Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-05-29
"LITTLE DAM"

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Fort Territt. Texas. on the headwaters
of the Llano river, to Fort McKavette,
Oh the headwaters OF the San Saba, aud
Fort Mason, in the big bend of the
Llano, is about the same distance 10
the east, inclosing triangular spot OF
country half as large as the State OF
Rhode Island. A continuation of the
Apache Mountains, called by hunters
Gray Horse Hills" inclOses triangle.
on the west, and over the prairie thus
shut in the red man is king.
Six men, none of them hunters or
Indian fighters, but all well armed, had
been escorted from Fort Mason to
Territt, but on reaching that point the
indians were found to be so numerous
and troublosom, that a military escort
to Fort McKavetle could not be spared.
There were forty-one soldiers at the
post. hardly enough for its defense, and
il was plain, without word from the
colonel, that not man could be spar
ed.
There are redskins enough between
here and McKavette to destroy regi-
ment Of veterans he remarked, as the
chances were being canvassed. The
best scout on the plains could not ride
over thirty miles per day, and he wsuld
be almost certain to lose his scalp be-
fore he was out Of sight Of his post.
Take this glass and tell me what you
.ee.'
1t was half an hour before .undown.
The glass revealed Indians in every
direction Some were riding at swift
pace, others were motionless on the
knolls, and the fort was completely en-
clrcled.
There's thousand if there is one,
continued the colenel, as he received
the glass, and l must get ready at
once for a hot time
Those six men had an errand and a
message of the utmost importance, and
they could not delay. There were two
veteran scouts at the post, but when
offered any sum to pilot the party
through, they shook their heads and
said:
The hull triangle is chin deep with
reds, and no living white man could
avoid them.'
Yet the determination Of the ak men
to 90 Oh was not shaken.
You are lunatcs y exclaimed :he
colonel, when his arguments were
found to be Of no avail, 'and I'll close
the gates and prevent you from going!
Nevertheless, an hour after nightfall,
he came down to where the six men
were saddling their horses, and said:
It's nothing less than murder, but,
il you will 90, let our little Dan 60
along. He knows the route, is brave
and cool headed. and il you'd take Or
ders from him there's one chance in a
thousand that he'll take you through
Aud our little DAN soon joined the
party. He wasn't an Indian, nor yet
a Mexican, or white man. He was
ueither boy nor man. He was human
beng, less than five feet in height.
weighed about ninety pounds, had long
brown hair. coal black eyes. long jaw.
sallow cheeks. and the biggest hand Of
any man in Texas. As he stood LOOK
ing at the party, The colonel said:
Dan, these riders must be at Fort
McKavette at The earliest possible hour
They put themselves under your orders,
and..you will be ready ia fifteen minutes
to start
The being disappeared in the dark
ness without a word, and in ten minutes
he was at the gate, ready to 90. He
was mounted on the largest mustang
ever seen around any OF the western
forts. He had strapped on blanket
for saddle, filled his canteen with
whisksy, and he had Henry rife, two
revolvers and an Arkansas bouie-kIife
for weapons.
which way shall you start out ?"
anxiously inquired the colonel, as all
were ready.
The dwarf pointed straight toward
McKavette for reply.
We'll, goodbye, each one.'
As the party passed through the gate
little Dan motioned for the men to ride
one behind the other, and then he
spurred forward and took the lead. His
mustang went of at an easy l0pe, and
the pace Of the other horses was regulat-
ed accordingly.
He rode with his rife resting In front
OF him, having no stirrups and holding
no rein, but guiding the horse entirely