The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1880-06-18

uOpCS, L pI0SuIu6, IuaG luck would favor
/ themsb winging one of us with stray
shot. u
1--WE had got fully over two-thirds of
the distance, with chances in our favor,
when with a groan, a burst of agony, the
plucky little MILDLY fell at my feet. [
thought at first he had been struck by a
stray bullet, but such was not the case.
He was exhausted, beat entirely out, and,
pressing his hands on his side to repress
the pain, his white face met mine with
an expression / shall never forget.
:" Go on, he gasped, with an effort;
leave me behind; there is chance for
you, and one victim is sufficient, [ can
go no further.
"' Get your breath, my lad; keep your
gun dry, and ''never say die while there's
shot IN the locker. Two Yankees are
a match for dozen Greasers every day.
Can you manage your piece? Good! then
take careful aim, let them have one bar
rel, and reserve the other.
A storm of bullets battered around
us, blowing up the mud in every direc-
ton, but the horses. from their unruly
movements, saved our lives. We re-
manned unhurt, while our fire was deliv-
cred full in the faces of the bilious cut
Threats, and three of them dropped from
their saddles we'll peppered with duck
shot, while the remainder ducked on the
off side, like Comanche brave, swerv-
ing from their course and, Selling the
opportunity, [ dashed forward, catching
the bride OF mustang, whose former
rider lay laundering in the mire, and
the next instant I had flung myself into
the saddle.
Harry, who had in measure recov-
cred his wind and strength, had followed
my example, effecting his capture with
out trouble then, followed by the re
mainder of the gang at respectful dis
lance, we continued the retreat to the
bank of the tributary stream in good
order, keeping up a running fight, and
replying shot for shot.
"The old trunk of the treGloomedlup
grim and defiant, beacon of hope to
us, though, and already we could make
out the dingy bobbing up and down in
the swiftly-running waters of the creek.
A dark bank of clouds was rapidly rising
and spreading over the heavens, while
the distant mutter of thunder gave
warning OF the near approach of a severe
squall.
"The decisive moment for embarIing
had come, and, hastily ramming home a
charge in the empty barrel of my gun, I
turned suddenly, charging at full speed
upon the astonished Mexicans, and veil.
ing at the top of my voice, closely fol-
lowed by Harry.
Delivering our fire in rapid success
sion, and taking advantage Of the smoke
and confusion. we dismounted, made a
bold push for the dingy, and the next
instant [ had sent the light shallop
whirling out into the stream. The
breeze was strong and fair, coming in
gusts from the midst of the frowning
storm cloud, and, stepping the mast, I
hauled aft the sheet, taking the helm,
while Harry, pale and painting, laid
down in the bottom of the boat by nv
direction,
GA wild, unearthly shout came ring
ing out in the ftful breeze, and, gIanc-
ing astern, to my dismay, [ beheld
long, weatherly boat filled with natives,
who were i'll close communication with
the gang ashore. They were soon made
to understand the true state of affairs.
as, with yell of vengeance, the oars
were manned on either side, and, with
the foam boiling and bubbling about the
bows, they gave chase with an earnest
ness that meant business. But [ was on
my native element again, my confidence
was renewed, [ felt more at home, and
with every moment Harry was recover
ing his vitality. He reloaded the guns,
keeping an eye on the horsemen, who,
baked Of their prey, galloped along
the bank, bowling and yelling like |
so many fends, but wisely keeping
out of harms way. They had received
a sufficient dose, their ardor had been
damped, and, while they burned for
revenge, and itched to test the keenness
of their knives on our throats, they were
willing their friends should pull the
chestnuts out Of the fire for them.
"The dingy, with sail almost sub
merged, was flying through the water at
a rapid pace, but the fleet boat astern,
urged on by the united strength of fif-
teen men, gained perceptibly upon our
sail boat.
81 was compelled to watch the boat,
the channel, and the strong squalls Of
wind, and, with tiller in one hand and
sheet in the other, my mind was fully
occupied. A mistake, an accident, no
matter how insignificant and ollr lives
would pay the forfeit. Showers of spray,
with an occasional miniature sea. would
fly over the boat as we dashed through
the whirling, eddying foam, and Harry
would have to lay aside his double-bar-
rel at intervals to bail out the flying
craft.
can occasional volley from the land
party would whistle and zip about our
ears, and, before a return shot could be
given them, the cowardly skunks would
retreat under cover of the bank lined
with grass, to the intense disgust of the
MILDLY. [ had been hit in the arm, not
but the pain was excessive,
and my temper was by no means i'm
proved by the fact. The sails of the
dingy were perforated with holes, and an
ugly splinter was apparentin the slender