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POLK COUNTY NEWS. DENTON. TENNESSEE. ilv J n I, r to 1 II 4f iff 1 n I 1 I'll CHAPTER XII Continued. 13 "And I have Riven you my heart long ago. Kiss me, Tom." They sat there, closely pressed to gether in that narrow space, scarcely aware any longer of the danger at hand, eager only to hear each other's Toice. Above the crackle of the flumes, and the crashing of falling timbers, they could distinguish the In termittent crack of a rifle, and the echo of voices calling. Shelby began to dig with one hand at the pile of earth beside him so as to widen the space between Its summit and the roof. The action caused his mind to revert to the Imminent peril of their situation. "It will be all over with before day light," he said soberly, "and that will be our chance to get out." "How do you suppose Macklin ever got through there?" she questioned wonderlngly. "That's what bothers me. Either he wasn't hurt much, or he had help. It Is my notion the girl brought liim out In some wiy. The shooting was an act of sudden anger, for which she was sorry the very next moment They may be hiding there now, somewhere In the tunnel." She lifted herself up and peered ' through the opening; the glare of the flames did not penetrate beyond the ,' barrier of earth and she saw nothing but Impenetrable blackness. "Shall we go, and see?" "Not yet; we are safer here, until those devils give up. You can hear their voices yet out there." ' , They had no way of telling time, and the hours dragged. The sound of firing had entirely ceased, and the shouts of voices died away one after the other. Shelby waited patiently, listening for the slightest sound, but, at. last, could restrain himself no longer. "I do not know how late it Is," he said finally, "yet it must be nearly morning. Most of those fellows must be gone. Shall we try our luck, little girl?" She put her hand silently into his. CHAPTER XIII. - The Fugitives. He led the way, finding little diffi ' culty In crawling over the mound of earth, and Olga followed easily. The cool darkness into which they ad vanced was a, great relief, while the sense of action restored their shat tered nerves. They encountered no further obstruction of any kind, but suddenly reached a sharp turn to ward the left. Shelby felt his pass age around the corner, aware of the pressure of Olga's fingers on his sleeve, but his eyes could perceive nothing unusual beyond. Yet, with his first step forward, he came to a sudden halt. "Stay where you are, senor, said a low voice, "not a move till I speak." He caught his breath quickly, scarcely daring to set down an uplifted foot. There was no doubt who that was that spoke out of the darkness. "But I am Shelby," he blurted forth swiftly. "You have no reason to fear me." "Shelby I How you come here? xou found the trap? And and is she with you?" , "Yes, senorita. An accident re vealed to us a way out. It was you, then, who took Macklin away ; he was not killed?" A moment there was silence; then she broke out suddenly, passionately, the words fairly falllpg over each oth er in her eagerness of expression. "I am not afraid, Senor Shelby. No ! No I I hav' ze pistol in my hand. I shoot. The dark eet make no differ ence, for you are there just before me she an you are there. Listen, then ; I tell you what happen. I hate an' I love see! Then I make meestake. Madre de Diosl I know not how eet was, but I shoot the man I love. Eet was crazy thing; but I not keel heem; I know I not keel heem. How I know? Santa Marie! The good God would not let me believe that. 'What could I do? I ran away mad into the woods. I would maybe yet save heem. but how? You know, senor, eet was I who shoot Senor Macklin?" "Yes, Pancha; the lady here saw your face." "Yes, It was I, senor I who love heem. Why should eet be so? I went there not for that no! I tell you how eet all come. Eet was because of my brother, senor you know my brother, Juan YlUemonte? He dead, lienor dead. You know how he die? Eet wns a lu',re, wltn Senor Laud an' Senor Hanley they keel heem, the two agnlnst the one. I not know what happen. I wait In the cabin for Juan to come, but he stay away. No one tell me teel an Indian boy come an' tie tell. Then I know Juan Is dead, n' I go crazy like that. I am Span ish, senor; I hate an' I love then only I hate I I would avenge my brother; I would keel the man that