The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1878-05-30

utity uidue Jne cndnCe OF success more
uncertain. Finally, my companion,
John Worth, rode into the circle and
said
"Boys, Pm John Worth, one of
Hayes's Rangers. I'm stranger to you,
but if you'll follow me, I'll bring back
the old mans daughter, or won't come
back myself. Who'll go?''
Thirteen men responded to the call,
and, with hearty Texas yell, we start
ed.
We soon struck the Comanche's trail.
The Lipan followed it like hound on
the scent. 1t was aterrible ride de-through
chaparral so dense that we were obliged
to dismount and lead our animals
through masses of cactus, whose long
thorns tore our clothes and flesh, and
cut the legs of our horses; over broad
prairies, covered with flowers; through
valleys filled with nderbrush-until we
reached the bank of the river.
Nowhere upon the other side could
we discern any signs of trail. After
some time spent in searching for it, the
keen eyes of Worth, who had ridden in
advance, discerned tracks on the oppo-
site shore. Calling the Lipan, Worth
asked him to swim his horse and ascer-
tain if that was the Comanche's trail. or
if the tracks were those of some wild
animal come down to the water to drink.
In a short time the Indian returned,
and reported that bay horse, ridden
by an Indian, had crossed there. The
next moment the whole party plunged
into the stream, and crossed to the other
side. Then we followed the trail until
dark, and then rested an hour. While
halting, | asked the Lipan how he knew
that the horse was bay, and had been
ridden by an Indian. He explained as
follows:
GA loose horse, after he has done
drinking, always stops on top of the
bank to look around and nip a few
mouthfuls of grass. So when I found
the horse had gone straight up, knew
that he had some one on his back. At
ter swimming river, an Indian always
stops to let his horse roll. / followed
the trail until l came to where the horse
had rolled. From the color of the hair
left on the ground, knew it was bay
horse"
AS soon as our animals were rested,
the order was given to /" saddle cup" In
five minutes we were again on the trail.
At length we halted, for the guides
had seen smoke and supposed we were
approaching the Comanche's camp.
Janamata, Worth, and old Andy Lock-
hart were detailed to make reconnois-
sance. They returned about midnight
The father was wild with rage and grief.
He had seen his daughter, but was re-
strained by the others from attempting
to rescue her. The Indian had reached
large camp of his tribe. The lodges
numbered twenty, and there were at
least thirty warriors in the party.
The question now was whether we
should attack with our small numbers,
or send back for reinforcements. At
one moment, old Andy declared that
we were not strong enough to make the
attempt, and in the next, he urged us in
the most beseeching terms to attack at
once.
What should we do? The Indians out
numbered us two to one, and had also
the advantage in point of position.
Some of us might not see the sun rise
in the morning; yet not a man hesitated.
All declared themselves willing to take
the risk. Their faces told far better
than words, their stern resolution. The
question was settled, and we waited for
the hour that was to bring victory or de-
feat. With the first faint streak of light,
we saddIed our horses, examined our
arms, and then rode slowly forth to
meet our fate. Many brave fellow,
during that short, silent ride through
the chill morning air, thought of his wife
and little ones, and wondered if they
would ever look upon their faces again.
But no one wavered, but when the or
der, "Charge!'' rang out on the still
air, with a hearty Texan yell, we dash
ed like thunderbolt upon the enemy's
camp.
1t was complete surprise. For an
instant, the camp was scene of terri
BILE confusion. But the Indians quickly
rallied, and fought like demons. But
their only weapons being bow and ar
rows and spears, our rifles and pistols
gave us a great advantage.
Each man fought on his Gown hook"
dealing his shots wherever they would
do the most injury. Our little party
fought desperately, and as only men can
fight who fight for life. Old Andy's
gray hairs could be seen in the thickest