The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-09-23

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The yOlt1lg rd7lchnldn held her half faint
ing form to his breast.
| Silas Jordan's startling announcement
caused more than one cheek topale with
untold apprehensions as they glanced
toward the women, who had during the
siege clung together in intense terror,
all but Lois Gilbert and Martha Severy.
They had helped their defenders, had
stood by them with bravery that had
| the effect to strengthen and encourage
the men.
'SIt's ther sad truth, said the old COM
mander, breaking the silence and point
ing to the scanty remainder of the
powder.
1t was terribly true. They would be
unable to withstand such another attack
as the Cheyennes had been waging
against them that night.
"What can we do?' appealed one of
the settlers.
81 didn't count ON no sich long siege
as ther imps KEEP up" said old Silas
rather huskily. Il thought our pow
der'd hold out till we uns could clean
'em cl'ar out"
Here, boys" he continued, speaking
cheerfully, I'll divide up wot powder
thar is equally among we uns, an when
ther Injuns come swoopin back yer'll
hev ter do ther best yer kin under ther
eXistin circumstances"
Lois Gilbert's keen ears had caught
enough of the dialogue between the set
tiers to comprehend the situation.
AS old Silas dealt out an equal guam
tity of the powder to each man, daring
plan entered her head.
"Mr. Jordan she said, approaching
the commander and placing hand on
his arm, Il want permission to leave
the blockhouse."
''Ter leave ther blockhouse," he re-
peated, gazing down into her resolute
dark eyes.
Eyes, sir; 1 want to return to our
shanty."
ether Cheyennes hev found it out an
hev destroyed it fore this. Besides
thar's too much danger ter low yer to
go now"
81 realize the danger and am re-
solved to CO. she returned. "It's moth
ing in the shanty want"
"Wot do yer want ter go for, Lois?'
Powder"
"Powderr' broke simultaneously from
the lips of every settler.
Eyes. know the situation here. No
need to disguise it from me. Father has
whole can of powder which he got for
blasting rock. Before leaving the shan
ty l hid it with our goods upin the rocks,
where | know the Cheyennes won't find
it. will go and fetch the powder"
''If we uns he'd it thar's leetle doubt
but we uns could keep ther Injuns off
fer er long WHILE" said old Silas. "But
yer not goin, Lois"
Eyes, am" resolutely.
eff ther Cheyennes don't git my scalp,
Lee Hutchins would take it sure if
lowed yer ter resk yer life thet erway,"
answered old Silas, trying to jest.
81 don't intend that any one shall be
scalped," replied Lois. ''You need the
powder, and am going after it."
''Yer KANT go er foot, Lois, an no one
will darst go over ter ther bluffs ter
hClSll yCl IllSI LII ttlL DC-
twixt we uns an ther critters"
"You have a boat, Mr.. Jordan" she
said quickly.
Eyes"
81 know how to manage boat as
well as a pony. l can go down the
river and back again in very short
time"
''It'd be mighty good to hev thet pow
er O Moses, but KANT spare a man to
send after it, an l KANT see yer take
ther venture, Lois"
"The chances are if any one would at
tempt to fetch it he'd either be captured
or killed by the Cheyennes," remarked
one of the settlers.
YES" approved old Silas. Better
stick together an take our chances here
at the fort"
You need not oppose me, for my
mind IS made up. shall CO." and the
girls face flushed with the spirit of her
brave resolve.
Il know that we cannot afford to
spare a single man from here. But
know where the powder is, and can be
spared. Think of the innocent lives
that depend on the success of my ven
ture, then help, don't hinder, me-"
1t required considerable time for Lois
to overcome the opposition to her start
ing on her perilous mission. Mrs. Gill
bert clung to her, reluctant to see her
depart.
At last she struggled from her
mothers embrace, and wrapping a dark
shawl about her shoulders followed old
Silas out Of the blockhouse.
The clouds in the east were thicken-
ing and obscured the light of the as
cending moon.
Outside the cabin they listened. No
sounds came from the group of trees
down the hill, back of which the Chey-
ennes had retired.
They were holding new council or
taking a respite from tine obstinate con-
test.