Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1906-01-18

moved on again, decided upon some par
ticular course of action. He traversed
beautiful woodlands, lying in uniform
and graceful swells, where the wild
grape vines mounted gigantic trees
where innumerable flowers breathed
their perfume to the balmy air.
1t was near the hour of sunset when
Ballard reached the hills. The forester
was thirsty and looked about for water.
Hearing the murmur of a rivulet, he
advanced in that direction and discovered
small stream gushing from the hills.
Thinking to find cooler and more re-
freshing waters nearer the source of the
spring, he followed the streamlet. He
soon perceived that it flowed from one
or the highest of the range of hills, the
sides OF which were nearly perpendicu-
lar. As the scout threw himself down
to drink, he observed that the ground
about the spot seemed considerably trod-
den. He instantly examined this ap-
pearance more particularly and was
convinced that human feet had recently
pressed the sQil;' and not merely on one
or two occasions, but so often that a
tolerably well-defned path was discern
able. Having satisfied his thirst, Bal
lard discovered that the water gushed
from an open space in the hillside, few
steps beyond, and the spot was over
grown with grapevines and hazel, while
the slight footpath tended in that di-
rection was lost.
The scout approached the place and,
pulling away g vines, perceived, much
to his surprise, the mouth of a small
cave. Having gazed into the dark and
fOrbidding aperture until his eyes had
become in some measure accustomed to
the darkness, he entered the subterra-
mean abode. He CROPPED his way along
until he reached a place where he could
stand erect. He was straining his pow
ers of vision to the utmost, when he was
Frustrated by a heavy blow upon his
head. Before the scout had fairly recov-
cred his senses his hands and feet were
securely bound.
Come ill.," said a gruff voice. eve
got him where he can't do no mischief.
Come in and kindle fire, and let us see
who we've caught"
Ballard turned his eyes toward the
mouth of the cave, and saw two females
glide in. They passed the spot where
he was lying, and one of them lighted a
pile of fagots that had been previously
prepared, and hesped against a large
rock with a cleft at the top which al
lowed the smoke to pass out.
The flames leaped up cheerfully, and
flung a rudy glare of light upon the
features of the scout. The individual
who had knocked him down and bound
him, stood by like a surly mastiff, who.
having conquered his adversary, stands
by to give him an additional shake. if
necessary.
It's Ballardn' he exclaimed, when
the scouts features were revealed by
the freight.
"You shouldn't knock a man down
without an introduction" said the spy,
coolly.
80 you've tracked me at last" said
the man.
Il reckon I have" returned the scout,
"and would like to track my way back
again"
you've made the last tracks you'll
ever make!" cried the other, fercely.
81 knew something would break" an
swered Ballard.
you've got a broken head already,
and it's my opinion you'll get a broken
neck before you get through with this
Il have a notion your name is Nc
Kee, the bosom friend of that villainous
piece of human natur' called Silas Cir
ty," said the scout.
Draw it mild or I may make an end
Of you on the spot" answered Mckee
savagely. "You have always been a SPY
on our movements, and your death has
been resolved on for a long time. Girty
and l have been after you fer many
weeks"
THANK ye," said Ballard.
"Girty will be here in the morning."
resumed Mckee.
81 should rather have seen him yes
terday morning." observed the scout,
honestly.
mo doubt-no doubtw returned Nc
Kee, with a sinister grin.
Ballard felt little inclination to con-
tinue the conversation so uninteresting.
and accordingly turned his attention to-
ward the two females. The elder of the
two was obviously of the Indian race,
while the younger was evidently her
daughter. Both were clad in the cos
tune of savage life. The younger was
about IS years of age, and though a
half-breed remarkably handsome. The
scout watched her movements with in
creasing interest, for he fancied he read
indications of pity and sympathy in her
countenance, while her dark eyes and
rosy cheeks made a deep impression on
his bachelor heart.
During the preparation of the evening
meal he did not cease to follow her ev-
cry motion with his eyes. When Nc
kee had finished his supper in sullen 81
lence Ballard was removed to another
portion of the cavern, and additional
means of security made use of. Having
accomplished this business satisfactorily,
the renegade whispered few words to
his wife and left the place.
"Now," thought Ballard. ''is my time
to devise some method of escape If
Mckee brings Silas Girty here 1 shall
certainly be killed; so 1 must see what
can be done"
The scout had in his pocket bottle
of pretty good whisky-a beverage of
which the Indians were exceedingly fond
and he resolved to try its virtues upon
Mrs. Mckee. He instantly informed her
of the fact that bottle of strong water
was deposited in the pocket of his hunt
ing shirt.
This information seemed to have a
very cheerful effect upon the tawny
spouse, and she proceeded with consider
able alacrity to take the coveted treas
ure from the woodsman's pocket.
The daughter said nothing, nor indi-
Gated by word or look any interest in
the matter. She sat by the fire absorbed
in thought, and Ballard began to fear
that she had entirely forgotten that such
a person as himself was in the vicinity,
or had an existence anywhere.
Too pretty-too pretty he said to
himself, ito be in such a place as this,
and surrounded by such influences"
Meantime Mrs Mckee tasted the
whisky, and liked it so well that she
tasted again, repeating the operation
with marvellous alacrity and every sign
of enjoyment. She soon grew laxative,
and offered the young woman some of
the beverage, but she refused it with
strong manifestations of repugnance,
which raised her greatly in the scouts
estimation. Mrs. McKee's utterances