The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-09-25

was held as to what was best to be done. The
darkness gave the savages the advantage;
they, being below, could not be sighted, but
every time one OF the cowboys raised his head
it was outlined against the sky so plainly as to
become good target for the Comanche marks
men.
"They can now creep within twenty yards of
us, can capture our horses, and kill every man
who pokes up his head. They'll kill US by de-
tail, said Charley.
Their situation was indeed q critical one
10 attempt to get away from the Indians then
seemed the merest folly, and to await the COM
ing OF day was even worse.
''It's run for life anyway we take it, con-
tinued Charley. Wed better get to our
horses, mount, and scatter like quails, and run
our chances"
Dome" answered the boys with one voice
Crawling like snake in the grass each man
reached the picket which secured his horse,
then to his feet and in an instant all were
mounted and off, each man taking his own d.
rection. Charley and Curly Bin leading the
horses OF their dead comrades rode off together.
The savages, however, were not asleep, and as
soon as the whites showed themselves began q
vigorous shooting. But the cowboys were off
like a fash, leaving the Comanche chief biting
his lips in rage over the slip they had given
him. Three-fourths OF his horses were dead
upon the plain, many of his warriors killed
and wounded, and the whites gone and not a
horse captured.
Long was the night to that scattered bunch
OF cowboys upon the silent plains. The Co
manches were not idle The chief grew desper-
ate, and taking six warriors was soon upon the
trail of the four horses, gong in q northeastern
ly direction, trailing them by the sound of the
shod hoofs tramping the earth. just at the ap-
proach of day Curly Bill's sharp eye discovered
Indians on the track. Being unable to deter
mine in what number, they quickened their
gait in what direction they scarcely knew
Soon losing sight of the pursuers, and thinking
perhaps they were mistaken, they slackened
their pace and rode leisurey along till about
10 o'clock, when they stopped at a water hole
to quench the almost killing thirst Of them
selves and their horses.
Thinking they were safe, they staked out
their horses and prepared to breakfast on
jerked beef and water, after which they
stretched themselves upon the grass to rest
while their horses were grazing. 1t was not
long, however, before the tramping of horses
feet was heard, and the chief and six warriors
were upon them, shooting and yelling at a
terrible rate. Instantly they vert for their
horses. Curly Bill mounting first, turned on
them and began shooting his revolver as only
o cowboy can. Arkansaw Charley, by a
mishap in attempting to catch the picket
rope while firing his pistol, stumbled and fell.
For only an instant though was he down, but
long enough for an Indian to put o ball into
his body before he gained his saddle. The
contest now became fierce between the five
savages-for two of them had already been
killed-and the desperate cowboys. Never
were combatant5 more deadly in earnest.
nc cHlei, ScoWllHR upon tne gaIanb Cnarley,
fixed his bow, but from the Americans quick
and steady hand went sudden ball, and tho
chief rolled dead upon the plains But two
savages now remained and each singing out
his man rushed upon him. Again the Amer
leans were victors, and seven Comanches lay
upon the ground with their painted faces
hideous--all In death. The conflict ended and
swooning, Arkansas Charlie fell from his
horse. Curly Bill Thompson instantly caught
him in his strong arms. water ater--"
whispered the white lips, and he swooned
again.
The two friends remained for an hour at the
water bathing the wound, which proved to be
only bad flesh cut in the side. 1t was care
fully bandaged and Charley was ready to ride.
Curly Bill collected their own and the Indian
horses and, after scalping the dead Comanches,
they mounted and rode slowly away.