Nevada County picayune., 1886-04-07

l "Now, Cub, we'll sec who gets to the timber first" The ambling gait of the forenoon was changed to a lively galIop. It was yet half a day to the timber at the rate we had been travelling, It was yet a ] good thirty miles to the l,earest point. The Indians were square off to the right, but by diagonal ride could shorten the distance be- tween us very materially, They were easy 10 count TOW. Five dis tinct and well mounted figures, and coming nearer.
 "Come, Cub, steady now and 1 stroked his neck and carefully ex- amined my rifle. It never yet had failed me and it would not fail me now.
 Steadily, at rapid galIcp we sped on. Cubs head low. He studied the ground most carefully and at sk kort intervals tossed up his head, threw brack his ears as if indicating his desire to know the latest kuews from the lookout on his back, then he went on, for he knew as well as 1 that our foe was the Indian, and he also knew, as d dozen wounds could testify, that an Indian knows no mercy.
 We reached the crest of long undulation. The Indians were on another about three miles away. We stood out equally well for each others vision against our respect i've horizons, and were five to one.
 Another mile, and for time lost to view. Then we came to a dead level, that seemed almost in- terminablc. For two hours they had not apparently gained a horses length upon me, except by the di- agonal movement l did not dare ride faster. l would not urge my horse, for he was already doing all he dared to do. He had run be- fore and always won, although on few occasions a long range bullet had drawn some of his noble blood. l left him 10 be judge of his own powers. He Trad neNeH, failed, and i could trust him now; still it was terrible 60 think of the distance yet to be passed over, and the easy way those devils rode along cl Jse together. Their horses were evi- dentally superior animals, the re- suit, probably, of recent raid, and if one wearieG anal fell back, there were yet enough to keep up the race to the death.
 While watching tlicm, a whiif ol cool air came over the flower be- spangled plain. Cub tossed his head and sniffed tue breeze. We felt the tempering influence of the timber, as it's long, dark lire came slowly into view against the dis taEt sky. It showed clearly and gave new life to the noble brute, He increased his speed, and seem ed to be almost flying.
 The Indians were nearly in the direct rear now, ard noticing thc new infusion of life, brandished their weapons and rode like mad Across the gap between us now, moi more than a mile, 1 heard their wild yell Cub heard it too. His muscles quivered as he leaped for. ward. No need for use of spur or rein. He was doing his utmost patted his neck, and softly sald' "Good boy, good boy,o His eyes flashed with ar inten.ity of anxie. ty and eagerness that were nnhsua. The timber was now plainly visi' ble and if we could reach it before getting within rife range of the red devils, 1 felt sure they would never reach it. Once behind a tree and my horse safe, l could load and fire so fast and with an aim so true that not more than one lIndian would get near enough for hand to hand conflict. If II reached that point. the best fighter would win,
 Five miles back I had thrown away my blanket to tighten my horses load, and LOW l reached down, cut the girths, slipped the saddle from under me, and tossed it off among the flowers.
 We were probably not more than half mile from the timber when there was sudden shock, and 1 was thrown headlong over Cubs