The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1899-02-11
CHAPTER KIM
FACE TO FACE.


self, satisfactory conversation with In
Gus of the Nohcauss.
He hal brought from the ship brill
liant uniform, part Of the plumber Of .
Spanish galleon, with q fine sword,
rife, 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 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 dispatchlny 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 Spanish Major General,
sword and all.
As the fishing hut where Captain
Denham was at this time was only
mile or SO from Sag Harbor, and was
the property Of Uncas. and provided
with sleeping accommodations for one,
anxious to be in town in the morning,
instead of stopping at the inn. He had
an Indians objection to sleeping in
houses that were not ventilated by re.
moving the windows and doors.
After surveying himself as well as he
could in the little circular mirror with
which the room was furnished, Uncas
sailed out his sword making Q great
chatter behind him. and he bent his
steps In the direction Of the before mon
toned hut, as Squire Condit would
put it.
! The fire lit by Dlnah and Untilla had
nearly died out, though there was still
o dull glow on the hearth that threw
pulsating. spectral light about the little
apartment.
Through the open chinks and doorway
Uncas saw this light, but 1t did not sur
prise him, for 1t was not unusual for ono
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 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 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 fan, he started up
fame that lit up his Major Generals
uniform till he looked to be on fire and
breaking out in little tongues OF iame
all over.
Without turning round, Uncas, who
now felt particularly important and war.
like, said aloud:
when l am the friend Of q white man
he knows 1t, and when 1 am foe he
knows 1t. 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
back 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 rs 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 other behind him similarly
employed.
aThe drees you wear is the price Of
nv blood: Law down that sword.
With trembling hands the chief un.
buckled the belt, and threw the SWORD
Take of that uniform, 1t Ii stainee
with my blood" said Ralph with thu
same blood curdlirg manner.
Wishing in his heart that he had re-
NAMED back at the inn, the frightened
chief promptly obcyed what he firmly
believed was the ghost of his victim
and stood in very scant attire indeed.
Now, lie down on that bed. and turf
your face away, commanded Ralph.
The chief with some evidences OF re-
iuctance obeyed, for he now felt con
WINGED that the specter was going q
nick up the sword and slay him there
with, or he might prefer to punish hin
with the Jewell hilted dagger.
This impression was made certaint
In the chiefs mind when he heard In
ghost picking up the belt
~I do not fear TO die, said the chiei
The Montauks do not turn their back
on death, but you are spirit and ca
kill me at any time. Before die Il
me get word to my sister and my pee
ple.' 49, -
Ny doing that depends on the a
swers you give me. VIII you reply
me trathfully?" asked Ralph.
IF l reply, can do it in no oth'
way.
Il can tell II you deceive me.
That power is given only to spirits
"wn Cncss, chief OF the Mohaw :
n aver mef-
-GwAs