keeled heem. X care only for to do that. He was there In this cabin ; I creep up nn' see. Eet was dark In there, yet I saw hees face. He could not see me, but I aim. Senor Macklin was there too. an' the By RANDALL PARRISH other girl, but I care not then for them at all. I hate an' I see only the one I hate. Santa Marie! Why was eet eor "You shot the wrong manT "SI. senor. Senor Macklin, he step forward quick Just when I fire; he drop an' I run." Shelby felt Olga grip him and. heard her voice at his ear. "She never heard what Macklin said ; don't let her know." He crushed the question already on his lips back into his throat. "Yes," Shelby said: "I see how It happened, now. And what did you do then. Pancha?" She was not sobbing, but her quick breathing gave the Impression In the darkness. "What I do, senor? I pray the Vir gin that I may save heem. Then I remember this passage from the ravine. How I know eet? Juan and I, we live in the cabin a month; 'twas then I found eet. I was underneath when you fought, senor; then, when you were both outside I got heem " "Macklin, you mean? He was alive?" "Yes, senor, alive. Maybe he live, maybe he die; I know not. I do what I can. Eet took long time; even I carried heem alone." "But how did yon' get across that cave-In of earth?" "Eet was not there; eet come lat er," she explained. "I would go back, senor, when they Ored the cabin, but the earth had caved and I could not get through." "To help us?" "Si, senor; to help you and me. What could I do alone? That is why I tell you; why I talk. Eet Is not for you, nor for me. I would save heem an' only can eet be done If I have' help. I do all I can Madre de Bios, yes. But how I get heem out, senor?" "But why not call the others?" Shelby asked suddenly In suspicion. "What danger is Macklin In?" "You know not?" in surprise. "The Indian boy tell me he an' Hanley. They plan eet all out. 'Twas because Juan would not be one of them they keel heem. They would hold her for ransom ; they say a man comes soon here who would pay much ; so they try to put out of the way Senor Macklin. 'TIs to get her that Slagln go to the cabin; he fail, and then Senor Laud try another way. He not know when he come that Senor Macklin get back. No one know." Shelby smothered an oath; the whole foul plot suddenly revealed to him In all its hideousness. This then was what these fiends had been plan ning; it was plot within plot; crimi nal against criminal. He was blind not to have perceived the truth be fore; now It stood before him in all Its sheer nakedness. Macklln's drunk en boast had brought forth Its full brood; Hanley, too brainless and cowardly to lead, had told all he knew to Indian Joe embellished It, no doubt and it was Just the sort of thing the latter was eager to get his hands into seemingly a fcafe game, with a good stake. ShelV reached out and drew Olga closer to him In the dark ness. "I understand, now," he said terse ly. "We've got tt fight this out to gether. All right, I'm ready. What Is it you want me to do? Can Mack lin walk?" "No, senor; I thin maybe he verra bad off; he not speak now for long time. Maybe you tell what we do for heem." "I'm afraid not, Pancha. I've doc tored some wounds, but I'm no expert. Where Is he? Oh, here." He bent down In the dark and touched the motionless figure. Ills fin gers sought the ma's pulse, which showed weak but rapid. "Where was the wound?" "In the right chest, senor." "And you have dressed and band aged it?" "Yes, senor; the best I could. I tore up my underskirt" "Do you know if he bled much?" "Not since I found heem no; eet was very little. You think maybe he live, senor?" "I am unable to answer that, Pan cha," he replied soberly, rising to Ma feet. "The man is evidently hard Wt, weak from loss of blood and in coma now from fever. This is no place for him. If we could get hlwi out Into the open, bandage his wouml properly and get a doctor for the ball he might have a fair chance. I con say no more than that." "A doctor! Where woald there b a doctor?" "I know of none this side of Ger lasche; an army surgeon Is at the camp there; no doubt lie would come." "Gerlnsche ! And and he could save heem, senor?" "He might; I can promise nothing; but that would be the only hope." "But you will help me? You pledge that?" "I will do whatever I can," Shelby said earnestly. "I hardly know how we are going to manage It. Once out side, we might ftud some poles, rig up a litter, and so get along, the three of us." "Yes," Interposed Olga sympathet OF ically, "we must do that If possible. He cannot be left to die alone In this horrible place. I am strong, and will help all I can. Could we now start at once?" "Just a moment. Is there an en trance not far away, Pancha 7 "Not 50 feet senor." 