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PERILS of THUNDER MOUNTAIN By Albert E. Smith & Cyrus Townsend Brady NOVELIZED FROM VITAGRAPH PHOTO PLAY EPISODE 7. SYNOPSIS. John Davis and Hawk Morgan, ex ecutors of the estate of John Carr, miner, disagree over the disposition of the profits of the mine. Morgan, seeking the gold and the girl for himself, and unsuspected by Davis, makes several attempts on the life of the latter, assisted by an accom plice named Spider Bellas. Suspicion Is diverted to a mysterious hermit. Miracu lously escaping the latest attempt on his, Ufa, Davis, in company with the others., accidentally discovers Carr’s hoard of gold. They remove the gold to the cabin, but in the night It Is taken away by the hermit. Morgan, feeling that suspicion Is beginning to fall upon him. fakes an at tempt on his own life. They And Carr’s mine. * The Hawk and the Spider had gal loped off, leaving: Davis In a fiendish i trap of their own invention. While ■he was lying drugged In the shack they had bent a sapling down and secured It in this position by means of a rope. Then taking another lasso they had fastened it to the tip of the sapling, running the other end through an unboarded piece In the roof of the shack and fastening the noose about his nock. Having completed this ne farious work, they built a fire close to the rope which bound the sapling to Its bent position, knowing that as soon as the flames reached the rope they would eat It in two, whereupon the tree would spring erect with ter rific force, tearing the man apart after the manner of one of the fiendish con trivances of the Inquisition. This done they beat a hasty retreat, leaving their victim to his fate. Ethel Davis, awakened from her sleep In the home cabin at midnight bj an evil dream, picked up a copy of Aesop’s Fables from the table and read until she became convinced that John was threatened by some great danger. Immediately she aroused Bridget, and accompanied by Ralnface went dashing to the rescue. Within the shack John, nrdused by the smoke from the stupor into which the drugged coffee had put him, awoke to find himself bound and with a rope around his neck. Though he could feel and dimly see the lariat that led from his neck through the roof, he could not see where It terminated and beyond knowing that he was in des perate danger had little Idea of what Baa taken place since he drank the cup. Vigorously he began writhing and tugging at his bonds. The smell of the smoke and the crackling of the fire still further alarmed him. Already the fire was burning Into the rope which held the tree which was bent like a bow, and led on by the loose powder which the pair had scattered about, the flames had begun to attack the building It self. Pungent wreaths were forcing themselves through the cracks and In terstices of the building and the cap tive could feel the hot breath of the rising flames upon his cheeks. Plainly he was In Imminent danger of being burned alive If nothing else, and he redoubled his struggles to loose him self from the thongs which fastened him to the bunk. Warned by the finding of Davis’ dead horse by the side of the trail that their assistance was sorely need ed, Ethel and the Indian galloped wild ly along the path. Reaching the. shack she pulled her horse violently back upon its haunches. One glance around told her the whole damnable story. Through the* circling smoke she saw the tree bent over the shack. Its restraining rope already half eaten through by the fire, as well as the lariat that hung from the sapling through the hole In the* roof. The door of the little building 1 was tightly latched, but rushing through the Are and smoke jibe struck l(t with the impetuosity of a flying bomb. It gave way before her and she burst into the room. Through the smoke she saw that; the lower end of the lasso was fas tened about the neck of the man she loved, and knew that In a second or two more unless she saved him his head must be torn from his body.* His face was toward her, contorted from the violence of his struggles to escape his fetters. At Sight of her' his lips parted. "Burry,” he cried. •‘Make haste.** But he had no need to urge the girl to speed. Pausing but long enough to take In the scene with a lightning, glance, she leaped forward, knife In hand. One sweep of the blade and the rope was severed close above her lover’s neck, and the loose end spring ing up twisted itself around a rafter nr the shack. Nor was she a second tflm soon. Scarcely had the released lasso colled serpent-like about the beam than the fire-gnawed ropb with out parted- „ , Leaping to the upright like a Gul liver bursting the bonds of Lillipu tians, It tore the roof from the struc ture as though It had been a roof of paper, flinging It In fragments high In the air and scattering the remnants over the rocks far and wide. The wild burst of flame which followed arose to the height of the