Evening star., 1905-11-11

were strolling about among the Indians,
Fielder engaging In the meantime in quite
long conversation with the chief.
AT nightfall the band had gone. And 1t
was inow that Fielder went in search of
Maj. Ambrecht to make apologies for his
thoughtlessness and to surrender the Of
Tending reading glass. But when his hand
went to his pocket the glass was not to be
found, nor did a thorough search of his
room and the rest of the premises reveal
the missing object. There was but one con-
clusion Some cunning redskin had ficked
1t from his pocket, thinking 1t a pleasing
toy. Major Ambi echt laughed good-na-
turedly and pardored Fielder, much to the
latter's relief.
week passed. and the visit of Black
Wolf and his band had been almost for
gotten. No more depredations had been re-
ported and the officers and men at the fort
settled down once more to a life of easy dis
cipine and varied amusement. VIII Fielder
proved very agreeable companion, but he
never quite won the respect of Lieut.
Smalley, who could not entirely overlook
the others boyish nonsense. and who was
still not wholly sure that Black Wolf had
not discovered the source of his annoyance
and was not even now planning some
scheme of revenge. for the reputation of
that smooth old rascal for paying back
small injuries by black deeds was wei, es-
tablished.
1t was Sunday. Mildred and Fielder had
engaged in one of their frequent little quar-
rels in the morning, and in consequence
Mildred had started off on her usual after
noon stroll alone. VIII had noted her de-
parture and had called after her
May l come along?'' he cried eagerly
mo, thank you. Mr.. Fielder" came the
answer and toss of the speakers head
Indicated the independence that she felt
Lieut.. Smalley had heard this and smiled
to himself with satisfaction, but he did not
attempt to accompany the majors daugh-
ter himself.
At sunset Mildred had not returned VIII
came down and began to pace up and down
anxiously. But twilight deepened into dark
ness, and still no sign of Mildred The fort
was aroused Major Ambrecht, through
.ruftied temper and anxiety, began to issue
contradictory orders. But Smalley, with
grave face and heavy heart lined I'D by
the side of his commander to steady him
and counsel was taken as to the possible
cause of the girls disappearance and of the
means to be pursued in making search for
her.
ut is Black Wots work" declared Small
ley. Miss Ambrecht has been kidnapped
lam as sure of 1t as if I had witnessed the
deed.t'
What do you suggest" asked Major
Ambrecht, weakly.
Five searching parties to follow the
lines l shall lay out; but, unfortunately,
We can do but little before daylight"
VIII Fielder was stupefed. He was with
out an idea, and he hung upon every word
Of the resourceful Smalley, who soon is
sued directions to each searching party,
AO"ei NiAis Aoi E40 O"Ll IHe IiioSl ulHlCulL
route. Fielder insisted on taking his place
in Smalleys party, and the lieutenant per-
nlitted him to do so.
Smalley knew there would be no tell-tale
light where Black Wolf camped, and the
task of finding him in the wilderness of
the hills in the blackness of the night was
an undertaking that required the greatest
caution. Under these circumstances prog
ress was necessarily slow. and at daybreak
nothing had been found indicating the
slightest trace of the missing girl.
Smaley had halted his party at the base
of cliff some fifty or sixty feet high and
had knitted his brows in hard thinking
And while he stood thus. having dismounted
for the moment. small stone whirred past
his head from above and fell at his feet
Smaiey glanced upward, but could see no
one Then his attention was attracted to
the stone A bit of white paper was wrap
ped about 1T. The officer caught it from
the ground. tore the paper from about the
stone, and read;