'Then we ought to hear any firing or shouting without. Everything seems quiet. Let's make the effort now." He sent the Mexican girl on In ad vance, and lifted the unconscious Macklin upon his back, Olga partially supporting the helpless body. The wounded man groaned at the first movement, but lapsed immediately into silence again, and Shelby moved slowly forward with his burden along the dark, narrow passage. It termi nated In a small hole, well protected by a covert of brush, through which the fellow had to be drawn cautious ly. Once on the outside, under the cold gleam of the stars, they found themselves protected by the high banks of a gully, that turned sharply to the left, connecting with a deeper ravine. The three clustered close, and listened, but no sound broke the still ness. Satisfied they were not ob served, Shelby again picked up the wounded man, and, with Pancha guid ing, her figure barely discernible in the gloom, slowly advanced down the depression. It was hard, rlow work, as Shelby had to carefully pick his way among the stones, seeking a safe resting place for each foot They must move noise lessly. Their only hope lay in the con fidence the Indians felt In their death within the cabin, If they were as sured as to this, then they had prob7 ably scattered, willing to wait until morning to search the debris for their bodies. But this they couldn't know. As they turned Into the ravine they obtained a ellrrmse of the burned snarks flvine upward and spirals of black smoke were visible. No moving forms could be perceived about the ruins, and It was evident the spot was still In a condition to render exploration Impossible. Huddled closely together in, the shelter of the rocks the fugitives tared across the open space at the red gleam. The Mexican girl had lifted herself upon a projecting stone, and was searching the shadows with keen eyes. "Where do we go?" Shelby ques tioned. ' "Up the rock trail, senor; there Is no other safa place." "So I thought. Then we must get under cover before daylight Dawn is not far off from the looks of the sky." He paused suddenly. "What kind of a looking guy is Hanley?" "He tall, scrawny, red whiskers." "Then I got him ; plugged the fellow through the arm. He won't want any more for awhile. Come, let's move on," he added Impatiently. "It's do ing no good to remain here and stare at that fire,' and It Is no light load I've got on my back." The wav was a rough one, strewn with stones, but well protected by' high banks, on either side, rancna seemingly knew every Inch of it, for she advanced confidently, selecting the Lifted the Unconscious. Macklin Upon Hit Back. easier path. So they came to the end of the cleft where It terminated at the bank of the creek. Tho light from the slowly graying sky overhead scarcely penetrated the depths of the ra-dne, and to the bur den of carylng (he heavy body of Macklin was added the weariness of tho frequent stumbling over the stones with which the path was strewn. Olga, fighting off the deadly faintness which threatened every moment to overcome her, bore her share of the burden with OapyirM A. C McClur Co. a courage that moved her husband strongly, Inasmuch as he felt he was nearlng the end of his strength and reallzea what the strain must be on her. The events of the next hour re mained In Shelby's mind more like some terrible dream than a remem brance. He was conscious of being excessively worn, hungry, tired. His mind did not function, yet he clung doggedly to his task, with teeth clinched, and every muscle aching from tbe effort. Macklin moaned once or twice, but without regaining con sciousness, and twice Shelby felt com pelled to lay the wounded man on the ground, while he regained sufficient strength to proceed. Once they en deavored to shift the burden, Olga in sisting on helping him to bear the map. But this proved impracticable, and agiin Shelby shouldered the body and stfggered blindly up stream. The sky was gray, a heavy mist shroud ng the valley below, when they finally attained the opening into