The Falls City tribune., 1909-03-26

"Look!-there 10 the right saw
him again He's creeping around!
See the grass novel"
That's onl, the wind. 1t eddies
down-Godl he is stalking around.
Trying to take us from behind-curse
him He may get me. but I'll get
him. too-the dirty sneak
The blood had flowed back into
Blake's face. and showed on each
cheek in a little red patch. His broad
chest rose and fell slowly to deep
respirations his ewes slowed like
balls of white-hot steel. He drew his
bow a little tauter and wheeled slow
ly to keep the arrow pointed at the
slight wave in the grass which marked
the stealthy movements of the lion.
Miss Leslie. more terrified with every
added moment of suspense, eringed
around, that she might keep him be-
tween her and the hidden beast.
Minute after minute dragged by.
Only a man of Blake's obstinate. sui
len temperament could have withstood
the strain and kept cool. Even he
found the impulse to leap up and run
all but irresistible. Miss Leslie
crouched behind him. no more able
to run han a mouse with which a cat
has been playing.
Once they caught a glimpse of the
sinuous tawny form gliding among the
l~eafess stems OF a thorn clump. Blake
took quick aim. but the outlines of
the beast We're indistinct and the
range long. He hesitated. and the
opportunity was lost.
Yard by yard they watched the
slight swaying Of the grass tops which
betrayed the cautious advance of the
grim stalker. The beast did not roar
again. Having failed 10 flush his
game, he was seeking TO catch them
off their guard. or perhaps was warily
taking stock of the strange creatures,
whose like he had never seen.
Now and then there was a pause,
and the grass tops swayed only to
the down-pufs of the frightening gale.
At such moments the two grew rigid,
watching and waiting in GREATNESS
suspense. They could see. as distinct
ly as though there had teen no screen
ing grass, the baleful eyes Of the huge
cat and the shaggy forebody as the
beast stood still and alared ont at
them.
Then the sinuous wave would start
on again around the grass border, and
Blake would draw in a deep breath
and mutter a word Of encouragement
TO the girl; Look. now-the dirty
sneak, Trying to give us the creeps,
is he? I'll creeps him 'Fraid to
show his pretty mug"
Not until the beast had circled half
around the glade did his purpose fash
upon Blake. With the wariness of
all savage hunters. the animal had
marked out the spur OF jungle on the
north side. where he could creep
closer TO his quarry before leaping
from cover.
The damned sneak growled
Blake. You there, jenny"
She could not speak, but he heard
her gasp.
Brace up, little woman! Where's
your grit? You're out of this deal,
anyway. He'll choke 10 death swal-
lowing ne But say: couldn't you
manage to shin mp a palm, 20 feet or
so, and hang on for a couple of min
utes?"
"I-can't move III
Make a try! It'll give me a run
for my money. I'll take the next ele'
vator after you. Thatll bring the
buffer out on the hot.foot. I slip a
surprise between his ribs and we
view the scenery while he's passing
in his checks. Come. make a squirt!
He's around the turn and getting
nearer every step
Il can't-Tom-there is no need
that both of US You climb up"
He turned about as the meaning of
her whisper dawned upon him. Her
eyes were shining with the ecstasy of
self-sacrifce. Il was only the glance
of an instant. then lie was again
facing the jungle.
Cod! You think I'd 90 that
She made no reply. There was a
pause. Blake-crouched on one knee,
tense and alert-walted until the
sinister wave was advancing into the
point of the incuryed Jungle. Then he
spoke, in a low. even Feel if
my glass is there
Her hand reached around and
pressed against the fob pocket which
he had sewn in the oelt Of his skin
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