The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1869-08-14
The Scouts Rescue.

Seated in one of the adobe houses that
abound in and around Fort Kearney,
were two persons who were employed in
the capaeity of scouts by the conlmari:-
dant of the.post.
Jack" spoke one, how long do yer
s'pose wo'yefgot to hang round this She
bang Z I'm getting rusty for want of
exercise; /; and SO is Spencer" patting
his carbine.
"Well, Bill, replied the other, su't
exactly say; but | reckon the old man II
haversomething for us to do before long.
As it to give strength to this opinion,
an orderly at this moment presented
himself, and Informed the speakers that
their presence was desireed at headquar.
ters. Nothing 10th, both rose TO accom-
pany the. messenger, and were soon
ushered into the presence of the major
commanding.
Boys" said he, 81 have some dis
patches here that | wish to forward to
our new post on the Solomon Forks. AS
you are both old plainsmen, and have
such thorough knowledge of this sec
ton of the country, l have selected you
as the bearer Of these dispatches. Let
me see, it is now Wednesday, and it is
important that they be delivered within
the week, l need not ask if can depend
upon your promptncss. How soon will
you be ready to set out 2"
"Well, Major, l reckon as how we
kiu go right away, beiu' the matter is of
sich consequence. Hey, Jack?"
81 rather 'speck we kim responded
his companion.
Gone word more, before you go" said
the Major. "You are aware that the
red skins are abroad, and at their old
work again SO little caution will be ne
eessary."
"We know that well enough, Major,
and you can bet your bottom dollar they'll
have to scratch hard afore they anger
Wei, II 1Sbs; Ewisil yoa 4 ssls Jour. our.
ney. Report to ME as soon as you re-
turn. Good day"
The scouts, after this brief interview
proceeded to prepare tor 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 ap-
preached, our friends encampcd among a
grove of cottonwood trees situated upon
the skirts of ravine. After passing
the night there, the journey was re-
sumed
"Jack, keep your eye skinned, fur if
I'm not mistaken were somewhar in the
wacinity Of the reds, an as tho Major
scd, we must use IA little extra caution
Whips and wcasels if there amt a
fresh trail a ready. Wow them fellcrs
as made that amt fur off"
"By ginger! Bill, yer right. just
look yondcr, commin, round tie cliff! |
kinder think the best thing We kin do is
to up and git"
Sutng the action to the word, both
turned their horses about; but not be-
is
fore the savages had sighted them.
Then commenced race for life. The
enemy urging forward their ponies and
yelling like infuriated demons, the scouts
putting their steeds to their best mcttlc.
The race could not long continue at this
rate, dcmcsticated American horses be-
ing ne match, in the long run, for the
lassocd mustang of the plains.
81 say, Jack, were in for it. How
duz you feel about the ha'r."
II feel us how il arc too precious ar
ticle to loss, an may | be horned by
buficrler if they get it yet awhile
On they sped, the pursued and the
pursucr' Matters began to look gloomy
for the friends; the Indians were gain
ing rapidly upon them and unless some.
thing out of the ordinary way should
turn up, their capture, if not death,
seemed almost certain.
81 say, Jack, if we kin hold out long
enough to reach Meyers old rancho,
we'll stand some show. 1t cant be
morc'n mile from here.
Spurrng their foaming horses to an
almost incredible rate OF speed, the
rancho spoken of was proyidcntially
reached After leading their horses