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The story starts about eighty years ago in a small village near the town of Little york. Mr. Roland Gray is fleeing for his life as the result of having shot Mr. Ham in a’duel caus- ed by the affection each has for Miss Astor who lives with her father. Gray is captured by the chief of the rob- bers of Markham Swamp. While'held captive he learns of the evil doings of each member of the gang. In the previous chapter he hears how one under the assumed name of Rev. Mr. Jonas preaches every Sunday in a nearby church as well as performing a minister’s duties during the Week. While doing this he steals, commits murder or carries off to the swamp any one he may choose. Nancy also begins to tell Gray her life history before being taken captive. ‘ She warns him against Silent Poll and Joe who are his deadly enemies but Gray has no fear. He learns that The Lifter is his friend. This streng- thens the hope he has of securing his own and Nancy’s escape from the: den in the near future. He tells Nancy of his plan and a new light comes into her life as a result of the utter faith Gray has in her. “I desire one and all to know why this punishment is inflicted. It is for treason My mother was about to take vengeance for insult offered her by this man." pointing to Roland, “but my son interfered in a way that you all know. Now I am glad that my mother did not succeed, for I have an object in keeping this young man here for the present. Nevertheless the fact remains that The Lifter broke the compact which binds us loyally to one another. Hoist him up, Murfrey'.” “Since this punishment is for the promotion of one of the great virtues,’ chimed in the Rev. Mr. Jonas, ‘1 may help you.” .e. . u. This burly robber threw the rope over an oak limb, and directed the Lifter to stand “plumb under.” Murâ€" frey now tightened the rope but could not raise The Lifter from the grpqnd- 0 .1 The exertions of. the two robbers; availed and in a minute the unfortun- ate Lifter, his face convulse’d with agony was hanging by one arm four feet from the ground. Our hero had looked on, a silent spectator, while this brutal act progressed, lamenting his powerlessness to prevent it. But when' the robbers coolly took their pipes and began to smoke. pay- ing no heed to the agonized moans of the victim, a courageous resolution formed itself in Roland’s brain. “To save my life,” he thought, ,“this poor wretch incurred and suf- fers this punishment.” He had no sooner made up his mind than he made a step from his seat towards the group. _ _“How long do you propose keeping mm Him 2"" The captain did not re~ ply, but urfrey made answer. “Perhaps an hour, perhaps two. But what is it of your business? Do you wish to get strung up?” “Ii; is so far my business, that. if I can release him, not ten seconds long- er will he hang theref’ and saying thése’ words he strode towards the tree. Facing in such a manner that the entire gang was in front of him he’aféxv his pistol, and by the aid of ‘Bis leftarm began to make his way up thése’ words he strode towards the tree. Facing in such a manner that the entire gang was in front of him hflf‘ew his pistol, and by the aid of 'his leftarm began to make his way up the tree. He paused on the first limb, for he perceived that Murfrey was about to spring upon him. . 1 ‘ever‘ “The first man or woman that makes a move to hinder me, I will shoot.” Murfrey stood irresolute, then moved a, step nearer to the tree, whereupon Roland promptly covered him with his weapon. This was more than the bully had looked for; and upon noticing that no one seemed disposed to assist, he turned away and joined the group. With one blow of his knife, then, Rol- and severed ihe cord, and The Liftâ€" er fell like a log upon the turf. hagrpnding' then he found that the Iyou LIu‘ngn uauaunuu w...“ once in the United States you would be free to go among good men and earn your bread. It is true that you never can make thoroughu‘eparation for all the crimes to which you have been an accesory, or all the misery you have helped to create. But you can atone to some extent for the past. You have many gifts, and I am sure that you would win a comfort- able position in a world that guessed nothing of the early chapters Cf your ,history. mug. m... ..... "wry... This was more than the bully had looked for; and upon noticing that no one seemed disposed to assist, he turned away and joined the group. With one blow of his knife, then, R01- and severed {he cord, and The Lift- er fell like a log upon the turf. Descending then he found that the miserable wretch had lfainted from his suffering; indeed for a 'me he could discover no trace of a p lse. “Nancy fetch me a glass of brandy umccuunus u-vu Any awn-1... -....