The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1908-06-06
A HERMIT'S SECRET
The PRIZE STORY WRITTEN BY
ALLEN DRESSER.

up and down thse mountains for over
two months and haven't seen any
sign of gold. Our money and grub
are nearly gone, we're LIST in the
widest range of Idaho and no pros
poets of finding our way out for an
age. l don't care for myself Jack,
but it makes me sick at heart when
1 think of mother and Blanche strug-
Cling hard at home, firmly believing
that will be back within a month
with money enough to pay off the
mortgage. And now evn if we were
out of this wilderness we have scarce
ly enough money to take us home.
Imagine the Disappointment when they
find that l am no better off than when
1 started and Squire Newell will sure
ly take advantage of his long-sought
opportunity and turn them out"
Yes 1 know, Frank" answered
Jack, It's hard but don't let it
discourage you. Wen find our way
out of here sooner or later and then
we'll push on home. That old ruff
fan Newell can do no more than turn
mother out of the house and you
know as well as that the neighbors
will take care of her until you re-
turn. Then too we haven't lost out
yet, SO cheer up frank, and follow
me-" and giving his pony slap
Jack started thru the brush.
But Frank did not reply, he only
shook his head, there was mist be-
fore his eyse and strange lump
stuck in his troat.
The boys had been forcing their
way thru the thick brush for about
two hours when Jack, who was about
three rods ahead suddenly shouted.
"Hooray Frank, hooray, I've found
it, BY the immortal rocks of Shakes
peare, I've found it."
Found what" cried Frank, ant
filled with wonder and excitement
he burst thru the brush into the clear
ing where Jack was dancing a horn
pipe.
Civilization, look, he cried pointin,
above him.
Following the direction indicated
by Jack, Frank looked up and say
a little cabin nestled against tn
cliff. 1t was an ideal spot, for tn
steep cliffs rose on three sides form
ing a natural basin and little cree
ran at the bottom of the cabin. ''Wh
in the deuce ever lived, lives, or
ging to live in this isolated spot" b
exclaimed.
Looks as if it might be inhab
ted now" replied Jack, "but If it
the owner is rather carelss as RI
gaIds to appearances. Anyhow let
investigate"
Dismounting they tied their horse
and proceeded on foot toward tn
house. Truly the cabin and yard di
not look attractive. Some of tt
window panes were gone and o.
clothes had been stuffed in to kee
the wind out. The boards were
cracked and stained and one of Il
panels in the dor was gone. tt
yard was strewn with bottles, box
and tin cans. Stepping cautious
over the brush and debris they reac
ed the door.
Jack was just about to push OPT
the door when, Hark!, low gro;
came from the interior.
whats that, whispered Fran
his hand flying to his pistol.
Sounded like a groan," answe
ed Jack. there's something wro
here, someone's Ill or wounded.
well its up to us to find out. 6
out of the way, I'm going in, 20
claimed the now thoroughly arous
Frank.
mot much you won't said Ja'
and giving the door kick he bu
into the cabin.
A terrible shrek rent the air a
an old man lying on a bulk turned
head toward them and began to
ruggle. On seeing the boys 10
of relief came to his eyes.
my God. save me-" he gasped, q
then tainted. Quickly the b.
sprang to his side.
why he's tied," cried Frank.
Sure enough, his hands and 4
were tied to the legs OF the rou
bed, and on a chair beside him Il
found O pail OF water and a dish
food.
There's been dirty work her
exclaimed Frank, cutting the rope
Quickly they freed him and thu
water in his face. Jack forced