The weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1869-18??, 1869-09-01
,norrt to me as soon as YOU return. Good

Report to me as soon as you return. Good
day." ltls
The scouts, after this interview, proceeded
to prepare for their departure. Everything
being in proper trim, they were speedily on
their way to the place of destination.
Nothing worthy Of remark occurred on
the first day out. AS evening approached,
our friends encamped among grove of
cottonwood trees situated upon the skirts
of ravine. After passing the night there,
the Journey was resumed.
Jack, keep your eye skinned, fur if I'm
not mistaken we're somewhat in the wacini.
ty of the reds, an as the Major sed, we must
use little extra caution. Whips and wea-
sells if there amt fresh trail already.
Wow them fellows as made that amt
fur off"
"By ginger! Bill, yer right. just look
yonder, cumnlin, round the cliff! kinder
think the best thing we can do is to up and
git"l1o
Suiting the action to the word, both turn
ed their horses about; but not before the
savages had sighted them. Thcn commenc-
ed race for life. The enemy urging for
ward their ponies and yelling like infuria-
ted demons, the scouts putting their steeds
to their best mettle. The race could not
long continue at this rate, domesticated
American horses being no match, in the
long run, for lassoed mustang of the
plains.
al say, Jack, we're are in for it. How
duz you feel about the ha'r Z"
II feel as how it are too precious arti-
Gle to lose, an may be horned by buffer
Ter if they git it yet while"
On they sped, the pursued and the pur-
suer. Matters began to look gloomy for
the friends; the Indians were gaining rap
idly upon them, and unless something out
of the ordinary way should turn up, their
capture, if not death, seemed almost GER
tain.
q say, Jack, if we kin hold out long
enough to reach Meyers old rancho, we'll
stand some show. 1t can't be more'n a
mile from here"
Squirting their foaming horses to an al
most incredible rate of speed, the rancho
spoken of was providentially reached. AT
ter leading their horses within what was left
of the enclosure, the scouts secured them
selves as circumstances would permit, and
made well ready for a closer acquaintance
with the red rascals
Nor had they long to wait. The Indians,
who numbered score or more, feeling con-
fident of an easy victory, rode bravely to the
charge, but were suddenly brought to halt
by seeing two of their number fall gracefully
from their ponies, then quickly wheeling
around, placed their precious persons beyond
range not, however, before two more braves
paid their respects to mother earth.
"Hallo, Jack, there's four on 'em we've
cured already"
eyes, Bill, Spencer's pills will cure most
any disease; but reckon they'll need few
more doses afore They're convalescent, as the
doctors say"
In the meantime, the savages, though re.
| pulsed in the first instance, were maturing
their plans for another attack. The situa-
| ton of the scouts was perilous in the eX
IRENE. The rancho in which they had taken
refuge served but as partial defence, hav,
ing been recently visited by the maraudcrs
of the plains, and left in anything but q
sound condition. 1t was evident to the
minds of our heroes that, although they
might be able to hold out for short time
the odds were too heavy against them, and
that eventually they would be compelled tc
succumb to superior force.
The savages had as yet made no further
demonstration, other than sending an occa
sional shot in the charred logs of the rancho
But this inaction on their part BODIED nc
good to the inmates of the rude structure
1t was apparently the intention of the say
ages to await the coming of night, and thei
under cover of darkness attempt the capture
of our friends. Just as the sun was she'd
ding his last rays over the broad prairie
the suspicious movements of the savage:
proclaimed that the time of action had ar
rived.
at pears to me, Jack, as how the red!
have got new idea in their painted skulls
kinder thought they might leave US alone
till dark set in, an we might have chance
to creep outer this.n
"rhat was my idee, too, Bill, but they
seem to be anxious for our valuable society
an I don't know how to prevent them EN-
| at does look dubersome, Jack, but well
stick to the shanty and let daylight through
some on 'em afore We go under
The savages at this moment gave ter
rife whoop, circled round the enclosure, and
poured in their fire from all sides. The con
fiict was now terribly in earnest, more thar
one brave fell to rise no more; but a contes
so unequal could not long continue
The ammunition of the scouts was nearly
spent. The wiley foe kept up the attack
with undated fierccness.
"My last shot, Jack"
Sand mine too, Bill"
"Heaven help us!'
| "Amen p
The prayer was simple, but effectual.
MANS extremity is Gods opportunity
The savages were to deeply intent upon
the destruction of our heroes to notice &
company of horsemen rapidly approaching
drawn thither by the noise of battle. The
surprise of the dusky fine was complete
The horsemen charged through their ranks
striking down all before them Anew made
good their escape upon their fleet footed
| ponies. But far the greater number had
sung their last song and fought their last
battle.
"Ranche ahoym shouted the captain Of
the troop. Come out there, if there's any
thing left of you"
The scouts, hearing a friendly voice, glad.
ly availed themselves of the invitation.
swell, my men, who are you and how
came you here? You had pretty warm
work, Judging from appearances
Yes, Capting, Jack and me here was on
our way to Solomon Forks, with dispatches
for Captain Thompson, but the reds came
across, and penned us in this shanty, an
was trying to raise our ha'r when you come
along"
"Well, my men, I'm Captain Thompson,
on my way to Kearney, so hand over the
dispatches. All orders to return to head
quarters. Well, I've somewhat anticipated
them, but, under the circumstances, could
do nothing else. My rations and ammuni-
tions were running low, and the position
untenable. However, no great harm is done
Mount, men, and forward"
Kearney was reached in safety the scouts
went Immediately to the commandant and
told the story of their rescue
A Tale Told Out of School.