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r r ALL EIGHTS RESEBVKD.J l NORMA NORTON'S VOW; OB. AN OVERSHADOWED LIFIL) BY THOMAS B. FORD. AUTHOR Off M A DEADLY BLOW," ETC., ETC. BTO), 'The 'momeame naci aeparrati, nt. imn.ii songm his wife, in the greatest consternation. "Bad news, I know from your countenance," she §xclaimed, anxiously, as he entered hurriedly, and flung himself into a chair. What is it ? Old Handy says she is alive and well," he re- plied, falteringly. What did you say?" she gasped, with a con- vulsive gtart. Alive and well ? Yes; but I pretended that I did not believe it, fee returned, for I thought it best to let him know that I did not consider myself in his power. But I am afraid, from his earnest manner, it was all eat heavens • she cried, excitedly. Then he wfS Renounce you at any time I W*4.I think not," he returned, ffiorg confidently, i1 WVi other «he be UyimLQr cannot de- nounce me without getting himself into trouble, There is far more danger to be apprehended from the girl," he added, thoughtfully. Still, it will be very difficult to implicate you. she responded. Handy is the only one that knows of your complicity in the affair." That is true; but I shall not be caught nap- ping," he answered, resolutely. "I shall fight it out to the bitter end." t. CHAPTER XXXVII, ON THE TRACK. Dirk Handy left Hamilton Dunn m a state bordering on frenzy. He felt that he had been most cruelly outraged and mistreated, and he vowed vengeance against Dunn, whom he now regarded with the most in- veterate hate. With the greatest difficulty only, had he re- strained himself from attempting to kill him before i be left the house. But he was naturally a coward, and, moreover, he well knew the power of the man with whom he had to contend. Therefore he concluded to bide his time, and when the opportunity arrived, he determined to strike the deadly blow. First of all, he determined to track down Norma Norton and bring her back to the city, not only for the purpose of demanding the reward but also to ruin the man whom he hated. t Filled with these thoughts he hastened home, where he found his daughter and Joe Naul talking fcCnareutly verv nnnSdeatiallv. together. 'Mr. Handy entered so abruptly that they did not perceive him until he startled them by a loud exclamation. -• He was in a very bad humour, and he was especi- ally indignant with Nannie because she had kept concealed from him her evident knowledge of Norma's escape and deliveranee. He scowled at her and the young man fiercely. as he said, angrily: What air you two a-piottia' about in here? What air you both up to now 1" Z-, 1 We are not plotting," returned his daughter, quietly. We have nothing to plot about." "But I say you air a-plottin' he responded, testily. I know what I'm. a-talkin' about. I ain't got eyes and ears for nothin'. Thar is some- thin' wrong somewhar. Now, what it is ? I want to know I" There is nothing wrong, Mr. Handy," answered Joe Naul, coldly. I don't understand you, sir! "You know somethin' you air a-keepin' from me," said Dirk, looking suspiciously at his daughter. Now I'm a-goin' to find out, sooner or later, so you might as well out with it first as last." Nannie's eyes fell under his penetrating gaze. I tell you I'm a-goin' to know all that's a-goin' on, certain. I don't intend to be bamboozled and trifled with in this way," he continued, deter- minedly. So it's no use in tryin' to keep it from me. Sooner or later I'll know it." Nannie and Joe were silent. They thought it best to be quiet under tIle, Clr. cumstances. "I'm a-goin' out in the country," he went on roughly, and like as not won't be back to-night. So you needn't look for me," he added, turning to his daughter. With that he went out, slamming the door after him, leading Joe and Nannie staring at each other curiously. He suspects something," said Joe, as the door closed after him. "He talked very suspiciously. I am afraid he has discovered a cle w of some kind. "It seems as if he had," she responded, anxiously; "and yet I can't imagine how he could have done so, as we have kept the matter a pro- found secret." He is very cunning, and doubtless has been constantly on the alert," returned Joe. "Being particularly interested, there is no telling what he may have discovered." "1 must watch him closely," she responded. I would not have him discover where Miss Norma is for any consideration." She had little idea then that he had