Catoctin clarion., 1918-02-28
FREDERICK COUNTY, MD, THURSDAY FEBRUARY %, 1913.


Her cousin, rough mOuntaineer
named Eel Danvers had been visiting
her for week. The night of the MUIR
der, acting strangely and excited, he
had come home and hurried to his
room. The next morning she found
him gone. Connecting his strange be-
havior with the tragic event Of the
night, tie suspicion forced itself upon
her mind that Eel Danvers, member
of a community noted for its lawless
deeds, might have been concerned In
some knowledge Of the murder. The
ties Of relationship were not strong
enough to silence her conscience. II
have learned where Danvers can be
found. It Is almost worth mans life
to invade the community In which he
lives with hostile intent, but he must
be seen, his story wormed out Of him.
If necessary he must be kidnapped and
brought here. Will you undertake the
commission? You will be well pro-
vided with money, power in further
ing such plan."
Alwyn Prescott arose to his feet.
There was a glowing flicker of resolve
and enthusiasm in his eyes. If
should never come back" he said sim
ply, tell Miss Lane that was glad to
be of service to her"
i prescott" spoke the old lawyer, and
there was tremor in his tones, II
wish I had son like you'll"
Six days later Alwyn Prescott trod
the edge of q ravine hundred miles
from home, with buoyant step and
proud confidence of soul. Within an
inner pocket he carried that which
would free Mr.. Lane from all charge Of
crime, and would bring Joy and healing
to the crushed heart Of the woman he
loved.
He had been so anxious to reach
home with his glad, wonderful news,
that he had essayed to walk short
cut across a wild desolate stretch to
reach the nearest railroad station.
Thus proceeding suddenly his foot
caught on vine. He plunged for
ward, fell nearly thirty feet, was
stunned by the fall and returned to
consciousness to find himself bruised
and bleeding and one arm broken. He
had landed in sort Of immense pit or
shut-in space, encased within almost
perpendicular walls of rock. He chilled
as he realized that there was no hope
of getting out of this grewsome prison
place unaided.
The day passed in weary solitude.
Night came on. 1t was the next morn
ing when Prescott was surprised and
startled to see a hunting dog appear
suddenly. The animal, holding up one
foot, limped appealingly toward him.
Whence had 1t come? through what
hidden inlet?
Prescott found long thorn deeply
imbedded in the foot of the dog and
removed 1t. The animal licked his
hand in gratitude. He followed it as it
started to leave the spot. 1t crawled
through a vine-covered space he had
failed to explore. His spirits rose as
he crept forth out of his prison place.
Prescott telegraphed the lawyer
when he reached a railroad station. In
six hours he was in the Office of Mr.
Bird. He carried his arm in sling
and the old attorney regarded him So
licitously.
"You wired that you had good news?'
he ntimated.
"Yes, the confession Of Eel Danvers,
whom l found dying. He told strange
story. He was assaulted with a knife
by Blair, who evidently mistook him
for Mr.. Lane. Danvers drew re-
volver to defend himself. 1t went off
accidentally, and he fled. There is the
document that will give your client his
freedom and his vindication in the eyes
of all men,"
There was sob of joy, and from an
inner room Myra Lane appeared. She
fairly tottered toward Prescott to
thank him, and to sustain her he
caught her in his good arm, and there
she rested, content, looking up into his
face and murmuring the gratitude that
was the sure precursor Of love.