The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-02-03
CHAPTER XVII-Continued.

perhaps it is as well that he is here; /
can report to him at once, or bleed MIN
again. Confound him, am not in his
power, but he is in mine. Why should
4 care for him, or be alarmed if he were
here this moment! ! am master, and
master I shall remain while there Is a
plank afloat, or rag above it.
In this way Fox worked off his anger,
and with it his confidence in his own
Wonderful powers.
He was emphatically man OF action,
but, when excited, his command OF
words was equal to the energy with
which he used them.
4 He put the map Frenauld had given
him into his pocket, and then, taking
Ais arm, walked back with him TO the
Tire.
They had but just reached there, when
n tall form emerged from the darkness,
and Uncas, chief Of the Montauks, en-
l5eloped in q scarlet mantle, that was
dripping with moisture, stood before
them.
You are true to your word, said
Unoas, shaking Fox's hand. You have
come, but where is he?"
, Fox did not need to ask who the he"
referred to was.
See here, Uncas, he said, motioning
she chief to follow him to the boat.
As Fox passed the fire he picked up
brand, and, approaching the boat, he
drew back the awning and held the light
above the unconscious mans face.
DO you know who lat ISL" he asked.
Ralph Denham!" said the chief. And
. wild light burned in his black eyes.
HE is yours" said Fox. Now do
with him as you promised"
Can you lift him out Of the boat''
asked Uncas
Il will have that done"
! Fox motioned to the sailors, and they
lifted the bed out Of the boat, and placed
It near the fire, Frenauld throwing an
oil-cloth over the pale face, to shield il
from the rain.
Come, let us unload. while we are
about 1t, said Fox; and with his own
hands, he helped to take out the boxes,
and placed them under the bed on which
Ralph Denham was lying.
With his customary energy, Fos
worked, and made others work, till the
boat, with Frenauld, and all the sailors,
!excepting Don, the cabin boy, was max.
Iing his way to the ship.
"You see," said Fox to the chief, when
!the boat was out Of sight and hearing,
that I trust myself to you, for be.
tlieve the Montauk chief will keep his
word"
$50 far. no man has appeared to
doubt my word. have, at times since
seeing you, felt that it was not becom-
ing a brave man to do as am doing;
hut the Montauks are not prepared for
war, as aze Ralph Denham, and his
men"
You are right. Cunning is often better
than courage. You have now in your
power the man who has scorned you,
land made your life unhappy. Are you
Igoing to ask, in such a case, il 1t be
right to put them out of the way? OF
course not, though, in accordance with
your promise, you must not put him out
of the way till give the word. ;"
But in that way might be forced to
keep him forever" said the chief.
How so?"
you are sailor, here to-day, far
away tomorrow, and may not be able
TO get to you, nor you to me-" replied
Uncas.
Before leave these waters again
will leave you free to act as you please.
But now, while it is yet dark night,
might it not be better to remove this
mani" said Fox. pointing to the bed.
Il am ready for that"
Uncas placed to his lips a peculiarly
curved bone, known to old hunters as
deer CALL" and blew low, plaintive
iblast, that sounded exactly like the ap-
pealing cry of wounded fawn.
: In answer, low whistle came back
from the cliffs and the darkness.
Uncas repeated the call. Then was
heard the fall OF rapidly approaching
feet, and the quick breathing Of men,
as if engaged in life and death race.
In another instant Old Somonk and
his son, accompanied by two tall In
dians, stood in the presence Of the
chief, and the old man, who seemed to
be the leader, said
"Uncas, We are herei"