The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-03-10
CHAPTER XIII.
FACE To FACE.


Before calling OF Doctor Hedges,
Captain Fox mad had long and, to him
self, satisfactory conversation with IN
Gus of the Montaubs. -,
He had brought from the ship brill
liant uniform, part Of the plunder OF q
Spanish gallcon, with a fine sword, q
rifle, Jewell hilted dagger, and several
wonderful pistols, among them reVol-
yer, as presents to the chief.
AS the revolvers now in use were not
invented for a century and half after
this, the last named present may seem
out of place in the list, but the Portu-
guese had practical revolvers, very
clumsy, of course, century before the
date Of our story.
The chief and Fox parted with an
understanding that they should meet on
the morrow, when the day should be
set for dispatchiny Ralph Denham.
Uncas was so delighted with his
presents that he went at once to the
inn, got a room, and changed his grace
full native costume for the gorgeous
dress Of a Spanish Major General,
sword and all.
As the fishing hut where Captain
Denham was at this time was only a
mile or so from Sag Harbor, and was
the property Of Uncas. and provided
with sleeping accommodations for one,
he always went there when belated or
anxious to be in town in the morning,
instead of stopping at the inn. He had
m Indians objection to sleeping in
houses that were not ventilated by re-
moving the windows and doors.
hirpsalf we'll
could in the little circular mirror with
which the room was furnished, Uncas
sailed out, his sword making a great
clatter behind him. and he bent his
steps in the direction of the before men
toned hut, as Squire Condit would
put it.
nearly died out, though there was still
q dull glow on the hearth that threw a
pulsating, spectral light about the little
apartment.
Through the open chinks and doorway
Uncas saw this light, but it old not sur
prise him, for it was not unusual for one
of the Montauks to stop there, on his
way to or his return from Sag Harbor,
to cook his food.
Uncas walked boldly on, his sword
making a clatter which to him had all
the exciting melody Of martial music.
Ralph Denham heard the noise. and
concealing himself behind the door,
which opened inwards, he looked out
through the chinks.
The dull light flashed on the scarlet
cloak and the gold cords, and 1t was
not till Uncas came in to the open door
way that Ralph recognized him.
The chief on entering closed the door
behind him by giving it a kick with his
foot; then he walked up to the smol-
dering fire, placed the scattered brands
together, and, by using his Major Gem
erals chapeau as a fan, he started up a
aame that lit up his Major Generals
uniform till he looked to be on fire and
breaking out in little tongues OF flame
all over.
Without turning round, Uncas, who
now felt particularly important and war
like, said aloud:
when l am the friend of white man
he knows it, and when l am a foe he
knows it. Better for Ralph Denham he
had never been born"
Ralph Denham is dead!" said deep,
sepulchral voice, directly behind the
chief.
Uncas was superstitious in his every
fiber. Physically there lived no Drawer
man, but in the presence OF danger he
could not understand or believed to be
supern atural, he was the veriest coward
that ever lived.
On turning round, which he did with
great rapidity, he saw standing with his
b ack to the door, and the light falling
on his pale face and blazing eyes, the
erect and resolute form Of Ralph Den
ham.
The chief gasped and staggered back.
as far as the contracted walls OF the hut
permitted. His eyes and every feature
denoted the most craven fear, for with
the best of reasuns he supposed that
Ralph Denham was dead, and that this
was his specter.
Ralph saw his advantage, and with
that promptness and presence of mind
for which he was distinguished, he
called out, without changing his posi-
ton, one hand in his breast, holding a
pistol, the o,her behind him similarly
employed.
THE dress you wear is the price of
my blood; lay down that sword"
With trembling hands the chief un-
buckled the belt. and threw the sword
on the floor.
Take off that uniform, it is stained
with my blood" said Ralph with the
same blood -curdling manner.
Wishing in his heart that he had re-
NAMED back at the inn, the frightened
1ilief promptly obeyed what he firmly
believed was the ghost Of his victim,
and stood in very - ant attire indeed.
Now, lie down on that bel, and turn
your face away, commanded Ralph.
! The chief with some evidences of re-
luctance obeyed, for he now felt con-
vinced that the specter was going 10
pick up the sword and slay hin there
with, or he might prefer to punish him
with the jewel hilted dagger.
This impression was made certainty
In the chiefs mind when he heard the
ghost picking up the belt.
i do not fear to die, said the chief.
The MontauHs do not turn their backs
on death. but you are spirit and can
kill me at any time. Before / die let
me get word TO my sister and my peo-
pie.
My doing that depends on the an
swers you give me. will you reply 10
me rrathfnlly?" asked Ralph.
If / reply, can do it in no other
way"
Il can tell if YOU deceive me-.
That power given only TO spirits. I"
viii ! meas. chef OF the Mohawks,
answer me!
Il will
20 lot look at me. Close your eyes
that you may the better hear my words. :"
The chief obeyed him.