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


 looked full at the girl, then a gasp of surprise escaped his lips
 The Wampum Belt" he ejacuIat- ed. And dropping the trident he took to his heels and fled The belt had saved her.
 Out on the terrace The Indian lov- ers-Moonlight and Standing Bear were startled ito see rhe Medicine Man running as if the devil himself was after him. Fearing for Ruth's safety. both ran to her room. Stand ing Bear finding the menacing tri- dent and carrying it with him. They told the girl nf what they had s.en "If I am in danger, as you thlnk" Ruth said, 'I believe it would be best to send for Phil Stanton at the ranch"
 'I can save you from all this hidden danger by taking you away from here'
 The girl smiled. "I must stay" she answered, "unttl my mission is full filled" Standing Bear promised to send for young Stanton Then he and Moonlight left Ruth, but not .ln- til Standing Bear had selected one of his most trusted Indians to guard the girl
 At the ranch house, the next morn ing, Phil Stanton and Julia Wells were about to leave the porch when the mysterious rider appeared Dash
 
 trident to the steps of tte porch, turn ed Chis horse and gal1oped away as swiftly he had come. Julia look ed at Phil in surprise, but the latter, surmising something to be wrons leaped to the steps and seized a pie 2, of paper which was tied to the tri- dent.
 Ruth is in danger" he read. "Go to her even if you have to fight your way into the Golden Canyon Julia watched the face of the young man narrowly. but he wasted no time Rushing to the corral, he called to- gether band of the cowpunchers and in another moment they were gallop- ing toward the canyon.
 Meanwhile, in the assembly room, the rival chieftains were presenting their respective arguments to Ruth for the right to the Golen Pool. Ruth was seated in the center of the coun- ell, and Gray Wolf, Standing Bear, anl Jim Loomis watched the girl in- tent1y, Loomis had determined to gain possession of the Golen Pool. through Gray Wolf, and thus become the richest man in the world. But Ruth had observed the friendliness of the white man and the Indian and suspected that they were up to mischief Since the many events which had happened after her arrival, she could not help but distrust Loom is.
 'If you give the Golden Pool to Gray Wolf and his Blue Hawks Standing Bear, told her, ''the vast wealth will ruin his tribesmen- while among my clansmen, en1nity and hatred will be aroused. There fore, claim the Golden Pool for the Buffa1oes, because we will not touch one ounce of the gold. but will pied ge ourselves to leave it in the pool for ever.'
 Gray Wolf. as he SAW that Standing Bear was gaining the favor of the Princess. became enraged- Ruth saw the deep anger on his face, and fear ing that trouble would commence raised her hand for silence
 Be not swayed by petty jealouses.'' '' she pleaded. Do not judge befors have judged For moment it looked as though there would be a struggle. Gray Wolf and his CO., horts exchanged glances but the sturdy Standing Bear and lis adher- ents stood their ground defiantIy.
 Meanwhile, outside of the Golden Canyon. Phil and his cowpunchers ar rived at the pivoted rock. They wait ed anxiously for an opportunity to enter. The reward for their patience soon came, for Crouching Mole and a few of his Indians galloped through, after the rock had been swung open Before the redskins knew 1t, Phil and hls followers graSped their chance md dashed through. Confusion reiGned in the gateway for a moment, but Phil. riding hard, pressed onward and reached tho assembly Q house. Fighting desperately. he gained ad mission and entered upon the scene of the rival tribes about to fall upon one another. Riding straight up to Ruth, he swung her to his saddle turned about and dashed out, while the Indians, swarming after him.
 Fortunately the pivoted rock was still open, and the two young peo- pie 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 princess. Loomis told Gray Wolf that he believed Stanton had taken the girl to the ranch house Finally they agreed to send for Phil and allow him free access to the Col l. en Canyon theafter.
 Arriving at a safe distance tr~m the canyon, Phil drew up his horse at a spot where he had left another horse tethered for Ruth.
 "I don't dare take you to the ranch dear" he told her. ''the Indians would follow you there- So I will take you across the desert to the nearest ra:l- road station"
 The girl was alarmed. ''No, Phil B she replied. 'T must return. I have a sacred pledge to fulfill with the Canyon Indians before I leave. After that, dear. I will do anything you say"
 Phil smiled indu1gent1y. He req rzed that 1t would be useless to arsL 2 with the girl. He would take his time But Ruth was thinking fa~- as she rode along. She didn't wish to antagonize Phil. so she decided to return to the canyon secretly at the first opportunity
 That night they built a campfire on the edge of the desert, ate the repast that Phil had prepared and rolled up in blankets for the nigh