The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1885-12-25

first the good Samaritan DID not IN
cline the cup enough; then he tipped
it too much, and the contents ran
down the coppery breast OF the cap
tive.
ssI suffer for water" said he, looking
up; "I cannot drink from the hand OF
another.
Without hesitation, Jack whipped
out his knife, and bending over the
lad, began carefully cutting the thongs
between the hands.
"What are you doing?" demanded
the captain. ., ;.
sHe can't eat or drink with his
hands tied," called back the boy, look
ing sideways over his shoulder at his
parent, while he continued work with
his knife. ~ am not going to unloose
his feet"
The instant the young Apache felt
his hands freed, he caught the knife OF
his friend, and, with single lightning
like sweep, cut the cords between his
ankles, threw himself backward, land
ing upon his feet, and whirling about,
was off like shot.
Two of the cavalry snatched up
their guns and fired at him, but the
young Apache vanished with such
swiftness that no time was given to
aim. The astounded Jack clambered
to his feet just in time to catch a
glimpse OF his new acquaintance as ne
dissolved in the moonlight. -,
"My gracious!" exclaimed Jack, with
a quizzical look, 81 didn't suspect he
meant to do that"
The others laughed over the d1scom-
future of the boy, and assured HIM that
in case of attack, Zidda would take
particular pains to claim his scalp. AS
for gratitude OF friendship among the
Apaches, or, indeed, among any tribe
of Indians. the mention of the thing
was enough to excite laughter.
The bronzed campaigners took such
precautions that, although in a dan
gerous country, and with unmistak-
able evidence that the Apaches were
lowering in the neighborhood, they
were not disturbed during the dark
ness.
On the morrow, at an early hour,
they were III the saddle, heading to-
wards Fort Apache, which point they
left three days before. By easy riding
lin case no interference took place),
they expected to make the post at
nightfall.
Some twenty miles from the camp,
the trail approached a rocky spur OF
hills which put out from the noun
tains. The place had been the scene
of more than one desperate fight, and
was always viewed with misgiving by
those acquainted with its assocla-
tions.
AS the front is generally accepted as
the post of danger, Captain Burnham
placed himself there, compelling young
Jack to keep well to the rear.
On the left, the ground was so rough
and stony that a mountain goat could
not make his way over it with any
thing like comfort. 1t will be seen that
it was inviting cover for Indians,
though the hiding places were by no
means numerous.
At the critical point, fire was sud
denly opened on the troopers. The
Apaches aimed so well that three of
the horsemen were struck, though
they kept their saddles. Capt. Burn
ham and his men wheeled, and leap
ing to the ground, dashed in among
the rocks, routing out the treacherous
red men, ,and shooting as fast as the
targets presented themselves.
The Apaches were not numerous,
but they fought fercely, as they al
ways do. Captain Burnham and his
men had been taught in the school of
General Crook, and they speedily
scattered their assailants, who leaped
or lodged from boulder to boulder
with an agility that saved many
dusky marauder for future forays.
The troopers left in charge OF the
horses called to the others, who in
stantly returned. The red men had
regained their own mustangs and by a
dextrous maneuvre, separated Jack
Burnham's from the others. When
the captain and the rest of his men
sprang into their saddles again, they
saw the boy urging his steed to the ut
most and pursued by a dozen mount
ed Apaches, who were forcing their
animals to the highest notch.
ssThat's all on account of the cup OF
water given that young imp" mutter-
ed the officer, COMPRISING his lips;
ssthey have singled out my Jack for
capture that they may put him to the
torture; come, boys, hot work awaits
us"
Leaving their wounded comrades,
who could not stand the terrific riding,
the troopers dashed after their leader,
as eager as he to save the imperllled
youth.
The picture was thrilling one. In
the distance could be seen the black
mustang of Jack Burnham stretching
away on a dead run, head extended,
name and tail flying, while the cloak
and hair of the rider streamed in the
wind.
Less than 200 yards behind the fly
ing fugitive, were the Apaches thunder
ing after him. All were splendldly
mounted, and there are no finer horse
men in the world.
The singular double race had con-
tinued only few minutes, when the
fearful truth became manifest; the
Apaches were better mounted than
either the fugitive or their own pur-
suers. They were steadily gaining up
on Jack Burnham.
The boy was seen to glance alright
edly over his shoulder several times,
but he, too, kept his mustang running
as he never ran before. His flight