tallest trees, while myriads of sparks went floating away in the dim morning light. "it Would Be Much Better to Surprise Them," She Said. Miles upon their way the fleeing I Hawk and Spider, turning in their saddles, saw the upward leap of flames j and the fulntly twinkling nparks, laughing at the sight. "That's good-by for Davis, and be, damned to him,” said Morgan as they, again urged their horses on. All but overcome by the exertion of her furious ride, the nervous suspense she had endured while In the saddle, and the shock which had nearly floored, her at sight of John's deadly peril,, Ethel collapsed weakly against the, door Jamb In the midst of the down pour of sparks and dust. Ralnface, rushing past her, fell upon Davis, and the girl almost Immediately recover ing her strength went to his assist ance. Together they dragged the still prostrated one to the cool air with out and laid him upon the grass, find ing that save for the fact that he was so stiffened from his bonds that he was practically unable to move he waa uninjured. "Where nre Morgan and Bellas?” demanded Ethel. Davis shook his head. "I don’t know, Ethel. In fact, I cannot explain it I suppose that das tardly Hermit has been at work again." The girl’s head shook. "I do not believe It,” waa her an swer. Taking hla hand she seated herself beside him as she told him of the reading of the Fable by old Aesop. Laughing lightly at her suspicions and telling her that she was silly to be lieve such things, he added that It at , least would do no harm for them to go to the station and make inquiries. At once she assented. I "Yes. But I am not going to leave you again. I shall go with you.** | "Me, too," added Ralnface. With Davis mounted upon the horse of Ralnface, Ethel upon her'a and the Indian loping along In their rear, the trio gained the station some two hours ' later. Going to the agent they began making their Inquiries. "Yes," responded the latter. "Two men such as you describe took the 7:20 express for Frisco. The next train to leave here la the 10:80, which arrives there at 4 p. m." j Davis started to write a telegram,' but finally listening to the arguments of Ethel, desisted. "It would be much better to sue prise them," she said. I "Have your own way," was the good-natured reply, and tearing up the message they turned their steps toward the little western town across | the track. Ethel pointed to a small ( but well stocked general store such as are found' in towns of this char-. acter. I "I would like to make a few pur chases before we depart," she said, 1 and John Immediately acquiescing she started upon her errand. Ten-thirty found them boarding the Frisco train. Morgan and Bellas debarking from their coach at San Francisco, crossed the platform arm in arm. The former waa speaking. "I’ll engage rooms for us at the Mackenzie. You wait around here un-, til the next train arrives. If he es caped, he drill be upon It sure. And I want' to know. You might have use! for some money, so here it Is. When you report to me later, ask for Mr. I Hawk.” Handing the Spider a big [ roll of bills he departed, and a short ( time later engaged rooms at the hotel mentioned. Left behind on guard and strol ling aimlessly about, the Spider was balled by a taxi cab driver, and ap proaching him recognised a pal of old. Drawing the latter beyond the ear shot of others the Spider spoke in a whisper.* "You’ve done some good tricks for me In the past. Bill, and I want to I give you a chance to earn a little coin. I’ll he across the street. If J you get the right parties I’ll give you the high sign, and If you drop them over the cliff there’ll be a thousand dollars in it for you. You know me.” “You’re all right and a good feller. But what chance Is there that these birds will fly along this way?” The Spider winked knowingly. "Ever hear of such a thing as a telegraph line. Bill?” "Seems to me I onct read of one. Spider. Why?” "Well, there’s one of them lines running hack to the town where they was to hoard the train, and there’s nn agent there that Is supposed to answer honest questions. That ought to be enough for you. Now I’ll beat It across the way to that saloon and if you land them In your cab, stop there a moment for your slice of the coin.” Without saying more he walked In the direction he had Indicated. As the 4 o’clock train drew Into the depot, John and Ethel stepping from tlielr car, found themselves confronted by a respectful mannered chauffeur who pointed to his cab and begged their patronage. "Might as well take you as any one, I suppose," said John, assisting the girl Into the conveyance. "Take us to the Mackenzie."* He seated him self beside hla companion. Across the street In front of the saloon in which the Spider was hid den, the driver stopped his machine. “Just a moment, lady and gent,” he called to them as he crossed the sidewalk toward the door of the place. 