The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1880-05-13

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range rifles.
We had run some three miles, when a
whoop at our left caused US to glance in
that direction, where we beheld another
horde Of savages, with Yells and gesticu-
lations, bearing swiftly down upon MS,
and not more than quarter Of a mile
away.
Oar worst fears seemed now about to
be realized. We we're already pretty
we'll exhausted, but our speed sensibly
increased under this new incentive. Yet
We knew it could not last Something
besides running had now to be done, and
at once. Two Of the Indians were ont
stripping the rest, and rapidly nearing us.
Bob and l were Of one mind, for, with
out speaking, We slackened our pace
After getting our breath q little, we
agreed on plan of action.
The two foremost savages were now
within range, one leading the other by
two or three rods, and suddenly coming
to halt, faced them and delivered my
shot, with the best aim was capable of,
at the nearest. 1t missed him, but the
second Indian, CHANGING to be in the line
of fife, fell bowling and kicking on the
sand. The Indian in the lead retreated
to his fallen comrade, and j instantly
reloaded and turned toward Bob, who, in
continuation of cur plan Of operations,
was TO fire in his turn. Bob was cool,
true shot, and dropping on one knee, he
sighted Mt the Indian who, seeing the mo-
ton, began dancing about at a great rate,
at the same time making off toward his
companions. After following his move.
mepts a moment, Bob fred, and the saw
age fell backward never to rise again.
There, I feel better, " said Bob, rising
aud showing home a cartridge. Those,
two won't be likely to trouble us again.
Oh, if we only had some rocks or trees
to get behind now! But there isn't as
much IS a twig for bird to light npon
on these accursed sand heaps" he con-
tinued, emphasizing his remarks by
contemptuous thrust of United States
army No 8 brogan into said soil.
While Bob was talking, my eyes had
been on the Indians, but my thoughts
were travelling over the route we had
come that afternoon from camp. l re.
membered that we had passed a small,
rocky elevation, caused by the washing
of the soft soil from a ledge once cover
ed by earth, thus leaving exposed a ridge
of broken, crumbling sandstone. Where
was this ledge? Might We not yet gain
sl,a .,rl,laaAiA---cAl- --.l--=~o....vsyrr,7 ar
''Bob" / shouted, at length, as we
again moved briskly on, did you notice
the rocky ridge we passed coming out?"
s'Ra. yes; I remember it. just the
place we want. Bat where WAS it? !
couldn't tell to save me from yonGer
howling imps. | wonder what's the
matter with them now?" replied Bob,
glanciug over his shoulder at the Indians.
"They have joined their forces; just
what I thought; they'll be after us fierce
now he added.
"Wel let them come! We are sure to
reach the ledge. Follow me; know ez-
actly where it LES 1 cried taking the
lead.
Our pursuers, now Increased to the
number of twenty-five or thirty, were
again coming on at swift pace, but
cheered oy the anticipation of shelter
near at hand, we held our own IN the
race for some time. Then another well
directed shot from Bob checked their
speed until, amid the most fearful whoop
from the baffied foe, We gained the ledge
and took refuge among its crumbling
pinnaclea
The disappointed savages, after halting
4 moment, evidently for consultation,
spread themselves out, completely encir-
clsing our little fortress, and with wild
yells made feints Of rushing in upon US.
discharging showers of arrow5-that fell
far short Of their mark, however. We
thought they were going to charge upon
Us at once, and disposed ourselves to sell
our lives as dearly as possible. Dut they
were only amusing themselves, or trying
to, at our expense; and one, venturing
within range, to exhibit pecuiiar antics,
expressive OF contemp: for white men
generally. received a compliment in re
turn, from Bob'5 slillfGl hand, that roll
ed him upon the sand, aud caused the
whole party to withdraw to more secure
distance. Then there ensued scene
Characteristic of all the Southwestern
Indians 4 circle was formed around
the body of the fallen brave, and a Draw
ny savage, probably the Chief, began
harranguing the cowardly crowd, elicit
ing yells of rage and grief as he pointed
alternately IL our direction, or at the
dead warrior at his feet.
lie was, doubtless, enieavoring to in
cite HIS tAl-iO au0itLCC ~ bGaNtE HbGib
than they had vet exhibited, and we
watched, with considerable anxiety, the
result of his efforts. Suddenly, at this
juncture, our attention was called to the
unnatural darkness which, in a momeut'a
time, rs it seemed to Us. SO absorbed had
We been in observing the movements Of
the enemy, fell ike black pap over the
gloomy plain.
: vast cloud extended from west TO
east across the heavens. The sun had
gone behind It's western limit, tingiug
the mountain ike heights with rim Of
brightest gold, terminating with deep
fringe OF amber; while earthwari, a wild.
lurid appearance hetokened the fierce
strife OF winds.
"Weare going tohave tempest, Bob, %
| observed