Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1899-08-21
CHAPTER XIV.

The finding OF the piece of waist
bslt marked with Robert Luke's initiali
eGused much excitement among the
mon on the station. Nothing more
however, could be discovered, and fol-
several weeks Luke hunted about the
place In vain. hoping that he might
succeed In finding still another link In
ths chain OF evidence which might lead
20 some trace OF his lost brother.
In the meantime the whole colony
had again become Interested in the at
fair. chiefly from the fact that no
traces could be found either OF Saynes
or his wife; and, as 1t became certain
that the missing couple had not trav-
eled toward the coast, as Baynes had
said they intended doing. the matter
grow daily more and more mysterious.
Days and weeks passed by. and yet
nothing fresh concerning the disap-
pearance OF Robert Luke came to light.
His brother began to despair, and at
Dast ono night he announced his inten-
ton OF returning to England.
1T Ii OF no use my remaining here"
he said. Besides ! must 60 home and
look after my business. l have done
my best. and can do no more. But
to my dying day l shall believe that
that Baynes and his wife were some
how or other mixed up with the disap-
pearance OF my brother"
That night he went up to the hut
for the last time. Having strapped up
the few things he possessed In his
valise. he made all preparations for
starting early the next morning. Then
he retired to rest.
Once more William Luke dreamed.
Ehis time he heard the same voice
trying out. "Help-help!"
He did not awake. but YEARLY an
bwsred In his sleep
Il am here, Bob. What do you want?
have done the best can, and l can
% NO more"
They were the words which he had
used that night when he wished the
men good-by. Presently his dream took
. moro substantial form. He beheld
he hut In which he slept lighted by a
solitary "slush" lamp. Upon the bed
wAsrs he lay he saw the figure OF q
woman. sitting with her head resting
lwon her hands. She seemed to be
feading some old newspaper. and re-
manned perfectly motionless. as IL deep
y intsnt upon what she read. Then
Luke heard Z noise. as OF some one out
Kide the hut. In his vision his sense
y hearing seemed almost painfully
RsutA.
The woman also heard the noise, and
'atsed her head AZ II In alarm.
He could not catch a glimpse OF
~ face. for - she sat upon the edge
= the bed her features were turned
lvay from him.
oudlsnly he heard 4 voice speaking
hon without. Luke started In his
Dlesp. for II was the voice OF his
Isuthari
Ara. Baynes," II said In clear, low
|ooe-"Ars Baynes. would you kindly
Ilvvs me drop OF brandy. II you have
mob thinsf / am sorry to trouble
IA 1t this time OF night, but am not
'ery wen I am Luke-Bob Luke"
ne woman. ~ she listened. clasped
~ hands together as II In mortal ter
o.. but she answered not a word.
Presently the voice came again. this
line louder and with a more deter
mined accent.
Mrs. Baynes-d'ye hear. Mrs..
,aynes?"
The woman rose steakhily from her |
ltting position and stepped toward the !
replace. Unlocking the great kettle
hat hung from an iron bar by a chain,
be noiselessly removed the bar from
. place and stood clutching II In her |
lgbf hand. ~ II prepared to use It as I
weapon Of defense.
William Luke seemed to strain every
ervs In his sleep as he endeavored to
~ out; but bis voice appeared to have
N him and his limbs refused to do
u bidding. He was like one paraly sed I
y the time being. with the powers Of
caring and seeing alone left to him. q
hen he perceived that the door was q
einE pressed In from without. The
~ part. where there was no bolt, I
vowed signs OF giving away; another q
saving of the door. and yet another. I
loud crash. and William Luke beheld
ID brother!
Tor several seconds. as It seemed to 4
. dreamer. the figure Of Robert Luke .
GOD silently gazing at the woman, .
no stood defantly facing him. Will [