OCR Text |
Show THE SAUNA SUN. SAUNA. UTAH CA CHAPTER X --e Continued 14 e - - my-sel- f, fan-.cif- . By ELLERY H. CLARK Copyright Still worse was to 'follow. Caesar, the second In command among the maroons, owned a nondescript black dog of the spaniel type, which ranged over the Island as It pleased, and on the very next evening, shortly after dark, we heard, from the woods at the southerly end of the Island, a sudden agonizing yelping, which ceased almost as abruptly as It began. In the darkness, the sound was positively terrify-ln- , suggesting all kinds of unseen tortures, and Caesar by daylight as brave a man as you could find, refused to go to the rescue of his pet. In the morning we searched for him, but In vain ; the dog had vanished as completely' as though the earth had swallowed him. The maid was triumphant; her story was now substantiated, and Indeed by this time It did seem as If somebody or something man .or spirit was haunting the island. Yet realizing the difficulties of exploring the mangrove swamp, we took no action save to be in before nightfall, to lock up the goats and the poultry, and on the ground floor- - to make sure that door and windows were thoroughly barred. One thing, however, we did not do. We took no heed of our herd of halfwild cattle, which roamed the island at will. Thut they also might be attacked 'never crossed our minds; yet It was on the succeeding evening that another tragedy was added to the list. We had Just finished supper; dusk was falling; and Helen and I were debating whether or not we would take our customary stroll, which we had abandoned since the night of the hurricane. She had asked me whether I really believed there was danger, when her question was suddenly answered for her by a great bellowing of cattle. Running to the door, I could see six or eight of them, barely .visible Jn the dim light, dashing at full tilt toward the house, as If they felt that here at I .least they might find protection. Reized my gun and went out, wishing greatly that Cudjo, the leader of the with me, but there had maroons, been much talk of a rebellion among the slaves- and he had gone up the river, the .day before, on a scouting trip, to see what he could learn In the way of news.- Caesar and Bill, however, were already, on hand, like with their rifles In their hands. The' three of us stood close together, ' casting doubtful .glances at the black shadow of the woods. Caesar, usuala lion, for once hesitated. ly brave-.n"What think? he asked me. To tell the truth, I should have been very glad to retire into the house, hut since he had appealed to me in this way, I did not wish to be quoted afterward as having counseled prudence. And, as a matter of fact, to retreat, like frightened chllden, because of a stampede of catt'e In the darkness, appeared the very height of cowardice. And so, with a resolution I was far from feeling, and with what was, 1 fear, that species of false bravery which comes from the dread of being thought afraid. I replied: I think we ought to go ahead. Come on, boys, and well clear up this mystery for good and nil. Thus appealed to, two old fighters like Kill and Caesar could not well demur, and at once, as the light was each instant growing dimmer, we walked rapidly toward the border of the trees. At the edge of the thicket we halted, cocked our rifles, made jure that our knives and pistols were in readiness; then, spreading out a little, slowly advanced among the trees. There were no sounds any where, save the faint tread of our own footsteps ; and I was beginning to feel renewed courage and rather to pride myself upon my decision when we suddenly emerged into a little clear-- ' lng, and as we did so I gave an uncontrollable start I could not have said that I had seen anything, yet, as it may sound, I had a feeling that some, one had been in that clearing but a moment ago; and in spite of myself 1 felt my hair actually bristling on my scalp. At the same moment Caesar, whose eyes were as keen as those of a lynx, gave vent to a low exclamation.' At once I hastened to his side, and found him and Bill peering intently toward the farther side of the clearing. Look like one of cattle, said Caesar. "Maybe somebody hide. We dare (GOLD ul go? By this time, though I am far from making the statement boastfully, I had become wrought up to such a pitch of excitement that now, instead of being half frightened to death, I was in a Btate of absolute recklessness. With a terse "Come on ! I advanced, taking advantage of the faint light that still illumined the clearing, though all beyond its boundaries was dark and silent as the grave. I did not wait to see whether or not I was followed, for as I say I was fairly beside myself with the tension of CM whole affair; but, ss a matter of fact Caesar and BUI were close at my heels, and in a moment wa were standing by the silent heap npon the ground. It was one of the cattle; no doubt of that. It ay in a strangely contorted position, with forelegs extended as If in a last desperate effort at Eight, and with head thrown back, as t seemed to me. unnaturally far. I stooped to see if the animal were real!) dead, and then. In my mingled burnri-- r ir, d horror, uttered a cry, for 1 26 by Bctba-hferriWNU Service Its strange and unnatural attitude was now explained; the heifers neck