The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-09-23
B6SI6g6d by Gn6V6nn6S
By A. Il. GIBSON.
copyright, 1892, by American Press Associa,
tion.]

| Dread, cooked great quantities OF meat,
and Lois and Betty Bowland carried
bucket after bucket of water till they
had filled large barrel
This preparation was wise one, to
say the least, should they happen to be
besieged by the redskins for two or
three days, as was not at all unlikely.
By two o'clock in the afternoon the
rude preparations were finished, and the
tired band of settlers gathered around
the table to partake of their late din
ner.
The meal was not yet over when
Lois, who had begged to act as guard
while the others dined, caught the out
line of long file of horsemen sweep
over a prairie ridge some distance away
to the south.
Mr.. Jordan, she called; "come here
at once"
Something in the pretty, self appoint
ed guards voice, calm as 1t was, raised
afresh the apprehensions which the
neighborly gossip at the table had lulled
into slumber.
All arose with one impulse and started
toward Lois, who watched from the
open door at the front of the cabin
Old Silas was the first to reach her
side, and one swift glance of his we'll
trained gray eyes, undimned by his
fifty odd years, sufficed to tell him the
truth.
1.-THE red imps air comm an no mis-
take!' he turned and coolly announced
to those who crowded around him.
Every heart felt its own peculiar emo
tions as Silas Jordan's voice fell calm
and distinct on the ears of that little
party of pioneers. Some had nursed
vague hopes that the Indians might not
pass that way. But they We're actually
coming!
While Jordan and the men secured
the cabin and saw that their guns were
i'll readiness and their ammunition near
at hand the women We're 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 muscle stirred, save
| when each man grasped his weapon a
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.
"But we uns air good for thet many
polecats," declared old Silas to Dave
Severy, who had remarked on the odds
against them. 81 reckon they don't
think thar's er hull arsenal waitin back
O them Notifications to gin 'em s'prise
party. Be ready, boys, an make every
shot tell"'
The Cheyennes ascended 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 bade them halt.
For answer there was volley from
the savages' guns, and the shot ratified
wildly nOainSt fbn on1Ni,,
started forward again.
There was distinct command from
Silas Jordan, and six guns poured
calling fire upon the enemy from the
loopholes.
Two savages reeled and fell to the
ground dead, while their ponies fled
madly away down the hill Another,
uttering yell of mortal pain, urged his
animal from the scene of conflict. In
stantly there was a recoil of the remain
ing Cheyennes. They rallied, however,
almost Immediately, only to be spiritedly
repulsed again.
"Hurrah for our sidev' 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 a foe. But the discharge
had the effect to drive the gang off to
group of cOttonwoods below the hill.
Here they held careful consultation.
This gave the settlers a chance to re-
load and make things ready for the next
| attack.
While the men got their weapons
ready Lois mounted sentinel at loop
hole commanding a 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
tightin, remarked old Silas philosoph-
lcally 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
ly 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