The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-06-26
CHAPTER XVIII.
RETAKEN.

was awakened by the kick OF heavy
boot and. opening my eyes, looked into
che face of Tom Jaycox. The expression
Of fendish 10y that shone through anx-
tous caution froze the very marrow OF my
bones. The muzzle OF his revolver was
within a few inches OF my forehead, and
his look told me that a word OF alarm
or a motion for self defense would be
signal for a bullet TO 60 crashing through
my brain.
''Git up" he whispered.
stood on my feet.
Move on"
II was the dawn 90 a beautiful spring
morning The perfume of young verdure
the twtter of birds, an occasional cock
crow In the distance, gave me the thought
that Il is delightful 10 live. But they
threw over me as well contrasting
gloom, for IL seemed certain that this fat-
scene was the last OF those pictures
drawn by the divinely artistic hand OF nc
Creator that / should ever look upon. My
companions were all wrapt I'm heavy
slumber. induced by long period OF nm
rest bade a mute farewell 70 each 50
passed, breathing a blessing on ttte
Buck whose arms were clasped about
his sister. his young face and hgure re-
laxed on Jaqueline her white face rest
ing In a profusion OF tumbled black heii;
sleep. There was a line between the lids
OF Helens eyes. but thought little OF
that. for II is not unusual for people TO
show this line when sleeping. thanked
God that my presence would no longer be
q menace TO these dear ones who had suf-
fered so much for me.
Jaycox marched me oct OF the camp
toward the road. across II and into
wood on the other side. where his horse
vas picketed TO a tree. He was con-
stanily looking about and listening. and
inferred this was for others OF the gang
who had doubtless separated In order 10
cover more ground in their search for
us Finally the brute stood still and.
pointing his revolver straight at me, fired
two shots In rapid succession, the bullets
singing close TO my ears He did not In
tend TO kill me. though he was indiffer-
snt whether he did or not. He wished 10
serve a double purpose OF signaling the
band and intimidating me- Two similar
shots were fired far 10 the north, and
then my captor started off with me I'm
that direction.
Entering the road. we proceeded, Jay
cox. some ten yards behind me. amusing
himself by firing occasional shots at me.
evidently trying 10 see how near he
could come to me without hitting me. One
OF his bullets grazed my ear. and l felt
blood trickiing on my collar. good evil
mark on the wrong side. He was doubt
less firing for his double purpose OF let
ting his companions know OF his where
abouts and OF torturing me. His signals
and those OF my other enemies were draw
ing nearer and nearer together / did not
doubt that the guerrillas would prevent
any further opportunity for escape by
numbering me at once. though they
might delay long enough TO force me to
sign for a ransom which would have no
effect in saving me. lost all care
whether Jaycox hit me or whether l was
spared for a more horrible death by the
gang. At last was face TO face with the
Inevitable.
l was trudging on mechanically. my
behind swearing and shooting at me. when
suddenly shot rang out from behind us
both. turned and saw Jaycox tumble
lay. / bent over him and knew at once
man. He gave me one malignant look.
shiver passed over him, and his eyes
were set In death
looked up and saw Helen standing In
the road short distance back with
carbine In her hands There was some
thing in the expression of her face. hold
Ing as she did the weapon, light smoke
curling from Its muzzle. that brought
vividly before me my enemy with his
smoking pistol on the night OF the mas
sacre. A signal shot came from around
the trees so near that we knew the rest
OF the band would soon be upon us. Quick
as thought | sprang into the saddle left