1 "I’ve got to leave a message here for a friend, then Til be on the way." I Not liking the actions of the other, j Davis, arising In his seat, found him self able to see above the low swing ing door of the saloon. Within the 1 interior he could make out the form ' of their driver In earnest conversation | with a man whose back waa toward j them and whom be could not recog nize. A moment later he saw the stranger pass the chauffeur a large wad of money, whereupon the latter at once returned to the machine and I began driving them away at a high 1 rate of speed. Rendered somewhat suspicious from what he had seen ; but not wishing to alarm Ethel, Davis said nothing but kept his eyes closely ( glued upon the gun in front. Sud denly Jdbn burst forth, tapping on the window to attract the attention of the one who drove. I "Here, you 1 Thla la not the way to the Mackenzie. Stop this machine." 1 The only reply of the one at the wheel ' was to step harder upon the accel j erator. John grasped the girl by the arm. I "I believe the man Is mad. He’s heading us straight for the bluff. Get out of here—quick!" Opening the door he stepped forth and stood upon the running board, holding Ethel firm ly as he glanced ahead. Close beyond was the almost sheer descent of the i bluff, and upon It the machine was charging with the speed of a running horse. With but a moment remaln ’ ing Davis hesitated no longer. Rais ing the girl in his arms he sprang. { By good luck they landed in a hedge, arising a moment later unhurt. I The cab, now a short distance ahead ' of them, was swerving sharply Into ! the fence which guarded the bluff, and even as they looked they saw the driver leap from hi? seat and alight safely upon the ground. The .next instant the cab bfd crashed through the fence and gone ofer the edge, to be smashed Into wqod. below. Davis started, toward tM rascal who had attempted to minder them, hla Mood Bolling with rage. Staring at the approaching one aa though confronted by a ghost, the aa Com*l*. 1010, Is VUa«ra»b tonished driver stood white of face and with trembling knees. Then as he saw the light of rage that burned, in the eyes of the onstridlng man, with a gasping cry of, “Good God!; How did you get out?" he slid over the edge of th£ cliff and vanished in a shower of dirt and following stones. Davis, upon the verge of following him, so great was his anger, was re strained by the girl who clung des perately to him. At last, permitting himself to be Influenced by her en treaties, he took her arm and thejj proceeded upon their way on foot. Arriving at their hotel they regis tered and took a suite of rooms, one for Ethel and one for John, while Ralnface, who had accompanied them on the train but had ridden in the smoker and wuiked to the hotel, en sconsed himself in the living room which the rooms of the other two ad joined. Wearied from their adventures of the day, they retired for a short rest. From a corner of the lobby Morgan watched their arrival, then going into the bar paced impatiently up and down as he awaited the arrival of the Spider. Not long after that gentleman entered, and the Hawk drew him into' a private booth. "Well!” he exclaimed angrily. "They turned up right side up with care, as usual and all our work has been in vain. Explain yourself.” Coolly Bel las answered him. "I gave Bill a thousand dollars to dump them over the bluff In his ma chine, but it seems that they got wise to what was coming and leaped Just ns the taxi went over. However, it wasn’t no fault of mine.” Morgan leaped to his feet with a savage curse. "A cool thousand gone to the dogs nnd nothing done. D’ye think I’m made of money?” The Spider laughed. "Take It ensy, Hawk. I did my best, and what’s a thousand with mil lions In the mine—for the orphans’.” "Yes. And' we’re the orphans,” mut tered the Hawk. Having taken his rest, Davis 1m- I mediately began his Inquiries for Mor gan. From the bartender of the hotel buffet he learned that the latter lmd been there, nnd had been heard to re mark that he was going to Colefllls In search of some old friends and a faro game. Remembering that this was the place where he had located his cousin at the time he had come to advise him of the death of John Carr and the terms of the will, John start ed for that well but unfavorably known resort of gamblers and their kind. Disappointment was his por tion. Morgan was not to be found, and he returned to Ethel empty band ed. Resolved to continue the search in the morning, they parted for the night with a farewell embrace, Raln face stretching himself upon the rug from which he could command both rooms, a gun at hla side. In order that they might hear the old Indian should he call, both John and the girl left the door of their room ajar. Morgan from the dark recess at Colefllls from which he had watched the coming and departure of Davis, turned to the Spider. "He’ll go back to the Mackenzie. My room is 332, right across the hall from theirs. Go