Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1893-07-28

w NtiN u NllSi' nv ~ lliull lIblhS
swiftly towards us.
"A white man, by thunder! and
alone, boys" exclaimed our guide,
Sam Lount. "a mighty risky trick
for these parts We're ON the
stamping ground of the Apaches and
they're always on the warpath,
ravening for scalps Well likely hear
some news, boys. That mans got
business on hand. That kind of
fellow don't hurry for nothing"
BY this time the lone rider had
reached the head of our line, and
singing ont the guide, he courteously
saluted him. "You had better bring
your wagons close together, and be
ready to form corral at moments
notice." he said, including us all.
''rhere's big band Of Apaches, led by
that young villain, Geronimo, laying
for YOU behind Baby Range, about
eight miles further on. They intend
to stay there until YOU get into the
pass, but may change their minds and
attack in the open.
"NIuch obliged, stranger" said our
guide. "My name is Sam Lount !;
might | ask yours and how you got
clear of the reds yourseIG?'
"Well, - smilingly responded the
man, "my Sunday name is Chris
topher, but I'm generally called Kit
kit Carson, at your service.
exit Carson! Kit Csrson!" the
familiar name ran down our extended
ranks like cheer. We all hurried to
the front to shake hands with the
famous scout
Carson WAS at this time in the prime
of lifp-about forty wears old, | think.
A casual observer, noting his rather
understood form, peaceful appearance
and modest, unassuming manners,
would never have dreamed of selecting
| him from ont IL crowd rs the most dur.
ing rider, fearless explorer and success
full Indian fighter known to Western
fame.
Carson went on toanswer the guide
question: 81 had no trouble to keen
clear of the redskins, because, though
was often much nearer, none caught
sight of me Mt II less distance than sixty
rods, and they know Lightfoot" this
celebrated thoroughbred mare) "toc
well to waste time in q chase
GIVE got men and horses camped
down on the Little Colorado" he wen,
/ on, "but | have been riding alone fol-
week trying to select the shortest and
easiest wagon route through this part
OF the country. Three days ago | RAJ
on Geronimo's warriors just after
they'd wiped ont IL party of emigrants.
The remains of four wagons were still
smoking, and, as nearly as | coulG
Judge, sixteen bodies had been piled
up with them. Eight mules lay deaG
around. Looking down on their CAM
yesterday discovered they had five
American horses and men," he addet
slowly; "they'vc got young whit,
woman prisoner.
'Thcre were LOG Indians in the band
There are 80 now. Most are armed
with howsnnd arrows, tomahaws, lance!
and knives. About thirty carry oil,
smooth bore flint lock guns "
"And You think they know that we r,
coming?" asked Lount
'1'm sure of it, answered Carson
"They have scouts ont. You haven
Seen them, but they've counted yo,
over and over again.
''But they must know that you'C
warn us?" | observed.
''What do you take me for, young
sir, laughed Carson. "Not IL red hal
had sight OF me for the last twenty
four hours. It was from their motion
that 1 knew train WAS coming"
"And now continued the scout
becoming serious, sit must never b,
said that thirty-six American men al
lowed countrywoman of theirs to b,
carried of by band of savages. /
youth join in and do exactly as say
we'll rescue that girl before tomorrow
morning. Who says yes?'
81. " shouted every man of us.
"Nery well, then. said Carson Will
a sudden sunny smile. "Unhitch fol
dinner, now, and we shall not star
again until the middle of the after
noon. The plan is to reach Bah,
Range Just before shutdown and camp
little this side d"
J Carson managed 80 that we arrived
seemingly in the ordinary course oI
travel, Mt the appointed spot shortl,
after the sun had disappeared benin,
the range In order to avoid al
chances of his dreaded presence being
deserted by the Indians he hal dis
mounted when within II mile of tn,
mountain, placed his famous horse il
the rear amoung our led animals an,
concealed himself in one of the coy
Cry.i wagons.
Everything in the vicinity was que
X the grave, 5n, the rrlouDted scout
aSsural NJ ti.., lying behind th
| a