Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-04-05

about 1S years Of age, and though
half-breed remarkably handsome. ne
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 anu
rosy cheeks made a deep impression on
his bachelor heart.
During the preparation of the evening
meal he did not cease to follow her e'-
cry motion with his eyes. When Nc
Kee had finished his supper in sullen ST.
lence Ballard was removed to another
portion of the cavern, and addltionai
means Of security made use of. Having
accomplished this business satisfactorily,
the renegade whispered a few words to
his wife and left the place.
Now" thought Ballard. SIS my time
to devise some method of escape. II
Mckee brings Silas Girty here | shall
certainly be killed; SO | 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 Il
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
person as himself was in the vicinity,
or had an existence anywhere.
TOO pretty-too pretty" he said to
himself, ito be in such place as this,
and surrounded by such influences.
Meantime Mrs. Mckee tasted the
whisky, and liked it so we'll that she
tasted again. repeating the operation
with marvellous alacrity and every sign
of enjoyment. She soon grew talkative,
and offered the young woman some of
the beverage, but she refused 1t with
strong manifesto tions of repugnance.
which raised her greatly in the scouts
estimation. Mrs. McKee's utterances
grew thick and her conversation incoher-
ent. She finally sank upon the earthen
floor. completely overpowered.
"Innis,' said the scout, for he had
heard her called by that name, don't
you think it would look better for me to
be up and walking about than to be
here?"
The maiden glanced toward her moth
er, but made no reply.
"It's hard to die at my time Of life"
added Ballard.
Innis, signing, fixed her gaze upon the
fire.
1--WE got a mother and sister at
Boonesborough," continued the scout.
perhaps they'll weep for you," re-
piled Innis.
but I'd rather save them the trou-
ble," he rejoined.
what have you done to offend my
father" asked Innis.
Il reckon l haven't done anything to
offend an honest man."
II am very unhappy" added the maid
en-. 81 know that the young woman at
Boonesborough and the other stations
know more than do. They have friends
to care for and instruct them, while l
lead this ignorant and half savage life"
"You must go to Boonesborough and
live, and persuade your father to be an
honest man." answered the scout kindly.
II must set you at liberty before my
father comes" she added.
"God bless you," said the scout.
Innis Mckee approached Ballard and
with her fathers hunting knife severed
his bonds, and he sprang lightly to his
feet.
To Ls continuedl