The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1901-09-11


the camp had suffered one terror aft.
er another In quick succession, and
now II struck me that In case Jack Sue.
ceeded In fascinating this lawless group
some of them. fired with n desire Of
possession. would break through NIL rc-
stralnt. had been wondcrstruck that
two defenseless girls should dare to
come among them. and now | was stu.
pehed that Jack should dance before
them and that Helen should permit her
to do so. But who shall measure the
strength OF womans weakness? Moth.
er Nature had taught Jack and Helen
their power. and they went about their
work with not 1.-THE OF the fright that
possessed me.
Meanwhile Jauuellne had drlrtcd In.
to the dance and was whlrling. bend
ing. floating. every muscle alive with
its especial motion. At times SHE
would lull. polse herself for n moment
then. like htful wind. start again
with renewed fervor Al no time could
there be discovered aught but delicate
refinement In her movements. and now
II was her purpose TO attract without
t4Cltihk hti cHtilulbiNs NAlhlhlNAth "
frequent bursts OF applause and by
the rapt attention OF the men surround
ing her. she found her main incentive
In a far deeper. nobler motive. feeling.
us she did. the critical situation. the
dread responsibility. for human life
resting upon her.
What a singular scenel The ring OF
ugly faces momentarily softened by
the sight OF grace and beauty; the cap
tain. his sharp face turning with the
dancer and following her wherever she
goes: Pete Halliday. standing with
folded arms. lowering from under the
broad brlm OF his sombrero. grinding
his Quld; Glnger's black face cleaning
with pride at furnishing the music for
his young mistress. inspiring her with
his own inspired melody; little Buck.
standing between two lank guerrlllas
In "butternut." staring at his cousin
and forgetful OF her danger In his inter
est In her work; Helen Stanforth,
standing apart. her strong face wear.
ing the expression of a general who
watches a cavalry charge intended TO
turn position on which hangs the fate
of the day.
The guerrillas not one of whom
would hesitate to slit throat at the
slightest prospect Of gain. were watch.
ing the little soubrette not only with
admiration. but with respect. Once
during her performance one of the men
applauded with n ribald remark. He
was standing by the captain. who
etr nA 10
with a backward stroke and sent the
man sprawllng. Jaquellne saw the
act and the approving looks of the out
laws. who were In no mood TO have
their sport interrupted. The color left
her cheeks. but she kept right on. and
tho epsods passed without further con-
sequences
At moment when the attention of
the men had become riveted upon the
dancer Helen. who had been gradually
working her way from the group to-
ward me. came and sat down on the
log behind Ginger. where she was par
TALLY screened by him. Watching her
opportunity. she deftly took revolver
from her pocket and concealed 1t In
the folds OF her dress. With her eyes
fixed upon the group about Jack. she
waited for burst OF applause, and
when II came. reaching back, she drop.
ped the weapon behind the log ut my
feet: then. rising. rejoined the circle. |
pushed the revolver under the log with
the toe Of my boot then kicked dust
and leaves over 1t. This accomplished.
brcathed the most comfortable sigh
Of relief have ever drawn In my life.
The whole situation seemed changed
by that little dust covered combinat ion
Of bits Of metal. STOPPING. slipped 1t
into the leg Of my boot and felt that
half the battle was won.
At that moment the setting sun came
out from behind cloud and shot
lances Of light through the trees. cover.
ing the group-the beautiful and the
ugly. the good and the bad. the refined
and the vulgar-wth gllded splendor
! saw hut Jaqueline. The usual titful.
ness of her disposition. her natural ex.
preston Of careless Indifference, had
given place to serious intensity de-
noting great purpose. Poising herself
between two movements, the gliding
rays shone on her forehead. Then dart
Ing on her toes to another part OF the
ring. a quick succession of lights and
shades passed over her brow. glitter
ing diadem Of sun flashes. Truly Goo
Is wanderful artist since he car
touch even a dance with celestial pu
vity. aF
Helen Stanforth turned to me. Full
ing her sunbonnet forward SO as t
conceal her face from the others
though they were too intent on Jaque
line to notice her, she moved her lips
and though no sound came l knew sh'
intended the word:
"Gor'
Near me was tree, not far from
that another underbrush. bushes-jus
the cover through which to. make re
treat. could easily get down behin'
- the log. crawl into the thicket AM
eway. Now for the first time the pur
Ill.