The Lebanon express. (Lebanon, Linn County, Or.) 1887-1898, 1891-12-18

O sharp, Keen glance, MY eyes PROBABLY re- |
sponded when they fell upon his, for he
straightened up in an alert fashion and leaned
toward me.
SAY he whispered, .do you think that
old chaps all righta Strikes me that groan-
ing Of his was put on What dye thinkp
The question startled mo no less than the
Young fellows manner and was about to
make some reply when gun or pistol shot
rang in our ears, followed by yell either of
pain or surprise, and a lurch of the hack
threw me forward against my companions
knees.
Either the shot or the yell had started our
'~r .H,s ''S3 "~
team, and we went down the bank and into
the stream with lunge, lheafd shots-one,
two, three-as we splashed through the water.
Then more yells, loud and fierce.
Ny notion OF what had happened or what
was happening was confused for moment
and then saw my comrade-for the light
still burned-crawling through to the drivers
seat as We went careening up the opposite
bank.
A second later he had gathered the lines,
which were tied in front, and while he held
them with one hand he grasped rib Of the
hack with theother, Then he leaned out and
glanced pack.
Luckily the horses, which were going at a
gallop-they were animals which needed no
urg1ng-kept to eroad, and the cool headed
young fellow was not pitched out.
"There's lot OF em," he shouted in at me
amoment later, u can Just see four or hve
getting on their horses Ihey'Ve Killed the
driver, guess, and are after US now"
With that he gathered up the long lashed
whip, which lay in the boot, and, dropping
upon bis knees, began Yelling and laying the
whip upon the team
In moment we were gong at fearful
pace, and despite the excitement and fright
OF the moment noticed that our four horses
came to hand and ran with a steady, even
gait, which did credit TO the young mans
driving.
"Get ready Tor EN- nowF he screamed
back at me, they II be down on us IN min
ute. Open the back hap n pour 1t into 'em
with your guns, and when they're empty get
mine under the seatP'
lie was my captain as wei as driver, and
obeyed instlnctlyely, for l certninly had
formed no plan OF defense or action on my
own account.
managed to unbutton and roll up the
leather behind, and peering out, on my
knees before the back seat, | saw that we
were indeed followed, 1t was light enough
to distinguish objects dlmly at hundred
yards, and there were at least five horsenien
in our rear, tearing along at the top OF their
animals speed. knowing that they were
within rifle shot, opened fire on them over
the seat | worked the lever of my gun as
rapidly as could, but made awkward bust
ness Of it. Presently got shell stuck and
began trying to get 1t out In the meantime
our puisuers were gaining with every second
They were within fifty yards before could
get out my shell, and l was too excited to
think OF using another gun. Suddenly the
light in the hack went out and hand upon
my shoulder Jerked me backward. Then a
voice yelled IN my ear
Let me get at theml Load the guns for
me m let the team go. We might s well
smash as be rlddled with bullets. Here
here's two boxes OF cartridges"
dropped back to the other seat and gave
1 II. l. IL l. L