Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1901-10-12


ness" said Jennie Ford, dropping into
a chair, the moment the door had closed
behind her in Florence's room.
II was afraid you might show your ex-
element" said Florence, "but you bore
up bravely, and deserve a kiss"
''And you are determined to go OH"
81 certainly am. will lead this man
into trap; and he will rer' ain in it, if
one hair of Colin Norton cad be in
jured," said Florence, with the fiery de-
cision that at times distinguished her.
"And when will you start for Fort
Clark 2"
cat once"
cat once, Florence"
eyes; will not return from this ride.
l shall go prepared to accompany Long
Lance and the Skagits."
The major appeared at dinner in his
riding boots, and he looked to have taken
unusual pains with his toilet. He was
even more youthful in his manner; and
his attentions to Florence, near whom
he sat- were profuse.
Jennie watched them out of sight. The
last glimpse she caught was the waving
| of a scarlet scarf from the crest of dis
tant hill.
The major was in raptures; and now
that the work had begun, Florence's nerv-
BUSINESS passed away, and the hope Of
success exhilarated her. She told him
the names of all the streams they cross
ed and all the mountains they sighted.
After an hours riding, Florence point
ed out a column of mist that marked
the location of the falls, and the dull roar
4o 4lo,y how +1o4 1.oY mini Of
the horses.
"Ah!' exclaimed the major, as they
turned a promontory and saw the falls
before them. ''This is perfectly glori-
Gus! l wouldn't miss beng here for a
great deal"
She took off her scarlet scarf; the ma
jor thought she was going to put it over
her hat to save it from the mist, which
the varying wind whirled at times that
way. She shook the scarf; he thought
the action very beautiful, and could have
watched it all day.
"Ah, Miss Florence-Bless me, what is
that?" exclaimed the major, who at that
instant felt two strong hands on his
shoulders. He thought it must be bear,
and he realized that he was unarmed.
Florence made no answer. There was
no need Of an answer.
Six Indians appeared from behind the
rocks, and before Maj. Germon could
collect his scattered wits he was seized
and his arms securely bound. The In
dams were disguised, and their paint and
feathers gave them/an appearance we'll
calculated to excite the strongest nerves.
Maj. Germon had some physical cour-
| age, and in his anxiety for himself he
did not lose sight of the fact that he was
the escort and protector of the beautiful
girl. To his amazement, Florence mani
tested no alarm, no anxiety; and this
! amazement grew into horror when he
heard her saying to the Indians:
''Do not destroy this man till you hear
from me-"
Destroy mer' gasped the major. Miss
Flor-Miss Loring gracious heaven,
what does this mean"
''It means that you are a prisaner."
ga prisoner!' he repeated. "Ah, l see,
Miss Florence, this is one of your jokes
Very good, very cleverly done, indeed"
and the major looked down at his bound
arms, and tried to smile as if he were
enjoying it.
Maj. Germon," she stepped before
him, and look of scorn came into her
blue eyes, this is no joke, as you shall
find out before it is finished. l planned
your capture before you came to my faith
er's house; but l will say that he knew
nothing of it, and that my act may for
felt his love. Do you know, sir, that
there is a young man at Fort Clark con-
demned to death?'
Il do, Miss Loring; but l am not to
blame for that" said the major, now
thoroughly frightened.
''You are wholly to blame"
but, explain, Miss Loring."
1.-THE time for explanations has past,
and the time for action has come. If
Colin Morton is executed at Fort Clark,
twenty-four hours afterwards you will
die in these mountains"
But 1 cannot stay his execution"
''You can try"
"How?'
You must write a letter to the COM
handing officer at Fort Clark, saying
that you are a prisoner, and telling him
to stay the execution"
Florence motioned to the Indians, and
they freed his arms. At her dictation the
major wrote to Adjutant Selden, saying
that he was prisoner in the hands of
the Indians, and that not only his liberty
but his life depended on staying the ex-
ecution of Morton. He signed the let
ter officially, and handed it to Florence.
She read it over folded it up, and handed
it to a tall young Indian.
She waved her hand-it still held the
scarlet scarf-and the major was again
bound, and lifted on his horse, and two
men led the animal into the mountains.
Now" said the tall chief, 1.-The Ska
gifts are ready"
And so am l." replied Florence.
CHAPTER XXI.