Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1896-09-02
Copyright, 1895, by American Press Associa
CHAPTER XXI

CHAPTER XXI
Throughout all the trouble Captain
Brandon had shown himself to be tire
less and patient IF he ever felt fatigue,
he never spoke Of 1t, nor did he show 1t
by any lessening Of his amazing energy.
IF he ever lost heart, as he might well
do in the face Of the continued and ev-
er increasing troubles, he succeeded in
keeping his depression to himself. From
the first he was hopeful, and when 9TH
ers got low spirited he cheercd thom
up and strengthened them with assur-
ances Of final success When he pushed
his way to the place where he had seen
Alice and Clara from the opposite side
Of the canyon and found them missing,
he gave no sign Of, impatience
To the doctor, who was nearly dis
consolate, the captain said:
'There is good reason for their leav-
ing. Let us try to find their trail "
They were engaged in this work when
they discovered Black Eagles Indians
and at the same time caught sight Of
the two girls between the two lines
They charged down and met Clara
flying toward them. She was caught in
the captains arms, and Howard Blanch-
ard was for pressing on, but the cap
tain, seeing that the Indians outnum-
bered them three to one, called halt
and prudently got his men under cover
Of the rocks. They saw Alice being car
ried off, but they did not dare to fire on
the men surrounding her for fear OF do
ing her harm. As soon as it was dark
Captain Brandon cautioned his little
band to remain where they were while
he crept down to ascertain the position
and force Of the enemy.
Clara was so, much unnerved and ia
ugued that it was found impossible to
20 on with her that night, and 80, max
ing virtue o necessity, it was agreed to
remain where they were till morning.
Soon after dark, to the surprise and Joy
Of all, the Prophet entered the camp,
and in reply to John Clyde's question
as to where he came from he replied:
81 have come up again from the val
ley Of the shadow Of death with no fac
ulty impaired I have been in the fiery
furnace and come out unscorched Yes,
7 have even been In the den Of lions
and heard them roaring, but they cow
cred before my glance and did not dare
to strike their hungry teeth into my
flesh. I did not fear, for relied not on
my own strength Nay, I oourted the
danger, and, lol am here What harm
has befallen our people?"
The captain gave verbal report Of
everything that happened Then the
Prophet, with more directness and much
less ambiguity than was his habit re-
lated his own adventures, to the great
amazement Of his friends
"And how did you come to escape9"
asked the captain when the Prophet
told Of his capture.
"I left in the darkness. Though the
guards saw me as plainly as you do
now, they dared not to raise their rifles
against the Mountain Prophet. I held
them as with spell, but the spell would
have been broken had I attempted to
carry off Louis Kyle Trust me, his res
cue will come in good time" said the
Prophet
''Now. in truth" said the delighted
captain, IT feel strong and unless Bou-
ton gets all his force together will not
shrink from giving him battle. "
"Ah, my friends" cried honest John
Clyde. "did I not say last night that
things were on the mend? I am not a
prophet, but I knew we could not be
beaten all the time"
"a hopeful man is better than q
prophet Of evil. Let me clasp thy hand,
my friend, for good words are next to
inspired words, said the Prophet, and
he took John Clyde's hand and shook it
heartily.
The captain then told him what they
had planned about Clara before he came
up or they had thought Of seeing him
"And you planned right, but now it
must be changed somewhat, " said the
Prophet Myself and the doctor will
90 on with the maiden to my retreat,
and when we have left her with friends
we will return with food, and mayhap
we may have more aid I have called
for it, and it may be forthcoming in
time. Follow me on the trail Of the foe
and strike whenever he comes within
reach Of your arms"
The Prophet drew the herders to one
side and talked to them for some time
in low tones, and, though they made no
audible reply, it was evident from the
way in which they nodded their heads
that they were agreeing with him He
came back, leaped on his horse, and,
motioning to the doctor to take posi-
tion on the other side Of Clara, they
rode off without leave taking save
wave Of the Prophets long arms
"That is his habit" said the captain
to Howard "The Prophet is strong in
welcoming, but his feelings will not
permit him to say farewell
The men cheerfully obeyed the cap
tain's order, and. leaping into the sad
die, started off to find Bouton's trail
There was no trouble in getting on the
track Of the outlaws The hoofs Of the
cattle stolen from Kyle's valley were
visible in every stretch Of earth, and
they had cut into the moss covered
rocks like hieroglyphics.