The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1919-08-15


dismounted, and uncovering a box Of
dynamite and detonators which he had
previously concealed at the spot, con-
veyed them within the cave. Skillfully
working, he soon had fastened the
dynamite upon the roof of the shallow
place, then placing the detonator be-
gan stringing the cord which would
operate the trigger along the entrance
to the, retreat few inches from the
ground. Having finished this and light
ly covered the cord with dried moss
and leaves, for a moment he contem-
plated his work with inward satisfac-
ton, then going without mounted his
horse and went riding away Once
more using his customary caution, the
Spider avoided the regular trail by
riding in a parallel course beside 1t
until about half the way back from his
DEVILS nest had been covered Then
drawing one of EthePs shoes which he
had taken from her foot before leaving
her in the loft from his pocket, as
well as the handkerchief which had
been about her neck, he slipped from
the saddle.
Grasping the shoe firmly he made Its
trail, following the first track with
another a few yards further on. both
tracks pointing up the trail.
Further on toward the house he
dropped her handkerchief. then re-
turned to his horse.
Approaching the barn softly he halt
ed, a moment later being Joined by
Morgan.
"How is everything?" asked the
Hawk guardedly. The Spider laughed
softly.
Just make him think she is In our
Devils Pocket, and when he tries to
bust in he'll get his. all right" AS
quietly as they had come they left.
Within the hay loft Ethel. bound
but with her courage unabated, was
engaged in a silent struggle against
the rope which wound her about. Sud-
denly In the midst of her wrigglings
she became quiet as a mouse, pressing
her ear against a crack as breathlessly
she listened to the low voices which
were arising from below. AS the
words of the Spider reached her hear
| ing and dim understanding of their
meaning came to her, she began to
| ioii over llt nay lONdTu tlle opening
in the floor through which she had
been hoisted. Reaching 1t, without
moments hesitation she let her body
slip over its edge.
For 20 feet her body shot through
space, landing upon the high-piled hay
in the manger of her pony "Ladybird,"
and sending that animal back upon
his launches with n snort of fright.
But the cloth had been torn from her
mouth by the fall and as she called
him by name his struggles to escape
ceased and with ears prlcked forward
he thrust his nose against her beg
ging for the sugar which she daily
| gave him. Seeing that It was not
proffered him as usual he grew impa-
| tient and began nipping at the pocket
where he knew 1t was her habit to
carry 1t, until at last his teeth closing
upon the knot which fastened the rope
he gave it series of tugs. A moment
later the girl felt the coils about her
| loosen and quickly she shook herself
free and leaped into the stall at the
| pony's side. T.
'Ladybird ~ she cried. giving the
brute a swift caress, tonight, you
must carry me as you never have
| before" Throwing her hight saddle
| upon his back she cinched 1t, then
bridling him sprang into the saddle
| and went laundering out the door.
Certain that some terrible danger
threatened her lover and that every
second was priceless, she went riding
recklessly along the side of the ridge,
paying no attention to the roundabout
trail but leaping powders and crashing
through the brush as deer goes when
pursued by wolves. Reaching the en-
trance to the pocket with its Internal
contrivance, she slid from the saddle
and went running toward its mouth.
Davis, having found the handker-
chief and tracks made by the Spider
came Fastening anxiously along just
in time to see her dart toward the
dark mouth of the cavern. Not know
ing what she was about to do but in
stantly scenting danger he called to
her to stop, but his voice did not reach
her and she sped on with undiminished
speed. The next instant her foot struck
the trip line which released the trigger.
Followed the roar of an explosion
from within and a downpour of rocks
Struck upon the head by one of them,
she fell forward upon her face in
the midst of a deluge of released
stones and debris. With a terrible cry
of anguish and fear Davis leaped In
after her, just as a great bowlder
shaken from its bed began to slowly
descend straight above her PROSTATE
form.
Then ensued struggle to the finish
between the man and elemental force.
Throwing up his hands as did Porthos
In the Grotto of Loc Maria, John made
living pillar Of himself as the great
weight settled upon his shoulders.
Rigid as an iron statue. his muscles
bulging beneath the terrific strain for
a minute he held it at bay. then slow