The Press., 1892-07-21
they could be seen making preparations

IOrC0In0nbS TOT the trdln, troops passing by on their way to or from the forts, Or body of well armed trappers. Some knowledge of this kind made them un- easy, or they were short of ammunition. Either supposition was favorable to the corral and the tired men took fresh courage. Gradually the besieging h. dians withdrew toward the river until only few determined braves were left riding around the corral at safe distance, now and then firing random shot from rifle, or poisoned arrow from a bow.
 The men who had made this long de- fense had not tasted food since break fast and were just finding out how hun gry and weary they were, now that the great strain was over and the Indians had withdrawn for the night. The sharpshooters were still on the lookout with rifles ill readiness, but the call for supper went around the line and every mans spirits rose with the hope that early dawn would see the departure of the Indians. Old Jose got up from his crouching position of vantage to give directions for the night. when. swift as an arrow, q young brave dashed few paces forward, took quick aim, fired and sent bullet whizzing through the air that lodged in the old Mexican's heart. The Indian fell almost in the same instant. His lingering comrades uttered unearthly howls of rage. halted moment to measure with keen eye the distance between his lifeless body and the corral, and then galloped off to camp without it.
 His was the form to lie next the first victim-poor old Jose Valdez-his one ambition not yet half fulfilled. But then he fell with harness on:" and if the fatal bullet did strike him in the back-no one would ever know. Not one of that brave band would ever tell the tale. They knew his spirit was to the fore "He died games" no better epitaph could be framed in their vocab- ulary.
 And now the caravan was without d captain. A council of war must be held Where was the man to take up the com mand in such straits? The supper was but sparingly partaken of: it had lost its zest. Every man of them had feared death all day; every man of them but two had escaped; now, looking on these two, every man said to himself, Ut might have been-tomorrow it may be. ;
 It was decided to send out two scouts as soon as the night grew dark enough to protect them, who should try to reach one of the forts if they did not sooner in- tercept aid on the trail. Men were se- lected who had had experience in such work, and with many prayers following them they went stealthily forth into the darkness from the west side of the corral.
 A signal had been agreed upon by which they were to make known their approach if they were unable to go through the Indian picket lines and were obliged to return. Three hours later the signal was heard on the east side of the corral. Every man was on guard. There was no sleep that night inside the bar ricade of wagons-save that deep and lasting repose of old Jose and his com rade under the gray blanket.
 The scouts reported that they could not elude the vigilance of the Indian guards-a cordon of pickets surrounded the corral; they had tried on every side. But they had something worse than this to tell. Half way between the picket line and the wagons they had heard a noise-a movement as of some one crawl ing through the grass like themselves. They stopped and listened and waited and heard it again, but they were not able to locate it nor to determine which way it was going.
 Of course this story aroused every mans fear of night attack from the h. dians; they had not really expected that. though they had remained in readiness mans hair stood on end at thought of the scalping knife and the to1nahawk. and every man fancied he could hear the red skinned serpents crawling through the dry grass straight to the corral. A dozen men were lying with ear to the ground listening. when. close and clear. came the words:
 Don't shoot. boys: it is a friend" and King, the wagon master, sprang into the corral. ''Is it all right, partners? Am welcome?" he continued, excitedly glancing about in evident doubt as to his reception.
 "Welcome? YesI Yesi' chimed many voices, and the men clustered about him, trying to grasp his hand in joy
 The help of even one more man was cheering But while they crowded around him for the first greeting they could see by the starlight that he was trying to look beyond them and over their heads. Almost unconscionsly he pushed forward toward the wagon, and suddenly, as they all turned to follow him, he stepped quickly out of the group and caught the strange woman in his arms.
 If an Indian with an uplifted to1na- hawk had appeared in their midst fl could not have surprised them more. But they comprehended in moment and when they heard King exclaim, "Janeyi' and saw the two figures melt into one in the uncertain light, they fell back a little and waited. Not long, however, for very soon King turned and said, addressing them all:
 "Pardners you see how it is She came out to meet me; she is my promised wife. found you in trouble. in danger, and l could not stay away. ought to have joined her at Westport Landing there was a reason. Gan we let that gos thought maybe could help you out of this Where's old Jose? heard that you made him captain at the Grove" Silently heads were nodded toward the gray blanket and spectral arms pointed out the two dead
 clancy" still stood by the wagon masters side. encircled by his strong arm, but as soon as King saw the motionless form of the old captain he pressed another hurried kiss upon her white face and told her to go back to the wagon.
 There's no time to lose." he said, you know the Indians will be moving with the first streak of light. What is vour plan. boys?
 Il reckon we'll make you captain tn. first thing we do," said gruff voice, and an echo of "yes," .'yes" and ..si. z