East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1922-05-27
Copyright By Pafhs Exchange, Inc.

were able to make their escape, while
the cowboys held back their pursuers-
But in the Golden Canyon, differences
between the two clans were forgotten
! with the disappearance Of their prin-
cess. LOOMS told Gray Wolf that he
believed Stanton had taken the girl 70
the ranch house. Finally they agreed
I to send for Phil and allow him free
access to the Golden Canyon there
after.
Arriving at a safe distance from the
canyon, Phil drew up his horse at
spot where he had lett another horse
tethered for Ruth.
i don't dare take you to the ranch,
dear" he told her, "the Indians would
fellow you there. So will take yop
across the desert to the nearest rail-
road station"
The girl was alarmed. "No, Phil"
she replied, Il must return. | have
sacred pledge to fulfill with the Cam
yon indians before leave. After that,
dear, | will do anything you say"
Phil smiled indulgently. He realized
that it would be useless to argue with
the girl. He would take his time. But
Ruth was thinking fast as she rode
along. She did not wish to antagonize
Phil, so she decided to return to the
canyon secretly at the first oppor-
tunity.
That night they built campfire on
the edge of the desert ate the repast
that Phil had prepared and rolled up
in blankets for the night. Ruth, how
ever. remained awake. As soon as she
saw that Phil had fallen asleep she
arose and, walking over to him, softly
placed note in his hand saying that
she was returning to the canyon.
lhe next morning, when Phil awoke
and read the note he was crestfallen.
but he quickly decided to return after
her. When he reached the pivoted rock
outside the canyon, he was greatly
surprised to be admitted by the Indians
on watch. As he approached the as
sembly house, he encountered Loomis
and Gray Wolf. They, too, were in
ignorance as to the whereabouts of
Ruth. Phil was dismayed; he could
not understand why the girl had not
arrived. Searching parties were inn
medlately organized to hunt for her.
Ruth, meanwhile, had lost the trail.
Weary from riding in circles she had
almost given up hope of finding her
way to the Golden Canyon when she
saw column of smoke in the distance,
evidently rising from campfire. Rid
ing toward it, she came upon an out 1
law camp--a rough-looking group of
men.
What dye want here?" the leader
questioned.
i have lost my way" answered the
girl fearlessly.
You're white woman: what are
yuh doing in them thar Injun clothes?"
The girl smiled. "For a number of
reasons" she replied, "The Canyon
Indians have adopted me as their
Ciheftainess. I have lost my way back
to the Golden Canyon"
The leader of the gang winted
knowingly at his companions = he
seemed greatly eated at the disclos-
ure. Drawing two OF his men aside.
he whispered: That's where the
Golden Pool is supposed to be, boys.
This means big haul Let me handle
this girl" And approaching Ruth, he
said, "Well take you back-but first
you must give your word of honor
that your Indians will let all of us
go inside the Golden Canyon"
In moment the leaders, meaning
was clear to Ruth. Unfortunately, she
had dismounted and one of the ban
dts was holding her horse. Recklesslv
the girl turned and fled in the direr-
tion Of steep cliff. The gang laughed
heartily and waited, knowing there
was no escape for her that way-she |
would have to return to them.
When Ruth came to the high ledge
she walked carefully to its end and
discovered tree branching out over
the crevice below. She looked back
to where the outlaws waited. No, she
would not return that way, She de-
cided to take the chance of crossing
the gulch on the tree. Summoning ali
her courage, she started, hand over
hand, clinging to the boughs.
She had crossed about half way in
safety when the branch began to split
at the joint, Ruth endeavored to make
more speed as the split widened. She
was now three-quarters across, but il
looked as though she would never
gain her objective. Then suddenly,
with crack like a pistol shot, the
branch started to give way, pnd Ruth
felt herself being carried downward.
Ito Be Continued)