The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-09-30
NO. 3.

N~-~N-
to dodge the arrows of her exulting
foes.
She dared not relinquish the oars a
second to risk shot from the revolver
at her side. 1t might do no good, and
would doubtless give the Indians a dan
gerous advance.
1t was very toilsome, as well as terri
flying. Great drops of sweat stood on
her forehead, and the muscles of her
arms ached from the unnatural strain
placed upon them.
She was beginning to feel strangely
weak and nerveless. And she was two
miles from Jordan's; she could never
reach it now. Despair seemed suddenly
to have swallowed all her courage.
But she did not relax her hold upon
the oars, and the race continued little
longer.
"Whiz!' an arrow came kissing
through the air. 1t pierced a fold of
her dress, but left her untouched.
The canoe was almost upon the skiff.
and as the Cheyennes beheld the success
OF their last arrow they set up tri-
umphant shout.
A moment more and Lois believed her
doom would be sealed.
''Pang! Pangr' came two reports in
rapid succession from among the bushes
on the right bank of the river.
Instantly two sharp cries of mortal
agony arose from the canoe, and two of
the braves with a heavy plash fell head
long into the water and We're swept from
view.
The remaining Cheyenne began pad
ding frantically for the other bank,
when another broadside from the cotton
wood bushes caused the canoe to cap
size and left him struggling in the swift
current in the middle of the stream.
Another quick report put an end to
the Indians struggles, and he found a
grave with his companions.
Lois had watched this tragic play
from the skiff, where she sat as one sud
denly changed to stone.
Who could her deliverer be? Doubt
less Silas Jordan or one of the settlers
from the blockhouse, she thought
She was soon, however, allowed to see
her mistake as a manly form arose
from concealment among the bushes
and stood revealed In the subdued moon.
light on the bank of the Arkansas.
Lee! Lee!'' she cried, unable to con-
troll herself.
'Lois, my darling" and he stretched
out his strong arms toward her.
She pushed the skiff toward him.
Obeying force which she could not re-
Bist.
In another moment the young ranch
man held her half fainting form to his
breast and pressed his lips to her brow.
One moment of this bliss, then Lois
released herself and told her lover what
had brought her out ON such perilous
mission.
"You are dear, brave girl, Lois" he
said tenderly as he started the skiff to-
ward Jordan's.
''Tell me, Lee, how you happened to
be here? she asked, her face glowing
from the gentle fervor of his praise.
II warned the Plum Greek settlers
and helped them fortify themselves in a
large dugout. Then l started over to
Jordan's," he returned.
"Oh, Lee! What made you venture
alone again out on the prairies?" she
cried.
Wasn't some one at Jordan's dearer
than all the world to me;" he whispered
softly. GLOW could stay away from
you, Lois, when l knew such fearful
danger threatened? had done my duty
at Plum Creek. and must return to de-
fend the one love-"
sit was your love that saved me, Lee"
"Thank God that | was here to de-
fend you!" he murmured. at was sun
set when | started back from Plum
Greek. ! had only gone about four miles
when almost rode into little camp of
Cheyennes down in a ravine. They had
been slaughtering cattle and were pre-
pairing for a big supper. Before could
retreat was seen, and three of the party
gave chase. My pony was tagged out,
and knew could never escape on it.
So abandoned the pony and ran down
. deep gully, and by hiding often man.
aged to elude my pursuers. 1t took me
good While to reach the Arkansas, but
when l did | started as fast as could
for Silas Jordan's, where hoped to find
you safe. Suddenly heard the redskins
yell out up the river. AT first | thought
they had discovered my trail and were
after me. concealed myself and waited.
Presently the moon came out clear
enough for me to see the race between
you and those villains. When | saw
that the pursued one was you | feared
there had been a maSSat.ra of tha cattlars
and you had fled to the skiff for refuge,
made up my mind to save you or die
with you"
God is good" said Lois, laying a
hand on Lees shoulder.
They reached the cabin safe. but
scarcely had they received the congratu-
lations of their friends on their remark
able escape when the Cheyennes, with
loud whoops, rushed forward to renew
the siege,
No doubt they hoped to find the set
tiers drowsy and off their guard during
the hours between midnight and dawn
and counted on an easy victory. But
the brave action of Lois Gilbert in
spired those pioneers with fresh energy
and courage, and the powder which she
had risked so much to bring enabled
them to fight back the enemy with We
hemence which was plainly a surprise
to them.
Despite the obstinate resistance which
the Cheyennes encountered in the set
tiers, they kent up the siege at intervals
for several hours. Finally they with
HraNy n hn