The National tribune., 1902-10-02
NATIONAL WASHINGTON O. THURSDAY

But fust O. all, It be necessary to get the
woman and this man, who is likely to be
more trouble, to some safe quarters. Still,
it is goodish run to the nearest garrison,
though it be a waterway. John, we sent
waif. and he went without murmur,
though l marked the lad looked back to
the mountains with longing gaze. l say
this with no disrespect to him."
81 know what is in your mind, Fores-
ter" said Stark. "You are wanting to
ask me il l will take this couple to the
garrison. while you and Philip take the
trail Of the red captors."
"Aweel. nows me, lad. you speak like a
Stark. Without hamper Philip and the
old man can perambulate the northern trail
where the footprint o the red is yet fresh
mind you, say this as one who has no
business to. but without cOnceit-it may
be fetch back the captives without other
ransom than that paid by old Danger"
| tapping his battle-scarred gun.
Before replying. John Stark cast wist-
full glance toward the region of danger
and mystery that they were leaving behind.
where the foot of white man had not trod
save along the banks of few of its
waterways. The inborn spirit of true
woodsman was evidently fighting with that
other self of his, which told him that his
duty lay in the other direction. Finally,
he said:
Il shall do as you say. Gray Cliff. 1t
is really time should go home. I will
see this couple safe into the garrison at
Pennacook. and then will keep on to
Namaske. my home. II you say it. l
will rally a party of the boys and come to
your assistance. l know Rob Rogers,
brother William. John Goffe. James Rog-
ers and others will gladly come"
Nay. lad. that need not be. Philip and
l will follow the northern trail like paint
ers that have scented their prey. Without
boasting O. our knack, we may fetch back
the captives. 1t be worth our trying.
| What say you. PhiliD?
Philip go with Taconica. Lose no
| time"
Spoken without preyicatiOn o the
truth. Chief. But we will not leave you,
lad. till you are well on your trail.'
| SO the Forester and Philip kept with
the others. the latter relieving Stark at
the paddle. until the morning light began
to streak the eastern horizon. The lat
ter cOuld not help noticing that the gaZc
of the Forester was ever and anon cast
| anxiOusly back toward the highlands they
were rapidly leaving behind them. He
knew the scout was anxious to be follow
ing the war trail. He knew. too. the moth
or was still more anxious for him to start
to the fcscuc of her loved one. The man
who whistled but did not talk had recov-
cred consciousness. and he felt confident
that he could make the balance of the
| Journey with comparative certainty. So
| he said:
Il know that every hour is precious to
YOU. Gray Cliff, if you would succeed in
your long trip l can get along without
You now. At least. / will do my best
with the help of those with me-"
Il like that speech. lad. 1t be long
= nrth hnf. frn f.l- tVr t,rr,a
be short afore the Winter comes on.
need not tell you. lad. to be watchful. for
| would trust you where / would not an
old man like me. The woods be still full
o the reds. but ! opne their faces be
mostly turned toward the weather side o
the spruce. Chief, shall we begin our per-
| ambulation?'
The SOkokis bowed his pumed head
but did not speak. John Stark took the
paddlc from his hands. and ran the canoe
into shallow water for his friends to
alight. The Chief stepped out first, start
ing straight into the forest without looking
back. The Forester stopped to wiring the
hand of his youthful friend, saying, in a
low tone:
"Aweel, nows me, lad, it may be a
weakness which comes with the years, but
| feel the regret o youth in parting with
you at this time, l swan 1 do But
know you will act with discretion II our
trails be OverlOng there'll be others to pick
up the sign. and, it may be, unravel the
knots"
God bless you, Forester, nobler
mani
.-Tut-tut, lad! now you show a blame
full indiscretion. Did you trail thought,
good woman?"
You will find my daughter, kind sir,
and bring her back to me?''
THAT be yon my ken. for there be
signs l can ne'er read, sich as be writ in
the book o the future. But the Chief and
will take the trail. and if it be not
overlOng-I mean if she is to be found
we'll find her. The Chief has sharp eyes,
and a cunning o. the red in reading sign.
1t may be I've picked up some o. natur's
secrets, without any credit to myself, see
ing she's keerless in dropping 'em. So
there be only one trail too long for us to
perambulate and ne'er return; and there
be but one reason why we should not
bring her back"
May Heaven guide your footsteps and
protect yOu," she murmured, while the
tears so blinded her eyes that she could
not see him. When the mist had cleared
away the strangely mated scouts had van
ished into the silent depths of the forest,
and she was alone with the wounded
stranger and the strong-armed youth, who
was sending the canoe swiftly down the
stream.
CTo be continued)