The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-04-13

breeds hands,"
Where could he hide herr" asked
| Ravona's companion.
There is place." replied Ravona,
"but I thought only my father and
! myself knew it. It is near the river,
! 1t is a cave"
Then go there" said Ravona's
mother "If the half breed is at his
tricks again. defeat him. The girl
must be hungry. Take food with YOU"
Have you any?"
Plenty Ramana is great
hunter"
The three went inside the hut. and
in moment the cracking of fire could
be heard. Then came the appetizing
odor of cooking meat.
1t seemed an interminable wait to
Medworth. but the food was ready at
last. and Ravona, accompanied by his
companion, came from the hut, carry
ing pot of steaming, savory stew.
They struck into a narrow path
leading toward the river, and the
Americans kept as close to them as
they could without being themselves
discovered.
After travelling thus a while, Ra-
vona passed before thick network of
vines and parted them. He and his
companion pressed their way through.
Behind this barrier was the entrance
to a cave, and Medworth poked his
head through the vines just in time
to see the two Indians disappearing
into the cave.
Come on" said Medworth.
They followed the Indians in.
The cave was large one. A lantern,
hang on peg stuck in crevice,
threw a gloomy light around.
On couch OF furs reclined a girl.
sobbing, her position being such as to
indicate that she was fastened there.
THE half-breed's work." said Ra-
vona
At the voice, the girl raised her
head.
Lola" cried Medworth, rushing. to
her past the Indians.
Arthur! my Arthur" she ex-
claimed. "You herein Venezuelan"
Il am here" he said. joyfufly; land
so is my old friend. Tempest
Never mind me-" said Jack; "cut
those Cords
Who are you?" now demanded
Ravona a
Friends of this senorita," replied
Tempest I'VE have been looking for
her.
A glance at Lola, whose head was
nestled against Arthurs breast,
proved to Ravona that Tempest spoke
the truth.
Then I am not needed" he said
But beware OF Mattazudo See,
leave You the food. There is plenty.
Adios"
Where am I. Arthur" asked Lola,
when the Indians had gone
You are in cave near the river.
Who brought you here?"
It do not know. A dark-skinned
man came to me and said my father
sent him to guide me to a place of
safety until after the battle. He
brought me here and bound me-
screamed and struggled. and begged
him to release me, but he would not.
Oh, how frightened I was! / thought
l was going to be killed.
well you are in the hands of
friends now, Miss Lola" said Tempest,
land I'll answer for the neck of the
next man who lays a hand ON you"
Come" said Arthur. you have not
touched the supper the Indian
brought
He tenderly assisted her out of the
cave and they started toward the cas-
tie. Lola carefully guarded between
her two companions
Suddenly the sound of firing was
heard.
The battle is on" said Medworth
Il hope Salvarez is successful
AS they progressed the firing grew
louder and nearer until they paused
in alarm.
"Listen:" said Lola. "Was that not
woman's scream?"
Surely it isl said Medworth.
The shrill scream of woman in
distress was distinctly heard
Stay here" said Tempest. "In be
back"
He darted away. and they heard his
voice and the sound of fighting.
Then girl came rushing toward
them with streaming hair.
Save me-" she cried. "Our army is
LOST"
IT was Jacinta, the daughter of Sal
varez. o.
The rushing forms of men closed in
around them, and voice called:
I Seize them!'
In another instant. Tempest, Lola,
Jacinta and Medworth were seized
upon, and, under the command OF
Fedro Francisco, were conveyed pris-
oners to the Castle of Salvarez.
CHAPTER XII.
A Puzzled Spaniard.
INA