Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-10-25
A Race for Life
The NARROW ESCAPE OF A WHITE MAN
FROM BAND OF INDIANS.

81 never read OF an Indian outbreak but
what think of an encounter | once had
with portion of Geronimo's blood thirsty
devils,'' said Mr.. Geo. Carroll to report
err 'And. while l escaped, thanks to the
superior speed of my horse, without in
jury, never hear the Apaches mentioned
without shuddering. 1t was in the sum-
mer Of 1873. The Apaches were then
peaceful, but an outbreak was expected at
any moment. | learned that party of
miners had struck it rich in the Florita
mountains, at point about "A miles from
Deming, and resolved TO visit the camp.
bought beautiful blooded bay horse.
fully 16 hands high, very powerful, and
which seemed possessed with the intelli-
gence of a human being, and rode away.
| found the camp without any great
trouble, and learned that the stories of
the miners great find had been greatly
exaggerated. In fact, they were pulling
up stakes, preparatory to leaving that day
for a camp some miles distance. They
begged me to accompany them, giving as
reason that the Indians were around the
camp the night before and it was unsafe
for me to return. AS | had an engage
ment in Deming that night, refused their
offer and started on the return trip. The
men accompanied me to the trail, where
we parted The trail at the foot of the
mountain was abrupt, and ran through a
small canyon. Just as | emerged from
the gorge | saw sight that fairly chilled
me to my marrow. About a quarter Of
mile to the right of the trail were seven
of the most hideous looking scoundrels |
| lpnloJ 'Thau a
of Geronimo's savages seated on ponies,
and glance showed me they were heavi-
ly armed with Winchesters. Besides hav-
ing their war paint on, each wore sort of
skullcap, onthe sides of which were fastened
the horns of deer The moment came
out they set up shout that made my
blood run cold couldn't 90 back to the
miners with any certainty OF finding them
for we had been separated an hour. To
90 ahead would probably result in
horrible death To retreat and hide in
some canyon was impossible, for
the devils would find me- to fight
them in their own style would be mad
ness, for they would starve me out. My
only recourse was to make race for my
life. knew that could depend upon
my horse unless he should met with some
mishap, and my mind was quickly made
up. urged the splendid animal for
ward. He, too, seemed to appreciate the
situation. for he leaped down the steep
decline without a misstep, and the race
for life began. The red devils, too, were
urging their ponies to the utmost, and it
looked as though they would head off.
At the touch of the spurs my horse fairly
flew over the ground, and as the distance
to the objective point grew less, the ex-
element increased. thought of her to
whom | was to be joined the following
month. 1t was my last trip and should
be killed who would know it? Would the
red devils leave enough of me by which
could be recognized should they catch me?
All these thoughts ran through my mind
like lightning. | had reached point
where it was impossible for them to head
me off, and knew that unless my horse
stepped into hole would win the race.
| had still about four miles to travel when
my horse stumbled. Fortunately, how
ever. | caught the horn of the saddle and
saved myself from being thrown over the
horses head. He raised himself, and
was away like the wind while the Indians,
with yell, began firing. Here was
another trouble | had not anticipated |
did not fear being hit myself, but
what if my horse should be disabled?
The houses and spires of the churches
could easily be seen, and if | could only
attract the attention of the people by
| firing, | would receive their aid turned
in my saddle while the bullets were
whizzlng about me, and taking hastv
aim, fired at the nearest Apache. Whether
hit him or his horse, | know not, but
horse and rider rolled over and over on
the ground. The Indians stopped, and
with their Economical yells, clustered
around the fallen brave. while I,having no
time to investigate. rode into town a very
thankful Chicago NeUs.