The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-07-15

Step.
Suddenly Manuel turned his horse
slightly to the left, and pointing
across the plain, said:
1--WE must get to the house."
Then for the first time l saw a small
building nearly mile ahead of US, and
toward this we urged our horses at
their greatest speed.
A few minutes ride brought US to
the house, which proved to be one OF
those small adobe structures so COM
mon in New Mexico and Arizona,
erected for the use of the Mexican
sheep-herders, but long since aban-
doned.
In a moment we had thrown our
selves from our saddles and stood by
the open door.
Come" said Manuel, eve must get
the horses inside"
Quickly we entered the cabin, lead
ing our horses after us. A glance
showed us that we were in a room
about fourteen feet square, with
single hole in the western wall that
served as window. The door, which
was on the eastern side, was rickety
affair, rudely constructed of pine
slabs, and now showing very plainly
the signs of decay.
We had barely time to gain the in
side and bar the door with the wooden
bolt with which it was provided when
the Apaches, with yells of savage rage,
dashed up to within sixty yards of the
cabin and began circling about it, but
not a shot was fired.
After some little time spent in
fnd
into two squads, one going to the west
of the house and the other remaining
on the east.
They had now withdrawn out of
rife range and seemed to be debating
the question what they should do next.
1t is hard to understand the maneu-
vers of band of Apaches, and we
kept on guard. ready for an attack
that might come at any moment.
l stood by the door, rifle in hand,
while Manuel, stationed at the west by
the window, kept sharp lookout in
that direction.
1t was soon evident that they did
not mean to attack US Immediately.
but doubtless intended to wait until
nightfall, when they could do so under
cover of darkness.
This was Manuers view of the situa-
ton, and it required no argument to
show us that we had little hopes of be-
ing able to hold the place against
them.
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 bed in
time past.
The floor was of clay and the walls
of sun-dried brick or adobe, while the
roof was of boards, held in their place
by huge wooden pins.
Now that We were apparently free
from any immediate danger l began
to rack my brain for some plan oi
escape.
Night would soon be upon us, and
then we might expect an attack. Il
would not require much force to beat
down the rickety door, and then we
would be at the mercy of the merciless
foe. What was to be done? looked
about the room, but could see no way
in which our Notifications could be
strengthened.
We must make an attempt to escape
but how were we to proceed?
could see, and that was to wait fol
night and then steal from the cabir
and try to elude the enemy in the
darkness.
Calling Manuel to my side hastily
laid my plan before him, but he only
shook his head.
mo, senor," he said; II have JUS
been thinking of way
What is it?'' l asked eagerly.
''Wait and see," he replied briefly.
Then, signaling for me to keep watcl
upon the Apaches, he walked over tt
the far end of the room. where tn,
horses were standing. Presently
saw that he was busily engaged a
work on some object in the corner, bu
the scant light afforded by the small
window prevented my seeing what h
| was doing.
The sun was just throwing its las
| golden blaze across the sandy plail
when Manuel came forward leadin:
the two horses in front of the window
What do you think of thatP" h
asked, pointing to the animals.
| For a moment | was too surprised t.
speak. Glancing at the horses l say
what at first appeared to be two mel
sitting in the saddles, fastened securel.
in their seats by ropes and straps; bu
a second glance told me that these fig
ures were only dummies made tt
closely resemble men.
"What does this mean, Manuel?"
questioned wondering if the guide ha(
taken leave of his senses.
''Will the Apaches take these TO
menP" he asked, pointing to the ne
ures and not appearing to notice m.
surprise.
''Why-do you mean" l stoppe'
short, for light had suddenly dawne'
upon me. You mean to turn tn
horses loose upon the plain SO as t
deceive the Apaches into thinking tina
it is we who are their riders?" l asked
You are right, senior"
I held out my hand.
Il see," replied. You are wise
than I in these matters, and l believ
your plan will work"
1T is our only chance" he said, i
calm tone; land if it fails we ar
lost"
Having completed every arrange
ment for carrying out Manueps plal
we took our stations to watch tt
movements of the savages till nigl
should give us an opportunity ft
action.
1t was not our purpose to wait unit
darkness had fully set in, but to carl
: our plan into action just at dusk. whe
the light would be sufficient to sho
the Indians that the horses had rider
g but not enough to reveal the deception
S AS the twilight settled over the pla
s l could see that the Indians DIRE
n closer together, as if holding fin
council.
0 ..Its time now, senor," said Manu-
y in low tone.
g Keeping in the shadow of the hou
Il we led the two horses to the outsid
/ then, turning their heads to the mort
we struck them several sharp blow
e They reared violently and plung
: away in the darkness.
L At the same moment we threw OF
e selves in at the door and lay flat up
o the ground.
e We held our breaths as the sound