already dis- covered. Directly after leaving home. Dirk proceeded to the depot, where he purchased a ticket for Linden Station, and in a short time afterward was being borne hither, rapidly, on the cars. It was night when he arrived, there, but the moon and stars were shining s o brilliantly that it was almost as bright as day. He inquired of the station agent the way to "Barrens," and found it was nearly twenty miles distant, and the road was a rough and rugged one. The night was so clear and bright that he set out afoot immediately in that direction. He had no idea whatever of losing hjs way. One idea was prominent in tiis mind above all others. In fact, he had scarcely thought of anything else since his departure from home. That idea was the hope of finding Norma Norton and bringing her safely back with him to the city. This thought almost entirely distracted his a t- tention from every other object. He walked on hopefully under the phantom- looking trees, over the picturesque, vine-covered hills— roTjgh deep, shadowy ravines, without scarcely noticing them Occasionally the ominous hooting of an owl, .or the plaintive chant of the whip-poor-will, fell un- heeded on his ears. Sometimes a frightened bird, disturbed by his heavy footfalls, awoke from its sluinbers and flew g-reaming away. But little he recked the cries of the birds or the voice of the winds that stmed the leaves dreamily in the trees above hun. His thoughts alone were of the girl whom he was tracking dows.. So intent had he been on this one idea that he had not noticed how dark it was turning. When he suddenly became aware of this fact he was passing down a narrow ravine, and he at first imagined that the. trees about him were denser than usual, until he looked up and discovered that the sky was entirely obscured by clouds. He began to feel a little uneasy. .I He did not relish the thought of being lost in J&o.Sie desolate woods. It grew cx&TKer cocsnanciy, until he could scarcely see his way at all. But he struggled on, with his staff in his hand, feeling his way as best he could. He felt himself growing very tired; his limbs tottered under him as he walked. Finally, he stumbled and fell, and cut his face severely on a sharp stone. When he scrambled up he was bleeding profusely. He sat down and rested a few minutes. Then he staggered to his feet and went on, slowly. Hush! What was that? A strange, peculiar cry, rising apparently a con- siderable distance behind him, fell on his ears. He paused and listened. Again he heard it. clearer ana more distinctly than before. It was evidently drawing nearer. What was it ? He believed it to be, evidently, an animal of some kind; but having nearly all his life resided in a city, he knew very little of the inhabitants of the forest, and therefore he had no idea what kind of an animal it was. The cries grew nearer and nearer every moment. Whatever it might be, it was approaching rapidly. DijJs. uraa tftrrihlv friffhtened. f He plunged forward, staggering and blundering over the rocks, that obstructed his way. For a few minutes there was an ominous silence; then that dreadful cry went up almost at his very heels, as it were. He started to run, but he had gone but a few paces, when he stumbled and fell. Then he sent forth a loud and terrified yell. Some one answered him. It revived hope in his heart, which had nearly died out. He struggled to his feet again, and saw a light a short distance in front of him. He dashed on wildly toward that light. It came from a cabin, only a few yards distant. The door was open and a man was standing in it. Fear lent Dirk strength. He bounded on, hope- fully, and reached the cabin barely in time for Old Hawk standing in the door to seize him, drag him inside and close the door, ere the savage animal which had been pursuing him boundel against it. CHAPTER XXXVIII. A STRANGE VISITOR. Entirely overcome-with exhaustion and terror. Dirk Handy fell prostrate upon the floor of the room he had entered, while the other man hastily secured the door, and then turned his attention to his singular visitor, who continued to lie, trembling violently, where he had fallen. As he raised him to an erect position, he said, ia a elear, persuasive voice: You had a mighty close shave, stranger, in another minute that varmint would have disrupted you." Cuss the thing I" replied Dirk,' savagely, still trembling. What in the blazes was it ?" Well, sir, some calls it a catamount, and