The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-04-02

had calculated on the precipicc proving
an insurmountable obstacle to the escape
of thoir intended victim, and they could
not believe it to be the intention of the
white man to attempt the awful leap,
which to all appearance was certain death.
n With his long hair streaming over his
shoulders, feet firmly pressed in the stir
rups, his left hand waving defiance to his
foe, Paul urged the noble animal forward,
encouraging him by his voice, until they
reached the edge Of the bank, when
again applying the spur, they made the
fearful leap. 13.:s2 a-la .s 5.5 -. =.
Down, down they went With terrible
velocity, without resistance or impede
ment. A plunge, shiver, and meeting
the full force of the torrent, the steed was
swept away, while Paul despite his
efforts was carried down the stream as if
he had been feather. 4 IT.. T#, A Z.
His horse had disappeared amid the
toaming rapids, the steep precipitous
sides of the rocky cliff debarred him from
all hopes Of effecting landing, and
floating on his back Paul held his strength
in reserve. r. 81 - ~E#
The Indians had Disappeared; the
rough sides Of the rocky gorge and a
strip Of the blue heavens above were all
that he could discern as the current bore
him he knew not whittier. He thought
of his distant home, his parents, the
many friends of his youth, his brother
officers, the soldiers under his command,
the old scout, and the murdered miners
daughter in the power Of the savages.
Long forgotten facts and "reminiscences
of the past crowded through his brain,
and he could not believe that he was to
perish in the unknown depths of the
Black Hills, his fate enveloped in mys-
terry.
A sudden sharp shock recalled him to
himself. A whirling eddy had thrown
him roughly against the sharp projecting
side of the cliff, and catching at crevice
he succeeded in gaining a foothold.
Slowly and cautiously he drew himself
up from point to point, scaling the
smooth sides pf the gorge, until his
head was on level with the edge of the
bank.
Cautiously he reconnoitered before
drawing himself over the brink, but he
s aw nothing that gave evidence of an
enemy, and once more he found himself
in an unknown region Of the Black Hills
minus his horse, with only his saber and
one revolver upon which to rely. tst#
The high ground where Paul found
himself gradually sloped toward the
a broad and rolling prairie, forming sue
! cession of ridges skirting the steep sides
of hill. A confused hum, alow hoarse
| cry reached his ears, and with faculties
sharpened by the danger through which
he had passed, the army officer recon
noitered the " % depths below
of which he had an unobstructed view
An Indian encampment with mum.
Der of warriors departing upon some ex'
petition was revealed to his impatient
} gaze, and as they disappeared, brandish'
; ing their long lances in the air, Paul de.
termined to have nearer look at the
lodges. ~
, Bringing into requisition his some
what limited knowledge of woodcraft
Paul cautiously wormed his way through
| the tall grass until he reached the spring
7 on the outskirts Of the camp. It wa
, surrounded by thick growth of bushes
t from the midst of which he could OBJ
, serve everything that TRANSFERRED befor
, him.
81 A number of warriors left tc guard thu
: camp lounged carelessly about, and Pau
: was on the point of withdrawing to tn
l heights above, when he perceived figure
8 evidently that of a woman, approachin!
in his direction.
4 She carried a calabash in her ham
+ walking slowly and deliberately, tn
q heart of the army officer beating with in
q creased rapidity and excitement as b.
: perceived that her costume was not tina
IS of Sioux squaw.
Looking over her shoulder, the woma
e quickened her movements as she pei
|. ceived that number of warriors wer
# watching her. A shout, yell Of rag
d and the braves started in pursuit.
8, The fugitive, for such she undoubtedl
e was, Immediately dropped the calabasl
y and sprang away with the switness Of q
antelope. e .% y "
Of Paul noted the pale golden hair, bea1
rs tiful features and rounded form of Il
Re fugitive, who he made up his mir
could be no less than Rose, the 1artam<
re daughter IF the slaughtered miner.
of There was little time to think, as II
rs fair fugitive sped rapidly along, her lo1
n hair streaming in the wind, and the WI
riors in close pursuit.
pit Swift though she was, the foremt
,ir warrior had all but overtaken her as 8
all reached the opposite side Of the spri1
in and he was in the act of hurting his Ian
yer as Paul leveled his revolver and fired.
ter The brave passed to the happy hui
on ing grounds of his people without Ct
but the shot had alarmed the camp, a
'ry for few moments all was confusion.
of Rose had uttered faint CRY as s
ed caught glimpse of Paul, but never
nd Taxed her speed, while the army ofic
,g as he beheld the Indians mounting a
preparing tor fight, rapidly retreat
f in hopes to find a more advantaget
1g- position where stand could be made
ich He had but little hopes of saving
ors life; the odds were far too great; bu
ap- he could cover the retreat of the girl v
evidently knew the country better Il
9TH, he did, and enable her to reach a pl
( q of safety, he would die satisfied.