Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-10-16
Ene prisoners ne coud INA IN camp.

Ene prisoners ne couId ina IN camp.
There are three women, sir. and two
little children-two girls; they're so
frightened that ! can hardly find out
much from them. but they say there was
no more left"
Very well, then Now, men, open
out right and left. and fall back very
slowly. Sergeant. take six Of the men
and move up so as to be close to Riley in
case they attack from the flank. Are
we all here? Are any wounded or hurt?'
He asks the question with little stream
Of blood trickling down from his left
temple, but of which he seems perfectly
unaware; either an arrow or bullet has
torn the skin and made quite furrow
through the hair.
Murphy, sir" says one Of the men,
sis shot through the arm, and LathrOp
has got bullet in the leg; but they're
only flesh wounds: they're lying here
Just back Of US"
Lane turns about and finds two of his
men looking little pale, but perfectly
plucky and self possessed. well get
you along all right, men, he says; "don't
worry. Now, lads, turn about every ten
or fifteen steps, and see that they don't
get close upon you Look well to the
left"
Then slowly they fall back towards
the pass. Every now and then a shot
comes whizzing by, as the Apaches re-
gain courage and creep up to their aban-
doned camp. But not until they are
well back over the ridge, and Riley and
his little party, fairly carrying their res
cued captives, are nearly out of harms
way, do the scattered warriors begin to
realize how few in number their assail-
ants must be. Rallying shouts can be
heard among the rocks, and then there
come the thunder of hoofs out on the
plain below and the answering yells of
the returning raiders.
run to Corp. Riley and tell him &c
make all the haste he can" Lane orders
his trumpeter. Tell him to go back to
the horses, and then, as soon as he has
left his women in a safe place there, to
throw up stone shelters wherever it is
possible. Royce, you look out for this
front. will go to the left. If any of
your men are hit, have them picked up
and moved rapidly to the rear; of course.
we can't leave any wounded to fall into
their hands; but, where possible, keep
your men under cover; and keep under
yourself, sir; don't let me see you expos
ing yourself unnecessarily, as | did q
while ago"
And once again the retreat is resumed.
Lane looks anxiously among the rocks
down the hill to his left, every instant
expecting to see the young braves hur-
rying to the assault. But now, as
though in obedience to the signals OF
some leader, the Apaches cease their
pursuit Lane well knows that the mat
ter is not yet concluded, but is thankful
for the respite. Still warily his little
tozce continues the withdrawal, and,
without further moiestation, reaches the
gorge Of the San Simon, and soon comes
il sight Of the dip among the rocks
where the horses are still hidden. Here,
too. Corp. Riley and bis ulsn are buSily
az work heaPiagy up little breastworSs Of
woundeA-taere are three now-are c,r-
riea DOM 70 was1e the rescued women
aad ciilirea ars lying. tl1a other men
fail to and help. In five minutes there
ere over a score Of them at work, and
rot one instant too soon. Corp. Donnel-
ty, who has been posted, mounted, at the
western entrance to the defile, comes
gathering in to say that at least hun
dred Indians are swarming down the
ridge.
And now the fight that opens is one
in which the odds are greatly against
the defenders. Lane has just time
to climb to the height on the east
and take one long look with his glasses
over the flats beyond the pass, praying
for sight Of dust cloud towards the
Pyramid Spur, when with simultaneous
crash of musketry and chorus of yells
the Apaches come sweeping down to the
attack.