Page:The trail of the golden horn.djvu/96



ELL had stooped and was picking up the dry wood she had gathered that evening, when she was suddenly seized and a mittened hand placed firmly over her mouth. Almost maddened with fright, she struggled desperately to free herself, and to cry for help. But she was powerless in the strong arms which held her fast. As she was being borne off, she fought like a wildcat, tearing at her captor’s face and cap, and clawing at his throat. But her efforts were all in vain, for she was carried rapidly away, and only when a camping-place was reached by the side of the trail was that pressing hand released from her mouth. Then by the light of the fire she saw that her captor was none other than Bill, the Slugger. Panting, she lay upon the bed of fir boughs where he had placed her. A triumphant light shone upon the man’s face as he stepped back to view the girl.

“Well, what d’ye think of that for a job? Neat, wasn’t it?”

Zell’s fear had now given place to anger, and her eyes blazed as she sprang to her feet and faced the villain.

“You coward!” she cried. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“H’m, I’m not worryin about that, since I’ve got you. If I couldn’t git ye one way, I had to try some other plan.”