- V_w_ _ miserable wretch had .famted from “Suppose that instead of doing his sufiering; indeEd for a ‘me he this you may elect to remain here. 0011“ discover no trace 0f 3 P lse~ There is one chance that you may go “Nancy fetCh me a glass 0f brandy free through all the dangers of your immediately." . . lblood trade; but there are ninety and Nancy 10°ked at the Chief 35 1f to nine chances that a violent death or 351‘ his PermiSSion: bUt he merely lthe halter shall be your ultimate fate said SGOTFQE “A FOE TO SOOT“ The Modern Chimney Cleaner. A small amount will clean your Flues and Prevent Fires Save Fuel Give More Heat. The Rubbers of Markham Swamp have no concern in the affairs FOR SALE BY C. N. COOPER SYNOPSN SQQ 3y me am 01. ~ ~ , (e his way up z '“You will allow that I know as much m the first at least as you can know on that matâ€" that Murfrey ter. I do not consider the risk great in him. at all. Your disguise would carry woman that you through Canadian territory. and 21‘ me, I will lonce in the United States you would d irresolute, lbe free to go among good men and ‘1‘ to the tree, earn your bread. It is true that you ._ ._|_ -nhnun H A“ of this whelp.” “Then I will go,” the girl said and darting below, she soon returned with a flask. Forcing open The Lifter’s mouth, Roland poured in about a glass of brandy, which in a few sec- onds brought back the sufi'erers pulse. When he had recovered his conscious- ness, he said in a low voice. “Stranger, you have made me your friend. You are a man.” Meanwhile the old woman had be- gun to storm and gesticulate. b‘... w W--.“ “.7 Q, “What has this pl'hce come to?” she screamed, “if the master is to be bullied before us all. Is there no one here who will take this impudent up- start and tie him up?” Nobody moved. “Pack of cowardly curs.” she screamed, “to allow a thing like him to frighten you so.’f . 1 i “For yourself.” The Lifter was ex- ceedingly astonished; and did not in- terrupt by words. “Yes; my great- est Wish is now that you will do me the favor of doing something for -' yourSelf." “And what is that?” “To make the resolution, to give me your word, now, here, that as soon as possible you will give up your life of crime, leave this odious lair, ,and seek your living among honest lmen.” I “Ah, his companion replied, with a deep sigh, ‘you ask me to do what is impoamble," I “And why impossible? Is it that lyou are too deeply attached to the \ties of this place to your mode of life to break the one and give up the other ‘It is not that; no indeed; But what ,would become of me were I to leave 'this place? I am not so good at dis- guises as the rest. I would certainly lbe caught and given the gallows.” “Peace, Mother,” interposed the Captain. “Some things are to be punished, others to be tolerated. I think you may safely allow all these matters to remain with me. For the present let nothing further be said about this business." The old wo- man subsided with a scowl; and Murfrey’s eyes gleamed like a beast who has resolved that hisiprey shall not escape him. The robbers threw themselves around on dried bushes strewn about for such purposes; but Roland and The Lifter took their guns and set out through the bush to hunt pargridge. 1-» . u x- m1 , "You saved my life toâ€"day," The Lifter said, as he looked in our hero’s face; ‘ and if ever .the opportunity comes I will show you that wicked as I am, I cap be gratefulz”. “Ah bufi‘itQés aifierent. I did it among my friends; you among your enemies.” . 7 “I should like to ask you a favor in return for what you consider my generosity, then," Roland said, look- ing at hisjcompgmion. “Peace. 'fHeIV-é is nothing to be said on that point. You saved my life; and we are square." > “Well, the favor is not for myself, but for another." His eyes sought those of the robber, and held themin their earnest, entreatjng gaze. “Name it; and if the thing be poss- ible, I shall do it.” ‘.