The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-02-07

plain view, apparently only short dis
lance before them.
Take pistol in each hand; keep yer
boss as nigh abreast er mine ez yer kin,
an be keerful ter keep movin' yerselt
from side ter side, like a Injun. Keep
clus by me, and yell all the time like
mad. Do as do, an maybe we kin git
threw; but don't forget ter shoot at every
1njun yer see on yer side; an If anything
happens, why, good by, cap'n; don't for
git Nat Ruggles,' said the guide, in low
tones.
A shake of the hands, silent good-by,
and two dark forms made their way eau
tiously towards the camp-tires. Not a
sound, save that proceeding from the en-
campment, was to be heard. Even the
hoofs of their horses seemed to have been
shod with down, so noiselessly did they
move.
Nov come abreast, an ride strai ght
ahead,' whispered the guide, laying his
hand upon the officers brdle-rein.
The next instant, with yell that
sounded like the shrek of a demon, the
guide urged his mustang forward. Right
through the centre of the encampment
they went, neck and neck, flank by flank,
side by side.
With every bound of their horses feet
was to be heard the terrific yelis of the
riders, accompanied by the sharp ping of
the bullets from their revolvers at any In
dian who stood in the way.
On they rode, those two furious horse
men, forcing their steeds over blazing
fires, through the very camp of the aston
ished warriors, in their headlong course.
The Indians were panic stricken as the
two grim, phantom-ike riders galloped
through the encampment. A few re-
tanned presence of mind enough to shoot
arrows at the horsemeD; but before the
mass of the savages had fairly recovered
from their CONSERVATION, both men had
passed beyond their reach.
On they rode, out into the dark prairie
making couple of miles, they paused
and listened. Far behind they heard
upon the night air the sounds of pursuit.
They're walked up at last remarked
the guide with quiet chuckle. "Well
bear to the right an then double on en-"
To the right we rode, until the dull
th0d of their horses hoofs upon the soft
earth was the only sound they heard.
Here they paused to allow their horses
to take breath, removing the saddle and
bride from the captains horse that he
might roll; then they again mounted and
rode towards the fort.
At daybreak they came to little stream
of water, where they stopped to permit
their horses to drink, and to reload their
revolvers; for they did not expect to reach
the fort without again encountering their
pursuers.
Thus they journeyed until sunrise,
when the guide rode his mustang to the
top of the divide, and gazed long and
earnestly over the country. At last his
keen eyes detected four or five dusky
forms in the dim distance, and hastily de-
scending, the two once more urged their
animals forward at the top of their speed.
On they went over the green plain,
their horses seeming almost to fly, so
great was their speed.
"Can you hold out half au hour long
err" inquired the guide, through his set
teeth.
"You must" was the stern reply, and
on they rode, the mustang apparently full
of endurance, the officers horse nearly
blown.
Hold tight rein, an don't be afraid
of the spurs,' said Nat, glancing be-
hind him. They're COMMA dozen
on en-"
"He can't hold out long" muttered the
captain, remarking the uneven gait of his
horse.
"He must" was the only answer.
On, on they rode. 1t was for life now,
and they knew it. Behind were their
pursuers, each moment gaining on them.
Neck and neck sped the two horses.
"Oh, if he only could hold OUT is the
thought of the captain, as he turns a de-
spairing look behind. Yes, the savages
are gaining on them; there's no doubt
about that.
Old Nat suddenly raises his hand, and
points with his long, bony finger at some
thing on the distant prairie before them.
What is ita l can't see, asks his COM
psnion.
"Look again, old fellow, look again;
an keep that horse we'll in hand.'
Again the officer looks, but sees moth
ing. and querulously says, why can't
you tell me what you sect"
"See, mani" mutters the guide. "Csn't
you see that flag a-Ayin'l That's the flag
on old Mason's; but 'twon't do u.s. no good
if yer don't hurry up that old boss.
They're comm behind thar like the
wind"