Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-06-25
By A. H. G. MITCHELL.
Copyright, 1913. by international News
Service.
TO-DAY'S INSTALLMENT.
CHAPTER xxx.

that led up into the Georgia
mountains he had, doubtless, formed
some plan of action that had to do
with Gordon Kelly; else why should
he trouble himself to make the tire
some trip from Atlanta and waste
half day in the saddle2 Perhaps
he meant to taunt the captive; per-
haps he had some kind Of a PROPOSE
ton to make which. If accepted, would
send Gordon out of the State forever
on his promise never to return; per-
haps he figured, in his egotism, that
with Gordon out of the way he could
become friends again with Mildred
and eventually win her. Whatever
was on his mind, or why he made
that trip UP into the mountains never
was known.
The distance from the place Cain
left the train to the spot where Cor
don had been confined was about Is
miles, uphill all the way. He noti-
fed the black bearded man, the lead
er Of the four mountaineers, that he
would visit them that day, and he re-
qUested him to meet him at the rem
devious Of his previous visit-in the
woods opposite the huge knob of
granlte-which made a ride of about
ten miles for Cain.
A Silent Journey.
Arriving at the granite knob, how
ever, Cain found the black bearded
man seated on a horse and waiting
for him in the road. The mountain
eer gravely returned the others
greeting.
"Hows the prisoner" asked Cain,
cheerfully.
Hes all right. 1 reckon; he was
when I seen him last"
Happy and cheerful, l suppose?''
said Cain, with a grin.
Il never seen a more cheerful man"
This reply did not seem to please
the man from Atlanta. He scowled
and remarked:
well. maybe he won't be SO cheer
full when he sees me-"
Maybe not" returned the noun
taineer.
They had put their horses in mo-
ton and were riding on up the road in
the direction from which the noun
taineer had come.
How old you capture him?" asked
Cain.
The mountaineer's answers to the
questions put to him by his compan-
ion seem quick enough when one
reads them in type, but as a matter
of fact there was considerable hesi-
fancy. He took a particularly long
time in framing an answer TO Gains
last question. Finally he said:
I'VE got him"
The rest of the journey was made
in silence Holding up his end Of a
conversation seemed to be a painful
undertaking on the part of the beard
ed man. Cain became busy with his
own thoughts and did not trouble his
companion further.
Arriving at the bridge that crossed
Pew Greek, the mountaineer turned
his horse off to the left and Cain
followed
when we get to your hiding
place" said Cain, 81 want you men to
keep an eye on that fellow. He's got
a nasty temper l don't want to kill
him, so if he comes for me just hit
him over the head, will you?"
The bearded man took his Gus
tomary time before he made reply
You got a gum" he asked.
mo" said Cain. Il forgot to bring
one. But I don't need any; you are
all armed"
No more was said. The going I'M
der foot was bad in some places and
the horses had to pick their way
carefully, but at last they mounted
the ridge and went down on the far
Their side of it and came to the clump
Of trees that surrounded the log
cabin. They dismounted and the
bearded man parted the brush and
walked ahead, Cain following close
behind. Three men were seated on
the rough bench, which they had
drawn from within the cabin.
Where is he? Bring him out, ="
cried Cain. pushing himself past the
bearded man. There was a fierce
CLEAN in his eye. He felt very brave
The leader of the gang motioned
to the door of the cabin, then took
out his pipe and filled it with to-
baCco.
Cain stepped to the door and peer
ed in.
Hey, come out here" he ordered
in loud tone of voice, Il want to
have a look at you"
There was no answer to this COM
mand
"Step inside" the bearded man
said. He amt goin' to bite you"
He struck a match and lighted his
pipe.
Cain entered the cabin and looked
everywhere, but could not find his
man. He rushed to the door.
Where is hep" he demanded.
The nearest approach to a smile