Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1903-11-28
The n0ldyEG Gold Mystery.
By JOHN r. MUSIcK.
AAnthsf II "Mystsrious Mr. Howard" "Ths
DARK Stranger" "charils AilendaIs's
Dsubls," Bite.
essyright, fsr, BY Rosn.r BoxIzfs sonA
All rights reserved
CHAPTER XVIII.

two men but few miles below the
valley were making their way along
the trail made in the snow by old Ben
Holton and the Indians.
Can you follow it, Glum?" asked
the young man, who was Clarence
Berry.
Eyes, 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 halt. He stood
looking at the footprints in the snow
and shook his great shaggy old head
like one In doubt.
"Wall, I want T. tell ye I'm mite
wool-gathered the old man growled,
as he gazed at the footprints. ITS
my opinion that we'll find the camp
on the other side"
II see q light" exclaimed Clarence.
Glum Ralston turned his eyes in the
direction indicated and said:
Eyes; now I see it-now I don't"
''It seems moving about"
There is some one in the valley"
They could not only see light,
but figures moving about, and Clar-
cnce added:
'Glum, let us go over there first"
'Wen," 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.
.fHoi Clarence, git a move on ye-
there's fight over there!' cried Glum
Ralston, and the two increased their
speed to 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
Sorcements 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
cd 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.
I'VE viii be gone, my dear child,
before that man returns" he said, in
. kind, fatherly way, that won the
heart of the girl.
what do you propose?" she asked
eagerly. m
"Across this frozen river, the ice OF
which will bear your weight, as
have tested it myself, we will find a
deep, dark cavern. Now, we will
cross the river and I leave you
there"
"Why leave me there! Why no.
take me on to Paul?" she asked.
Because you would be hindrance
10 my rescuing him. No. no! You
must consent to stay in the cavern
or we will have to abandon the pro
5ect of rescuins Paul"
81 will will do anything"
They began the search for capsules
loxenges and buttons Of compressed
and dessicated food, which took up
little space and the weight trif1ing
IN comparison to the original food.
All this took time. and there came
one delay after aLother, until hours
had glided by before they were ready
% depart At last everything was
ready.
Nov, my dear child, we are ready
% go. l hope you won't find this
Journey too much for your strength
Don't consider that for a moment.
"Hark! I hear footsteps approach
ng!"
"Some one cores!" she gasped
turning deathly pale.
The men approaching the house
were Lakeland, with Cummins, Allen
Padgett and Ambrose. They bad seiz
cd pine knot torches and we're creep
ing stealthily toward the tent. The
keen eye of the hermit had seen them
and he hastily formed little barri
eade, behind which he crouched, 9
revolver In each hand.
"Ho. theret" called the hermit cap
tain. Don't advance too near until
you explain what your mission is!"
my mission Is 10 get to my tent.
1nterposed Lackla:4d. Who are you
who presumes to tcke our camp from
as?"
Keep off!"
One of the men behind Ned fired a
the old captain and the bullet grazet
the top Of his cap.
"You got him!" shouted Ned
We've got him this time!" ant
struck blow OF his head with hi;
knotted stick. The stick fell on the
sled runner and there came blind
ing fash, a stunning report from tbs
door of the tent. Ned staggered bach
and fell to the earth. For a moment
his companions were appalled,. Ton
Ambrose fired two shots at his cap
tain, but the mutineer was excited
at the death Of HE companion, anc
aimed high.
1.-THE hour Of vengeance has GOMEZ!