Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-09-15
THE WELDON ESTATE.
By ALFRED r. CALHOUN.
Copyright. is9G by American Press Associa-
tion.l
CHAPTER Xxx.

CHATTER AA-
Bouton had sent on the plunder OF
Kyle's valley to the camp Of which Patch
was then III 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 herders had made
their escape the moment he withdrew
his men at the order of the Shoshone.
"It's the Prophets doin's, said Font
Robb.
The Prophet"
Eyes. Bouton. He's over thar with
Louis Kyle" and Font Robb pointed 10
where the men were standing.
Bouton drew pistol and 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 10
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 hravado that
did not indicate his feelings he asked:
Where did you come frum;"
From the scene of your robbery and
outrage, said the Prophet without
hesitation.
And why did you come here?'
ITO 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
10 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 i'll charge Of
the renegade Patch. and | there learned
that Henry Kyle had fed from his vile
aSs >ciates Before this he has learned
Of your deeds and taken the oath OF an
nihila.ion
DESTROYS uf talking alone with the
Prophet. Bouton mo,ioned for his com
panions 10 get back. then sinking his
voice without leSScning the malignity
Of his expression he said:
Did | not tell You never 10 come
near my ,amp:"
''Wha, If you did: Think yen that l
am 10 be ordered 10y yuu-that |. who
for long years have b~n n free man IN
these hills. am % be controlled by "a
goddess heather and red handed bandit.
| come and ~ as do the winds, and You
might rs 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
his rife
Il have never been SO foolish 10 try
10 check the wind or alter its course,
but no man ever defied me who did not
find me ready TO resist or oppose. l have
never crossed your path. l have let you
have your own way, but you have seen
tit 20 cruss my path, and you must take
the consequences.
Il never shirk any consequences II
you think To restrain me II must be AT
your own peril. "
The Prophet raised his voice, and every
man within 100 yards of where they
stood heard him.
Bouton dreaded this man rs he did no
other man in the world. but he well
knew that 20 show fear would be 10 lose
control over his equally supcrstitious
men. He had told them before TO shoot
the Prophet ON sight, but they had not
done So. He now resolved that they
should keep him prisoner If he could
not prevail ON them 70 kill him. Now.
if ever. he must b. strong, and he Was
equal 10 the occasion. Turning to his
men he called ont:
The Prophet and Louis Kyle art
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 10 Nora
| KYLE, whom he had assisted from heI
| 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. y
Il was speaking to her about ku'
shat, " said Black Eagle "and the white
maiden does not tell me the story You
did. F"
Because she knows nothing about
it. How should she?''
'She should know all, said the In
dian.
Yet she does not Hark! What
shouting is that up the hill!' asked
Bouton.
MY braves are chasing the herders. y
Il thought | heard 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 will see that am your best
friend "
To this Nora made no reply-indeed
| her attention was that moment attract