The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-10-19

Wapano was standing by the boat
waiting for them when they reached
the river.
He motioned the two to go aboard the
boat, and stood watching them in ST
lence as they stepped across the plank.
Then ne followed, and the boat was
pushed off.
The two passengers stood near the
bow, silently watching the receding
shore, while the half-breed applied him
self vigorously to the task of propelling
the boat
The river was rising rapidly now, and
1t required all the skill of the boat
man to keep clear of the logs and drift
wood that We're beginning to run swift
~ on the bosom of the stream
Are you sure that you love me,
Fred?" and she came close to him, and
laid her hand upon his boulder.
lnez," he answered, his voice betray-
ing emotion, why will you hurt my
feelings by doubling me? Have I not
told you how much love your
y es-yes,'' she answered, Il know
you have told me, but
But what, darling?''
Are you sure?''
''Surel In the name of Heaven Inez
why do you talk this way when you
know l would die for YOU.
And you are sure you do not care
for
For whom?"
''AIertoi'
"Mertol Why, surely you are jest
ing!" he exclaimed in establishment
Then you do not care for her?' she
asked, in a faint whisper.
Care for heri Why, the idea is alb
surd. What ever suggested such a RI
diculous thought to your
A low despairing cry escaped her lips
With quick movement she raised her
hand alOft, and Fred caught the gleana
of a knife in the starlight-and then she
struck full at his breast
"Inezl My Cod" he exclaimed, as he
threw up his arm, and then he felt a
sharp pain in his shoulder. He stag
gered back, clutched wildly at her arm;
but at that moment he received a heavy
blow from behind, and sank down
bleeding and senseless in the bottom of
the boat.
Consciousness slowly returned to
Fred Wilton. He raised himself upon
his elbow and gaZed about him. The
moon had just risen, and was pouring
a flood of light over the m-flecked
waters. He was alone in the boat
What had happened? In his bewild cred
condition all memory seemed to for
sake him.
"Inez! Inezr' he cried. in a weak
voice.
But only the roaring of the waters
about him came in answer to his call.
'.Inez where are your" he called
again. MY God." he groaned in
agony, as memory slowly came back
to him. "She tried to murder mech,
heavensl'' and he sunk down moaning
aloud.
Some floating logs struck the boat
with a crash. Fred Wilton raised UP
and looked about him, beginning to re-
alize his dangerous situation There
was a dull pam about his head and
shoulder, and his clothes were wet with
blood.
Suddenly the terrible truth flashed
upon him-they had tried to murder
II III IL. u rrac
they had set him adrift in the boat.
He staggered to his feet and began
looking for something with which he
might steer the boat ashore, but there
thing of the kind, to be found. Every
thing had been taken from the boat
before casting it adrift.
Several miles below the ferry. the
river passes between two high rocky
walls and for nearly mile it dashes
through mass of sharp. jagged rocks.
Fred knew this. and realized the neces-
sity of immediate action. He must get
the boat ashore before he reached the
rapids, or he would be lost.
How far had he drifted while uncon-
scious? Even now he might be nearing
the dreaded shoals. Yes; already he
as they thundered through the rocky
channel. He cast helpless glance
across the stream, but could see no
means of escape.
almost next to impossible it would be
to manage the clumsy ferry-boat with
it, and in his weak and dizzy condition
he dared not attempt to swim ashore.
The moonlight fell upon the yellow,
foam fiecked flood, revealing ma sses of
logs and great trees moving swiftly on
the bosom of the hurrying stream.
Every moment the roaring of the wa
ters in the rapids grew more and more
distinct; the boat rocked from side to
side, and began to whirl with the eddy
ing current.
Suddenly there came a cry above the
rush of waters, and glancing up the
stream Fred Wilton beheld a small
skiff, containing single occupant COM
ing swiftly toward him, and as it drew
near he recognized the form of Inez De
Almal Her raven hair fell in tangled
masses about her shoulders, while the
bright moonlight was falling full upon
her pale, agitated face.
Erred, am coming for you-thank God
I am in timer she cried across the wa
Fred covered his face with his hands.
'She has repented of her attempt to
murder mel" he cried. bitterly.
He staggered and half fell into the bot
tom of the boat. where he sat leaning
coming him. He was only vaguely con-
scious of what was passing. The roaring
gathered before his eyes.
Just then the, sSiff touched the boat and
Inez jumped aboard, holding the painter
Quick: Fred-quicl<r, she cried, grasp
ing him by the arm. I'VE have not a mo-
ment to sDare!'
He drew back and pushed her from
Cor he said bitterly. Leave me and
let the river finish the work your knife
failed to accomDlishi'
She kneit at his side and threw her arms
INV God! Fredp' she cried in an agon-
lied voice. you surely do not think it
was I that did this? For Heavens sake
do come with me before it is too later!
Leave me and let me der he moaned;
'tWhy should I wish to live when the hand
ssDon't-don't -for Heavens salker' she
entreated- Listen. Fred: It was not I
between her and Wapano-
ssMarto and Wapano-Merto that struck
me with the knife?"
yes, but come.- do come, or we will be