San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-04-23

now the ATTACKING party were expected
TO arrive, and there was little doubt but
what there would be serious trouble
with them.
Presently the sound of hoofs could be
heard in the distance, and in a few mo-
ments the dim outlines of large body
of mounted men could be seen approach
ing from the southwest. When they
were some fifty yards away sharp, i'm
perative HALT" came from the senti-
nels. The challenge was responded to
by excited and angry words from the
advancing men. and for a moment it
seemed as if they were going to disre-
gard the command, but at "a word from
one who was evidently their leader they
came to halt. while two men spurred
their horses forward to where the SEN
tlnels were standing.
WHO air We. an what do We want?"
demanded Riggsby.
1--WE are band of cattlemen who are
here on business" replied the foremost
horseman. whose voice was recognized
as that of Ropes.
"Jist state yer business" replied
Riggsby.
well, we've come to ask you to va
cate that house at once-and get out of
the country as soon as possibler'
sits perty late ter move tonight" re-
marked Riggsby. 81 reckon I'll stay till
mornin anyway" and there was touch
of irony in the speakers tones.
II didn't know but what it would be
an act of kindness to give you chance
to get out" continued Ropes, flor you
see we are going to burn the house in a
few moments"
That's pretty cool-it is. by gosh!'
exclaimed Riggsby.
It'll be pretty hot if ! know any
thing"
Fer the ones that tries ter burn that
house-yes," returned Riggsby.
Il have not come here to handy words
over the matter" said Ropes. Twill
you get out of the house and leave, or
must we burn it down over your heads?'
Whenever We git ready ter burn my
house, jist come on" replied Riggsby.
81 amt goin away"
Wen give you just ten minutes to
get out" warned Ropes. and wheeling
his horse he rode back to where his fol-
lowers were awaiting him.
Simon Riggsby and those of the set
tiers who had been acting as sentinels
now hastily entered the house, where
the result of the conference with Ropes
was made known.
I'm in fer tightin." announced Ike
Baker with an angry gesture. 1.-The
sooner we teach these fellers that they
air not runnin this country the better"
"Them's my sentiments" came from
the others.
1t was now plain to all that hostilities
would soon be commenced by the cattle.
men. and it would require the concerted
force of all quartered within the build
ing to repel them. Nearly every one of
the men commanded by Ropes was of
that rough and vicious element found
only on the border counties of the great
west. Daring and reckless, they would
not hesitate to do whatever their leader
commanded.
Realizing the desperate character of
the men with whom they had TO deal,
the settlers had go fortified themselves
in the building as to render themselves
secure against the most forcible attack
Stationed in the different rooms, the
settlers now kept the closest watch on
the movements of the enemy. A half
hour passed and still there were no visi-
BILE demonstrations from the foe. But
suddenly red glare came from the west
of the building, and then a stream of
lurid flame was seen to issue from the
stables. They had been fired by the
cattlemen.
This unexpected move created pro-
found sensation among the men gar
risoned within the house. Then before
they had recovered from their surprise
the sound of rapidly advancing feet was
heard on the east side of the building:
then mass of dark forms rushed up to
the house and with heavy piece of tim
Der beat in the front door. which fell in
side with a loud crash.
Instantly dozen guns cracked from
Uut vi lllO uONi0C' anu lOul vi
intruders went down. A heavy volley
from the cattlemen came in quick re-
Spouse. and shower of bullets came
crashing into the building. Then they
made rush for the door, but were
promptly repealed by the settlers, who
poured telling fire into their ranks,
causing them to fall back in wild dis
order.
1t was evident that the attacking party
had greatly underestimate the strength
of the garrison, and they had paid dearly
for the mistake, for it was evident that
A. Al. L. =, Cd ri "