Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1896-05-15
rbo morning light did not materially

change the situation of ahdirS. lie
fual determined to keep c,osc watch
TO-. DeSpard, theorizing that the outlaw
leader would set out on his journey that
morning for Walfords place of abode.
He cnsconced himself in thicket at
the side of the canyon, and watched and
waited patiently. 1t was nearly noon
when his vigilance was rewarded. Com-
ing down the canyon, he saw finally
dozen or more persons.
AS they neared him he made out Des-
pa:d, Danton and Vance on horseback.
On another steed was lnez Tracey, sur
rounded by several OF the bandits on
foot.
They had evidently left Darrel Grey a
prisoner at the cave with the remainder
of the band
They passed so near to the scout that
he could almost hear their conversations
4 look of utter DESPAIR pervaGcd tn
countenance of Incz Tracey. Apparently
the threats OF the hearteSS Despard had
induced Inez 10 agrec to his scheme3.
To save her lovers life she had consent
ed to sacrifice her fortune.
Tne scout waited for some time after
the cavalcade had passed by hen,
cautiously and stealthily, he took up
theif trail.
The bandits proceeded straight down
the canyon, and Ranger Ralph followed
them az a distance until they hnally
came to ha t. I hey seemed to have
somn difficulty and delay in locating the
herm is home, their evident point OF
visitation.
Suddenly the entire party disappeared
from view in break in the canyon.
When the scout reached the spot he
found large opening in the rock Int
this .,ave-liko aperture tho bandits had
evident y disappeared.
Ranger Ralph threaded a dark, low
passageway, gropcI his way bllndy
around and then paused. Ear above his
heal he could see light glimmer ng
dimly A series of steps cut in the solid
rock aeemrd 10 lead to the point where
the light was. -,
The horses of the party had been left
.uSt Inside the place.
The Scout began to ascend the steps
and at last arrived at the top. Beyond
him was large apartment filed with
evidences OF long career as hunter ana
trappcr, consisting of trophies OF the
hunt, the skins of various animals
which wcr. hung up about tie place
The apartment was gloomy one, and
was lighted by a lamp hung by cham
from the roof of the cave.
Standing beneath it was man, whlte
haired and august in appearance. lis
clear, steady eyes were fixed upon DeS'
parj. who was sli9htly in advance of tao
party that accom- panied him
At a ance the scout recognized the
strange d hermit WalGord, whom he
had not seen for many years. The latter
was speaking as the scout reached the
shadowed extreme of the cave.
"Who arc you? What does this in
trusion mean?" he demanded stern!y.
awe came from Miners Gulch, was
Despard's ready reply.
ITO see mo?"
ayes"
allow did you find this place."
"From description, Mr.. Na'iord. You
were the friend Of a man named Tracey
The hermit started.
"Yes." he said; what of it?"
81 camc in behalf of that man S daugh-
ter"
"Ha! Then you know"
"All concerning the fortune he left.
have come to claim that fortune
"You!"
"YeS."
"What claim"
"As tie atlianccd husband OF lnc1
Tracey"
Waltord glanced susDicious'y at the
intruder.
"Allowing that thcr5 is fortune, bC
said, IL must have sOmc further proof
that YOU are to receive it.
at shall be forthcoming when yol
want it," replied DeSpard, promptly
"Inez."
At his word hi. desrairing captive
stepped forward.
ITO he CONTINUED