The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1915-07-07

his feet M was clothed In khaki
an old suit of Greystoke's being the
largest that could be found upon the
place. and that was none too large.
As Curtiss approached the wolf.
hound turned his wicked little eyes
upon him. without moving his head
from where 1t lay stretched upon his
forepaws. and growled. M extended
a booted foot across the beasts neck
to hold him In check.
The hounds show of hostility an.
gered Curtiss. He hated the brute.
and he hated M as cordially-just
why he did not know.
He halted in front Of the cave man.
II want to ask you question" he
said coldly. II have been wanting to
do SO for a long time, but there has
always been some one else around"
M nodded.
"What can M tell your he asked.
"You can tell me where Miss Gus.
ter is" replied Curtiss.
"Miss Custer? do not know what
you mean. never heard Of Miss
Custer"
"You lier' cried Curtiss. losing con.
troll of himself. Her jacket was found
beneath your head in that foul den Of
yours"
NJ came slowly to his feet
"What does lie mean" he asked.
II do not understand all that people
say to me yet, but know much from
the way of saying, and l do not like
your way, Curtiss."
ANSWER my question: cried Cur
tiss. Where is Victoria Custer? When
you speak to me remember that I'm
Mr.. Curtissr'
"What does lie mean?" persisted
NJ. And why should call you mis-
teri do not like the sound of your
voice, Curtiss."
1t was at this moment that Barney
appeared.
The black haired giant stood with
the bristling wolfhound at his side.
The attitude Of the man resembled
nothing more closely than that of a big
black panther tensed for spring. Cur
tiss' hand was reaching for the butt Of
the gun at his hip.
Barney stepped between them.
"What is the meaning of this. Cur
tiss?" he asked sharply.
Curtiss had been warm friend for
years-a friend of civilization and lux
ury and ease, He had known Curtiss
under conditions which gave every
thing that Curtiss wished, and he had
seemed fine fellow. but lately. since
he had been crossed and disappointed,
there had been sides to his character
that had never before presented them
selves.
Curtiss made no reply to Barney's
question. Instead he turned on his
heel and walked away.
M laid a hand upon the Americans
shoulder.
what does lie mean. Custer?" he
asked.
Barney tried to explain.
II see," said M. "And what is
'misterp"
Again Barney did his best to explain.
"Who is Miss Custer" NJ asked.
Barney looked at the man in surprise.
do you not know?' he asked.
"Why should II"
"She is my sister," said Barney. look
Ing closely at the man.
"Your sister," questioned M. II
did not know you had sister, Custer"
"YOu did not know my sister. Nat
ulw cried Barney.
"Nat-ulv' exclaimed the man. MAT
ul your sister,"
Yes. l supposed that you knew It,"
But you are not Aht, son Of Tha,"
said M, "and Nat-ul had no other
brother"
II am brother Of the girl you saved
from the lion in the garden yonder,"
said Barney. as it she you know as
Nat-ul?"
"She was Nat-ul."
where Is she" cried Barney.
~ do not know" replied M. II
thought that she was a prisoner among
you, and | have been waiting here
quietly for her to be brought back"
you saw her last" said Barney.
The time had come to have it out
with this man.
You saw her last. She was in your
ave In the mountain. We found her
Jacket there. and beside the spring this
log lay senseless. What became Of
1erT
M stood with an expression of duh
ncomprehension upon his fine features.
It was as though he had received a
blow.
"She was there?" he said at last In
/ low voice .'She was there In my
ave, and ! thought 1t was but dream.
She has gone away, and for many days
have remained here doing nothing,
while she roams amid the dangers of
he forest alone and unprotected.
"Unless" tone became more hope
ful-"she has found her way to our
,wn people among the caves beside the
restless sea But how could she? Not
even |. a man and great hunter. can