had heen broken, its throat was torn and bleeding terribly, so that the ground about was soaked with blood. With courage suddenly evaporated. I threw a terrified glance at the forbidding blackness of the woods. Surely tills was not the work of human hands, and at the moment I could have sworn that I saw something moving in the trees and heard the snapping of a twig. It was Thoroughly enough. nil three of us dashed headlong across the clearing and through the woods beyond ; nor did we stop there, but kept on running until we were once more within a stones throw of the house. Then, indeed, we pulled up, and gazed at one another, not, 1 think, ashamed of ourselves, but thoroughly demoralized and at a loss to account for this new tragedy. We found McAllister eagerly await ing us, hut there was little we could do to relieve his anxiety. For a long time we talked. McAllister held stubbornly to the theory that this was ttie work of men who came from the mainland in a boat ; yet this seemed hardly possible, for besides the strong probability of our seeing them there was the added puzzle of the heifer with its broken neck and bleeding throat. But to this McAllister answered that the animals neck was broken by Its fall. Caesar and Bill laid the whole blame on evil spirits, in some way conjured hither by the murdered ohl man. possibly all the way from Africa. I, for my part, was frankly puzzled, and could suggest no theory at all. With morning, and the cheerful sunshine, the events of the night seemed Incredible, and It was without fear that we started to revisit the grove. To my relief, Cudjo had returned from his scouting trip, reporting all quiet among the slaves, and he, disposed to ridicule otn story, went with us to the woods. IBs face, as he bent over the body of the heifer, was a study, for he was a man of unusual intelligence, and the superstitious imaginings of his race meant nothing at all to him. Yet while he discarded the idea of anything supernatural, he was at a loss to tell who had done the deed. The heifers neck interested him immensely, and over it he shook his head. he announced, This afternoon," we hunt Island. All men, all armed, If nothing, then all keep together. come evening, I watch here. I and one other man, if get him. I admired his courage and his de- -' cislon, and felt that with him as a companion I was ready to take the risk. But when I volunteered he shook his Master no let you, he said head. Think too much danger. decisively. Master no let me, If tell him. So no tell him. No get other man, come alone. But this doubt of getting another man stung Caesar, In spite of his beI go, he announced lief in ghosts. well quietly, and Cudjo nodded, pleased. That afternoon, with the consent of Andrew McAllister, we made careful preparations and explored, as thoroughly as we could, the mangrove swamp, with the exception of one particularly tangled spot to the westward of the house, which McAllister promised to make his special care. When we wended our way homeward, without results, we felt tolerably certain that It was not In the swamp that our foe was lurking. But where then on the island could he conceal himself? The treetops, indeed, would serve, but their smooth trunks rose, without a branch, for many feet, and we had only to stand awd look upward to know that ttie most skillful of us could not scale them. No, the mystery remained unsolved, and Its shadow cast a gloom over the entire household. Nor did I, to tell the truth, feel entirely easy in my mind over. Cudjo and Caesar; yet they were both mature men, expert and resourceful, and I did not' dare to offend them by Informing McAllister of their plan. Fortunately for Its success, McAllister retired early, and watching, not without anxiety, from the doorway, I saw the two figures emerge from their quarters and melt silently into the darkness. For some time, indeed, I waited outside, half wishing to go, unbeknown, to their assistance, and to take up a position near them in case they needed reinforcements. But after an hour had passed, and no sound broke the stillness of the night, I went In, and was soon sleeping soundly. I do not know what woke me. It may have been a pure coincidence, or It may have been through some mysterious agency which we do not wholly understand, but in an instant I was broad awake. It was perhaps an hour before daybreak, I calculated, and feeling that Cudjo would no longer disapprove my coming, I decided to dress, steal out and Join them in the woods, to hear the story of their vigil. As I left the house, a shadow from the maroon quarters joined me, and I was not sorry to recognize Big Bill, with the rifle In his hand. His face looked troubled and anxious, and when I asked him why he was abroad so early, I discovered that he had been awakened in the same strange manner as mjself. Evidently, too, he felt that It foreboded evil, for he muttered apSomething bad happen j prehensively, soon." panic-stricke- half leaped to his feet, dropping his paddle and clutching at the air, then plunged over the side, upsetting the Co. ll We had traversed perhaps half the distance to the woods when of a sudden. and the .more, dreadful because without warning, there arose on the morning air a most frightful shriek, heartrending, the scream of a man in agony. Then came the sharp report of