The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-02
CHAPTER III.


 ton had prided himself upon the fact that he was immune from affairs Of the heart, and now he found himself deep in love. And the sensation pleased him. But how would he see her again? He would have to go te San Francisco But what would he tell his partner, Jim Loomis? He laughed to himself What did he care what anybody thought. Wasn't he in love?
 He took his horse to the stable, and then he remembered about the strange behavior of Bill Henley. He look ed around for the man, intending to get an explanation, but Henley was no where about. Ha mounted his horse and rode about the ranch, hop ing to find him. Finally he gallop- ed back to the ranch intending to see Henley later. He entered the house and called for Loon,is but he too. was not to be f1und. As he walked out on the porch, he could hardly believe his eyes. There was Ruth Randolph running toward him.
 PhiIi' she shouted, and rushed in to his arnis.
 My darling." he whispered, kiss ing her. and wondering how this wonderful moment had really hap pcned.
 Soon they recovered from their embarrassment and Ruth explained how she happened to return. The episode with Henley on the rear of the train brought deep anger tC Phil burt when Ruth told Oc her escape he thrown into deeper mystery.
 eve came to a bend fin the road where the train ran alongside high bank, almost on a level with the train- Henley slowly approach ing me- and I decided to jump. landed safely on the bank, and Hen lev n follow win mysterious horseman in white gal 1oped up, drew me up m his saddle and dashed back here to the ranch with me-
 But who is this horseman ''' asked Phil, 'and where did he go"''
 "I don't know who he is,'' answered the girl ''As soon as he dropped me from the saddle. he turned and disappeared in a cloud of dus-. I was so glad to get back I didn't watch to see which way he went.''
 At that moment the young couY,Ie were startled to have a small sized rock come hurtling through the open window to the floor beside them. There was a note attached. Ruth picked it up and read:
 Do not try to leave this region
 without the Indians consent.
 Any attempt to escape will en-
 danger the life of the man you
 love.
 What does it mean?" asked the girl
 "I am interested only in the last sentence" smiled Phil. "Oh, Ruth. I love you, you must know it by this time. I love you so much. and don't want you ito leave me"
 '"The last sentence is true, Phil" whispered the girl. "I think I have loved you since the time you saved me from those ruffians in San Fran cisco" Their lips met in a long kiss of understanding.
 A few moments later, Ruth dismiss- ed her lover and went upstairs to her room to change her riding habit. A knock at the door caused her to pause for moment. She opened it and an old Indian women. Stone Ear appeared. The squaw was evidently deaf and dumb. for she endeavored to convey her thoughts by signs. She handed the girl a package and dis appeared down the hall as quietly as she had come Ruth, nystified, opened the package and found a met al box. containing piece of parch- ment upon which were the words:
 To my daughter. Ruth:
 Under the law of the Canycn
 Indians, you are their chieftainess
 and rghtful ruler. Go with them
 to the Golden Canyon and there
 find the Wampum Belt, under the stone with the Trident. This belt
 will make you immune from
 danger. It also contains secret message that will free you from the Indians.
 Your loving father. The note only made Ruth wonder more at the series of surprising events which had followed her a-riV- al at San Mario. That night she told Loomis she was ready to go with him to the Wigwam. much to his surprise and PhiPS. The next day at the W1gwam, Gray Wolf was triumphantly addressing his councillors. ''The white Chieftainess is coming here with Loomis.'' he told i them, and this time she must go with us to the Golden Canyon That Phirs partner was allied with Gray Wolf for some unknown reason was becoming verey apparent. Conse- | quently. when Ruth Randolph sent l word that she was willing to become | Chieftainess of the Canyon Indians, | extreme surprise was feh by every | character in our drama. A week later the entire party ar rived at the entrance of. the Golda an Canyon. The spot was well fortified and defied attack. A great pivotud rock blocked the way for invaders and could only be opened by the In dian guards on the. inside. Gray Wolf left the party on the outside while he entered to prepare the fe~- tiv:ties for the welcome of the Prin- cess White Eagle A few moments later the rock swung back and Crouching Mole ap- peared, and told the girl to enter She was aStonished at the picturesque sight which greeted her eyes. The entire canyon was decorated with strange Indian signs and characters, and the braves themselves were deck ed in full war regalia, with bizarre head dresses and grotesque facial adornments. Phil, much to his chagrin was left on the outside, but he determined to remain in the vii cinity so as to be near the girl should she need assistance of any kind.
 Ruth was bedecked by Gray Wolf