Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1880-12-15

ankle-deep into the mud and OOze. three
"There was no mistaking their er-
rand, and, if the slightest doubt had ex-
listed, it was soon dissipated when the
party urged their steeds into round
gallop, at the same time unslinging the
carbines which were strapped to their
snorting mustangs for moment on the
edge OF the marsh. we were steadily
blowing our way through the mud
and water. while showers of vile COM
pound flew high above our heads with
every plunge. We were beyond the
range OF their rifles, they having tried
their caliber, the balls expanding them
selves far astern, harmlessly in the mud.
Then, with a simultaneous yell, they
came on, the animals plunging furiously
as they sank deeply into the adhesive
mud OF the morass.
Their object was murder and plum
der. The opportunity was too good to
be thrown away. There was no one to
Interfere, no one to witness their deeds
of violence, and in that mass of tangled
weeds, grass, mud and mire no one
would discover Our hacked and disfg-
ured bodies.
"The rapid crack of the carbines re-
sounded continually in our ears, and, as
the horses gained upon us, the balls be-
gan to whistle uncomfortably close. But
it is a hard matter for a mounted man to
hit a fleeing fugitive, so [ had but slight
misgivings on that score. It only served
to accelerate our pace, while the cattle
bandits wasted their ammunition in
hopes, L presume, that luck would favor
them by winging one of us with a stray
shot.
"We had got fully over two-thirds of
the distance, with chances in our favor,
when with a groan, burst of agony, the
plucky little MILDLY fell ct my feet. I
thought at first he had been struck by
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. I can
go no further.
"f Get your breath, my lad; keep your
gun dry, and "never say die while there's
q shot in the locker" Two Yankees are
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.
ga storm of bullets battered around
us, blowing up the mud in every direc-
ton, but the horses, from their unrnIy
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 well peppered with duck
shot, while the remainder ducked on the
off side, like Comanche brave, swerv-
ing from their course and, Selling the
opportunity, I dashed forward, catching
the bride of a mustang, whose former
rider lay foundering in the mire, and
the next instant 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 running fight, and
replying shot for shot.
''The old trunk of the tree doomed up
grim and defiant, a 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
squat.
"The decisive moment for embarking
had come, and hastily ramming home
charge in the empty barrel of my gun, I
turned suddenly, charging at full speed
upon the astonished Mexicans, and yell
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 I 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 my
direction.
ga wild, unearthly shout came ring
ing astern, to my dismay, I beheld
long, weatherly boat filed with natives,
who were in close communication with
the gang ashore. They were soon made
to understand the true state of affairs,
as, with a 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
sufficient dose. their ardor had been
damped, and, while they burned for
revenge. and itched to test the keenness