The citizen., 1914-05-15

otner to q Sapltng. Then ne pointed
across the darkened surface toward
the lower end of the lake. In the dis
tance there was the red glow of fire,
barely visible.
The island was wider than had sup
posed, and must have contained fully
five acres, densely wooded, with no
sign Of trail anywhere. Apparently
we were the first explorers to pene-
trate its thickets. Suddenly we came
to the edge OF small opening. sloping
down like saucer, grass covered and
treeless. open to the sky, but with a
dark irregular something at its CEN
ter. So shapeless was this black blotch
that took 1t at first to be clump OF
brush, but the scout gripped my arm.
Hayward! there's log house!" he
whispered, pointing. DO you see?
Keep the Dutchman back"
l dropped to my knees. and studied
the dim outline, which the night rem
dered so indistinct. Little by little it
assumed more definite shape-a one
story log hut, with an extension at the
rear, and an outside chimney forking
up beside the roof. 1t was gloomy
looking place, with no glimmer of light
showing anywhere.
What do you make Of it," asked
Brady in a whisper, as though doubt
ing his own eyes.
TITS house, all right" answered.
Some French hunters shack"
He shook his head negatively.
"They don't build like that. 1t beats
me, but whoever built that house put it
up to live in. Howsomever don't see
no sign O. anybody thar now, an I'm
goin' ter find out what the shebang
looks like. Dutchy, you stay yere, an
watch these things, while the two O.
US scouts round Bit"
STOPPING low, so as not to be so
easily perceived In the darkness, the
two Of US, grasping our rifles in readi-
ness, stole across the open space to-
ward the house. There was no sign of
life so far as could be seen or heard,
yet If the place was deserted 1t could
not have been for long, as there were
no appearances of decay or abandon
ment of the premises. The log walls
were firm, the clay between resisting
the pressure of our fingers in an at
tempt to dislodge 1t, and the only door
noticed was tightly closed. We hesi-
tated to open this, uncertain what
mystery might await us within, and
listening anxiously for any sound. The
stiffness was SO profound as to be pain
full, and, whispering to me to stand
back, with rifle poised Brady silently
lifted the strong wooden latch. The
door slid back in grooves, the sound of
movement barely percepible, and we
stared into the black interior, seeing
nothing except little section Of dirt
floor, dimly revealed by the stars over
head.
We'll feel 1t out. boy" muttered the
scout. his hand gripping my arm. "No-
body at home, l reckon. but 1t won't do
to risk light. You take that side, an
I'll take this, an see what we find"
Imoved forward slowly, foot by foot,
feeling blindly with one hand, the other
grasping my rife. l came to a rude
bench, homemade without nails,
touched small table with crossed
legs. holding nothing but an empty
pewter bowl. felt the shaggy skin Of
some animal fastened against the log
wall, and then few articles Of warm
clothing dangling from wooden pins.
These were rough garments. made Of
skins, with single coarse shirt. Be-
yond them my fingers came in contact
with the latch Of door. As touched
this the menacing growl Of some ami
NAL broke the intense stiffness. I
stepped back, startled, unnerved, and
in my recoil, came into contact with a
man. A hand like iron gripped me,
but 1t was Brady's voice that spoke:
From the other room," he said
shortly, "a dog"
"A dog! Then why hasn't he
Sarked"
Because he is not that kind, l
reckon; big brute from his growl.
Did you find anything%
/ told him briefly.
Fireplace on my side, two chairs
and an ak in the corner" he added
shortly. Nobody home but the dog, |
reckon, but we will have to fight it out
with him, before we take possession.
Stand where you are until l feel out
the door. Leather hinges, and opens
this way. Here, Hayward. take hold of
the latch; well have to brain the
brute. Don't open until say SO, and
then only about foot. Brace yourself
to hold it firm, and keep your gun
ready; I've got the AK"
took my position. but with heart
beating rapidly, and waited. The dog,
as though realizing danger, flung him.
self with full force against the door,
and gave one deep bark Of savage
ferocity. Brady touched my hand, To-
eating the opening. Then there was
an instant Of silence.
hAn