Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-01-22
Chapter XyIll.-CContiuucdJ

struggled to their feet painting with rN-
ertou, and listening for the return Of the
party who had gone on,
But they had not heard the noise OF the
struggle. the mazc-likc turnings Of the
path had shut it out, and their voices
now came muillcd aud soft, as II from Il
distance.
Then Humphrey felt his hand grippcd
firmly.
This way"
"What! Are you going to take me
back to PRISON. said Humphrey, mock
ingly
"Did you wish to go straight to DEATH
~ nm going straight TO liberty" cried
Humphrey.
"This way. then" whispered his com
panion; and without a word Humphrey
allowed himself to he led back along the
dark arcade, listening to the heavy pant
ing Of his guide, who seemed to be breath
ing heavily. as If in pain.
For some time no word was spoken,
Then. as he became aware of his com
panion's purpose, Humphrey stopped
short
"You are leading me back TO that
cursed prison." he said, fierccly. Loose
my hand"
81 am leading you to the only place
where you will be safe" was whispered
back "IIavc | not suffered enough,
man? DO you think | wish to die with
the knowledge that these dogs will seize
and rrnd youY'
"Rend me"
Eyes They have risen. That wretch
whom | have spared 50 long in my weak
folly. is at their head Humphrey Arm
strong believe me, | am trying to have
your lire!'
"Thrn why not make for the shore? a
boat. Give me a boat and let me go!'
Half the men who were faithful to
me are dead, treacherously burned to
death in their quarters. cannot eX-
plain, but the doorway was blocked by
those tends The landing place is guard
ed by portion of his blood-thirsty gang.
To go to the shore is to seek your death.
viii you not trust me now"
1T is to keep me herew he cried fierce
ly.
"To keep you here when | would gladly
say go! Trust me. Give me time to
think. | was coming to save you when
we met. Will you not believer
yes" cried Humphrey, hoarsely. 81
will trust your
"Haw
That was all His hand was gripped
more tightly; and, as he yielded it to his
companion, he felt himself led with I'M
erring decision in and out among the
molderng ruins OF the edge of the clear
ing to the side OF the old amphitheater
a faint metallic clink from time to time
indicating that sword was being struck
upon the stones to make sure of the way
You are going back there?" said
Humphrey.
YES" came back, hoarsely. "Do moi
speak. We may be heard"
Humphrey was conscious that his guide
had led him to the altar and sunk upor
it with a moan: but she still tightly clunl
to his hand.
There they remained in silence as il
listening for pursuit. and the deep, hoars'
breathing of both sounded painfully louC
in the utter darkness.
Humphrey essayed to speak again anC
again, but he felt that he could not trus
himself to utter words
1t was his companion who broke thu
painful silence as she still chung to hi
hand
II ought to have acted sooner" sh,
said, bitterly. II might have known it
but IN my cruel seishness | could not lie
you go. DO not blame me--do not re
proach me. 1t was my madness; ant
now the punishment has come"
III do not understand you" he said
huskiy.
M Hn uhA said Ia, Il,,I 10
no time to think of this. Listen! Thes
men will search every spot to find ant
slay me-and you; but you shall escape
Now listen Below this old place Their
is rock chamber, known only to me an,
,Bart-who lies wounded yonder and help
less: but he will not betray the secret
even if he thinks that you are there. Yo,
will go to the end of your couch, pres
heavily with your shoulder against tn
corner, forcing it in this direction, ant
then the great stone will move upon
pivot There Is way down"
you need not tell me-" said Hum
phrey at this point. 81 know"
THANK Heaven" she calculated
keep in hiding there till the wretcnc
are off their guard; and then cautiousl
make your way by night down to tn
landing place, and by some means seiz
a boat There will be no guard KEEP
when l am gone"
Aud my people-my poor fellows"
"GOne," she said. quietly. They seize
boat and escaped long ago. All ha
been confusion here since-since | hav
beed mad" she added. piteouSly.
" Escapedv'
Yes; and you will escape. And in tn
future, when you are away-and happy
dou't curse me-thnk OF me as a poo
women, driven by fate-to what | am
but who saw and loved you Humphre
Armstrong, as woman has seldom love
before"
oh hush!" he said, huskily "Fo
Heavens sake, don't speak like that
mo-" she said, gently, Il will no
speak. 1t is nearly over now. You wi
forgive me?"
Forgive you-yes"
She uttered low sigh, full of thank
fuIness. as she still chung to his hand
ut is enough" she said Nov. &c
You know the way. BE cautious, be- p,
tient and bde your time; and then Hca,
en- speed you safely home! He has fo
given me-" she sighed to herself. and IN