Louisiana capitolian., 1880-06-15

OIL sue, ike COmanClle OIaVo, SWot'
ing from their course; and, seizing the
opportunity, l dashed forward, catching
the bridle of u mustang, whose former
rider lay Aoundoriny in the mire, and
the next instant had flung myself into
the saddle.
Harry, who had in measure rccov-
cred his wind and strength, had followed
my example, ehccting his capture with
out trouble; then, followed by tho ro'
mainder of the gang at a respectful dis
tance, we continued the retreat to tho
bank of tho tributary stream in good
order, keeping up running fight, ana
replying shot for shot.
'rhe old trunk of the tree loomcd up
grim anti defiant, a beacon of hope to
us, though, and already wo could make
out the dingy bobbin up and down in
the swiftly running waters of the creek.
A dark bank of clouds was rapidly rising |
and spreading over tho heavens, while
the distant muttcr of thunder gave
warning of the near approach ola severe
squall.
"The decisive moment for embarking
had come, and, hastily rammiDs home
charge in tho empty barrel Of my gun,
l turned suddenly, charging at full
speed upon the astonished Mox'cans,
aud yelling at the top of my voice.
closely folio we'd by Harry.
Delivering our fire in rapid success
sion, and taking advantage of the
smoke and confusion, we dismounted,
made u bold push for the dingy, and
tho next instant l had sent the light
shallop whirlipg out into the stream.
The breeze was strong and fair, coming
in gusts FROM the midst of the frcwning
storm cloud, and, stepping the mast,
hauled aft the sheet, taking the helm,
while Harry, pale and painting, laid
down in tho bottom of the boat by my
direction.
"A wild, uneartbly shout came ring
inc out in tho ftful breeze. and, glanc-
ing astcrn, to my dismay, l behold a
, long, weatherly boat filled with ma
J tiyes, who were in close communlca-
ton with the gang ashore. They were
40 on made to understand tho truo state
of affairs, as, with yell of vengeance,
, tho oars wcro manned on either side,
!, and, with the foam boiling and bub-
bling about the bows, they gave chase
with an earnestness that meant busl-
ness, But | was Oh my native clement
r again, my confidence was renewed,
q felt more at home, and with every mo.
y ment Harry was recovering his vitality
4 lie reloaded tho guns, keeping an eye
!. on the horsemen, who, baked OF tholl
h prey, galloped along the bank, bowling
% and yelling like so many fiends, but
d wisely keeping out of harms way. They
J. had received sufficient dose, thell
, ardor had been damped, and, while the,
v burned for revenge, and, itched to tes
" the keenness of their knives on Ou
% throats, they were willing that thel
friends should pull the cheStnuts out o
.. the fire for them.
10 The dingy, with sail almost sub
% merged, was flying through the waite
Is at rapid pace, but the ileet-boat astern
ID urged on by the united strength OF lit
10 teen men, gained pcrccptibly upon on
g. sail boat.
Il was compelled to watch the boat
G. tho channel, and the strong squalls
as wind, and with tiller in ono hand an
O. sheet in the other, my mind was full
ut occupied. A mistake, an accident, n
to matter how insignificant, and our live
ht would pay the forfeit. Showersof Spra!
ed with an occasional miniature sea, woul
le fly over the boat as we dashed throug
in the whirling, eddying foam, and Harr
or would have to lay aside his double-ba
ny rel at intervals to bail out the hyin
craft.
of AN occasional volley from the Ian
or, party would whistle and zip about OF
he ears, aud, before return shot could
| given them, the cowardly skunks woul
n retreat under cover of the bank lint
sc. with grass, to tho intense disgust Of tt
I'd, MILDLY. l had been hit in the arm, II
,ss seriously, but the pain was excessi'
ith and my temper was by no means il
proved by the fact. The sails of t
,rt; dingy were perforated with holes, al
for an ugly splinter was apparent in t
IAN slender mast, but there was no time
opportunity to repair damages.
our 'The channel now took an abru
res turn to the right, and l knew we We
are but short distance from the Rio Crane