The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1883-01-04

l. 0s
the bride of q mustang, whose former
rider lay foundering in the mire, and
the next instant I had flung myself into
the saddle.
Harry, who had in q measure recoy-
cred his wind and strength, had followed
my example, effecting luis capture with
out trouble; then, followed by the re-
makrder 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, ann
replying shot for shot.
"The old trunk of the tree doomed NJ
grim and defiant, beacon of hope t.
us, though, and already we could max,
out the dingy bobbing up and down ~
the swifHy-running waters of the creek
A dark bank of clouds was rapidly risins
and spreading over the heavens, while
the distant mutter of thunder CAV.
warning of the near approach of a severe
squat.
"The decisive moment for embarlzing
had come, and. hastily ramming home q
charge In the empty barrel Of my gun,
turned suddenly, charging at full sIsess'
ing at the top of my voice, closely fol-
lowed by Harry.
Delivering our fire In rapid succes-
sion, and taking advantage of the smoke
and confusion, we dismounted, made i,
bold push for the dingy, and the next
instant I had sent the light shallol
whirling out into the stream The
breeze was strong and fair, coming in
gusts from the midst of the frowning
storn-cloud, and, stepping the mast, l
hauled aft the sheet, taking the helm,
while Harry, pale and painting, laid
DOM in the bottom of the boat by my
direction.
''A wild, unearthly shout came ring
ing out in the fitful breeze, and, glanc-
ing astern, to my dismay, beheld a
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 yell of vengeance, the oars
were manned on either side, and, with
the foam boiling and bubbing about the
bows, they gave chase with an earnest
ness that meant business. But was on
my native element again, my confidence
was renewed, 1 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 iends, 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 Threats, they were
willing their friends should pull the
out of the fire for them.
''The dingy, with sail almost sub
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 perceptibIy upon our
sail boat.
"I 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 our lives
would pay the forfeit. Showers of spray,
With an occasional miniature sea, would |
iy over the boat as we dashed through |
5he whirling, eddying foam, and Harry |
would have to lay aside his double-bar- |
'el at intervals to bail ont the flying |
craft.
Gan occasional volley from the land |
party would whistle and zip about our |
ears, and, before return shot could be I
given them, the cowardly skunks would |
.etreat under cover of the bank lined |
With grass, to the intense disgust of the |
Mildly. I had been hit In the arm, not |
but the pain was excessive,
md my temper was by no means i'm
proved by the fact The sails of the
lingy were perforated with holes, and an
Ugly splinter was apparent In the slender
mast, but there was no time or oppor-
unity to repair damages.
''The channel now took an abrupt
urn to the right, and knew we were
)ut short distance from the Rio
frande. The creek was white with
Dam, and the riffs of spray were dash
ng high above the sunken rocks.
&C Look out 7 muttered Harry, 'the
,oat astern is within range, and they
lave leveled their cursed escopetts.'
&C The report of the firearms were lost
n a rafting peal of thunder, preceded
" vivid flash of lightning. a squat
f wind and rain swept over us, compel
ing me to let fly the sheet, and in an
Instant the canvas, torn and tattered,
seless and ruined-for our use, at least
here the torrent boiled along at frIri-
us speed. There was nc occasion for
anvas to accelerate our pace, and the
'aters, dashed to fury, roared and min
led with the crash of thunder, and the
harp kissing of the descending rain.
'The smooth sides of granite rocks
ere on either side, half concealed by
wing foam and binding spray, and the
IF NV f1Irna1 cbodo |
aler in the devilish glare of the light
ing as he noted the peril we were in. [
mt we had escaped the death which
rely waited us astern. A quick glance
yer my shoulder assured me of that 1
ct. The Mexicans, appalled, by the
i'd appearance of the channel, had
~,9c,l heir afforte. ar1 were living on i
Ieir oars, virtually giving up the race, /
ithout venturing to follow us into what !
rtainly looked like sure destruction.
eve were both compelled to crouch
the bottom of the boat, which tossed
Id tumbled violently on the surging ,
wells with the buoyancy of cork.
he rebounding foam blinded my eyes ,
the dingy rose on the crest of roller, ,
Id, whirling half round, coming within j
/ ace of broaching-to, we glided
nth from the narrow creek IN safety, ,
ding, half filed with water, on the
,oader bosom of the Rio Grande. /
"The spars of the Sombrero doomed
D through the murky atmosphere,
Taying to and fro as the squalls swept
rough the raut rigging, and I can
sure you she never looked 1ovelier to
y eyes than when we padded along
de and gazed at the protruding muz- !
es of her nine-inch guns.
"Our enemies had long since disap-
cared ! never beheld them again,
Id somehow after that it never ap-
cared half so monotonous on the deck
the old craft, and it is needless TO
ate that was effectually cured Of all
esire to again indulge in days sport
4 the Rio Grande.
Ny injured arm healed rapidly, leav-
g slight scar as q memento of the
avs sport"
Had All the Symptoms. ]
Squibbs' boy has been for some
lonths an inmate of law Office in q
ertain oity which shall be nameless.
Te entered with the determination, as he
nnoune5d to his family, to become Sec