, 1878-02-15

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bur-, A.. -trn t- our animals were
rested. t.r order va. gwen % saddle
up" Ia ay, miuutr., We were agEIu on
the trail.
A. Iergih We halted. TOR the guidc-
bad seen smoke, aud supposed We were
approaching the Cpmanche', camp. Jan
amata, Worth. and old Andy Lncknart
were detailed to make a reconnaissance.
They returned about midnight. The
father was wild with rage and grief. He
had seen his daughter, but had been re-
strained by the others from attempting
to rescue her. The Indian had reached u
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 in the most
beseeching tones to attack at once.
What should we do! The Indians out
numbered us two to one, and also had
the advantage in point of position.
Some Of US might not see the sun rise
in the morning. yet not man hesitated.
All declared themselves willing to take
the risk. Their faces told, farl better
than words, their stern resolution.
The question was settled and we wait
ed for the hour that was to bring victory
or defeat. With the first faint streak of
light, we saddled 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 he would ever
look upon their faces again. But no one
wavered, and when the order, "ChargeI"
rang out on the still air, with hearty
Texan yell, we dashed like a thuuderbolt
upon the enemy's camp.
1t was a complete surprise. For an in
stant, the camp was scene of terrible
confusion. But the Indians quickly raj
lied, ard fought like demons. But their
only weapons being bow and arrow
spears, our rifles and pistols gave us a
great advantage.
Each man fought on his town 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 Andys gray
hairs could be seen in the thickest Of the
fight. He fought like crazed man, and
was the mark for hundred arrows
Three times we forced our way nearly
to the captive's lodge, and three times
were we beaten back.
"Once morel" cried old Andy, and
once more united effort was made to
gain the lodge.
At the door stood savage, using his
bow constantly, and evidently with the
design of killing his captive rather than
allow her to fall into our hands. Just
then we heard the girls shrill voice cry
ing. Courage, courage Save me, save
meW
The cry reached US with thrilling effect,
and, filled with new life, seven of our
men dashed furiously forward.
Old Andy was in advance, aud, with a
yell and bound, threw himself upon
the guard with such impetuosity that the
Indian was borne to the ground. The
two were struggling on the ground, when
one of our men jumped from his horse
and shot the Indian.
The Lipan first entered the lodge,
seized the girl and lifted her TO his sad
die. Before he had gone ten feet, an ar
row pierced his body, and he fell head
long to the ground.
Worth caught the girl as she was fall
ing, and bore her away unharmed. Then
we retreated, bearing the dead bodies Of
four of our comrades, including the Lipan.
The Indians made no attempt to follow
us, and we crossed the river in safety.
When again upon Texas soil, we halted,
and buried the bodies of our comrades.
There was but one man in the party
who did not bear upon his body some
mark of Comanche prowess, and he was
the one who had the most recklessly ex-
posed his life. Old Andy, and he alone,
had escaped unframed.
We had the satisfaction of restoring
the daughter unharmed to her mothers
arms. With that mothers blessing fol-
lowing US, we proceeded on our way and
finished our hunt, none the worse for our
Texas episode. ~ Youths Companion.
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