The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1906-03-28
CHAPTER XXI.


Innis Mckee cast a 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 own
isolated and friendless condition. She
wondered if the woodsman really felt an
interest in such an untaught being as
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 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 We're 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
And you
Assisted him." added the girl
M more was said by either party
Mrs Mckee produced a pipe, and ex-
hald column after column of smoke
Will Indian stoicism; and Innis en-
dearored to initiate her indifference.
'This mode of life does not please me-
and care but little what happens"
sale the latter, after a long interval Of
theldeepest silence.
Mrs. Mckee made no rejoinder, but
buried herself in the fumes of the to-
bacto.
''The young women at Boonesborough
leada better life: they have been taught
man. things which l know nothing
abot. / shall go there and see them,
perhps."
Imis ceased speaking. for she heard
her hther's footsteps. The color forsook
her face, and she instinctively pressed
closer to her mothers side. But the
latte remained unmoved, and continued
to emit dark wreaths of smoke.
AL Mckee drew nearer. however, she
threw down the pipe, and folding her
arms, calmly awaited the storm. The
renegade's eyes wandered quickly to the
spot where he had left his victim
where is he? he asked, with a
brow already clouded with wrath.
"Gone. He's brave man, and gave
him his liberty" replied the Indian
spouse.
McKee's nostrils dilated with fury;
he retreated few steps and drew pis-
toll 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 an accusing
spirit. Her form did not tremble MOI
her voice falter.
You" said Mckee; and returning the
| pistol to his belt, he raised his hand to
| strike
"Bewarep' cried his wife, in threat
ening voice. BE guarded in what yor
do. Remember that my father is pow
erful chief among the Shawnees. l have
only to lift my finger thus, and yor
will be swept from the face of the earth
Strike, If you dare!"
The mans arm sunk suddenly to hi,
/ side Fear for hic own forv ractru;v, -.
him from acts of unmanly violence; bu
the demon was still raging within him.
Go 10 continued,