Evening journal., 1892-09-29
CHAPTER w.

the silence which follows is oppressive.
There is more menace in silence when
peril threatens than in the roar Of can
non.
AS night shut down over the belea-
guered white men on the little plateau q
few boasted and exulted over the sue
cessful defense, but the greater portion
were silent and anxious.
The red man is a wild beast of higher
type than the tiger, but he has all the
instincts and characteristics Of the
dreaded animal. The tiger sleeps by
day and roams abroad when darkness
comes. The Indian does the same when
left to his own will if circumstances do
not prevent. His vision at night is ami
mal-like and his scent is keener when
the sun goes down.
The captain passed around the forti-
fcation as soon as the firing died away
to see what loss had been sustained
One man and two horses had been
slightly wounded. He gave orders that
one-half of them should prepare them
selves such a meal as { was possible 10
get without a fire, and then 90 back to
the breastworks and relieve the other
half. There was no danger of an imme-
date attack. The Indians had received
setback which would dampen theii
ardor for several hours to come.
Bess had retreated to the wagons, and
the men were enthusiastic in praise OF
her courage Three or four Of them had
witnessed her exhibition of nerve, and
every one was determined to shake
hands and bestow a few words of com
mendation. While they We're so en-
gagged Joe slipped quietly over Tho
brcastwOrks and lifted the warrior she
had shot into the inclosure. He was al
athletic young fellow wearing tn,
feathers Of a subchief, and the look ot
fury and hate had not yet faded from
his face. When he brought the featheri
to Bess he said:
There's none among us ever made
better shot. He was a leader among
/ them"
''But I'm so sorry had to do it," sh,
pleaded. "Oh, if they'd only leave u
alone or be at peacel Think of my tax
ing human lifem
And I'm afraid the worst is not over,
whispered Joe Il know the devils
They'll never leave US until they hav
our scalps You may have to shoe
others"
The girl burst into tears at tn
thought, but quickly brushing then
away she said:
Their blood be upon their own heads
| Ny mother used rifle against the re
: bellious Sepoys when attacked, and
should be ashamed if | did not help il
my own defense here"
When all had broken their fast th
captain whispered to Joe and two other
whom he knew to be experienced in In
dian warfare, and as they crouche
down under the shelter of the breast
works he said;
I've got my idea about this thing
but want TO counsel with you. Firs
and foremost. there's anywhere fror
two hundred 10 two hundred and fft
redskins sTOnnd us"
Fully three haEdred,' replied Joe.
"They attempted &c ride over us, bu
were soundly thrashed," continued th
captain. "If there were only enc hundre
they'd pull up stakes and tackle us fai
ther on, but this big crowd won't thin
of such move. We've got the whil
row on 'en in one sense, but before t,
morrow night every tongue will |
parched with thirst. If they hold l
here three days wen be drinking tn
blood Of the horses. In a week we'll
madnen. Now, then, who has anythin
to says"
Not a voice answered for a Ion
minute, and then it was Joe who r
piled:
"There's only ono string to hang
hope on. If we can get help to beat 'el
of we are saved for the time. If W
can't we must go under.r
"Why not mount the horse and make
dash for it, leaving the outfit in thoi
handss" queried one of the men.
How many would live to get twent
miles away. do you think. Not on,
The Indians would ride over us in n
time. tell you, boys, we have got int
bad row, and l must confess that