Oregon City High School - Hesperian Yearbook (Oregon City, OR)

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I1i1LHE51iFSeN t.tt B to B- iiii I 11 answers the description of that detective Lon brought in yesterdayf' That makes no difference to us. He's a stranger! Lock him up, commanded the leader. Better search him first, Reggie, he might have papers, sug- gested the sandy-faced man, addressing the leader. That can wait, replied Reggie, his brow clouding, and Casting a warning glance in the speaker's direction. Browning was puzzled. Who were these savage looking moun- taineers, who seemed to regard a traveler with so much suspicion? He glanced toward the leaders, then gazed intently at the face of Reggie. Where had he seen that proud, yet crafty look before? Suddenly the leader looked up. Their eyes locked and held. Reggie paled, turned abruptly about, strode to the door and disap- peared into the darkness. VVell, lock him up till morning, said the sandy-faced man, there's no rush in deciding his fate. Browning was hurriedly escorted to a small cabin and thrust within. CHAPTER II. The storm broke in all its wild furry, great sheets of water pelting down on the roof. Lightning flashed, followed by crashes of thunder. Browning could not sleep. The leader's face would rise before his sleepless eyes as vivid as the lightning without. Near dawn the fury of the storm abated and the fresh mountain sunlight came pouring in at small square holes, cut in the logs, which served as windows. He looked about. The door was of hewn timber, securely bolted from without. The floor was of split logs with the oval sides down and the centers up. It would be useless to attempt to dig out. He next turned to the rude fire place but found that it was not large enough to accommodate his body. A slight noise caused him to turn quickly. Instead of facing his captors of the night before, he beheld a girl just entering. She stopped and her tanned cheeks flushed. 'fYour breakfast, sirf' she said with a dainty courtsy. She hesitated, doubtfully twisting her little brown hands. What did you come here for ? she asked. Browning started. It was the last thing he expected. I don't know. I didn't know I was coming until I arrived. Father thinks you are an officer! No stranger ever comes here and gets out alive, she shuddered. It's awful, but he-he, kills them!', Browning looked bewildered, VVhat place is this? NVho is your father? Ilm only a harmless hunter, and have lived for two weeks by my rod and gun. What will they do with me? Shoot me ?:' 'Tm afraid so, she stammered. 'KNO one ever escapes. I heard

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10 THE HESPERIAN The Qllnnflict Eternal CHAPTER I. The sky looked black and threatening while an occasional fore' boding rumble, accompanied by a vivid flash of lightning, was heard rolling among the mountain peaks. Night was rapidly lowering his dusky wings over the Sierra Nevadas, when a single horse and rider passed up the steep, rocky slope. High precipitous walls leaned over the narrow trail, threatening to crush the lonely traveler. Almost without notice the path turned abruptly to the right. As he reached the summit, the horseman halted. Directly below him nestling between rocky walls, was a small valley. The trail ahead was treacherously narrow and descended rapidly into the valley. Wearilyf the rider dismounted, and throwing the reins over his arm strode ahead. As he neared the bottom the trail widened. Mounting again, he rode on until he came in sight of a small town, consisting chiefly of log cabins. W The only light visible was that in a large log building near the end of the street. Riding up to the door, he saw a hardy mountaineer, lying asleep on the ground near the steps. He lightly touched the sleeper with his riding whip. The man staggered to his feet. 'lThat you, Dave ? he muttered sleepily. I guess I went to sleep. No, replied the rider, a stranger in these parts, can you tell me where I could stay all night ? 'fWhat's that?,' cried the mountaineer, springing forward and grasping the horse's head, Hstranger? VVho are you ? t Allen H. Browning, of Kentucky. Oh, you are eh ? VVell come in and tell that to the boys! Parker therel Take this horse? A short, thick man appeared out of the dark. Browning was jerked out of the saddle and shoved within the door. The dance ceased and several tall men crowded about him. A Hello, what's this ?,' demanded one who appeared to be leader. Wher did you get him ?l' Out there, indiacting Browning,s Captor. He wants to know where we can put him tonight. Black suspicion spread over the leaderis face. Who are you? What's your business? Speak up! Browning of Kentucky. I'm on a hunting trip and have been in these hills for a fortnight. I don't believe himf' broke in a sandy-faced man, shrugging his humped shoulders and swinging his long arms, which hung nearly to his knees, causing him to have the appearance of a gorilla. He

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12 g THE HESPERIAN Lonptell the men they would have some fun out of you and then kill you . Who is your father FI' he repeated. He's leader of the village. They call him 'Bad Reggie,' but hes not really bad. He's the best father in the World, she added with a touch of pride. I think I can prove to your father that I'm not an officer, if he will telegraph my friends-- You forget, Sir, she interrupted, that we don't possess such things as telegraphs in these mountains, and father wouldn't ride sev- enty-five miles to use one. He wouldnft dare! But please, sir, if they make you iight, don't flinch, but be brave. It may help you. Fight hard, and if Lon fights, look out. He doesn't play fairf, She paused, listening birdlike. Hush, she whispered, some one is coming. Gathering up her skirts she fled, bolting the door behind her. CHAPTER III. Reggie found himself out in the dark. His heart pounding fiercely against his breast. From the dance hall he turned, nearly running, in the direction of a small cabin located on a knoll, above the rest of the village. As he entered, a slight girl of eighteen raised her questioning brown eyes to his. Why, Daddy! she gasped. What's happened? You look so pale! He gazed at her mutely for a moment, then sank dejectedly into the nearest chair. After several moments he aroused himself. Sit down, Beatrice, I have something to tell you. He paused as though trying to collect his thoughts. Do you remember when you-- CTO be Continuedj BIRDSELL LADD, '19, JOYCE MASON, 'l9.