the trail scught. Nothing could be seen of their enemies, and, convinced that, as yet, tlere was no pursuit, the three crept kreathlessly Into the shadow of the bushes, dragging the unconscious Macklh with them. For some min utes Sielby lay motionless, struggling for breath, feeling that all strength had dserted him. He scarcely real ized riat Olga had lifted his head Into her lap, and was wiping the beads )f perspiration from his face. At last however, his eyes opened, and he sav her bending over him. The man's lips broke Into an effort to smile. "Sone soft, ain't I. little girl?" he muttered, "but gee I That was a pull, and I vas about all In. Where's Pun cha?" I "Bak there, where she can look out. it much farther?" 'Toithe cave, you mean? Yes, It Is Utror "I "Yfc't know what is the matter with ;y" he apologized, ashamed of his wiA-ness. "hungry, and over stralmfp! guess. Maybe I ought to have l fellow mere." remaht -. Yes, 1 ki couldn't do that acrly" crazed." rav Yes, I know; but she'd ..... be a f.JTp sight better off with tne guy d1." die wlU not believe that. She t Is all her fault, and and uch a wild, passionate little I would do anything to save him toe her." "Tlure Is about one chance In a thousand. Stilt he's Just about ornary enougi to make It We sure don't owe hin anything." "I aai not so certain of that," she said scftly. "I wonder when I would have kaown my husband, but for him? I doubt If you half believe all I con fessed to you now." "I cm scarcely realize It Is true, but belief Is not absent" The motionless girl at the end of the rock suddenly turned her head, and ghnced back at them with her piercing black eyes. "Seror, is it true that you love her your wife?" "True; of course, Tancha. I told you so even before I told her." "An she love you?" "I nra Senor Shelby's wife, Tan cha," spoke up Olga quickly, a flash burning red on her cheeks. "I have no othtr ambition." "But the money 1 You rich, he say that, Senor Macklin. You not even care for that?" "Not very much no. I know noth ing about It, and am perfectly con tent If It never conies. You must know what I mean you have loved." "Yes, senora; I hove loved, and would still love; money is nothing. Senor." "Yes, Pancha." "I think as I lie here what it was best to do. They stir down there. I cannot see yet for the fog, but I hear sounds. Tretty soon they will know, perhaps! They hunt the burned cabin an find no bone, no flesh. What will they do?" "Laud will suspect the truth." "'TIs so, perhaps; yet I believe we left no trail, senor. It was all rock an va,ter; even the Sioux cannot fol low that. You know the way now?" "To the cave yes." ' "It Is safe. But If the senor lives he must have a doctor. You tell me that, and there Is but one way; I must ride." Shelby straightened up, instantly grasping her purpose. "You mean you will leave us here to go on alone?" "Yes, senor; eet Is best They will not stop me ; they will not know. Un less I meet Senor Laud there Is no danger; perhaps even he will not sus pect, or Interfere. There are horses there, and I ride often sometimes even up onto the mesa; no one will care." "You are sure you can pass?" "I am sure I will pass," she said firmly. "I ride for hees life, senor." It was tho better plan, nor could Shelby deny the probability of Its sue- "Bui thinks slip thing, i ces. No ore. inles possibly It relgfct be Laud, or Hanlry, had any reason to supect fcT row. It was a loisf Journey to CWkis-he. too k-ti? to be made on f.t. and if the $;rl went with theni up the trail, eery effort at rescue wiuld 1 delayed. "You ore riicht. Panrha," he admit ted. "We'll get him up there some way. But you better go now, before the fog rises." "Yes, senor." She came over and knelt beside Macklin. who was moaning slightly, his head resting on a pillow made by Shelby's coat As she bnt over him his eyes partially opened, but with no light of Intelligence in them; they were dull, lusterless. "Senor, senor," she sobbed, preslng his hand between both her own, "I am going to ride for you." Some angel of mercy must "have put the words on his lips, for certainly he knew her not yet faint fitful, there came from his lips the cry: "Pancha! I want you, Pancha!" She must have understood, known, and yet the comfort of that call was hers. She looked at him dry-eyed, motion less; then bent and kissed his lips. Slowly, regretfully she arose to her feet and faced