The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1919-07-24

previously concealed at the spot, con-
weed 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 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 parallel course beside it
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
we'll as the handkerchief which had
been about her neck, he slipped from
the saddle.
Grasping the shoe firmly he made It's
imprint upon fresh snow beside the
trail, following the first track with
another 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
roll over the hay toward the opening
in the floor through which she had.
been hoisted. Reaching it, without
moments hesitation she let her body
slip over it's 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 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 pricked 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 it was her habit to
carry it, until at last his teeth closing
upon the knot which fastened the rope
he gave it a 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.
"Ladybird!" she cried, giving the
brute a swift caress, "tonight, you
must carry me as you never have
before" Throwing her light saddle
upon his back she cinched it. 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 bowlGers 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 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 terrible cry
of anguish and fear Davis leaped in
after her, just as a great bowlder
shaken from it's bed began to slowly
descend straight above her PROSTATE
form.
Then ensued a 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
q living pillar of himself as the great
weight settled upon his shoulders.