The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1906-03-14
81 knew something would break" an
swered Ballard.

81 knew something would break" am
swered Ballard.
you've got broken head already,
and it's my opinion you'll get a broken
neck before you get through with this
business" retorted the man.
Il have notion your name is Nc
Kee, the bosom friend of that villainous
piece of human natur' called Silas Cir
ty," said the scout.
Draw it mild or l may make an end
Of you on the spot" answered Mckee
savagely. "You have always been a spy
on our movements, and your death has
been resolved on for long time. Girty
and l have been after you for many
weeks"
Thank ye," said Ballard.
"Girty will be here in the morning."
resumed Mckee.
Il should rather have seen him yes
terday morning." observed the scout.
honestly.
No doubt-no doubtv returned Nc
kee, with a sinister grin.
Ballard felt little inclination to con-
tinue the conversation so uninteresting,
ward the two females The elder of the
two was obviously of the Indian race,
while the younger was evidently her
daughter. Both we're clad in the cos
tune of savage life. The younger was
about IL years of age, and though a
half-breed remarkably handsome. The
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 and
rosy cheeks made deep impression on
his bachelor heart.
During the preparation of the evening
meal he did not cease to follow her ev-
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 additional
| means Of security made use Of Having
accomplished this business satisfactorily,
the renegade whispered few words to
his wife and left the place.
Now" thought Ballard, as my time
to devise some method of escape If
Mckee brings Silas Girty here shall
certainly be killed; so I must see what
can be DONE"
of pretty good whisky-a beverage Of
which the Indians were exceedingly fond
and he resolved to try it's 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
very cheerful effect upon the tawny
spouse, and she proceeded with consider
able alacrity to take the coveted treas
ure from the woodsmans 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 q place as this,
and surrounded by such influences"
Meantime Mrs. Mckee tasted the
whisky, and liked it so well that she
tasted again, repeating the operation
with marvellous alacrity and every sign
of enjoyment. She soon grew laxative,
and offered the young woman some Of
III
strong manifestations 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.
Its 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 .he trou-
ble," he rejoined.
What have you done to offend my
father?" asked Innis.
II reckon haven't done anything to
offend an honest man."
II am very unhappy" added the maid
en-. II 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 I
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.
Il must set you at liberty before my
father comes" she added.
God bless you," said the scout.
lnnis Mckee approached Ballard and |
with her fathers hunting knife severed |
his bonds, and he sprang lightly to his
feet
Go ue continued.)