some a cougar, and some a painter. I calls it no more nor less than a mouutain wildcat," returned the other, with an emphatic dip of his bristling head, while his stubby, gray moustache Beemed to as- sume an unusual prominence. "Why, you didn't have a tussle with it, did you ? he asked, anxiously observing the blood, suddenly, upon Dirk's face, 1'1 see you are a-bleedih' No I fell and cut my face on the stones," re- plied the boatman, testily. I never had such a night in all my life." The blood on you envelopes the reason wny the varmint followed you. It smelt it, no doubt," suggested the other. That's neither here nor thar," laughed Dirk, who by this time had regained his composure. It followed me, and that's enough for me to know, without inquirin' into the causes. But what's your name, and what God-forsaken part of the country is this ? he asked, abruptly. "My name is Hawk, sir—Benjamin Hawk," re- sponded the other. As to the country, it's about as requestered a spot as you ever saw in all your days. The few people a-livin' around here are as decent and docile as any in the wide world." He emphasized his assertion with a quick nod of his bristling round head, and a prominent gesture of his stubby moustache that caused it to protude considerably. Take' a seat, sir," continued Mr. Hawk, motioning Dirk, who was still standing, to a broken chair, while he took another-" take a seat, sir, and make yourself comfortable. It ain't very often I have a visitor, and when I do I always like to treat him hostilely." Mr. Hawk evidently intended to say hospitably, but as usual made a blunder in his selection of the word. I'm obleeged to you I responded Mr. Handy," as he took the proffered chair. I'm glad I met with you, for I think you air a gentleman." Iv'e always tried to be an honest man," Hawk returned, loftily. No man ever caught me in a dishonest act yet. But now, if you've no objec. tions, I would like to require of you your name and your business here in these neck of woods ? he asked, half suspiciously, Dirk laughed hoarsely. I ain't used to havin' men require of me to do anything," he answered, roughly. But bein' as you've befriended me to-night, I don't mind tellin' you. Well, then, my name is Richard Handy, Esquire—called Dirk for short; but it's a very good name, and I'm very well satisfied with it. As to my business here, that's ano ther question." Well, then, mought I ask whar you hail from and whar you are bound for ? asked Mr. Hawk, still regarding the other doubtingly. I ain't a-goin' to answer them questions at the present stage of the game," laughed Dirk. We ain't well enough acquainted yet to go into partnership; tharfore we air not ready to make our business known." Oh, I didn't mean no defense returned Mr, Hawk, apologetically. I was jest curious to know what you was a-doin' a-roamin' around in these woods, for nobody hardly ever comes here." "I should thinic not I responded the other, with a contemptuous chuckle.» I shouldn't think any- body would ever come to this wilderness, unless they was a-tryin' to hide. What air you a-doin' here ? he asked, abruptly. What do you do for a livin' ? I have been here," answered Mr. Hawk, strok- ing his moustache thoughtfully and cautiously, for more'n twenty year, and endurin' all that time, no man ever caught me in a dishonest exac- tion. I'm a honest man, if I do say -so, and no man can disprove it 1 He glanced uneasily at Dirk as he made this assertion, who was regarding him intently. Then, if you're an honest man, you air a queer subject," said Dirk, ironically. "That's all I've got to say about it. But, changin' the subject, whar do you reckon that pesky thing is that drove me in here 1" "Like as not," responded Mr. Hawk, "It is a-prowlin' around here a-waitin' for you. They are awful savage whenever they get a seen t of blood, and like as not it got a sniff of yours." Yes I fell among the blamed rocks and hurt my face. as I told you," replied the other, fret- fully. Thar was a couple of them varmints that I treed' a young man and woman in an old cabin not fur from here, not long ago, and kept them thar all night," said Mr. Hawk. Who were they ? inquired Dirk, curiously. The young woman was old man Parke's daughter, a, doctor from the gity, named 'fifreyi a-visitin' here along with old P&rkeT's j son," answered Hawk. By the flickering light of the old lamp that stood on the rickety table, Mr. Hawk noticed a peculiar expresssion