Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-05-18

"Treed 'em, by God, sirp' he cried, |
in excitement irrepressible, "They've |
stopped for a scalp dance You can hear
'em plain"
Yes, faint, but distinct, beating
quicker every minute, the weird throb
of the war drum could be heard, and
with it the shrill whoop and yell of ex-
cited dancers.
Then you're right, Hunter"
promptly spoke the captain. "That can
mean only one thing They've located
the party over in Keogh's park just
where you said they'd pitch their camp,
and these beggars mean to jump them
at dawn. Well show EN- a trick worth
ten of that. won't we, Dixie:" he con-
tinued, patting the neck of the game
little sorrel he rode. "What blessed
luck that they should stop to celebrated
Slowly, cautiously, the shadowy
troop led forward to n grove Of pines
not far from the waters edge and close
to the sheltering bluff beyond which the
warriors were having their jollification
There they waited, breathless, the sound
of revelry gaining every minute on the
night. Taking Corners and Hunter with
him, Ray crcpt forward to reoonnoter
he and his sergeant veterans in tho
craft. Hunter novice, whose heart beat
wildly, but who never faltered
Fast aud furious drove the dance.
Loud and shrll arose the whoops and
warcries, dying away at times like the
yelp of prairie wolves to faint and dis
tant gurgling, then swelling again like
/ tbn cborpc ~ bpup1a il, f,11l x,io,u Of +ka
quarry. Drum, rattle and piercing
whistle added to the clamor, echoed
back from the dark pine crested cliffs
that overhung this wild nook in the
hills. Fresh fagots heaped upon the fire
threw the dussy, writing forms, re-
splendeut in war bonnet and savage
finery, into bold relief, and Rays brave
heart almost sank within him az he
counted Ponies they could not see, for
they were herded farther up the cove
beyond the fire, but every indication
pointed to there being well nigh 100
we'll armed warriors right there within
revolver shot, while others doubtless
lowered like watchful spies about the
unsuspecting camp beyond the range.
1--WE could never get past them with
out discovery" muttered the captain
finally. Were far too few to drive
them. How far is it back down the val
ley and around to the park"
mot less than 40 miles, sir, answer
ed Hunter Though it can't be more
than six or seven over the old game
trail across the range"
Then, said Ray, there's nothing
Co. - l,,t t< 81
heights afoot to warn the camp before
daybreak, while the troop hangs ON to
their heels. "
1t was barely O'Clock now, and high
aloft on the northern side of the gorge,
glistening white, the cliffs broke
through the somber fringe of pine and
shone like silver in the moonlight.
Somewhere ahead of the watchers in the
black depths of the westward end Of the
deep ravine an old game trail wound
and twisted up the mountain side over
into the beautiful park beyond. Hunter
we'll remembered and had traced it in
his notes. Over this trail Lord Lune.
mouths joyous party had evidently
gone. Over this the Indian scouts had
tracked him. Over this the war party
doubtless meant to follow in time to
make their dash at day break Over this
neck or nothing, warning must be sent
and the intermediate ground was so
completely occupied by the Indians that
cavalry could not hope to slip by uade
tected. 1t could only be attempted by
daring fellows afoot
And the first man to speak out when
In few words Ray explained the situa-
ton to tie troop was that incorrigib bic
rascal, the Kid. "I'm game to 60 sir. "
GOOD for one, " said Ray.
Here's another, sir. " And here,
sand here, )" came in low tone from
half a dozen in the wearied troop, but
Ray waited for still another voice, I'M.
TILL half turning, he looked as though
inquiringly at Hunter, who had already
kicked off his boots and was pulling on
pair of moccasins, drawn from his
saddlebags. Then Hunter looked up
and spoke.
| II, of course, sir. I'm the only man
that knows the way" Whereat Ray s
white teeth cleaned in the moonlight
and the men knew all was we'll.
Three hours later strangely assorted
pair, tall, slender, blond bearded man,
, with clear cut, handsome features, and
all undersized, weazen faced, devil may
: care Irish lad, dressed alike in dark
blue shirts and blouses, in light blue
riding breeches and Indian tanned leg
gings, grit with cartridge belt and re-
volver, and carrying the brown carbine
{ in hand, halted for breath at the very
summit Of the divide between Keogh i
| park and the deep gorge in the south
{ eastward hills. Perilous, indeed, had
. been their journey Leaving their COM
Y rades we'll below tho position of the H.
{ dian camp, they had slowly scaled the
1 cliffs to the north, then orept along
. among the pines until Immediately
above the rejoicing Indians and then,
l slowly and cautiously through the scat
o tered timber, followed westward by the
= stars until at last in a depression they
!. came upon the trail, easily recognizable
in the occasional patches of moonlight.
9 Then, eager and cautious, they followed
8 up. up the winding way, ever alert fol
It sound of hoof beat, until ut last they
II reached the crest and Hunters watch
f proclaimed it midnight.
X From rocky point they could SET
outspread beneath them to the north
# ward beautiful park country, family
a ,;oturad in tho Ell varu liuht and low