and engage 330, which Is next to mine. Keep watch on them. I’ll put old Ram Chunder on the Job. We’ll come up the fire escape." Off went the Spider as directed, while the Hawk going down a street paused opposite a store which bore tlie sign: "Ram Chunder. Dealer In East India Wares. To Learn the Future, Consult the Yogi." The place was dark, but without hesitation Morgan pounded upon the portal. Before his summons a young Hindn In European dress opened the door, and after a brief scrutiny ad mitted him to the interior of a room in which Oriental goods were lavishly displayed. On every hand cabinets, tables, rugs, laces and Ivories were strewn, but with scarcely a glance at them the Incomer roughly demanded to see the Yogi. Quietly but firmly the attendant demurred whereupon Mor gan, advancing upon him threatening ly. raised his voice In anger. Within an adjoining room a very old Indian fakir, hearing the noise without, arose. The room In which he stood was fitted after the manner of a Hindu temple. Images of Vishnu and Siva squatted upon their ped estals. The room wai low cellinged, carved with grotesque animals en twined with altars placed before the figures of the gods. Incense bowls sat upon queer tables, their thin col umns of smoke ascending perpendicu larly in the still air. The long table which occupied the center of the room contained a gong, a curious casket, a basket and a crystal ball. Listening for a moment to the racket outside, Ram 'Chunder stepped to a peephole and peered out. Seeing Mor gan he hastily donned a long embroid ered coat and placed a turban upon his head. Wrinkled, skinny and evil look ing la the mellow light fee seated him-1 self at a table and threw an extra pinch of incense upon the nearest bowl. Then striking a light tap with a hammer upon the gong he fixed his gaze intently upon the crystul ball. Shullum, the attendant without, hearing the stroke, turned from Mor gan and opened the door. Solemnly Ram Chunder addressed him. "The Holy Siva • has revealed a stranger Admit the Sahib Morgan.” The Hawk, entering, strode straight before the ancient one. "At your old tricks," he laughed. "Cut out that Siva stuff and we’ll get down to business.” Monotonously came the reply of the fakir. "Vishnu and Siva hunger and thirst. You know ” With an exclamation of disgust the. Hawk thrust a roll of money into the By Good Luck They Landed Safely. yellow claw which promptly extended itself as the roll appeared. "Here’s a lac of rupees—a thou sand dollars —for them, and you.” Thrusting the money within his coat, ; the old man replied: "It is the gods accept, j What does the lord of the day ask I in return?” "The life of an enemy. Listen.” In I whispers he told him what he do -1 sired the other should know, nnd Ram I Chunder, with a hod waved his hand i mysteriously. | “The Holy Siva so decrees. The | casket of death will serve.” I At another stroke upon the gong Shnllum again appeared. Taking a basket he packed within the same a small idol of Siva, incense bowls, a gong and a small caßket with two carved metal handles fastened to the! lid at the ends. Raising It aloft. Ram' Chunder said solemnly: "Behold the Casket of Death of Blva." Skeptically Morgan gazed at It. "If It works, all right. Ram. But' If not —well, remember I won’t stand for any of' yonr foolishness." Ram Chunder turned to him with the dull: glow, of a snake in his eyes. "If you have come here to Insult the gods, begone and I will throw: yonr money at your heels. If yon would have their help, save yonr in solence for your own God upon whom you call in vain when you would have your enemies removed.” Knowing that he had gone too far, the Hawk grew apologetic. "All right. Ram. I*ll take it back and say no more." "Then we will depart," said the an cient one. Beckoning Bhallum, the three left the room together. Silently the trio crept Into the court yard at the back of the hotel. Draw ing a flute from beneath his coat Shal lum sounded a aeries of low, mellow notes, and a moment later the Spider ‘coming to a window parted the cur tains, first peered and then beckoned. Crawling 'into the room of Bellas through the window which he raised for them, they unpacked the basket while Morgan began questioning the Spider. 