Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1896-04-10
CHAPTER I Y.

THE MODOCs.
RANGER Ralph directed his horse across
the river and Darrell Gr1y followed
closely after him. The stream was very
deep at it's center, but the horses breasted
the swift current and landed them safely
on the opposite bank.
"Dash stra ght ahead" shouted inc
scout; ait is our only chance.
"No, no! look, Ralph; there is camp
fire in our path"
The ranger brought. his horse to It's
launches and glanced quickly ana con-
ccrned about him. Behind them ana
on both dcs the woods seemed 1lled
with yelling Indians. They had Dccn
attracted to the spot by the warning
cry of the Indian in the canoe
Immediately after discovering the
strangers, tho savage had disappeared,
and doubt ess reached his companions
who were Fastening to the thickct.
"DismOunt" ordered the scout, IN
low tone. "1Yc are in a scrape and
must make the best of it,.
"Shau We abandon the horses"
quericd Darrell.
"For the time being, yes" rcplicl tho
scout. "Thc Indians are coming. we
had better separate.
Ranger Ralph suddenly swung himSef
up by the branches OF an immense trco
under which the horses stood.
Darrcl Grey sought to follow his eXam-
PIE, but, hewildcred by the excitement
Of the occasion, delayed g moment too
long.
Three stalwart savages suddenly came
into view.
That tEcy had discovered him, tho
wells of the Indians instantly ln'ormo1
him. he started for the river and ran
down its banks swiftly.
A cry of concern broke from Darrei
lips as H. glanced ahead Several other
Indians were running in an opposite dl-
rcctiOn.
Eo was completely hammad in, and
there sconel 10 means of escape except
n wild dash inland, which action would
expose him to the fire of his enemies
lie cast one quick glance at the tree
lined stream, and determined to trust
himself to the water. Then Darrcl
dropped out of view and began to wade
ont into the swift central current Of the
river
| u
citedly, and apparently making their
way toward him. Near tho shore the
| dropping willows afforded shelter from
their prying eyes, but that he would not
| long be sale there he fully realized.
lie thrilled to a new idea Ct safety as
he saw an ob' EFT floating near him.
If was the canoe that the Indian had
abandoned, and it was upside down.
Instantly Dariel conceived daring
plan of Guiding his enemies, at least
temporarily.
He lodged down and came up with his
head under the canoe. Then he stood
in the water perfectly motionlcSs.
The savages came down to the edge
of the stream and b}gan searching for
him.
He could discern that they were max
ing a thorough guest and that finally
they divided and proceeded up and dowr
the stream.
When al was silent he ventured tC
withdraw his head from the canoe anC
clance about him. No one was in sigh
in his near vicinity.
"if | could locate the tree where Ralpl
hid himself | would rcjoin him." he
soliloqui1ed.
Just then, however, as he glanced a
the opposite shore, his eyes met ylsioi
that startled and enchained him.
A campfire had been built, and
large number Of Indians were busy put
ting up some tents
Near the fire stood savage, evidently
their chief, directing their movements.
ov.yn
AMI thry wsrc cOnvorsing with him
Darrel started as he recognized them
One was Dyke Despard; the other wa
his accomplcc, Jim DantOn. Even a
he watched them, he saw their two com
rades of the previous day pass, leadin!
their hOr;eS.
On one was seated a gir.ish form.
Tho heart of the young scout thrilled
TO wild emotion as he caught sight Of tn
beloved face of Incz Tracey.
"Shc is in the camp, prisoner" h
brcathed. a will rescue her, or die il
the attempt"
He lodged down again as, AGAINST tn
the ligbt. he made out a savage form
coming down the banks of the stream
Tn a moment Darrell was in his old posi-
tion under the boat
lie believed he was as safe as before
but he learned his error moment later
The boat was suddenly pulled tOwar
the shore, and he knew that the India
he had SEGA was its former occupant.
Darrell quickly comp 'chcndcd the stu
alton. Dcdging down under the water
nc rcma ned there for mOment The
he raised himself slowly
The savage was adl lusting the canoe
few feet away. Darrell Crcpt cautiousl
toward him. A brilliant idea, to cntc
the Indian camp in disguise, had entcrc
his m nd
Selling heavy stone he dealt I'll
savage a terrific blow The latter fe
to the ground with grOan.
"Victory!" mut;cred Darre', excitedll
81 will yet rescue the imperillcd Inez."
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