a rifle, and a second later an imploring cry rang out, twice repeated, Help! Help! Oh, God and then absolute silence. It was too much for overwrought nerves ; coming as the climax of a series of lesser misadventures, it was indescribably terrifying, and I felt no surprise as I saw Bill turn and fairly take to his heels. And though I did not follow his example, I take no credit to myself; I would gladly have done so hnd not pride prevented ; and stubbornly, with teeth set and heart hammering against my ribs, I pressed on toward the woods, thankful that at last a faint light was beginning to show around me. If I was to die, I wished to meet death face to face, not to be struck down In the dark. I reached the edge of the clearing without mishap, and, peering forth, kuew instantly that the worst had happened. In the center of the glade, face downward, lay the body of Cudjo ; a little nearer, Just on the edge of the high-pitche- canoe in his fall, and floated, struggling feebly, but without, as It seemed to me, any real notion of what he was doing. With a feeling of relief thut this mysterious murderer was at las laid low, I started to run to the spo where the boats lay moored, but throwing a hasty glance over mj shoulder, I stopped In my tracks, foi even as I looked I saw his body rlsr half out of the water as If impelled by some force from beneath the wav es, then swiftly and silently disappear from sight, to rise no more. I needed To be Well the Kidneys Must Thoroughly no explanation ; some one of the huge Eliminate Waste Poisons from the Blood. sharks that haunted the Ingoon had secured a meal, and the Identity of the every day find you lame, stiff and achy? Do you mysterious murderer would never be and drowsy suffer nagging backache, headtired come known. ache and dizzy spells? Are the kidney secretions The effect of the affair on McAllls in passage? and burning scanty ter was remarkable. The solving ol the mystery lifted an enormous weight Know, then, that these are often signs of improper kidney from his spirits. My killing of the action. Sluggish kidneys allow acid poisons to remain in the marauder In the canoe especially blood and upset the whole system. pleased him ; I was In the highest If your kidneys are acting sluggishly, assist them with favor; and again and again he praised Pills. Doans have established a nation-wid- e Doans reputation. What a gift! my skill with the rifle. Are recommended the country over. Ask your neighbor I lie would say admiringly. What a And again, Where bonny gift! might I be now. If I hadna written you to come and join me? He was so pleased, Indeed, that I had not the heart to Impart to him the doubts that still remained In my mind, for the more I thought about It the Stimulant Diuretic to the Kidneys less I could arrive at a satisfactory n At all dealers, 60c a box. Co., Mfg. Chemists, Buffalo, N. Y. conclusion. That this mysterious vlsi tor was the murderer seemed plain; and yet. If it was against our house The Real Trouble When They Heard the News hold that he had designs, why had ht I wish, my love, you wouldnt Hull hnt did your people say The slain the dog? Why had he slaughtered the heifer? What possible ob- when you announced our engagement? finish my sentences for me. Wife You talk so slow, denr. The Boy Mother exclaimed mad! ject Was there In thus alarming our Hub That Isnt the trouble you said the the snine and on us and our governor guard? garrison putting listen altogether too fast. The theory which I at last adopted backwards. as the most probable was that till, was a madman, seized with some blood lust, and prowling about in the darkness, like a beast of prey, to gratify his murderous frenzy. For twenty-fou- r hours quiet reigned, Then, at breakfast, Helen told us that her maid had, during the ntglit, been almost frightened to death. She had awakened in the darkness, hnd heard a faint scraping noise outside her room, and while she had lain there, quaking at these enutious, hardly audible sounds, something site was sure of It hnd peered in at the window. It was, she thought, a large man with broad very shoulders; she had screamed, and Immediately the vNitoi hnd vanished. Of course none of u MOTHER- :- Fletchers took this seriously, for almost all tin blacks are Imaginative to the highest Castoria is especially predegree. So Instead of allowing our pared to relieve Infants in selves to become disturbed, we heard arms and Children all ages of the story with a smile. Thus the next night came sultry Constipation, Flatulency, Wind unbearably hot, with a high moon Colic and Diarrhea; allaying peering occasionally through driftin'. Feverishness arising therefrom, and, by regulating the Stomach clouds. For some time I tried to sleep aids the assimilation of Food ; giving natural sleep. but finally, overcome by wakefulness. and Bowels, I determined to resort to my expedient of the ropi; and slipping on my lightTo avoid imitations, always look for the signature of est clothing I armed myself, dropped A kcsx1t a Vo Onnfe Phu t noiselessly to lie ground, and was Just starting to walk away when I hearl Household Hint At the Aviary a noise as If of a door closing, is Wife If you ever got tired of me. owll an Thats indepeniknt though some one were entering or Husband Thats take do you mean? Id What poison leaving the