suppose I'd let harm come to thoss
lovely Creatures: No. no. they are re-
posing peaceably within the ssocknde. -
And the brother-Howard:''
He escaped, I believe, said Bouton.
After the women had ceased their
wailing and The children their sobhin1