The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1876-01-15

of the circle and advanced deliberately
toward the very spot where Morgan and
lay. So unexpected was the movement,
and so near were we to the redskins, that
l barely had time to whisper to Morgan
not to fire under any circumstances, at
the same time throwing myself flat on
the ground, as did my companion, be-
fore the Indian parted the bushes with
his hands and entered the thicket.
"With a quick, light step the warrior
passed directly between us, without
suspecting our presence, and so close
was he that the fringe on the side OF his
moccasin brushed my face as his foot
swept by. j.,
"A moment later the chaparral closed
behind him. and he was out of sight.
"Quick as lightning plan of action
developed itself into my mind. The lie
of the Indian was necessary to the carry
ing of it out, and he must he slam. sill
emily and without loss of time, else he
might be called or searched for.
Morgan was as brave as lion, and
one of the best fighters | ever saw; but
he was hot headed. easily lost his temp
or. and when that was the case, he was
utterly reckless of consequences. L
knew that it would never do to trust HIM
with the work, and so, whispering HIM
to keep a close watch. | drew my knife
and followed the redskin.
Il had gone some twenty or thirty
PAGES back into the chaparral, feeling
every inch Of the way, when suddenly l
heard him returning. and just had time
to dodge behind tree when he came
up.
"That he would pass in arms reach OF
me | saw. hut it was necessary that he
should halt an instant, that l might
make a sure blow. Any other would
simply be ruin to us all.
"A quick, sharp hiss brought him up,
standing Just where | wanted. and be-
fore he could even realize his danger.
much less yell, 1 drove the knife clean
through his heart catching him as he
fell, and gently easing him to the
ground.
"The most difficult part Of the work
had been accomplished. and slipping
back. [ told Morgan of my success, and
also the plan l had determined upon.
1T didn't take me long to strip the
reskin of the war-drcss, and then rcmov-
ing such of my own clothesa as was neces-
sary, put his on, searched his medicine
bag for colors, and painted up as well
rs possible in the darkness.
"Morgan inspected me closely, adding
a few touches, and thought would pass
if the inspection was not too severe.
''By this time the redskins were get
ting ready for the next victim. the second
in line tall. powerful fellow, who, with
even the awful fate staring him in the
face. stood as boldly and fearlcssly erect
as though he had been free, and with a
good rifle in his hand.
II saw him turn his head and speak
few words to the man next him. and then
he again faced his captors. and calmly
watched them preparing the splinters-
the splinter torture. that's what we call
it sometimes, You know, and that was
how he was to suffer.
There was no further time to lose if
I would save this brave fellow. and l
swore / would. So again cautiOning
Morgan to keep cool | stepped slowly
out of the bushes, and advanced into the
camp. Not the least notice was taken of
my approach. and passing behind the
crowd. who were all now engaged in
splitting and sharpening the bits OF dry
wood. l approached the captive on the
extreme left of the line, and appeared to
he amusing myself in testing his nerve
by flourishing my knife in his face.
'"The opportunity was good, and
whispering to the poor fellow not to he
alarmed, that | was Il friend and white
man. / passed rapidly round behind the
post. and at one sweep severed the raw
hide thongs that bound him, at the same
time bidding him keep quiet until gave
the signal. when he must make for the
arms on the stump.
'Two others | freed in the same man
ncr without suspicion and was manwuv
ring around the fourth, when the one |
had first cut loose became inpatient or
frightened. and made slight movement
with his arms.
In an instant the eyes of the redskins
was upon him: seeing which the poor
devil made leap for the brush close
by.
before he had gone ten steps, the
whole band were after him.
IL knew he would he instantly cut
down; but without waiting to see the
result. passed swiftly from one to the
other OF the remaining captivcs. freed
them all. and gave the signal to rush for
the arms Just rs the warriors returned i'll
a body, one of them hearing IL fresh scalp
in his hand.
1.-The tall fellow-he whom ! had cut
loose last-was the first to reach the pile,
and | saw him snatch the pistols. cock
one rapidly, and fire his first shot in the
face of IL warrior who was about to cut
him down.
AT the same instant | heard Morgan's
Il In. Ia.linn FIJI n,ll ilD