flit over Dirk Handy's face. And is this young chap still thar ? asked Dirk. making an effort to speak carelessly. Yes; he and old Parke's son, Clifford, and a young gal from the city is all thar on a visit at the present time," returned Hawk, regarding the other intently. And how far mought Mr. Parke live from here 7" inquired Dirk, with his face turned away. "Well, sir, I s'pose it's about two miles," re- sponded Hawk. Is it thar you're a-goin ?" Stranger," said Dirk, abruptly, without notic- ing Hawk's question, it's a-gettin' very late. It won't be long till mornin', and I'm tired after my long tramp, and I'd like to lie down and sleep awhile." He yawned drowsily as he spoke Oh, certainly 1" returned Hawk, quickly. "You kin lay down thar on my bunk and rest yourself," he continued, pointing to a rough cot in the corner of the room. I won't turn in any niare myself, as itis so near to daylight." f Whereupon, Dirk threw himself across the cot. and was soon snoring loudly. Hawk continued to sit there in his chair, eyeing Dirk suspiciously, and ocasionally muttering tc himself, shaking his head dubiously: I wonder what this means ? I wonder if thif fellow is dangerous ? He looks like it." CHAPTER XXXIX. 3IBDS OF A FEATHER. Dirk Handy slept soundly until after sunrise, when he was aroused by Mr. Hawk shaking him roughly, and exclaiming: Come, stranger, it's time to git up. Breakfast is ready an' awaitin' Dirk sprang up in bed, hastily and excitedly, and stared blankly at Hawk for a moment, and then burst out laughing. "Why, you skeered me!" he said. "I wns a-dreamin' about wild-cats, and forgot whar I was. What time is it 1 It's a-gittin' late," returned Hawk. I! xun's been up for some time. Git up, and we'll have a bite to eat." Well, I'm agreeable," the other responded. I hain't had anything to eat since yesterday morn- ing." Thar is nothin' here very reviving," said Mr. Hawk, hospitably, as he placed two chairs to the table, upon which was a dish of fried fish and a plate of corn-bread but such as I have, give I untoe thee. I do my own cooking, sir, and I ain't a brag hand at the business; but what I've got. you're welcome to." "I can't see," returned Dirk, as he seated him- self at the table and began to eat ravenously, why, in the name of common sense, you live i such a country and in such a den as this Thar must be somethin' wrong, partner "—he laughed and winked at old Hawk jocosely—" thar must be somethin' wrong, I think. What air you up to now;" Hawk's eyes fell under the scrutinzing gaze of the boatman, and he answered, in an embarrassed manner: < .Wi I am now on to sixty year of age, and no man ever yet caught me in a dishonest act. If you are a detector, sir—and I s'pose you are-I am per- fectly willin' for you to search my premises, an 5. you won't find nothin' suspicious," — Dirk laughed loudly. II I a detective ? The Lord forbid that I should ever come to that. No, no, partner, you needn't have no fears on that account I can tell you," he replied, positively. "Well, I'm glad to hear you say so," returned Hawk, apparently greatly relieved. You see,' he went on, confidentially, some of them pesky fellows comes around here sometimes a-searchin for counterfeiters' tools, and they disjoin me awfully. Jest as if they thought a man like me would be a keepin' such things about him." I understand you, partner—I understand you!' laughed Dirk, meaningly, as he winked at the other rapidly. But you needn't be afeared oj me. I ain't a-goin' to search your premises Neither am I a-goin' to peach on you if I should diskiver anything out of the way that looks sus- picious-like. The fact is, I ruther like you, my friend, and I'm a-goin' to take you into fuli partnership with me in a good business." What kind of a business is it ? asked Mr Hawk, greatly interested. Fust and foremost," said the boatman, "you speke, last night, of an old fellow a-livin' around here by the name of Parke-did you not ?'' In course I did," responded Mr. Hawk, with an emphatic dip of his round head. I've know'c him for twenty year. He don't live fur from thit very spot." •' Good enou gh returned Mr. Handy, compla. cently. You said thar was a young lady a-visit. in' of his family at the present time-did you not ? "Thar is," responded Mr. Hawk, more and more interested, his curiosity greatly excited. "As ] told you last night, this young woman, and Mr. Parke's son, and his son's partner, from the city all arriv' thar