The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-04-21

would not leave his side. BOtn the par
ties stood perfectly still. and the dog
came on at full speed.
I will stop his barking" observed Al
Ian. cooking his rife.
'Take good aim," said Kenton, anx-
iously.
BE calm. I am always self-possessed
in the hour of danger. l am called
good shot, also"
Our hero took deliberate aim and fired
at the dog; he fell, and they heard
rustling among the leaves, produced by
his death struggles.
"'Twas coolly DONE" remarked Ken
ton. "And now let us change our course
once more. When you find strong grape
vines that have climbed tall trees, lay
hold of them and swing yourself forward
as far as possible, in order to break
the trail. | will set the example"
They had gone but short distance
from the spot before an opportunity
offered to try this experiment. Kenton
grasped the vine with both his hands,
as well as his wounded arm would per-
NIT, and swung himself forward dis
lance of several yards, and striking upon
very rocky soil, his feet left no percep-
tible imprint. Allan followed his exam
pie, with similar resuEts, and then both
ran for life, for they heard the saw
ages approaching.
All the various articles to battle pur-
suit were resorted to; but when the par
ties paused, ready to fall down with
exhaustion, the sound of the savage
horde came family to their ears through
the intervening distance.
Il cannot continue this much longer"
said Kenton. my strength is failing
fast. Go on; you may yet escape; but
you try to save me, both will perish.
| will await here the coming of the In
dams. My rife and pistols are loaded,
and l shall kill the first that appears.
Yes, l shall have the pleasure of three
good shots before l die'
Without making any reply, Allan plac-
ed his ear to the earth, and listened
with breathless interest. He heard ap-
preaching steps, and knew the elastic
bounding tread of the red men. He
grasped his rifle firmly, stood a moment
in thought, and looked earnestly at his
friend.
''My dear Kentonv' exclaimed Allan,
Il would not desert so bold and heroic
comrade for a thousand worlds; no,
not to save my life. Trust to me, and
we will both escape, or fall side by side
My plan is formed; proceed as fast as
you are able, and I will soon overtake
you"
'But this generosity is madness; by
giving your life to yonder yelling de-
mons, you will not prolong mine FIVE
minutes scarcely as many seconds
cried Kenton.
II do not value existence so lightly
that l am willing to throw it away
without chance of success. So go for
ward, in heavens namew said Allan.
II WILL" replied Kenton, sorrOwfully.
eve may never meet again; FAREWELL"
With fearful eyes, and heart melted
and subdued, the forester arose to his
feet, and making desperate effort, stag
gered on with speed that surprised
Norwood. The latter threw himself
upon the ground among the rank shrub
berry. He laid his rifle beside-him, and
drew his hunting knife from his belt
The light bounding footsteps which he
had heard, came more distinctly to his
anxious ears.
By the sounds which he had heard, he
judged that one of the pursuers was far
in advance Of all the rest. If that con-
clusion was just, he could wait for the
foremost savage to come up, and then
slay him on the spot. In the event that
there should prove to be more than one,
it would only remain for him to do the
best he could, and leave all to the Great
Disposer of events.
Allan's eyes were turned with intense
interest toward the spot where a painted
face, or faces, were expected to appear.
One moment more of breathless expecta-
ton, and gigantic Indian sprang into
view. He was darting onward like a
bloodhound, painting with exertion. In
his right hand he held his gun, and his
eyes were fixed with fearful eagerness
upon the trail, casting occasionally keen
and sweeping glances into the forest be
you'd.
He came on: he was flying past the
spot where the bold hunter lay. The
latter bounded up, leaping upon the saw
age like a young lion-the hunting knife
flashed in the first faint beams of the
morning, and then sank deep in the red
mans breast. A hollow groan was Civ
en- to the gentle winds, and the pursuel
had run his race. The athletic limbs
uuivered an instant, and all was still.
Allan thrust his crimson blade into its
sheath, cast one look at the quiet out
lines of the body, and then left the spot
with hasty tread. He overlook Ken
ton, who was dragging his exhausted
frame along. When he heard steps be
hind him he turned about and cooked
his rifle, thinking the savages were upor
him; but saw instead the resolute face
Of our hero.
"My dear Norwood he cried, while
large tears rolled down his sunburni
cheeks, II never expected to see you
again on earth. What have you done p
81 have slain the leader of the pur.
suit: I have sent him ON the eternal
trail that no warrior ever retraced."
You have done well; the next hall
hour will decide this question of life
or death" returned. Kenton.
II know it; now lean on me, and we
viii battle them yet. Here is a brook
we will walk in tit may break the
trail"
By Norwood's help Kenton was able
to proceed. They doubled on their own
tracks; they changed their direction
M nv tiynoa. and whon <ho ..,, x.,~. = :