Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-03-14
CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.
Nothing was more certain than II !
remained where stood for two minutes
longer collision between the man and
myself must take place. Instead Of
creeping along the trunk Of the tree, as
had done. he walked upright, or rather
slightly inclined. his head and shoulders
thrown forward like an Indian trailing
an enemy through the woods.
Being outside Of all shadow and in
the full starlight, he was In plain view,
while unable TO see me, though he was
likely TO catch sight Of my figure with
step or two farther advance. He car
lied Winchester in his right hand. as
IL it were balancing pole. though such
aid was unnecessary. At that critical
instant l made the mistake Of leaping
from my perch to the ground.
The distance was so short that it was
easily accomplished, but the removal Of
my weight, strong AS was the massive
trunk, gave 10 faint. perceptible jar. TO
say nothing Of the slight noise made by
my feet as they struck the ground. My
pursuer noted bath and came 10 an ABB
rupt halt midway over the natural
bridge.
He did net speak, bat brought his
life around in front and grasped it
with both hands, ready TO bring 1t to a
level and fire ON the instant. ought TO
have remained motionless on my perch
until he was within arms length, but
having made one blunder l committed
|. q second by forming the sudden convic-
ton that he saw me and was about TO
fire, whereas the only information he
could receive was through his sense Of
hearing.
Hands up. or you are q dead man"
My voice, low, bat distinct, must have
startled the bravest person under the
circumstances. Like Cy Walters, he ap-
preciated when foe had the drop on
him. and without word he elevated
both hands, holding his Winchester as
did Cy when brought 10 bay under
somewhat similar conditions
"If you speak or move shall bore
you through, added in the same i'm
pressive vsice my pistol is aimed at
your breast, and only want the excuse
to serve you as / did the other dog q
few minutes ago.
Wormwood and gall must have been
his reflections at that moment, but
there was no help for it
My dread was that Cy Walters and
Archie Iuntcr, being so near, would
have their suspicious reused and hurry
back 90 the spot, in which event my
own situation would be anything but
enviable. had formed my plan and
now carried IL out.
Nothing was heard Of the couple who
were threading their way up the bank
and must have already attained consid-
erable distance. Every second was Of
value and my scheme was to hold my
captive silent and motionless until the
danger Of interference on the part Of bis
friends was at the minimum.
expected my man 10 say something.
but he remained mute. Probably he
was in the situation Of the one who
kept his lips sealed because Of his in
ability TO do justice to his feelings. He
had Strengthened up, and bis pose must
have been irksome with the weight Of
the gun in ono Of his hands.
"Drop that Winchester, was my
next command, "and do It quickp'
II would have been unjust 10 accuse
him Of siuggishness, for my words were
scarcely uttered when the rife splashcd
into the water and sank from sight.
Beyond question that particular indi-
vidual had met with adversely that
night, for his choice bloodhound and
most valuable weapon were irrecovera-
bly, gone.
~ have n great mind to shoot You as
il is" added, careful to modulate my
voice to its most impressive base.
Don't move hand or limb until l give
permission. :"
"Who the - is doing so?'
Ny man had found his voice at last.
"And don't speak another word il
you want to save your worthless life. !"
"Who the
He checked himself abruptly. aware
that he was violating orders.