The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1872-02-08
IDAHO WORLD
JENNIE MOORE.
A TALE or THE TEXAS BORDER.

Settlers along the banks Of the War
lopa river, in Texas, had been worked
to pitch bordering on frenzy. For a
long time the Comanche Indians had
been committing depredations Of fear.
full character, and it was evident that an
open warfare must ensue. The savages
must be exterminated, or nearly SO; else
the white man would be driven from his
home, or butchered upon its threshold
A settlement Of some thirty cabins
had been formed upon the Warlopa
and for it's protection, and the safety Of
its inhabitants in case of an attack, a
blockhouse had been erected on the
bank of the river. 1t was a strong
building, surrounded by high stock
ade, and from within, handful Of men
could defend themselves against humid
reds of their savane foes. 1t was we'll
supplied with provisions and ammuni-
ton, several large hogshead of water
were placed within reach, in case an
attacking party would resort to fire.
The settlers were anticipating an at
tack that very night, and were now
busily engaged in moving the women
and children and such articles of house
hold goods that could be carried with
out the use of teams. Scarcely had the
settlers with their families secured them
selves within their stronghold, when a
wild cry was raised, and the white
men gathered around the remains of
one of their neighbors who had just
been brought in from distant field
The body had been so horribly mutilated
that it was scarcely recognizable; but
it was discovered to be that of George
Maloy, a gentleman highly esteemed by
all. He had left home but few hours
before to look after his cattle, and this
was all that remained to tell the story
Of his butchery.
Revenge was pictured upon every
face, and each hand clasped tighter the
rife it held. Then the shout burst
forth, Death to the red devils-death
to the Comanches |"
death and determination to the ac-
cursed Comanches |" repeated Colonel
John Pool. But we must act with
prudence, boys. They are strong; at
present we are weak We must all re-
main in the blockhouse tonight, but |
expect the boys who are coming to join
us from the valley will be here by day
light, if not before. We can count
them at least three hundred with brave
hearts and steady nerves. We will
march into the very heart of the enc
my's country, and with rifle, knife and
fire teach those red devils lesson they
will never forget"
A mild cheer followed this brief adj
dress, but the sound was given back by
the wild shrieks of women and children.
Every eye was turned in the direction
whence the voices came. Out of the
blockhouse came women and children
in the widest confusion and fright, run
ming in all directions to escape fury
that the settlers had not yet seen; but
it was understood at once that the saw
ages were at their hellish work.
Look well to your weapons, boys,
and be ready for any emergency" said
Colonel Pool, as he cooked his rifle. ave
may have hot work soon; follow me-"
The flying women were met and ques-
toned. They stated that the savages
had got within the stockade unobserved,
while the settlers were viewing the re-
mains of Maloy, and were preparing to
burn the blockhouse. That this was
true became apparent, for the flames
we're now seen to leap up, encircling {
the main building within the stockade.
Forward, men~ cried the Colonel.
And in few moments the settlers had I
reached the burning mass. 1t was found t
impossible to save it, SO completely was s
the stronghold enveloped in the devour- |
ing element. But new horror present '
ed itself. Upon the very top of the
middle building female form was seen q
clinging to the flagstaff; the flames t
leaping around her. She glanced down G
on seething furnace beneath her, and G
made movement as if to make fear d
full leap to the earth; but she paused;
that would be certain death. The dis t
lance was some forty feet, and all with v
IN the stockade was a glowing mass, G
where brushwood had been heaped by
he sayapes to facilitate the burning. In