The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1893-02-09

surroundings again when a rifle re-
port came from the rocks had left
but q moment since and bullet
whizzed past. my face, close enough to
almost burn my cheek. In the
excitement of that moment
took but little note OF what
did or how / did it; in an incredibly
short time, however, / found myself
in the cave hastily filling the empty
chambers OF my Winchester and pre-
pairing Tor some terrible experience
that felt sure was impending.
Crouching just inside the cave, I
could staka in the surroundings with
out. exposing myself. Perhaps ten
minutes elapsed when an Indians
head cautiously protruded from be-
hind the pile OF rocks.
Seeing no trace OF his intended vic
tim, he crossed the gulch so quickly
that I could get no aim that l felt
safe in trusting. ....g5 se.4 .l.
The moments of suspense which fol-
lowed can only be appreciated by one
who has been placed in a like posi-
ton. An enemy, seeking my life, wa,
concealed somewhere near; an Indian,
oAOOuVAIAAo N4uCl1 anu ltaI lQOI0
skilled in woodcraft than myself. But
a pebble dislodged from the bank
above sets every nerve at work. Moth
ing trains the ear to catch the least
sound, the muscles to obey the slight
est action OF the will, as quickly as
does impending danger.
Lying in cramped position in the
cave, with a stealthy red man seeking
my life, my nerves were wrought to
| the highest tension, and the insignifi-
cant pebble meant volumes.
The Indian was more than likely
| sneaking upon me from the rocks
above. Drawing further back in the
| cave prepared to meet any emergen-
cy. Moments that seemed hours of
suspense followed. Every sound in
the gulch was increased by my excit-
ed nerves tenfold. The splashing
cataract seemed confined to the limits
OF the cave. A lonely hawk, coursing
along it's airy beat, seemed to fan my
| cheeks with the lazy motion OF it's
wings, and it seemed to me that was
a sort OF central station with which
all che electric workings of nature
were connected.
But suddenly, without a moments
warning, there came a crash OF tumbl-
Ing earth and stones, and in less than
moment. | Twas almost buried in the
mass OF debris, with q huge Indian
seated upon me in the most un-
ceremonious fashion. For mo-
ment / was stunned; not the first
thought came into my mind; every
thing was a blank. But the con-
seriousness of the Indians dangerous
presence soon aroused me, and at the
same instant my unlimited guest re-
gained his feet. Whipping out my
hunting knife, made g. lunge for him
but my foot slipped and the blade
was broken against the rock.
This was terrible crisis; for mo-
ment it seemed that was al his mer-
cy. With a grunt of savage satisfac-
ton he reached for his tomahawk, but
thank God-it was gone.
Twas tall and strongly built, as
was the Indian, and there we stood,
within a few feet OF each other, enc
mies-mortal,> hated enemies: both
unarmed.
The thoughts that flashed through
my mind would have filed a volume,
never once did my eyes leave the
stealthy foe. Suddenly he lowered
his head and made mad rush as if
to overcome me by the velocity OF
his attack. Stepping quickly to one
side, hoored him with a blow back
of tho ear, and springing upon him,
soon placed my savage enemv-hors
de combat. There was nothing else
to do; should he live, I would almost
certainly meet my death, and find a.
dismal sepulcher in those lonely
mountains. Removing the lions
pelt as best I could with my pocket
knife, hurried from the spot.
In sneaking along the rocks above
the cave, to get sight OF me, if posi-
BILE, the Indian had incautiously STEP
ped upon weak spot and fell
through. I found his tomahawk
close by, and to this day it is exhib-
tied to my friends as memento OF
that encounter.-Denver Great Di.
! vide.