The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1893-08-16

we saw single horseman riding
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 a
fellow don't hurry for nothing"
By this time the lone rider had
reached the head of our line, and
singing out the guide, he courteously
saluted him. "You had better bring
your wagons close together, and be
ready to form corral at o moment's 8
notice." he said, including us all.
''There'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"
'Much obliged, stranger" said our
guide. ''My name is Sam Lount
might 1 ask yours and how you got
clear of the reds yourself?"
'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 Carsoni" the
familiar name ran down our extended
ranks like a cheer. We all hurried to
the front to shake hands with the
famous scout.
Carson was at this time in the prime
of life-about forty years old, think
A casual observer, noting his rather
understood form, peaceful appearance
and modest, unassuming manners,
would never have dreamed of selecting
him from out crowd as the most dar-
ing rider, fearless explorer and success
full Indian fighter known to Western
fame.
Carson went on to answer the guides
question: 81 had no trouble to keep
clear of the redskins, because, though
l was often much nearer, none caught
sight of me at a less distance than sixty
rods, and they know Lightfoot" (his
celebrated thoroughbred mare) "too
well to waste time in chase. A"
'I've got men and horses camped
down on the Little Colorado, he went
on, ''but i have been riding alone for
a week trying to select the shortest and
easiest wagon route through this part
of the country. Three days ago l ran
on Geronimo's warriors Just after
they'd wiped out q party of emigrants.
The remains of four wagons were still
smoking, and, as nearly as I could
judge, sixteen bodies had been piled
up with them. Eight mules lay dead
around. Looking down on their camp
yesterday ] discovered they had five
American horses and men," he added
slowly; 'they've got a young white
woman prisoner.
There were LOG Indians in the band.
There are 80 now. Most are armed
with bowsand arrows, tomahaws, lances
and knives. About thirty carry old
smooth bore flint lock guns"
"And You think they know that we're
coming?" asked Lount.
''Im sure of il, answered Carson.
"They have scouts out You haven't
seen them, but they've counted you
over and over again.
'But they must know that you'd
warn us?" l observed.
"What do you take me for, young
sir, 4" laughed Carson. ''Not a red has
had sight of me for the last twenty
four hours. 1t was from their motion
that knew train was coming"
''And now" continued the scout,
becoming serious, sit must never be
said thet thirty-six American men al
lowed countrywoman of theirs to be
carried of by band of savages. If
you'll join in and do exactly as say,
we'll rescue that girl before tomorrow
morning. Who says yes?"
81, " shouted every man of us.
''Vory well, then, said Carson with
a sudden sunny smile "Unhitch for
dinner, now, and we shall not start
again until the middle of the after
noon. The plan is to reach Baby
Range just before supdown and camp
little this SIDE"