Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-04-12

olution, and Norwood protested that ne
would not leave his side. Both the par
ties stood perfectly still, and the dog
came on at full speed.
Il will stop his barking" observed Al
Ian, cooking his rifle.
Take good aim,' said Kenton, anx-
iously.
BE calm. l am always self-possessed
in the hour of danger | am called a
good shot, also.'
at the dog; he fell, and they heard a
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 forwa
as far as possible, in order to break
the trail. l 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 a dis
tance of several yards, and striking upon
very rocky soil, his feet left no percep-
tble imprint. Allan followed his exam
pie, with similar results, 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
if you try to save me, both will perish.
l will await here the coming of the In
dians. My rifle and pistols are loaded,
and | 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 Kenton!' 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 l will soon overtake
you."
''But this generosity is madness; by
giving your life to yonder yelling de-
mons, you will not prolong mine five
Enthusiastically as many seconds"
cried Kenton.
81 do not value existence so lightly
that l am willing to throw 1t away
without a chance of success. So go for
ward, in heavens name." said Allan.
II will" replied Kenton, sorrowfully.
1--WE may never meet again; farewell!'
With fearful eyes, and heart melted
and subdued the forester arose to his
feet, and making a desperate effort, stag
gered on with a 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.
Ry 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 walt 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
il would only remain for him to do the
hest he could, and leave all to the Great
Disposer of events.
AlIan's ewes were turned with intense
interest toward the spot where a painted
face, or faces, were expected to appear
One moment more of brea athless expecta
tion. and a gigantic Indian sprang into
view. He was darting onward like &
bloodhound, painting with exertiOn. Ii
his right hand he held his gun, and hi:
ewes were fixed with fearful eagernes'
upon the trail, casting occasionally keeI
| and sweeping glances into the forest be
| yond.
He came on; he was flying past th
spot where the bold hunter lay. Th
latter bounded up. leaping upon the sav
| age like a young lion-the hunting knit
flashed in the first faint beams of tn
| morning. and then sank deep in the re-
| mans breast. A hollow groan was Civ
| on TO the gentle winds, and the pursue
| had run his race. The athletic limb
| ouivered an instant, and all was STILL
| Allan thrust his crimson blade into it
| sheath. cast one look at the quiet out
| lines of the body, and then left the spo
with hasty tread. He overlook Ken
ton. who was dragging his exhauste
frame along. When he heard steps be
| hind him he turned about and cooke
his rifle, thinking the savages were upo
| him: but saw instead the resolute fac
of our hero.
"My dear Norwood he cried, Will
large tears rolled down his sunburn
cheeks, 81 never expected to see yo
again on earth. What have you done
Il have slain the leader of the pui
suit: | have sent him on the eterna
trail that no warrior ever retraced."
You have done well; the next hal
hour will decide this question of lif
or DEATH" returned Kenton.
| 81 know it; now lean on me. and W
will battle them yet. Here is a brook
we will walk in tit may break tn
trail"
| BY Norwood's help Kenton was abl
to proceed. They doubled on their ow
tracks, they changed their directio
many times; and when the sun was
hour high, no sound of pursuit coul
be heard. and they began to hope tha
the savages were at fault, or had abar