them, her cheeks white. '"Tis all," she said simply, "now I go." She vanished without a sound, glid ing through the fringe of bushes and down the steep bank to the protection "Now I Go." of the creek. They were alone, but with their own work to do. Shelby went at his with quiet efheiency. Se lecting two stout limbs, similar in size and length, he ran these through the arms of his strong corduroy jacket, binding them into position by two cross-pieces, hastily prepared, and lashed firmly with strips torn from his neckerchief. Macklin, now once again silent, and motionless, his eyes closed, was lifted gently onto the outspread coat, his limbs upheld by one of the cross-bars, and then the Jacket but toned securely about him, forming a swinging cradle finely adapted for the purpose. Shelby straightened up, quite himself again. "There, that will answer nicely," he said confidently. "It Is bound to be a hard climb, but we'll take our time to it and rest when we are tired. No one can see us from below after we once pass the point yonder." "Is the trail up hiil all the way?" asked the girl, her eyes searching the steep face of the bluff. "Yes, pretty sharp at times, but we'll, manage. It follows a deep cleft through the rocks, aud once found can not be lost. I'll take this end; that will give me the most of the weight, and you lead the way; take It slowly and you'll be all right." They picked the litter up between them, Olga relieved to discover how lightly, thus distributed, her share of the burden rested upon her. She was ni.ln to advance easily and pick her way among the rocks without exnerl- jj t. nM. ... ..(..!.- enclng great discount" i. wciui of the man's body came far heavier upon Shelby, but the rest and change had largely restored nis strengin a.ia he felt no doubt of his ability to sus tain this end of the burden. Unable to see Just where he was placing his tVer In the stony rath, he stumbled occasionally, causing the wounded man to groan In some sudden spnsm of pain; yet it was evident he did not suffer greatly. The trail they followed had so Impressed Itself on his memory thnt he recalled every turn clearly and could call out directions to her in a low voice. "Turn sharnlv to the right there: we will have Jo hold the litter higher to eet hv that rock: here Is the only point exposed; once In the shadow of those trees the way Is completely cov ered. Yes. we can move rapidly around this point; from now on there ore rocks on both sides. Take It easy, and If you need to rest, say so." (TO UK CONTINUED.) The Preacher's Topic. Billv. not very fond of Sunday school, was promised a dime every time he remembered the sermon. For once he expressed great Interest "Just think, daddy, It was about fly ing machines." "What?" said daddy, "you're mistaken." And he answered : "No, sir. I'm not. The teacher saW Esau sold his heirship to his LtreUstV Jacob." ToCureaCold in One Day Take Grove's AL Laxative Bromo Quinine tablets 30c Be sure you get The genuine bears this signature Et' needless and dangerous to suffer from a clogged up system because it often lays the founda tion for a lifetime of misery and ill-health. DR. TUTT'S LIVER PILLS taken one or two at bedtime, quickly eliminates all poisonous waste matter from the system and strengthen the Bowels. BABIES LOVE TIm Imfutt' i Csildrea't RumUto Pleasant to givepleasant to take. Guaranteed purely veg- etableand absolutely harmless. It quickly overcomes colic. diarrhoea, flatulency ana other like disorders, f". Th. onen nublished tr"! formula appears on t tm evert label. m"S AtAUDrvggUk t. Smart Boy. "That boy seems to be the most popular caddie around the club. Every body wants to take him out." "Yes." "Is he a better caddie than the oth ers?' 'T don't think so. He's just the best diplomat we have around here." "A diplomat, I don't get you." "It's this way. The artful little chap Is wise to the game and every time the man he Is caddying for makes a poor shot the boy looks sad and apologizes to him for having coughed or moved. That gives the player an excuse for losing the hole aud keeps the boy solid In his Job." Very Likely. He So the minister this morning preached a scathing xen.-on on the extravagance of women. She 'es, and there his wife sat with a ?"5 hat on. He That was probably the cause of the sermon. Boston Transcript. Our Language. 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