The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-10-04

to but one theme Is interesting to the
victims alone
It was past sunset when they realized
their distance from camp. and with no
! idea Of its direction Behind them we're
the green reaches OF the swamp, and be-
fore the lake and no boat. As the tWi-
light deepened into night, RexeH halloed
again and again, but no answer came
Only the echoes rang back with mock
ing disturbance They argued that Col
Ashford would surely send some one to
look them up. But the night wore on,
and, dripping from the plunge, they sat
the most forlorn Of Quasi-gypsies-
Suddenly q new sound broke the still
ness-long, low. and eerie, the FATHERS
call to his mate.
Rexen drew his pistol. The cart
ridges were intact, and reassured he
waited. one arm thrown round the
trembling girl. his eyes were alert for
the hidden terror.
From the far shore came an answer
ing cry, then Of sudden heavy
splash
Breathless. they watched until far out
in the center the water rippled away
from a smooth. round head Rexelis
finger was on the trigger, when rust
ling noise attracted him. Out from the
shadows not 20 yards away, glided a
The brute had not wInded them. but
was intent upon its mate, whose steady
strokes were nearing the shore. There
Z
the branches above a third panther leap
ed down.
Then began a battle royal. Over and
over the two great cats rolled, strug-
gled, and fought-half in the water, then
out Of sight in the cane and under
growth, their heads thudding among the
cypress trees and the air resonant with
their internal screaming.
Janet and Hugh watched, fascinated,
fOrgetful Of danger The female had
stretched herself upon the sand, head
down upon the paws, lazily eyeing the
combat. The moon shone with a bril-
liant wilderness that brought out every
detail Of the scene.
Rexeu moved Instantly the panther
lifted her head and shifted suspiciously.
She had scented them As she slowly
crept toward them Rexell bent forward
When only a few feet distant he fired,
but the panther had crouched for its
spring, and the bullet few harmlessiy
over its head.
Janet felt only the lunge OF the heavy
body. a binding pain anC-nOthing.
Mrs. Ashford's face was the first she
saw-an animate Interrogation point.
They had been missed, but there was
no uneasiness felt until dark-After wait
ing a reasonable time, Col. Ashford de-
cided to search for them They had not
gone far before the shots guided them to
where Rexeu was helplessly endeavo-
ring to bind up Janet's shoulder and
arm where the panther claws had ripped
their way through the soft white flesh
There was an ugly scratch. but not ser
ious.
Half In the water lay two panthers,
torn and gashed by tooth and claw into
mere masses of bleeding rags One of
them was still alive, but a bullet from
the co1onePs rife ended its agony.
As the camp invalid Janet wanted not
for company. It was marvellous. for so
absorbed an angler, how little interest
Rexe1 showed in the fishing Mrs Ash
ford was IN her element There was one
J MRS fnd in vyffh a
gamblers Observation-Disclosures and a
chance like the present was not to be
lightly regarded. The week wore on to
its close
Janet lay In the hammock. idly watch
Ing the camp fires flicker and keeping
up a disjointed chat with RexeI1.
They were to break camp on the follow
ing day, and general chorus of regret
went up from the scattered groups about
It was a scene that well might Hnger.
I Just enough breeze 70 ruffle the lake
There was a drowsy. far-on murmur, the
night voices Of the swamp The naked
t IL - S..5 - lAils q. 49, 49,
swirl of laughter. that centered around
PUNK Of the banjo and Jack Andrews
deep barytone, proclaiming: There's
only one girl for me"
Hugh. what led you to accuse me Of
Little woman. we won't go into that.
Call 1t optical Illusion or what you
will We agreed that night over the lake
'I did not" She turned a white angry
face to his Possibly you do not realize
the implied doubt in your words. You are
willing to cOndOne, but YOU have never.
for one Instant, believed yourself mis-
taken"
RexeT. staggered by the direct attack.
was utterly at a loss as to what to say.
Before he could rally his scattered
forces, Gertrude Allen and Jack Andrews
had rounded the tent believing themselves
alone in the white quite. In blissful
nook that held the hammock
A little scream from Gertrude Some
thing not exactly a. blessing from An
drews, and then-a most embarrassed ST.
lence-
Rexell led or with the laugh, with a
hearty second from Andrews.
After all. IT isn't the first time. as you
happen to know. Rexell. don't you re-
member turning the corner of the club
house veranda rather sudden1yT
1t was you. Gertrude2"
There was a world of relief in Janet's
exclamation.
Yes answered that young woman, to-
tally unabashed-
You see, JACK and have decided that
life would be utterly void and tasteless
without our daily battle. so are goine
to make a continued story of It. And
Janet. dear. you must forgive me for APP
proprfating your wrap that night. Jack
brought it for mine
Through the meshes Of the hammock
Rexells fingers closed upon Janet's that
chung with answering pressure
TORCHES AND FIREWORKS.