Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-05-30
LIPAN JOE.
CHAPTER VII.

of the wagons, they knew that they could easily reach the fort by the suc- ceeding evening, and all began to ex- perience feeling of relief.
 Lanman was the only one of the par ty who seemed to have no cheerful emotion. He had shown neither fear, excitement, nor exhilaration, from first to last, and seemed unconscious of fa- tigue.
 Rosas feeling of curiosity and inter- est grew deeper every moment
 Who could be this mysterious stran- ger who averred such hopeless state of mind and heart.
 'Perhaps he has been crossed in love-" she thought.
 It was not an improbable idea, tho Lanman looked like one whom few women were likely to dispise. Endless were the fair girls conject- ures as he rode silently and gloomily beside her, not, however, without oc- casional courteous attention, to his lONely COIupdulOu.
 Harry Murray seemed almast to have fallen in love with his stern friend, and Lipan Joe treated him with the utmost deference. Even old Mir. Mur- ray unconsciously vailed his accustom- ed pride somewhat in addressing the hero in buckskin, to whom he owed so much, though he was still puzzled whether to like him or not. Their camp that night was not an unpleasant one, in spite of the rude scenes of the day and the continued uncertainty of their position.
 The long watches passed without in cident, and the morning found them abundantly refreshed and ready for their journey.
 .sMr. Lanman,' said Mir. Murray, af- ter they had ridden some miles on the way, q will not speak of reward to a man like yourself, but after we reach the fort hope can find some means of expressing my gratitude"
 "That can hardly be-" said Lanman, ssas shall not go to the fort.' Not go? Why, you will not leave us, now that you have done so much 2 T will see your party in safety, Mir. Murray, and then must be permitted to take my own course" said Lanman. :" Questions, after such a srepulse, would have been ill-bred, and the naughty planter was compelled to give it up, though it chafed him sorely.
 The monday halt, for rcfreshmcnt and rest, was hardly over before Lan- mau spoke to Harry as he rode beside him, pointing te grore of trees at some distance
 "from that grove, Harry, it is but 1 two hours ride to the fort, and Lipan Joe will guide you in. There I must leave you"
 1 Leave us P exclaimed Harry.
 "Oh, Mr. Lanman.' burst from the | lips of Rosa. "You will not leave us unprotectedp
 A strange expression shot across the dark face, but before he could answer, he was startled by loud exclamation from the Lipan.
 "IIa. what's that?' exclaimed Lan- man. "More Indians, as I live! Con- ing this way at run. Well, we must wait for tham, or, rather, push for was'd.'
 Give Lipan the long eyc,' said the warrior. "Mebbe net bad Indian dis time.r
 Long and carefully did Joe scan the approaching forms, and, as they drew nearer, he handed back the ficld-glass, saying
 Ugh! Good! Lipan!"
 s'Is that so ?" said Lanman.
 .'Then we are all right. They are in league with us just now. Must come from the fort"
 And, sure enough, the approaching band dashed directly up to them with all friendly confidence, and in few moments, Lipan Joe, who seemed known to them, translated their story.
 The commander at Fort Gundy had sent out his cavalry, with these Lipans, twenty odd in number, to SCOUT the country for some rowing bands of Co., manches, and, getting separated from the troops, their red anxiliaries had nearly fallen into trap, and were even now pursued by an 'overwhelm- ing force of their foes.
 At first they had mistaken Mr. Mur- rays party for the cavalry, who could not be far of, but were glad to receive even so small reinforcement, as the Comanches would undoubtedly be up on them in a few minutes.
 "Close up, then, and move forward P shouted Lanman, seeming to take command as if by right. "Keep close together and stop for nothing"
 His orders were strictly obeyed; but before long, as the now by no means contemptible little band pressed stead lily on, the prairie around them seemed gradually becoming, as it were, alive with yelling iiends, who wheeled around them like hawks, seeming as yet unprepared for close quarters, hui prodigal of well-directed arrows.
 We must teach them lesson" said Lanman. "Haltp |. And in an instant all the rifiemer were dismounted and watching fol chances to use their deadly weapons on horse or man.
 s0ne at a time, sad make sure : work !" shouted Lanman.