The Portland daily press., 1892-12-13

at hand the women were everywhere
bravely assisting their defenders for the
approaching attack.
The Cheyennes rode boldly forward
across the prairie toward the little
blockhouse on the hill An ominous
stiffness prevailed in the cabin. Every
man was at his post. Mothers pressed
their children to their breasts, as if to
quiet the tumult of fears within.
The Indians advanced rapidly, and at
last their savage whoops reached the
ears of the women huddled in the mid
die of the room. Lois Gilbert's face was
very white, and her eyes looked as black
as midnight. Otherwise she gave no
evidence Of terror. Outwardly calm,
she went first to one, then to another,
whispering cheerful words.
The men, with stern, determined
countenances, were at their loopholes
watching every movement Of the COM
ing foe Not q muscle stirred, save
when each man grasped his weapon
trife more firmly.
There were fifteen Indians in the band,
all apparently well armed and well
mounted on good ponies. There were
only six of the defenders at the cabin.
ssBut we uns air good for tibet many
polecats," declared old Silas to Dave
Severy, who had remarked on the odds
against them. 81 reckon they don't
think thar's err hull arsenal waitin back
O them Notifications to gin 'em s'prise
party. Be ready, boys, an make every
shot tellr'
I The Cheyennes assembled the little
! hill and pressed boldly toward the cabin.
Old Silas let them approach within
few yards of the rock wall; then in
ringing voice he sade them halt.
For answer there was volley from
the savages' guns, and the shot ratified
wildly against the cabin walls. They
started forward again.
There was distinct command from
Silas Jordan, and six guns poured a
CALLING fire upon the enemy from the
loopholes.
Two savages reeled and fell to the
ground dead, while their ponies fed
madly away down the hill. Another,
uttering yell Of mortal pain, urged his
stantly there was recoil of the remain
ing Cheyennes. They rallied, however,
almost Immediately, only to be spiritedly
repulsed again.
.sHurrah for our sider' cried old Silas
as jubilantly as boy who has become
victor at snowballing contest; "they're
retreatin."
Not one of the last shots seemed to
have touched foe. But the discharge
had the effect to drive the gang off to a
group of cottonwoods below the hill.
Here they held careful consultation.
This gave the settlers chance to re-
load and make things ready for the next
| attack.
While the men got their weapons
ready Lois mounted sentinel at a loop
hole commanding plain view of the
Indians at the cottonwood. The two
dead redskins that lay where they had
fallen on the hill caught her eye. She
turned pale and shudder ran through
her frame.
''Sich things hev got ter be in Injun
fghtin," remarked old Silas philosoph-
ically as he noted the girls emotion.
She made no reply, but she kept
thinking how many of those untutored
redmen and perhaps many of her own
people must fall before peace could be
restored.
Then she wondered if her father real
" was safe at Scrub Station. He would
surely receive intelligence there of the
outbreak, and would not venture to re-
turn alone across the uninhabited prai-
ries, where he would be likely to en-
counter the Cheyennes.
She thought, too, of Lee Hutchins rid
ing bravely away by himself to warn
others of danger. Perhaps she might
never see him again. His mission was
one SO full of peril to himself!
Suddenly her heart seemed to stand
still. She staggered and might have
fallen had not Dave Severy put out an
arm to steady her.
| ITO be concluded in next Thursdays Press.J