81Iently the latter Indicated to the Incomers the location of the party In the opposite suite. Gravely 1 Ram Chunder nodded. "The Holy Siva will summon him hither. And then ” Taking the small idol from the bas ket he laid the casket upon the table before it; placing Incense bowls and powder abont while Shallum took the gong. Prostrating himself Ram Chun der began a series of Incantations and' mesmeric waving of his hands In the direction of John's room, while ever the smoke of the Incense grew thicker and more pungent. Shallum meanwhile, striking the gong, filled the room with its low tolling. Losing his patience at last, Morgan burst forth. “What is all this blamed foolish ness about anyway? Oat It out and get down to business." Ram Chunder raised a threatening hand. "Speak not, lest Siva blast you Into dust" With a convulsive movement the. Spider grasped Morgan by the .arm and pointed through the haze that had arisen from the lhoenfte bowls, and Morgan, looking in the direction Indi cated aaw the vaguely outlined form 1 •f John’s sleeping figure. With eyes staring they sat rigidly, while the in cantations of Ram Chunder grew more violent. "Look !” whispered the Spider, great ly agitated. Staring still more in tently, the bewildered Morgan saw the form of Ethel asleep in her bed, one arm thrown over her head. "Great heavens!" he said with a shudder. Within her room the girl, awakened' by what she did not know, slowly opened her eyes. For a moment she rubbed them after the manner of one who has slept deeply and well, then as she lay looking at the celling the : light of intelligence which had filled her pupils gradually faded, while in its place came the glassy, staring gaze of one who fails beneath the spell of a hypnotist. Over her form a con vulsive shudder ran and twice she es sayed to arise, each time seeming to be pulled back upon the bed by some invisible force. Then apparently the mysterious power which was urging her up triumphed, and slowly, uncer tainly as one moves when in a daze, she threw aside the cover and stepped upon the flooc. Clad In her night robe, her white arms nnd upper bosom gleaming in the subdued light of her room, she seemed a thing ethereal as she slowly passed from her bed toward the door. Stepping around Ralnface, who lay fast asleep upon the rug, she opened the door which led Into the corridor, and: going Into it crossed the hall. Mor gan and Bolins stepped forward, but the voice of the old fakir arose warn ingly. "Touch her not. The Child of Siva " John Davis, asleep In his room, opened his eyes in bewilderment and sat blinking at the wall. "Queer dream, that. Had a vision or dream or nightmare or something that Ethel was prowling around in her sleep and threatened by some danger. Guess I’d better investigate.” Swing ing his feet to the floor he passed out of the room. Avoiding the Indian ns the girl had done he hastened to the door leading into the corridor, opened It nnd glanced down the hall. Ethel was Just dis appearing into a room upon the other side, nnd to his partially sleep be fogged senses she seemed to be float ing spirltllke rather than walking with feet that touched the floor. Wonder ing what on earth It meant, and wait ing only until she had disappeared be hind the opposite panel, with two bounds he was at the door. It wan locked. Already Morgan had turned the key. Btlll beneath the occult Influence of Ram Chunder, Ethel groped her way Into the room across the hall. Ram, leaning forward, whispered fiercely In the Hawk's ear. "He la coming after her," at the same time handing the other roan a card upon which had been roughly scrawled: "To find where Rhe whom you seek has gone, open the casket.” With a brief glance at the hastily written words, Morgan laid the card on the casket, and all hastily withdrew them selves Into an adjoining room. Davis, finding the door which barred his way locked placedfhls shoulder against It and gave a mighty heave. Before the violent Impact of his body the lock burst as does a pipestem and he entered. The odor of Incense still hung heavy In the air, and rushing to the window he opened It and thrust ing out his head scanned the court-i yard for Ethel. No sign of her was to be seen and turning hla attention to the room he began to search It frantically. Closet and portieres yield ed nothing,* and upon the verge of; starting for the next room where the conspirators crouched, his eye fell upon the small casket. Halted by the sight he stared wondertngly at It tor a moment, then picked up the card. Instantly the terrific power con tained within the casket loosed Itself Into his body. Unable to release the* handles of death he stood swaying, tils, eyes slowly closing, his face gone the color of death and hla breath coming in gasps. Second by second the life was being shocked from his body. Ram Chunder, opening the door of the other room at thla moment, stood upon the threshold, one long, skinny finger pointing at the collapsing Davis. A smile of infinite evil was upon his drawn face. "Seel The power of Siva!" he ex claimed triumphantly. Baring a skinny arm he took from Bhallum a long, «er~ petine-edged East Indian knife and be-' gau creeping forward. Unable to endure longer the myste rious power which was shooting through his frame as living lightning, 1 with a long. Indrawn gasp John Col lapsed upon the floor, hla hands Still tightly clutched about the fatal hail-' dies. "To make sure,** breathed Bam; Chunder, running hla thumb across the; edge of his ghastly weapon. Luff a: leopard he stole upon the belpleel man 1 upon the floor. j (END OF SEVENTH EPISODE.) \