The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1919-11-13

men DdCK among Tue lIccSs tney pASo
emily reappeared bearing a good size6
log between them. Next unwrappins
their lariats from their waists, they
fastened two of them together in order
to secure greater length Of rope, after
which the moose of one was slipped
about the log. At a further order
from Morgan the section Of tree trunk
was showed out into the stream. Seiz
ed upon by the current it was whirlet
along until it bumped against the
house where 1t remained securely
lodged. A cry Of joy arose from the
lips Of the watching girl.
Having regained his breath anc
hearing the voice Of Ethel, John sal
up. A glance showed him the manner
of escape which had been provided, anC
sliding down the roof he seated him
self upon the log. Morgan, stepping
to the rivers brink, picked up the
rope, at the same time calling to his
fellows:
"Lend hand here, men," His three
followers Immediately seized the line
just above him.
"Now, 70 heave!" called their leader
Removed from it's resting place by
the strain upon the rope, the log swung
into the center of the race, it's lower
end pointed straight for the falls, a
short distance below. Before the
strength of the four upon the shore
it swung slowly inward until it was
within dozen feet of shoaI water,
and then it was that the Hawk ven
tured another trick in the desperate
game he was playing. Seeing that the
eyes of his companions, as well as
those OF the girl, were fastened upon
the man who straddled the log, he
drew a knife from his wrist and, with
one swift move cut the rope upon
which they were hauling. Released
from it's restraint, the log went
plunging on its way to the falls below.
bearing with it the man who once more
had been the victim Of his rivals
treachery.
The scream of the girl was close
followed by the cry of Morgan.
"The rotten thing broke" Secretly
pocketing his knife, he hurled the tell
tale rope into the stream. as If in great
anger. Down the pass, rolling, tum.
bling and leaping, the log went racing
with the man clinging desperately to it
until a violent toss of the trunk of
the tree broke his hand-hold and he
found himself unsupported in the
midst Of the leaping waves. With the
cataract close below him, he aban-
doned hope.
And that he would have been lost
there can be no question had not a
seeming miracle happened. From the
brush which bounded the shore lariat
came uncoiling like serpent through
the air, the moose settling firmly about
his shoulders. Totally unaware what
had happened, but feeling his down
ward course suddenly checked, and
seeing the rope, the half-drowned one
seized it and pulled himself ashore.
Believing that the unfortunate in
the river was doomed beyond the pow
er of man to save him, those upon the
bank went racing with the stream.
What was their amazement, moment
later, to see him whom they had given
up for lost crawling out upon the bank.
Silently they all traced the lariat to
its end, only to find it fastened secure
ly to a tree, and with no one in sight.
'Well, I'll be blessedl Just how did
this come about, Davis?" gasped the
astonished Hawk. Quite frankly, the
one addressed admitted that he did not
know.
'T can't explain it, folks. I felt the
moose settle about me, and grabbed
the rope. I am as much puzzled as you
can be. OF course, some one threw it,
but who?"
They shook their heads stupidity.
Rainface, watching them from near
by covert with a look of satisfaction
in his eyes, alone could have furnished
the explanation.
''But how did we come to be locked
in that house and thrown into the
stream when you were on watch, Nor
GAM" demanded John as he fixed his
eyes steadily upon the other. The
Hawk raised protesting hand.
IT was awakened from my sleep by
hearing some one prowling about.
Seeming danger, endeavored to catch
him, and he led me a mile away
through the darkness before he gave
me the slip. When I returned the
house was gone, and I Immediately
summoned Spider and these men. That
hermit is still up to his old tricks"
Back they went 10 camp, John and
Ethel bringing up in the rear, one wet
arm about her waist.
Well in advance of the rest, and be-
yond their earshot, Morgan addressed
Blackie.
1T will be worth five thousand to
you to see to it that he permanently
disappears. The Spider and I have
tried time and again, but he always
bobs up serenely. Maybe you will play
in better luck" The one addressed
nodded.
Gimme little on account, and I'll
take a whirl at him." Pocketing the
roll Of bills which the other slipped to
him, Blackie touched his cap and start
ed for the sleeping place Of the crew.
They found the camp in great excite
Mans Land. 1t is OF a very early
variety and grows well In devastated