house. Flattening myself know. a to he hoot doesnt Oh, handy give ngalnst the wuil, I waited, and pres ently a figure came Into view, not A man may be able to trade bis Occasionally a man associates with needless to say, thnt of a ghost or de for money, but be cant fools because he feels wise In reputation nion, hut the bent and commonplace back. form of McAllister, carrying a spade trade In his band. I could scarcely believe my eyes. What new phase of the mystery wa this? Evidently McAllister was Im pelled by some motive more direct than that of mere sleeplessness, for he proceeded, with a swift and certain step, toward the mangroves. And sud denly It flashed over me. This wie the spot he had examined himself t and from which he had excluded of us on the day when we lmd searched the Island. As cautiously a possible, I waited until he had dk appeared; then stole hastily after him Feel Stiff and Achy ? DOES Foster-Milbur- Girl-AV- I Do Not Know What Woke Me. clearing, a head and shoulders, probejecting from the undergrowth, A of the Caesar. body trayed hasty examination destroyed the last vestige of hope both men were beyond all aid. Caesar, I Judged, Iiad been struck down from behind with awful force; while It was only too evident that Cudjo lmd met his death by the same hands that had slain the hapless heifer. I felt my brain going; never before had. I believed In vampires or warlocks, yet now I did, and for an instant I was actually convinced that here was the work of some ghostly visitor from beyond the grave. Then, In a flash of reason, I somehow regained my power of control. We had seurched the island; nothing was there. This deed had happened within a few moments; if done by visitors from the mainland, they could not yet have escaped. As fast as my legs would carry me, I dashed through the strip of woods that led to ttie seaward point ; and there I could liave shouted at ttie sight of it there was a canoe of cottonwood, lts. single occupant making his paddle fly. It was light enough for me to see that he wore n scarlet .handkerchief about his head, and even In the dim light I had the Impression that he was not a negro but a white man. I threw iny rifle to my shoulder, aimed at the base of the mans neck, and' pressed the trigger. My aim was true, for at the report ne 1 Tit-Bit- (TO BE CONTINUED.) Lifes End Sometimes Welcomed as Friend . I went he sat groaning warm spring duy, What makes you do that, In where beside his fire on a and I said, grandfather." Do what? Groan like that."-GroanWhen did I he said. groan? Just now. For that matter, you do it dozens of times a day. No! he said, and he seemed surDo I? I think you must be prised Then he looked dreamily mistaken. at his fire for a moment, seeming to Oh, forget both me and my question. ho, ho, ho, ha, hum! he said. You did It just then, There! grandfather. Didnt you know It? I believe I did groan then," he said. Perhaps youre right Yes, I suppose you must be. "Don't you feel well? "Well? Yes, Im not ill. Then why do you groan so often?" It must be, he answered thoughtfully, It must be because Im not dead. That startled me. Good gracious! You dont want to die, do I cried. you ? I might as well have been shockd by a starving man's wanting food. My grandfather was a gentle mannered soul ; but I think he may hnvs been tempted to call me an Idiot . he snld testily Don't I, though? What do you Imagine I want to stay like this for? Eyes almost . useless, teeth gone, hearing bad, legs bud, back bent, fingers' too warped and shaky to serve me and all of me useless to any one, to myself mist of all. Dont want to die! What on eurth do you mean?" From "The Golden Age by Botth Tarkington. SAY Proved safe by millions and prescribed by physicians for Colds Headache Pain Neuralgia the tunnel, and the child was depl Impressed by exhibition of her lather f magic power. But tiie few minute1' time seined Interminable to Bail. era. end. and It setned as if It would M at length she burst out In gracious, daddy; now just loot wna. Boston TranscrW. youve done! rer . , Fighting With Feathers In a battle army filled them on fire, bellows Into miaa. fought in 11 I'-'- i, Jars with feathers. and Mew the unol.i the face their o -- - nh' ' Neuritis .Toothache Lumbago Rheumatism DOES NOT AFFECT THE HEART Daddy Was Too Smart It was little Barbara's first experl ence with tunnels und her father who was on the train witli her said in fun "Now watch, dear; papa's going m make a sign and It will g't dark, bv In a little while the light will come back. Immediately the train enter d and INSIST! BAYER ASPIRIN package Bayer Accept only which contains proven directions.1 Handy Bayer boxes of 12 tablets 7Jso bottles of 24 and 100 Druggists. Asslrin It th trade mark o t Barer Mannheture of Uonoacetlcaeldeater of SaUcjltcacld Cuticura Loveliness A Priceless Heritage For generations mothers have been using Cuticura Preparations for all toilet purposes, and have been teaching their daughters that daily use of them produces clear, smooth skin and healthy hair. They find the Soap pure and cleansing, the Oi- - tient soothing and healing, sho .d any irritations arise, and the Taicum an ideal toilet powder. Soap 2fie. Ointment 25 srd 50e. Talrtim C5e Sold e?erwhere. Sample each free. Address: Dept. B 3, Malden, Mau." S2P Cuticura Shaving Stick 25c. |