The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-12-18

service. Just got mere from nGte
buffer experdition, with poor ssuccess,
but that doesn't make any difference.
/ kin tell by the gals grief that he was a
KIND father, and SO I've got my mind on
avengiRg him."
Hardly had he said these words before
the sharp report of rife broke on the night
air, followed by the whiz of a bullet, and
the coloners left arm dropped by his side
like lump of lead. The ranger and the
Judge were on the alert. Both saw the
smoke as it rolled awsy-even smelled the
powder-but, as before, not a hide or hair
of an enemy was visible. The canvas back
of the wagon tapped few times, then the
same deathlike stiffness that reigned be-
FORE
"Ghost or deyil-there's death to the man
that stays here long" said the ranger, taking
few strides toward the direction from
whence the shot had come. The colonel
drew his revolver and followed in the steps
of the ranger. Carefully they searched the
whole space of ground for a considerable
distance. People from other camps came
over to see what the trouble was, and when
they learned what had happened great was
the anxiety to see where Ahe mysterious
shots came from. But search as they might
nothing but a few buffalo bones, whltened
and dried, rewarded them.
The colonels wound was not so bad but he
could stand watch. The ranger was TO be
awakened IL there were signs OF the enemy,
while Lie, after covering her fathers body
with q blanket, got into the team and sobbed
herself to sleep.
"Seen anything?" asked the ranger when
the colonel shook him to let him know 1t
was his turn to stand watch.
Mary ghost but the hour of midnight
is here and time for such visits, and seem
as We are to watch let's rouse the judge and
take a smoke. Perhaps there's more danger
ahead "
Right: and If don't get winged at short
notice I'll let into somebody for certain"
The three men filled their pipes, lighted
them, and sat down with their rifles cooked,
and watched the dim shadows around them.
All was quiet as death, not sound even
from the mules broke the stiffness OF the
midnight hour.
what is that l hear?" asked the judge,
after long silence. Footsteps are ap-
preaching"
Great heavens! Look look!'
They ell grasped their rifles with one ac-
cord, and arose and faced what seemed to
them terrible apparition. Not forty yards
away, and coming toward them with gigantic
strides, was the colossal figure of man, or
what seemed to be man. clad from head to
foot in long, flowing white garment. II
lowered above them at least ten feet, while
from the place supposed to be the mouth
issued sulphurous light. 1t carried no
weapon that was visible, but hardly had the
three faced it when a shot rang out on the
night air.
"Tm shot!r exclaimed the ranger, claping
his hand upon his heart; but the conscious
ness OF it sent ferocious light into his eyes
as he aimed at the figure. His first impulse
was TO fire high, but on second thought he
lowered his rifle to the place where the feet
were supposed TO be, and fired.
He missed; but now all the camps were
aroused. and seeing the ghostly visitant,
sent such a shower ofleaden hail into II that,
before another minute, theAmass of white
was seen to wGyer and totter on its legs, then
down il went.
Asit fell the form of an Indian was seen
to dart out from the covering and take TO his
legs.
''Thars the ghost himself; the villain is
making away-st him, boysl" shouted the
ranger, starting forward.
On they went, until all OF sudden the
figure disappeared, seeming to enter the
ground. The ranger was near enough to
him as he disappeared to notice that Ger
tain piece OF sod moved. Astonishing as it
may seem, he actually saw the Indian dis
appear into the bowels OF the earth, and the
sods closed together for moment to battle
him.
80 that's his trick-the red DEVIL He has
an underground abode. Well, Well rout
him out OF that in jffy," said the judge.
Suddenly, as the ranger placed his feet on
a certain spot, the ground gave way. and he
was precipitated into a pit some five feet
deep right into the midst of five Indians.
Dropping his rifle, he drew q bowie knife,
and then commenced a terrific combat at
uneven odds; but he was not alone, for
nearly score of rifles were pointing right
into the pit, ready 10 send death into their
midst at a seconds warning.
N
shouted the colonel, $50 as we kin clean out
the varmlnts without techin' you"
The ranger fell back, all the time giving
thrusts himself, though wounded and hardly
able TO stand.
Fire" commanded the colonel.
At the word a sheet of fame burst into the
pit, lighting up the savage faces and sending
nearly ever ylndian to his happy hunting
ground. Those remaining were cluobed
vi h the hunters rifles.
The ranger had killed two in hand. to-
hand conflict. He had received a wound
near the heart by bullet before entering
the pit and was now very nearly exhaust
ed.
A heavier guard was posted after that
round the camp, while eyes that could not
be closed in sleep watched the stars and lis
tened with the keenest attention for further
sounds that night The next day grave
was dug for the dead man, and with poor
Eliza as chief mourner, the corpse was buried
in the midst OF the long grass and bright
flowers of the prairie.