The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-04-28
CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER AAl.
Innis Mckee cast lingering and anx'
ious look at the scout, and then languidly
resumed her seat by the dim and fitfully
blazing fire. She reflected upon her OWL
isolated and friendless condition. She
wondered if the woOdsman really felt an
interest in such an untaught being al
she felt herself to be. He had given
utterance to sentiments that had sound
ed most pleasantly to her ears; she had
never had such words addressed to her
before.
While she recalled his earnest manner
and subdued tones, she felt herself less
wretched, and encouraged a trembling
hope of a brighter future to come at
some very distant day. The kindly
words Of the scout were like so many
notes of music elected from what ap-
peared to her the disordered harp OF
human society.
Restless and uneasy, she sat until the
clouds were crimson with the dawning,
Her mother awoke from her heavy slum-
Der and looked about the dim and
gloomy tavern with a dull and vacant
stare. Her eyes wandered mechanically
to the spot where Ballard had been left
by her husband; her apathy was gone
she was fully awake.
''He is gone," said Innis, in answer to
her startled and inquiring look. Hes
free"
Assisted him." added the girl.
No more was said by either party.
Mrs. Mckee produced pipe. and ex-
hailed column after column OF smoke
with Indian stoicism; and Innis en-
deavored to initiate her indifference.
''This mode of life does not please me,
and 1 care but little what happens"
said the latter, after a long interval OF
the deepest silence.
Mrs. Mckee made no rejoinder, but
buried herself in the fumes of tho to-
bacco.
'"The young women at Boonesborough
lead better life; they have been taught
many things which L know nothing
about. shall go there and see them.
perhaps"
Innis ceased speaking. for she heard
her fathers footsteps. The color forsook
her face, and she instinctive!y pressed
closer to her mothers side. But the
latter remained unmoved, and continued
to emit dark wreaths of smoke.
As Mckee drew nearer, however. she
threw down the pipe, and folding her
arms, calmly awaited the storm. Tbs
renegade's eyes wandered quickly to the
spot where he had left his victim.
"Where is he?" he asked, with a
brow already cl0uded with wrath.
"Gone! He's a brave man, and gave
him his liberty" replied the Indian
spouse.
McKee's nostrils tlilated with fury;
he retreated few steps and drew a pis-
tol from his belt
Hold! stay your brutality ex-
claimed Innis, advancing until the
leveled weapon covered her own person.
II alone am guilty of this deed. These
hands released the scout while she
slept.
-Innis stood erect and firm before her
father. She seemed like IN accusing
spirit. Her form did not tremble nor
her voice falter.
"Youw said Mckee; and returning the
pistol to his belt, he raised his hand to
strike.
Beware cried his wife, In a threat.
ening voice. BE guarded in what you
do. Remember that my father Is a pow
erful chief among the Shawnees. have
only to lift my finger thus, and you
will be swept from the face of the earth.
Strike, if you dare!'
The mans arm sunk suddenly to his
side. Fear for his own safety restrained
him from acts of unmanly violence: but
the demon was still raging within him.
Ito LS cOntinued.b