a short time since." Have you seen this same young lady ? asked Dirk, as he pushed his chair back from the table and regarded the other intently. "I have," replied Hawk, "and she's quite a likely gal. But what's all this a-leadin' up to 1' he inquired, suspiciously. For answer, Mr. Handy pulled a paper from hie coat-pocket, and opeuing it, spread it out care- fudy before Mr. Hawk and remarked, meaningly "Read that document." Mr. Hawk examined the paper very carefully and handing it back to Dirk, said, perplexedly I apprehend this thing to be a hand-bill offerin a reward of one thousand dellars for the return of a young woman as has disappeared sudden. like." It air the same sir, no more and no less," re. turned Dirk, with a wave of his hand. "Well, then, I offer you a partnership in the' business." I don't exactly apprehend you," returned Mr. Hawk. "Why, how dull you air, partner I" said the other, impatiently. "Well, then, this paper refers to that same young lady, as is run away and now at old Parke's, and I'm t& key track." Why, you don't mean to say this is the same gal?" said Mr. Hawk, astonished. I don't mean to say no more and no less," re- turned Dirk, striking the table emphatically with his clenched fist. She is thar, and no mistake and I'm on her trail keener than tha.t wild-cat was on my trail last night; and now, if you want to go into par tnership with me, jest say the word." He leaned back in his chair, with his hands ia his pockets, and re garded the other silently. Old Hawk scratched his head reflectively, and after a short pause, said, hesitatingly I don't know that I exactly apprehend you, my friend. If you'll be a little more implicit, I'll know how to answer you." "I mean business," replied Mr. Handy, tapping the table rapidly with his stubby fingers. I mean to have that girl, and get the reward for h- r re- covery, that's the whole of it. If you'll help me, we'll divide the money. Now what have you got to say about it ? "I don't know what to say about it," responded Mr. Hawk, very cautiously. What is she a-doin' here ? Has she run away, or has she been stolen and forced here agin her will ? Well, she's run away, I think," answered Dirk but that's neither here nor thar. All we've got to do is to capture her and take her back home n f •" "But s'pose she won't go of her own record ? suggested Mr. Hawk. "S'pose she desists, what t-hen?" Why, then, we must jest force her," returned Dirk, resolutely. I don't know about that," demurred Mr. Hawk. shaking his head cautiously. Thar's danger fa it." No money is ever yearned without labour or risk," replied the boatman, argumentatively. Now all I want to know is this Will you help me, or will you not ? Are you right certain you ain't a detector ? in- quired Hawk, suspiciously. Why, the Lord, bless me, if this man don't sus- pect me yet! laughed Dirk, contemptuously. z, Why, partner, it lpears you are mighty hard to convince. Didn't I tell you. p'intedly, I wa'n't no detective ? "I must be keerful," answered Hawk. "You are an uttered stranger to me, you know." "Look here. my friend," said Dirk, firmly, "I ain't a-goin' to fool with you any longer. I've —rvkui>a £ .a to turn 3.11 honest penny. Now you can either take it or reject it. I don't care a copper which; that's the long and short of it." Blamed if I don't believe you are an honest man!" said Hawk, suddenly, as he grasped the other's hand cordially. "Thar can't be no wrong in tryin' to extore a young lady to her friends and home, and I'll help you to do so, with pleasure." Now you air a-talkin' replied Dirk, laughing jubilantly. We must git to work right way," he continued, seriously. Thar ain't no time to lose, If they find I'm on the track, it'll make it very difficult. This very night she must be taken." Hadn't we first better see if we can persuade her to go with us peaceably ? suggested Hawk. Why, you're crazy, man laughed the other, contemptuously. Didn't I jest tell you if she found I was after her it would ruin everything ? No, we must capture her when she ain't a-thinkin' about-it, and this very night we must make the trial. All right 1" answered Hawk. Whar you lead I'll follow." And then these two men, like greedy birds of a feather, entered into a long consultation as to how they should proceed to capture Norma Norton that same night: CHAPTER XL. THE BLOODHOUNDS. The shadows of the evening began to grow long when the two villains, like crafty