The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-10
EE ARlEl2 x

lookout ran below and informed the young man of a fire on s-1ore dead ahead Phil ran up on deck and seized the binoculars. He saw the flames licking around the hut and the pole swaying in the wind. Some thing told him that Ruth was in danger Running to the bridfge, he informed the skipper, and immediate Iy the chief engineer received the en- gfne-room telegraph signals for full speed ahead. They reached the spot just as the pole crashed to the wa ter Two-lifeboats were lowered and the unconscious girl carried aboard.
 One month later at the Loomis and Stanton ranch, Phil and Ruth were discussing the many events hspen- ing since their departure to Sihuro Phil was more interested in what the future would bring, but the girl still insisted that her sacred pledge be carried out
 1T have lost the sacred wampum Belt she told him. "and without it's secret I dare not decide the ownership of the Golden Pool"
 But" argued Phil, you still have the amulet that old Lame Elk gave you. Surely that must mean some thing"
 If we could only find Stone Ear" the girl replied. "She might remem- Der the meaning of the Wampunl' Belt without seeing it.''
 What I wanted to tell you, sweet heart Phil interrupted, twas that it is necessary for me to go to San Ma rio at once to transact some import ant business. As soon as I return we'll hunt up this Brick Ear, or what ever her name is.'' Ruth reluctant ly bade her lover goodbye
 As he rode off, there was a flash of white outside the window and stone crash ed in on the floor. Ruth rushed to the door and beheld the White Rider disappearing over the hills. Returning to the room she picked up the stone. and read: You l will find Stone Ear at the old Indian ] Wigwa m.''
 And then Ruth did a very foolish thing. She hunted up Loomis, show ed him the message and asked him his advice. Loomis, wishing to de- tain her, advised her 10 wait until Phil returned from San Mario before doing anything Without wasting any more time, he sought Julia Wells and told her of the message
 You must go immediately to the Wigwam before Ruth and Phil can .. reach trere," he said. "T11 send some men along with you. as you may 1 need assistance" Ruth became worried. She was already sorry that she had confided in Loomis. Calling Moonlight, she told her to ride to San Mario and tell Phil to hurry back, sns had learned Stone Ear was at the old Wig wam. In a few moments, Moonlight ! was on her way
 Julia afiesza>sr party had reached the abandoned Indian wigwam. and leav- ing the men outside. the woman en- tered. She saw Stone Ear. the old Indian woman, squatting beside the ! fire. with a small Indian boy, evid- ! ently her guide and interpreter, sit ting beside her. A small fire gave ' the only bit of light to the room.
 Julia approached and showed t.la wampum Belt to the old squad The 1 latter became highly excited and told the Indian youth in sign language that i she could not tell the secret of the wampum Belt without the ambient ! of Lame Elk as token of authority. Julia was very disappointed - then she reme mbered that Ruth was the possessor the amulet. She had forgot l ten all about that. While she was ! wondering what the next step should I be. one of her men rushed in and told her that Ruth was approaching. The girl had become impatient wait ! ing for Phil and had decided to chance it alone
 You and our men hide inside and | watch Miss Rand olph," Julia told ! him. When I give you the signal, 1 rush out and take the amulet she wears around her neck But do not let her suspect l have anything to do ] with your action"
 Thew all hid in the dimly lit wig ! wam as Ruth entered. The girl ap- | preached the fire and greeted Stone l Ear who actually seemed glad to see her. Ruth held out the amulet ' to the deaf and dumb suaw. Stone ] Ear became tremendously excited on
 fnl- nd 1 started to make signs to the Indian boy. but before the youth could tell she girl the meaning JuNa's men | rushed out of their hiding place and surrounded Ruth
 The girl quickly snatched the aI1lu- let from Stone Ear and sprung back , from the cowpunchers. The old In- dian. realizing Ruth's position, threw a blanket over the fire throwing the . wigwam in darkness. In the con . fusion which followed, Ruth made . her escape and ran towards a small canyon back of a thick growth of trees.
 As she arrived at the canyon, with | the men close behind her. there was soundA of rapid noof-beats. and the , White Rider galloped up, swung. her to his saddle and dashed off. leaving Julfa'a men Stupefied- They rushed back to where their horses were teth- ! cred and started In pursuit or the ? mysterious horseman.
 The White Rider finally came to | the box canyon where the gate in the enormous tree led to his cave dwell ing. As he disappeared inside, the cowboys drew up just in time to see the door close. Arriving in the la~Se chamber, the horseman told Ruth to remain there while he disposed Aof . inc pursuers, as he could hear them ! irving 10 force their way inside. Al ready they had gained entrance through the tree and were hurrying . through the opening and down the tunnel.
 In a small rock chamber, the White Rider strode to the wall where an 1a1-a