Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-10-30
ARIELA,
The Half-Breed
ARomance of Colonial Days.
nv PoBERG A. CUMMING.
BY RoBERG A. CUMMING.
COPYRIGHT, 1901

COPYRIGHT, 1901
CHAPTER X1IL-CoNrTNUED
They came on gallantly under the fire
OF the fort and Renwick's sharpshooters
and made dash at the canoes, but Jabe
turned one of the guns loaded with
shrapnel on the foremost boats with
such good aim as to make them pause,
while Renwick hoisted a sail and called
In the men from the canoes. Thus re-
inforced with rifles, while the distance
from the fort was rapidly diminishing,
net a man dare show himself on the
decks of the nearest gunboats, SO sure
was the aim of tho rangers, while Mer-
Ger spread destruction among the small
boats with showers of grape-shot. The
enemy, realizing their danger, and that
they would soon be within rifle range
from rthe shore, made a last effort
to rescue the prizes. A gunboat
crowded with men succeeded in
graphing the second prize and sprang
upon its deck, confident of their ability
to drive the little band of Americans
overheard.
At signal from Jabe, the latter
dropped upon the deck, and storm of
shrapnel from his gun passed over them
and tore up the crowd of invaders, while
tho rangers sprang to their feet and
charged with bayoncts and the butts Of
their rifles. The struggle was fierce, but
short, and the remnant Of tho French,
driven back pell nell, would gladly have
escaped but Renwick dashed their YES
sci to his own and carried all three. with
the prisoners safely under the guns of
tho forts while the enemy sullenly re-
tired. Did | not tell thee, Jabe," said
Renwiclz. grasping the rangers hand,
''that thinC opportunities to capture
guns wero unlimited?"
JADE answered with q faint smile; his
LEFT arm danglcd at his side; it was
broacn. Tho prizes were towcd up the
river, out of range Of the cnemy's fire,
and the guns and ammunition trans
ferred to Fort Oswego.
Renwicls received the warmest praises
for his gallantry. He came out of the
conflict with q few scratches and the
loss of six men. The fro from the feet
was kept up without interuission, and
as steadily answered by the forts, while
q cloud of smoke hung like a pail over
the combatants.
At noon the Mohawk scouts an
nounccd tho approach of the land forces,
and at sunset their first gun awOke the
echoes of tho forest. Their fire was di-
rected chiefly on Fort Ontario, which,
being built chiefly of timber, soon
showed the effects of tho bombardment,
which only ceased when night made all
things Invisible.
= ''Thcy viii begin again in the morn
ing observed Renwick, land then
would rather be out of doors, for these
timbcrs will not long remain in posi-
ton, and l do not wish to havo my head
broken ingloriously."
sit mallcs little difference which side
of tho wall VIC are on replied Selwyn,
''tho end is drawing near. Suppose we
hurry it q little. Charley. Do you
think You could prevail on Mercer to let
us storm those batteries that are knock
ing these walls about our cars? We
have the advantage of knowing the
ground, and we might accomplish some
thing" Solwyn shook his head.
Two might blow up the forts and fight
our way through their lines" Renwick
Suggested. Mercer, making a tour of
inspection, heard these words as he en-
tered
My brave friend" said he, ''we will
defend this post until human skill and
courage can do no more; but we will not
run away
Il meant to fight our way, Colonel. y
replied Renwick, with q flush Of color
in his face; but you will find me at
your side whenever danger threatens.'
81 know l can rely upon you all, my
brave countrymen," said Mercer; ''but
1on't mean that you shall be crushed
under these ruins he added, looking
around the battered structure. Gap
tain Selwyn, you will tramp your com
mand 20 Fort Oswego at once. will
give orders for your admittance." Sc
saying, he departed.
At daylight the cannonade began
again. By ten o'clock Fort Ontario was
in ruins, and the cnemy's fire, concen-
trated on Oswegc, soon showed disas.
trous results. Mercer, resolute in the
midst of impending ruin, visited the