Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-07-28
CHAPTER ".

Henry Kyle rs they reached the circle of
the outlaws about the blazing campfire.
CHAPTER ".
CAPTAIN Brandon and Alice Blanch-
ard were admiring the scenery from the
top of hill overlooking their camp
when Howard came up and informed
them that young man had come into
the camp who wished 10 see the captain.
They descended the hill and made their
way TO the place where the pillars Of
smoke marked the sight Of the camp.
As they neared the tents and huts
young man Of graceful form and strong,
handsome face came Out To meet them.
He extended his hand 10 the captain
the other hand held his hat-and asked:
Are you Captain Brandon?
az am, was the reply.
Il have ridden fast 10 see you. sir, "
said the young man. My name Is
Louis Kyle
Louis Kyle released Captain Brmdon's
hand, and blush II modest confusion
tDNtffu HIS Hiiil'piu' li'' - h' A''f ''''
eyes Of Alice Blanchard were on him.
Kyle, Did you say your name was
Kyle asked the captain, his hand o.
his ear and his head bent forward.
"Yes, sir.
You look as if you might be broth
er Of Henry Kyle. y
II am, replied Louis, and the blush
ON the down covered cheeks deepencd.
"You live with your father far back
IN the heart of the Mountains
"Yes, captain, and | have lived thero
since my earliest pcollcctions ~
"And you say you have ridden hard
VERY hard, sir. y
"Thcn you must eat and rest. After
that you can tell me the object Of your
visit. In the meantime let me say that
you are welcome To our camp, no matter
what your object may be-. "
Captain Brandon turned and intro
dLced the doctor and his children. Clara
having joined them as they entered the
camp.
Una.rustomcd a. the forms that rule
In society, but with a courtliness that
was natural and graceful. Louis Kyle
shook hands with each, and If he held
Alicr's hand little longer than he did
the others il Was because he was :"
magnetized 10y the touch, so fascinated
by the beauty of her form and face, a.
10 b. wholly unconscious of the act
Bowing by way Of apology for what he
was about 60 do, he said ID the captain
Gould speak with you privately;
Certainly" replied the captain
Come this way. ~
Il have come 10 warn you Of great
danger. II is one that you may be-
guarded against. but doubt If the or
dinary prrcaution will meet IT, BOuton :
gang and fully score Of renegade lndl-
ans arr in the mountains 10 the south,
and they are Fastening this way with al!
the speed Of their horses.
How do you know this:'
Il cannot explain it 20 you now,
said Louis Kyle, aycrting his face.
But you should give me your rca-
sons for your fears as well a. the ~ariI-
ing" urged the captain.
DO not ask me 10 do thar. ! want
you 10 believe in my integrity. To eX-
plain all might lead you to doubt all
for the honor Of one 5 own name should
b. very precious.
Il understand you. Here, give me
your hand again. The captain took the
Young mans hand and continued, 1T
is IA terrible thing. very terrible thing,
for brothers To b. arrayed one against
the other.
Il would die to save my brother,
said Louis excitedly. but better that
he and all of the name should perish
than that great wrong should be done.
Il agree with you Better that all
should perish than that wrong should
be- done. Better the name should b.
blotted out if It's purity cannot be main
tanned. But pardon the digression.
When men reach my age, they are apt
to philosophize. do not want to be
considered garrulous. "
Nor are you. Your thoughts, Cap
tain Brandon. are such as daily think.
But you have warned me not 10 speak
If myself when more important mat
ters are concerned.
"You mistake me-" interposed the
captain. But the young man waved hls
hand and continued:
From the fresh trails / passed not
two hours ago | am certain that we are
now under the eyes Of Bouton's gang
"You could not be- mistaken"
"No. His Indian allies are scouting
within rife range and waiting for their
leader 10 come out.
And when do you think they will be
here?'
Before another sun rises.
"And what would you advisei" The
captain spoke i'll lower tone than
usual. and, bending forward, he anx-
iously watched the young mans face.
IF there were time, would advise
you to push rapidly to the west and So
shake these hounds from your trail. y
but do you think, if we were u
break camp now and push on with all
speed, that we could do this!"
Il do not.
"What them"
II would at once build strong cor
raj on the bank Of the river and place
within it all your wagons, stock and
other property.
"That is sensible. A"
"And within the corral should erect
o defense commanding every foot of the
inclosure and large enough to hold all
your people. "
Good again.
"A dozen good rifles can keep tho
gang at bay"
Until all our provisions are exhaust
edY'
"Yes, if You cannot get help in the
meantime. "
but where can we look for help!'
~ will find it," said Louis Kyle,
clinching his hands, while his eyes
blazed with resolution.
"But where can you find it," asked
the captain, who still maintained his
quiet but deeply interested manner.
my father will come to the rescue. .
"He is only one man
"Aye, but he is giant in strength
: and lion at heart. We have dozer