‘I would not think of asking if I did not know it to be possible.” WAX-Aria. rbeu tiat you ask this favor for?” ' l “Besides. you may be sure that the law will not much longer perm3t this lair to remain undiscovered. Your tcaptain is now busy planning the ab- duction of some young lady, who is so far as I can judge, a person of note. This will once more incense. public feeling against your band; and judge.how it must fare with you should the law be triumphant.” “Upon earth there is notheen that I should prefer doeen to what you say. But do you really think it is some- theen I ought to look to?” “You have my opinion.” “Then I pledge myself to do as you desire, and I shall be ready to leave here when you say “go” or “come.” ‘ “It is well; It is a bargain. Leave (you all the rest to me.” 1 us. an ...~ --_V , _, After they had roamed the woods for some hoursâ€"during which they secured a dozen brace of birds-â€"The Lifter said:â€" "Are you aware that you are to be a prisoner to-night?" “No.” “Yes, a negro lad, the servant ot a very wealthy stock-raiser in a dis- tant part of the township. The set- vant is to return home after moon rise with a large sum of money, from the sale of several droves. The cattle dealer is gouty, and he has no faith in anything. His fiervant brings the mnnpv home. because he will not trust sale of sev dealer is go in anything. money home the banks. care friénd like I) own Slde \K' 01' “fifvelll, there is a highway robbery n hand to-night, and I am to go with 1am.” “Do you know what the robbery Whéi) supper was ended that even- rt. you will be fastened ,ur room. But you “r211 } d at home. Nancy, I myself, would do much although she is obliged safety to pretend that : '5 you both dangerous :althy stock-raiser in :1 am of the township. The sgr return home after moon 1j1_s The entr lsteen 'omen; d, the servant of Jteen to serve for her she con- aud un- So 365 not to the fore we ing Roland noticed that the robbers made unusual preparations. Before they departed, the chief addressed our hero. “I have no reason to put any trust in you. Therefore you shall hence- forth be treated like a mad dog. Go now to your room; for the door must be secured before I leave.” “My only regret to-night," replied Roland, “is that it lies not in my power to thwart you in your infamous plot. It is Well that you set a watch upon me; else I shoud go from the wood and inform your intended vicâ€" tim of your designs.” “To your room, sir mayflgp t_oo far.” -.._, o- .., “This is a point that I have no (le- sire to discuss, you odious robber. My word you have heard, and you hear again, that I care not for your threats’; that I defy you, and declare you to be ascowardly as you are bloody and bad.” He had faced the hand holding his pistol in his hand; and he moved backward toward the pit. He then noticed that Silent Poll was not among the rest; and he was unwilling to trust himself to the mer- ‘cies of this creature. “I shall not descend till the girl joins the rest;” and he now stood in such a manner as to have a view of the robbers and the old woman. as Sure as Rank- ing. 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A small down payment, then convenient monthly amounts tfll it’s fluid for. r {Magi Eadiwfer Balm: you .’S SERVICE STATION memtorm am. out. Hear It Today well as of the tunnel’s mouth. The chief shouted, and Silent Poll came forth with an extremely hang- dog expression. Then Roland descend- ed entered his room, and closed the door. In a moment it was securely fastened upon the outside with sturdy iron bars. The robbers then set out through the wood for the road by which the unsuspecting negro must paSs The heavy clouds which had crept in upon the sky at the set of the sun now be- gan to part, and. before the miscre- ants had emerged from the bush, the deep dark of their path was here and there parted by a shaft of silvery light. Through the tree tops a glimpse of the sky could occasionally be obtained; and although no leaf quivered in this sombre swamp the clouds raced across the face of the moon, sometimes shutting up the heavens in dark, again allowing the glory to stream forth and bathe the sky in pure splendour. “We had better be mounted." the chief said “The negro is a good horseman, and he will likely have one or two others with him. We have lit- tle time to lose.” The robbers then bent their steps to the stables, Where the horses of the band were kept. A deaf mute cared for the horses, a man with a‘ face so villainous looking as to be indescribable. Standing upon the top of the bleak common, with drifts of moonlight shot from the op- ienings, with flying clouds above, ev- ‘ery now and again falling upon it, it looked like the lair of mystery and lcrime. 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