The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1928-09-28
CHAPTER VIIT-Continued

the IOOpnOleS tnaL uL up ueT pdle luce
vividly, and then tremendous crash
and the cabin seemed to rock under
the vibrations. Afraid it was too good
to be true, stepped to the small win
dow, set high under the caves, and
looked up to the heavens. l could
have shouted aloud in joy as beheld
the mighty wall of black and slate
towering almost to the zenith with its
lead-colored draperies dragging on the
horizon.
While we had talked and watched
for danger the storm had swept down
the river and was upon US. The open.
Ing grew dusky and 1t would have
been an easy task for the savages
to have crawled close in the uncertain
light. Again the Thunder-god hurled
a spear at the water-serpent and The
noise of the contest transcribed all
earth sounds. A strange moaning ran
through the fOrest-crown and lofty
tops bowed and swayed although as
yet there was no air moving in the
opening.
SIN thinking it's going to rain"
remarked the girl in II faint voice.
''Thank God, yesl Stay back there
to see they try no trieks."-I eau
toned as she came toward me.
The lightning ripped across the face
of the clouds, and the girl gave lit
tie squeal. went to her to learn
what was the matter.
"Not Injuns." she whispered "l'm
thinking I'm scared of. these sort Of
storms"
1t seemed impossible that one who
had shown such absolute control OF
nerves could be frightened by flash
Of lightning and the rumble of thIn-
der. And yet she was clinging to me
like child, striving to conquer her
self, yet keeping her face pressed
against my fringed sleeve so as MOI
to see the glare of the bolts. en-.
deavored to soothe away her fears
by telling her the storm was our best
friend; that it would make the cabin
tire-proof, that it would compel the
Indians to keep their guns covered
and their bow-strings protected from
the rain. But as talked could feel
her vince cOnyulsively each time the
god renewed the ancient strife.
II With deafening roar the rain
hme battering against the cabin. 1t
was impossible to distinguish an OBJ
ject fifty feet from the door. Now was
the time for the enemy to attack and
cut their way into us and finish us
with their belt weapons. Raising my
voice about the terrific drumming of
the rain, told the girl:
"We'll go. The rain will wash out
our trail. Find something to wrap
around the rifles"
She found some oiled skins and we
wrapped them about our rifles.
opened the door. The water was falling
in torrents and the wind was blowing
with great velocity. Closing the door,
we were plastered against the walls
for moment by the force of the wind.
sought to shelter her by holding her
close to my side; and leaning against
the storm, we made for the woods.
We could not talk and we scarcely
could see because OF the rain filing
our faces. We both realized that such
a downpOur could not last long. Our
progress was slow, but finally ! was
waist-deep in some cherry bushes. We
fought through these and came to drip
ping trees and entered among them.
The uproar of the storm suddenly
lesSened now that we were walking
on ancient forest mold and were shell
tered from the wind. Rivulets of wa.
ter ran under our feet and there was
no need 10 hide our trail until we were
two miles in the woods. We were as
wet as two river-rats.
It became strangely quiet in the drip.
ping woods aud we no longer shouted
to make ourselves heard. How the
storm was raging outside we could
only guess. ] feared II was abating.
They'll lose some time. mister, In
making sure we're not In the cabin"
the girl philosophically remarked.
sand it's Citing so dark they can't
find our tracks even if we do leave
some"
I'VE must find place under a rock
where we can make a fire and you
can dry out"
She laughed at me, and her voice
was most musical because II was
natural.
Hard work to drown a WITCH" she
said. ave Jared hard before this and
didn't mind it,"
remembered those days when the
ouse of the Open Hand entertained
I'D when beauty must be gently
tapped in waterproof coverings and
lht home in coaches. This wild young
creature at my side had done mans
work and more. She was made up of
the outdoors.
1t grew very dark, and without stars
30 guide us we would have wandered
bllndly If NOT for little run that we
stumbled upon and which ! remem-
bered flowed parallel to Turtle creek
We took to the water. knee-deep be-