McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1884-03-20

the house, and set it on fire; but the
white men drove them out, and Icy
lor, with buckets of water, went on the
balls struck the corner of the stable
where he was working. but not one of
them touched him. Mrs. Taylor load
ed the rifles and kept them clean and
cool, while the pen stood at the loops
and received them from her hands.
Seven Indians had fallen during the
battle near the building, and Taylor,
knowing the others would make an eff
fort to carry off the bodies, kept close
watch to check any such attempts.
Four charges were made, Il warrior
falling each time, increasing the total
number killed to eleven.
The attacking party, seeing that they
could not capture the ranch without
great loss to themselves, wisely drew
off their force. The defenders, when
they saw them depart, taking the horses
along, suspected that it was only ruse
to draw them out of their stronghold,
and, after keeping guard all night, at
the first dawn of day discovered
crowd on the edge of the clearing,
which was presumed to be the beseig-
ers. When the incautious fellow who
came near being shot popped his head
into view Taylor was unable to discern
his color and let fly at him.
After Taylor had finished his narra-
tive a general consultation was held.
So hot was the station-keeper over the
loss Of his property that he and his two
drivers joined the little band, which
brought the number up to thirty-four.
Four men were left behind with the
boats, and the others started on their
mission of vengeance. The trail was
followed down the river for couple of
miles, when it struck off across the
country at right angles to its former
course. This was going smack into the
Indian stronghold, which was located
in the Sheep mountains, about 16O
miles to the north. However, as the
marauders had not more than twelve
hours start, it was thought possible to
catch them by nightfall if good, hard
travelling was done during the day.
Occasionally numerous pony tracks
in the soft earth could be distinguished,
proving that many of the rascals were
mounted on cayuses. This was en-
couraging, for as all the whites rode
strong, powerful, fleet-footed American
horses, they certainly had the advan-
tage of the fugitives. Two hats only
were made during the day, and these
simply to give the animals rather than
the riders a short rest. The latter did
not seem to know fatigue, but pushed
on as rapidly as they could with the de-
termination of overhauling the murder
ers and administering punishment with
the least possible delay. About 5
o'clock the trail began to freshen con-
siderably, when more caution was OBJ
served, lest they should run upon the
savages unawares and brighten them
off before blow could be struck.
It was about half an hour before dark
when the party believed themselves
near the Indians. No tree nor timber
of any kind was in sight-nothing but
the flat prairie which stretched away
on every side until lost to the view 1t
was certain that the Indians would
either have to ride. all night or else
make dry camp on some spot without
either wood or water. The latter
proved to be the case, for as soon as
darkness came on the bright light of a
campfire was seen far ahead. Upon
nearing the fire one scout was sent for
ward to reconnoitre. He reported the
whole gang camped in sort of BASIN
shaped hollow, seated around fire,
comfortably partaking of their evening
meal.
No sign was made by the whites to
disturb the quietness of the camp, but
each man, according to pre-arranged
plan, took his post on the rim or edge
of this natural basin, so that it left the
Indians completely surrounded. Four
men were put in charge of the horses,
which left twenty-six rifles to do their
bloody work. At given signal each
rifleman was to drop his man, and, re-
loading as quickly as possible, pour in
another volley before the astonished
Indians could ascertain what the mat
ter was. The individual who had the
furthest to 90 was to give shrill whis-
tie as soon as he had made the detour
and arrived in position on the opposite
side of the circle. This programme
was carried out to the letter. No play
was ever rendered more perfectly.
The savages were squatted by the
fire enjoying their meal, with no suspi-
cion of the danger lurking so near
them, when suddenly through the still
night air the fatal signal burst upon
their startled ears. Every warrior
sprang to his feet like flash of light
ming. 1t was then that twenty-six we'll
directed rifles belched forth their leaden
hail, and as many savages fell to the
ground in their last struggle. A mo-
ment later second murderous dis
charge was poured into their midst,
and those not already fallen with a
shrek and yell rushed out of that
valley of death. Breaking through the
circle of fire that inclosed them, out on
the prairie scattered the frightened
band, flying in every direction, any
where, everywhere, so long as that pit
of destruction was left behind.
The p,1ard who had the nrisOners