The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1886-03-20
A GRAND DEFENSE.
Wives, Heroines and Widows in a
Day.

1t was June day in Arizona. At
Roberts Ranch, on the ella, there was
feeling of perfect peace and security
as the sun climbed high into the
heavens. Roberts was planting in a
field half a mile from the stout log
cabin, while his wife was busy with
household cares. There were horses
and cattle in an inclosure quarter of
mile from the house, and a pony,
which was permitted to ramble at will,
cropped the grass around the cabin.
Such was the situation when the wife
heard two or three rifle shots and the
war whoops of Indians. She sprang to
the door to see that her husband was
making for the house at his best speed,
while three Indians followed him up
and fired as they ran. Geronimo $
Apache devils had broken loose and
taken the war path. The ranchman s
wife understood at glance what was
occurring. Her heart gave one great
throb, terrible weakness oyercame
her Tor an instant, and then she seized
the Winchester rifle from its hooks,
grabbed the long-barreled Navy"
from its holster, and ran with all speed
to meet her husband. He fell before
they met, shot in the back; his left arm
had been previously broken by bullet.
"Molie the red devils are loose" he
said as she came up and kneeled beside
him.
If there are only three we can beat
them of, she replied as she made
ready to open fire.
The Indians had halted within rifle
shot to counsel Her first shot bored
one of them through and through anG
the other two retreated TO broker
ground half Il mile away.
I'm carry you to the house and ther
watch for them, she said, as they dis
appeared. Blood was pouring from
his wounds and oozing from his mouth,
and it was plain that he had been NOR
tally hit.
ITS no use," he groaned. 1--WE go
to die right here. In half an hour there |
be fifty of EN- and they are sure to cap
ture you.
IN stay with you"
mot another moment! Run to thu
house, get all the cartridges, and thel
mount the pony and then ride to Gil
pins. The upper trails clear. "
"Oh, George, can't leave you"
The revolver was under his hand. Hi
fingers clinched over the butt, and b.
whispered: "Mollie, kiss me"
She bent over him with sob in he
throat. and his hand worked the revol
yer around until the muzzle touched hi
side. There was smothered report
and she sprang up to see his limbs stif1el
in death She did not scream out-sh
did not totter and faint. She imprinte
n kiss on the dead face, and as she ros
ND her teeth were set hard and her eye
had the glare of a wounded wolf:
She ran to the house, taking rifle an
revolver with her, and in tive minute
was galloping towards McGilpin':
having neither saddle nor bride, an
holding fast to weapons and cartridges
As she left the ranch bullets whistle
about her head, and shouts ofvengeanc
came to her ears.
1t was just such June day at McGi
pins, five miles above. The sun be;
down with a warmth which called II
crickets from their nests in the gras
and kept the wild bees humming the
satisfaction. The ranchman W;
fashioning a new helve for his axe in Il
shade. and his wife had the nOon-ds
meal ready for the table. Suddenly Il
old man looked up, and next instant
was on his feet and shading his ey
with his hand.
"Jehosaphat! Quick mother-fastt
the back door, down with the window
and pull the shutters 70. Roberts WI