Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-08

mouth relaxed in half smile. And indeed, why not? She had often takeI
 long walks with him as guide, and hs was ever faithful. interesting Besides
 1t suited her defiant mood to be ab sent when Gonzaga should return.
 She extended her hand. Owatogs
 assisted her to the ground, and lee the way at once into the forests dense cavern to the south. On hs strode into the heart of the wood, nol paused until the river lay before then "a great glass imaging the sky. Sht gave gasp of delight. "Oh, the view it is indeed beautiful"
 She stood on gentle rise of ground with the Missouri rolling it's muddy torrent at her feet. Silent, secret-bur, dened it lay, Sphinx, with giant paws of sand encroaching on the world about it.
 And you brought me to see the view, Owatoga? It is so lovely. so vivid! But I am tired, shall take time tc rest moment" and she caught up the folds of her muslin dress, looking about for seat. This was Owatoga's opportunity. Sit in the boat; see Owatoga has it ready" and from g sheltering cove he dragged a light strong canoe. Back in the shadows was aIother-a smaller boat. She laughed. Why, you have whole fleet at hand"
 The shrewd eyes narrowed, and he replied, with grunt of hidden mean ing: "The other is for him." Then giving her no time for question, he pointed again to the boat he had first dragged forth. Sit" A cushion in the stern looked most inviting; the boat was apparently secure on the beach. Into it she sprang, seating her self with sigh of comfort. There! the view is charming; the seat is soft. I am not in danger of being made love to-altogether, am quite-why, Owa- toga, what are you doing?' for the latter had given the light skin a yigor- ous push. It grated a moment on the sand, then off on the rivers turbid crest, with the Indian at the oars The girl gave one glance at the ever increasing passage of water between her and the shore, then sprang to her feet in a panic. But the dangerous rocking of the boat recalled her, and she sank to the cushion, calm-but with a face blanched to the whiteness of the foam that curled in their wake.
 What does this mean? Is it a trjck-a jest?"
 We are going to the old mans; he is Owatoga's friend. He will take the white maid; he will not let her be the squaw of the yellow man."
 Owatoga's friend? But no, it could not be; he would not call Winslow an "old man." His mysterious manner, his strange words, and, above all, his rapid rowing away from shore. tend ed to unnerve her, but she made great effort to hide her fear. Leaning for ward, she placed one hand playfully on the oar-lock, and said: Let us go back now. Senor Gonzaga will be waiting" .-..+
 He will have long to wait," was the disheartening reply. A shiver passed over her; the hot wind was breath of ice; a clammy hand on her brow. Then she mastered the horror, and only two helpless tears betrayed the struggle.
 You frighten me, Owatoga, yet I know you would do me no harm. Ex- plain. then, why we are going-why you are taking me away" There was command and pleading in the voice; he responded by less rapid rowing. and a fathomless smile. You are safe with owatoga; more safe than with that other" The dilated nostrils and contemptuous curve of the wide mouth plainly the speakers opinion of his masters rival.
 Lavender was beginning to under stand. Then you wish to take me away from Senor Gonzaga?" Yes; this is the only way" and he seemed to gather fresh vigor with his words, and tugged stronger at the oars.
 When they came in sight of the scat tered cabins of St. Charles, new hope sprang in her heart. You are taking me to the village?' For answer the Indian rowed harder toward mid- stream.
 Soon all human habitation was left lar behind; the two were alone on the wide river.
 As calmly as possible. Lavender ex- Dlained that her worst alarm was for her mother; of the anxiety she would 'eel. And the other said-less gruff- y than he had yet spoken: "0watoga las thought of that; he has told all .o the woman at the inn; she will tell hem that the maid is safe with owa- .oga." Again: Tt is the only way: rust owatoga" he repeated, with mo- 1otonous insistence.
 And she did trust him. She could lot lose faith in the man who had oeen their friend for so long. And hey had ever found him faithful. If, hen. as he said. her mothers anxiety rould be relieved. the chief load was ifted from her heart. Whatever was lis reason for taking her away-freak. Ehim, or savage fancy. she felt sure it would not be for long. and. above all. he need have no personal fear. This Iecurity was much: 1t helped her to year the suspense and fatigue. Dumb md tesrless. she watched the shores