The Grit-advocate., 1903-04-17
cw~-ht. 1877, By Rosssr BoHHEfs esoA
All nGhts PnsArvaA
CHAPTER xViil.
The Lost Found.


While the stirring events just mar
rated were transpiring in the grotto
two men but a few miles below the
valley were making their way along
the trai! made in the snow BY old Ben
Holton and the Indians.
Can you follow it, Glum?" asked
the young man, who was Clarence
Berry.
Yes. | kin follow it," he answered.
The two travellers followed the trail
until they came to where portion of
the tracks led up the stream, and
some went across the river. Here
Glum Ralston called a halt. He stood
looking at the footprints in the snow
and shook his great shaggy old head
like one in doubt.
wall, want L tell ye I'm mite
wool gathered the old man growled,
as he sazed at the footprints. ITS
my opinion that we'llsfnd the camp
on the other side
II see a light" exclaimed Clarence.
G!um Ralston turned his eyes in the
direction indicated and said:
Yes; now | see it-now l don't
1T seems moving about"
There is some one in the valley
They could not only see a light,
bat figures moving about, and Clar-
ence added:
.'Glum, let us go over there first"
We'll" come on" the old eX-
sailor grunted, and they started over
the frozen river. When nearly across
they discovered people running about
in great excitement and loud cries,
mingled with which was the shrek
OF female voice. Then came the re-
port of gun, followed by two or three
more in quick succession.
'HO! Clarence, git a move on ye-
there's fight over there' cried Glum
Ralston. and the two increased their
speed to a run.
We will precede Clarence Berry and
Glum Ralston to the little camp and
explain the cause of excitement.
When Lakeland left to send rein
forcements to kill or capture the old
man from the mountain, whom he was
quick to perceive was inimical to his
interests, he little dreamed they
would be coming to meet him.
The old man of the mountains, or
hermit, as we have known him, watch
ed Lakeland across the river but did
not see him meet Cummins. Know
ing it would be some hours before he
would return, he did not consider
haste necessary.
we will be gone. my dear child,
before that man returns" he said, in
a kind, fatherly way. that won the
heart Of the girl.
What do you propose?" she asked
eagerly
Across this frozen river, the ice of
which will bear your weight, as
have tested it myself, we will find
deep, dark cavern. Now, we will
cross the river and leave you
there"
why leave me there? Why not
take me on to Paul?" she asked.
Because you would be a hindrance
to my rescuing him. No, no! You
must consent to stay in the cavern
or we will have to abandon the pro-
ject of rescuing Paul.
Il will will do anything"
They began the search for capsules,
lozenges and buttons of compressed
and dessicated food, which took up
little space and the weight trifiing
in comparison to the original food.
All this took time, and there came
one delay after another, until hours
had glided by before they were ready
to depart. At last everything was
ready.
Now, my dear child. we are ready
to go. hope you won't find this
journey too much for your strength" ;"
Don't consider that for a moment y
'Hark! l hear footsteps approach
ing!"
Some one comes!" she gasped,
turning deathly pale.
The men approaching the house
were Lakeland. with Cummins. Allen,
Padgett and Ambrose. They had seiz-
ed pine knot torches and were creep
ing stealthily toward the tent. The
keen eye of the hermit had seen them
and ne hastily formed little barri-
cade, behind which he crouched, a
revolver in each hand
"Ho, there" called the hermit can.
tain. Don't advance too near until
you explain what your mission isl"
MY mission is to get to my tent"
tnterposed Lakeland. Who are you
who presumes to take our camp from
us?"
Keep off,
One of the men behind Ned fred at
the old captain and the bullet grazed
the top of his cap.
"You got him" shouted Ned
We've got him this time!" and
struck a blow at his head with his
knotted stick. The stick fell on the
sled runner and there came a blind.
Ing fash, a stunning report from the
s10or 0f the tent Nod cto1uoro5 ho,l.