The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-09-22

fort they suspended hoStiIitles, anu ioF Perieo
of month no further depredations were COM
mitted. At the end of that time, however, they
again broke forth, spreading terror aud death
among the emigrants and freighters along the
Arkansas Valley. The outbreak among the
savages was discovered by detachment of
troops sent out from Fort Larned, and as soon
as the intelligence was brought to the fort i'm
mediate preparations were made to begin
campaign against tho predatory tribes.
Fort Larned, now abandoned as military
post was situated in the southwestern part Of
Kansas, six miles north Of the Arkansas River
and some five milo5 west of where the city OF
Larned now stands About 40 miles to the
northwest was situated Fort Zarah at which
point were garrisoned two companies OF the
military. As soon as it was discovered that the
outbreak had occurred among the Indians the
post commander at Larned, recognizing the
necessity of Immediately communicating the
intelligence to the neighbOring fort, called for
three men to carry this important dispatch to
the commander at Fort Zarah.
AS the 40 miles of country lying between the
two forts was swarming with hostiles all recog-
nized the peril that would attend those who
were to carry the dispatches, and the CON-
mander called for volunteers. Among those
who responded to the call was young private
by the name of Frank Davis handsome youth
of not over II, whose deeds Of bravery and dar
ing had made him the favorite of his company.
He was of spare build, weight about 120 pounds,
yet he was possessed of wonderful strength and
capable of enduring the greatest fatigue.
That there was not man in the whole gar
rison who was more fitted to undertake the
perilous journey than he all were fully agreed,
for in addition to his qualities as a brave and
daring soldier, he was an expert horsemsn, an
excellent shot, and the owner of the best horse
in the regiment. His horse was deep chest
nut sorrel, thoroughbred, and present to
n.r sc oil yph hn cd in
stock farm near Atchison.
Franks love for the beautiful and noble
horse was marked by all Often when on the
mareh-when feed and rations were short
Frank had shared his "hardtack," and even
his blanket with Jack,-that was his horses
name.-and between the two there was as close
friendship, perhaps, as ever existed between
man and beast.
Among the many who volunteered to make
the dangerous journey to Fort Zarah Frank
was the first to be chosen for the work. The
two who were selected TO accompany him were
men of middle age-Merrill aud Hawley by
nane-and among the most fearless and trusted
at the fort. But owing to the superior horse
which Frank rode, the dispatches were given
into his hands.
1t was about 3 o'clock in the evening when
they left the fort aud galloped away in the di-
recton Of Fort Zarah. The three were each
armed with Sharpe's rifle and brace OF heavy
army pistols.
AS soon as they had left the town behind
they kept sharp lookout for any of the enemy
that might be lurking in their path. Frank
Davis carried neither whip nor spur, for never
had he had occasion to use either when mounted
upon Jack and he would have scorued to in
fict the slightest punishment upon the noble
animal.
Although they kept the sharpest lookout in
every direction across the plain, no trace Of
Indians could be seen. The road from Larned
to Zarah ran down the Arkansas Valley parallel
with the river and about three miles north of
it, and covered the route now occupied by the
Santa Fe Railroad.
Nine miles from Fort Larned the road crosses
Ash Creek, small tributary to the Arkansas
River, which is sparsely timbered with Il scant
growth of sycamore, elm, and ash, and here
and there dense thicket of plum bushes.
The three men had reached the Ash Creek
Ford and had Just reined in their horses for
the purpose of letting them drink, when they
were startled by the crack OF firearms on the
opposite side of the creek, followed by the spite
full whiZ of bullets about them. The three sur
prised horSemen had barely time to grasp their
slack tened bride. reins when a score OF Conan.
ches, mounted upon their war ponies emerged
from q elnmp OF plum bushes across the stream
and dashed toward them, yelling aud firing as
! they came.
| SO sudden and unexpected was the attack
| that the soldiers were taken completely by
! surprise. There was no time to defend them
selves, and with one accord they wheeled their
! horses and dashed back toward the fort, lying
! fat upon their horses backs to escape the
| shower of arrows and bullets which the foe was
| sending after them. But scarcely had they be-
! gun their fight when Hawley dropped from his
/ saddle, pierced to the heart by Comanche
| arrow.
| Frank and Merrill now turned in their sad
| dies and fired as rapidly as possible at the pur-
suing savages, but they soon realized the fact
that their only hope of escape lay in instant
fight, and, giving their horses the rein, they
| dashed on. Merrill was we'll mounted. and
| though his animal was not as swift as Frank S,
| the two were soon out Of range of the Indians
bullets.
They now considered themselves out OF
danger, and fully believed that the savages. on
| seeing that they could not overtake the fugi.
tives, would give up the pursuit, but in this
they were greatly mistaken. Although the
Indians were losing ground at the start, they
were confident OF victory in tho end We'll
! they knew that in race of nine miles theil
war ponies were moro than a match for 80 out
of 100 Of the best horses owned by the whites
and with yells of triumph they dashed on con.
| fdent of overtaking the two soldiers before
| they could reach tho fort.
Four miles were quickly covered, and now
as the fugitives glanced backward they could
see that the Indians were slowly gaining upon
| them. Ii was plain to see that Merril's horse
was fast falling and could not keep up thai
rapid gallop much longer.
Frank was compelled to hold his own horse
back in order TO keep pace with MerrilPs. which
was now painting and covered with foam. Two
more miles were passed, and then with feel
ing of despair Frank saw his companions horse
drop TO slow canter. aud could no longer bt
urged into a gallop. half mile further tb,
poor animal sank TO the ground with pteon!
moan.
TIE Comanches saw the horse go down. ant
with exultant yells tbundered down the dusty
plain, confident OF speedy victory.
=" Leave me and save yourself" cried Merrill
springing from The fallen steed.
4 "Neyer!" exclaimed Frank in firm tone
Quick Mount behind me; Jack can carry III
both away from those red devls!" Aud b,
half dragged his companion to the back OF hi
horse Then they sped OH.
But the momentary halt had given th,
savages slight advantage aud they were nov
again within shooting range of the two sol
diers. The crack OF guns came from behind
there was a spiteful whiz OF bullets in tn,
Summer air, then Merrill uttered quick
sharp gasp and swayed heavily from side Il
| side.
Turning quickly, Frank caught him ant
held him In his place, aud as he did so he saw
/ stream of blood issuing from his comrade'
side.
my God You are shot! cried Frank
"Yes." Merrill answered family, I'll an