The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1914-11-20
CHAPTER XIII.
In the JaekaPs Lair.

In the Jaekals Lair.
The golden sands, the purple cliffs,
the translucent blue of the heavens,
and the group of picturesque rascals
jabbering and gesticulating and press
ing about their chief made a picture
Kathlyn was never to forget.
Patience, my little ones!" said the
chief, showing his white, strong teeth
in what was more of a snarl than a
smile. There is plenty of time"
Bruce leaned toward Kathlyn.
Stand perfectly still, just as you
| are. / believe l can reach the knot
back of your hands. This sQuabbling
is the very thing needed. They will
not pay any attention to us for a few
minutes, and if can read signs they'll
all be at each others throats short
ly."
"But even If we get free what can
we do?"
Kathlyn was beginning to lose both
faith and heart. The sight of her
father being led back to Alfalfa by
Durga Ram. after all the misery to
which he had been subjected, shook
the courage which had held her up
these long, unhappy weeks. For she
realized that her father was still weak,
and that any additional suffering
would kill him.
you mustn't talk like that" said
Bruce. You've been in tighter places
than this. If we can get free, leave
the rest to me. So long as one can see
and hear and move, there's hope"
I'm becoming coward Do what
you can. promise to obey you in all
things"
Bruce bent as far as he could, and
went desperately to work at the knot
with his teeth. Success or failure did
not really matter; simply he did not
propose to die without making a
mighty struggle to avoid death. The
first knot became loose, then another.
Kathlyn stirred her hands cautiously.
"Now" he whispered.
She twisted her hands two or three
times and found them free.
Mine, now!" said Bruce. Hurry"
1t was simple matter for her to re-
lease Bruce.
God bless those rupees!" he mur-
mured "Thereu he a fine row in
minute. Keep perfectly still, and
when the moment comes follow me in
to the cave. They have left their guns
in there"
You are a brave and ready man,
Mr. Bruce"
You called me John once"
We'll. then, john" a ghost Of a
smile fitting across her lips. Men
were not generally sentimental in the
face of death.
There are nine of us!" screamed
one Of the brigands.
And l claim one bag because with
out my help and brains you would have
had nothing" roared the chief who
warned you against the opium? Ha,
pig!"
The first blow was struck. Instant
ly the chief drew his knife and lunged
at the two nearest him.
"Treachery!"
"Ha! Pigs! Dogs! Come, III show
you who is master!"
Thief"
The remaining brigands closed In
upon their leader and bore him down
upon his back.
ITO the tiger with him!"
'Now" cried Bruce.
h
caught Kathlyn by the arm, and, run
ming and stumbling, they gained the
cave, either ignored or unobserved by
the victorious brigands.
They dragged the stunned leader to
his feet and hailed him to the cage,
lashing him to a wheel Next, they
seized the rope which operated the
door and retired to the mouth of the
cave.
Rob US, would he!"
Take the lions share when we did
all the work."
"Swine!"
Il will give 1t all to you!" whined
the whilom chief, mad with terror.
And knife us in the back when we
sleep! No, no! You have kicked and
cuffed us for the last time!"
Bruce picked up one of the rifles and
drew Kathlyn farther into the cave.
Get behind me and crouch low |
They'll come around to us presently"
The rascals gave the rope savage
pull, and from where he stood Bruce |
could see the lean striped body Of the
furious tiger leap to freedom.
Keep your eyes shut 1t win not be
a pleasant thing to look at" he warned
the girl.
But Kathlyn could not have closed
her eyes If she had tried. She saw the
brute pause, turn, and strike at the
helpless man at the wheel, then lope
off, doubtless having in mind to test
mis- freedom before he fed.
The remaining brigands rushed out
and gathered up the bags Of rupees
This was the opportunity for which
Bruce had waited.
Come. There may be some outlet
% this cave. HaBo u another rife.
Let us cut for itl When thieves fall
'uty you know the old ;eaytng" j