bloodhounds, started out on the track of the unfortunate girl whom they had determined, at all hazards, to cap- ture.) t They walked on slowly and stealthily, skulking along in the tangled undergrowth and bushes. making as little noise as possible, for they knew that if they were discovered all their hopes would be blasted. They spoke in whispers. It was, perhaps, tne most solemn and important hour of their lives. "As I've told you," said Hawk, during a moment's pause, the two girls are in the habit of walkin' out every evening. I've seem 'em out in the woods by theirselves several times. No doubt they'll walk out this evenin'. All we'll have to do is to watch and wait." I hope you air correct, partner," responded Dirk. We would have a deal of trouble if we had to break into the House." "Hush!" cried Hawk, turning his head to listen. All was still, save the sleepy song of a dove on a neighbouring tree and the faint murmur of the evening breeze. "What was it?" asked Dirk, in a hoarse whisper. "I heard nothing." I thought I 'cognized voices," the other re- plied. "But it was a mistake, I s'pose. It mout have been the leaves flutterin' ifr the trees J,' They started on again cautiously, on the alert for every sound, and looking about them tvith the closest scrutiny. Suddenly they halted simultaneously and glanced behind them, with a startled air. For they heard, very distinctly, approaching footsteps in the leaves. "By heavens, partner, thar they come! whispered Dirk, excitedly. I hear 'em i t It ain't them," returned Hawk, listening in. tently it ain't in the riglit direction, feesides, the footsteps ain't heavy enough. Them 'pears to be creepin' up." Why, what in the blazes wbul$anybody be a. creepin' up on us for?" asked Dirk, turning pale and looking at Hawk, half suspiciously, y No man knows what we are after except ourselves." By this time the noise had grown so near that they found whatever was approaching was nearly upon them. They crouched beneath a bush, and waited with intense anxiety for its appearance. ) -The next moment a large dog came througn thE undergrowth, with his nose to the ground, having evidently been trailing the two men. Dirk clutched Hawk's arms spasmodically. I By heavens! he cried apprehensively, we air diskivered 1 They've put a dog on our track." Hawk laughed outright. Why, it's my dog Pluto he chuckled. ] never thought of his following us. But it won't do to have him here. He would betray us. I must take him back home and fasten him up." Then hurry I" said Dirk, impatiently. '• I v. il) stay here until you get back." Oh, I won't be gone long! returned the other. It ain't far back to my cabin J Cofhe, Pulto he continued, as he started off, followed by his dog. Dirk awaited him anxiously. It seemed to him as if Hawk would never re- turn. "He's been gone a long time," he muttered to himself. Maybe he's agoin' back on me, and won't return." The idea angered him. He shook his fist threateningly. The minutes passed on, and still Hawk came not. Dirk grew more and more impatient every moment. At length he rose to his feet with a smothered curse and started in the direction that Hawk had taken. He had not gone more than three or four steps when he heard some one approaching, mid the next instant Hawk appeared. I thought you never was acoinin', partner," said Dirk, rather roughly. "What kept: you so long ? I ain't been gone long; it's all your 'in.:)filia- tion," replied the other. You got impatient; that was all." "Well, night's a-comin' on fast," said Dirk, ab- ruptly. We ain't got no time to lose. Bead on and I'll follow." All right," said Hawk, as the two men started forward. At last they halted, and secreted themselves be. hind a clunip of thick bushes. This is right in the way they are in the habit of walkin' said Hawk. We'll stop here and watch for 'em." And so they watched and waited eagerly for their prey. Norma little knew at that moment that the bloodhounds had nearly tracked her down: CHAPTER XLI. 'AN ABDUCTION. Lonely and gloomy though Parke's Wilderness might seem to others-for lonely and gloomy it really was-yet to Norma Norton it appeared almost like a paradise. Imprisoned and persecuted as she had been for so long a time, the great and sudden change from thralldom to freedom was exceedingly agreeable, and she felt much like a bird lately fettered, but awe*pesLtedJy set .fees,

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----r r ALL EIGHTS RESEBVKD.J…