The Dermott news., 1919-07-17

the grasp of the old priest. who was threatening to hurl him into the vol cano.
 Intent on carrying out this threat, the cruel fanatic leaned far out over the edge and as he did so Tomas threw one of his spare lariats and catching him about the neck dragged him to the fate he had planned for the Chi- nese. Quickly gaining the top Tomas and the terrified Gnu made all speed away from the Aztec village.
 
 Meanwhile Dick. Polly. Stebbins and Feel were having the widest ride of their lives. Borne upon the crest of the rushing torrent their raft dived into the bowels of the mountain as a chip is swept into culvert. For few moments after they had entered the tunnel they could still see each others face in the gray light that penetrated for some distance into the entrance, but soon that faded and they found themselves swallowed by the impenetrable darkness. About
 
 roar and hiss of the water as it swept past the rock wall. but the blackness had become so dense that they could not See their hands before their faces. Absolutely powerless to guide their craft. they could but sit helplessly as fate might lie in store for them. More than once their raft striking some un- seen object. careened violently. mak Ing it necessary that they cling to each other for their very lives lest they be swept tp death in the tor rent. but each time the fragile craft steadied itself and whirling and spin ming went rushing on its way. Dick drawing the girl close to him. spoke words of encouragement in her ear.
 "l think We are going to win through, hut if by any accident should be swept away from you k:- cling to the raft and don't give up as long as there is an ounce of strength left in you. Unless my calculations are wrong, this will take us into the ocean and once we get out in the light again we will be all right" Above the roar the voice of the girl came back to him
 You must not worry about me. Dick As long ns we are together I have no fcar, SO save your strength for any emergency that may arise. Greatly relieved that Polly was not frightened Dick raised his hand above his head to the full length of his arm A jagged piece of rock struck it. beating it down, and instantly he called loudly to his companions.
 Lie down flat or we will have our heads knocked of by the roof of this place We are going about forty miles mn hour and the top of this tun- nsl is close over us" Warned by his cry they immediately prostrated them selves upon the raf; as it ground and bumped It's way ever deeper Into the heart of the great mountain Thus in the hlackness beneath the noun tains. the hurdle hearing Dick and the others swept steadily along, and when they awoke the morning of the third day they found themselves in the Pacific a mile on shore, but too weak so attempt to help themselves So they waited, praying that a kind wind would blow the raft to the beach.
 Meanwhile. Scarface and his gang had left the Aztecs and headed for the ocean. camping the night of the second day within sight of It's shores And while they slept, Tomas and Gnu carse upon their camp and rode off with their horses. saddle bags and rifles
 Al dawn they had reached the wreck of the Lion and nearby roofless Stockade. which they proceeded to put in defensive condition in case of an attack hy the outlaws.
 The latter. cursing the loss of their horses. finally gained the beach and n few rods offshore saw the raft with lis now unconscious passengers. Swim ming through the surf they lowed II ashore and revived it's Napless crew. whose fate became subject of dis cussion ended hy Scarface, who re marked
 You all look tired and am going to give you good. long rest"
 Realizing what was coming, the cap lives could not refrain from shudder ing as th>y contemplated what was to he their fate II would have been had enough had they been drowned like rnts In the depths of the noun tain. but to he buried alive in these sands and left prey for the oncreep Ing tide was enough to turn the bray est heart cold. Yet they were incap able of resisting, and knowing thn' it would be useless to ask for mercy they faced the ordeal that lay before them calmly.
 GO ahead and bury us and bs hanged to you" said Dick to Scar face. If you think you are going to have the pleasure of seeing us show the white feather you are badly mis