Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1891-09-12

Scattered about the room were
few pine boxes and several articles OF
cast-off clothing and in one corner a
pile OF coarse black wool and straw,
which had doubtless done service as a
bed in the past
We must make an attempt TO escape
from the place before the attack came;
but how were we TO proceed?
There was only one plan, so far as
| could see. and that was TO wait for
night and then steal from the cabin
and try 10 elude tho enemy in the
darkness.
Calling Manuel TO my side ! hasti-
~ laid my plan before him, but he
only shook his head.
mo. senor" he said; Il have just
been thinking Of way"
What is it?" asked eagerly.
wait and see, =" he replied briefly.
Then, signaling for me TO keep
watch upon the Apaches, he walked
over 10 the far end Of the room. where
the horses were standing. Presently
] saw that he was busily engaged az
work on some object in the corner, but
the scant light afforded by the window
prevented my seeing what he was do
ing.
The sun was just throwing its last
golden blaze across the sandy plain
when Manuel came forward. leading
the two horses in front Of the window.
what do you think OF that?" he
asked. pointing 10 the animals.
For moment | was too surprized 20
speak. CHANGING at the horses / saw
what AT first appeared TO be two men
sitting in saddles fastened securely In
their seats by ropes and straps; but
second glance told me that these fig
nres were only dummies made 10 close
ly resemble men.
What does this mean MANUEL" /
questioned. wondering II the guide had
taken leave OF his senses.
VIII tho Apaches take these for
men?' he asked. pointing 10 the figures
and not appearing TO notice my sur
prise.
.'Why--do you mean" / stopped
short for a light had suddenly dawned
upon me. You mean 20 turn the
horses loose upon the plain so as to
deceive the Apaches into thinking
that Il Is we who are their riders?" /
asked.
You are right, senor.n
held out my hand.
II see. / replied. You are wiser
than in these matters and / believe
your plan will work"
III is our only chance" he said in
n calm tone. and II II fails we are
lost"
As the twilight settled over the
plain could sec that the Indians drew
closer together as II holding final
council.
"lt's time now. senior said Manuel
In low tone.
Keeping in the shadow Of the house
we led the two horses 10 the outside.
then, turning their heads TO the north,
We struck them several sharp blows.
They reared violently and plunged
away in the darkness.
AZ the same moment we threw our
selves in at the door and lay fat upon
the ground.
We held our breaths rs The sound
OF rapidly retreating hoofs broke the
stiffness. Then rose a fierce tumult
To the cast and west, with succession
Of terrific wells from score OF savage
throats. The Apachcs had discovered
the two re,reating horses and had
gone laundering in pursuit.
Through the open door l could see
a line Of dark forms moving 70 the
north against the eastern horison. and
knew that our ruse was having the
desired effect.
Come" said Manuel. 1--WE must not
away rs possible before they discover
the trick and return TO search for us. "
Carrying our rifles in our hands
ready for quick use, we dartel from
the cabin and ran with all the speed we
could command TO the southwest
while from the north came the fierce
yells OF the Apaches as they swept on
in pursuit OF our two flying horses.
We ran for nearly mile and then.
being almost exhausted by the violent
exercise and hearing no sound Of pur-
suit we dropped into a walk
We travelled steadily for three hours
until we found ourselves among
range OF low, sandy hills, and there,
secreting ourselves in patch Of mos
quito bushes that grew in a small can
yon. we rested for nearly an hour.
Then we resumed our journey, and by
travelling in n circuitous route reached
Mason's ranch at sunrise the follow
ing morning.
Thus ended one of the most danger
Gus adventures of my life aud but for
the shrewdness Of Mexican boy
should not be alive now TO tell the
story. Golden Days.
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