The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-09-19

scended at the very instant he reached
the inner end Of the bridge, and In that
same instant the whole structure went
down with tremendous crash into the
deep and narrow gorge beneath it.
The yells and den unciations that arose
from the ColoneFs assailants can be
imagined.
A couple Of horses were killed and
two or three limbs were broken, in addi-
tion to which every man was obliged to
struggle out Of the stream as he could,
and the cries and threats with which
this task was accomplished made up a
scene resembling pandemonium.
The Colonel did not wait, however, to
note the results of the measure he had
taken. but beat a rapid retreat to his
residence. shutting himself in.
aWell Mr.. Baker," he announced,
@the rascsls having begun war, have
given them touch some Of them will
doubtless remember, tumbling them into
the river. That bridge, you see, was
built in the early days, when redskins
and road agents were about equally dan.
gerous, and it was 80 constructed by the
original occupant of these premises that
it could be instantly demolished without
losing a single timber, they being all
fastened together. He took it down re-
peatedly, but this Is the first time have
had occasion to do So"
aOf course they win be furious" re-
turned the ming expert, seizing his rifle.
Doubtless. admitted tho Colonel, as
he also armed himself. ."But I have
scored first advantage by letting down
that bridge and we will score others be-
fore they drive Us from the peninsula
By the time the couple had made all
snug around them, Sam Gaddler and
several Of his chosen spirits struggled
up the bank, and took their way eau
tiously toward the house, at length gain
ing the shelter Of large pile of wood
between it and the river.
sAnd now to give 1t to them hot and
heavy muttered the leader Of the as
sailants. @If we don't kill them both, it
will be because there Is no virtue In
bullets"
We need not linger upon the details of
the fight that succeeded. Thanks to
the shelter both parties had secured,
not the least injury was accomplished
during the first half hour, except that
every window, with most of the sashes,
had been broken out Of the Colonels
dwelling.
aThis will never do," at length
growlei Sam Gaddler. ave must set
the house afre, whatever the cost or
risk. Can you manage it, Dakin?"
81 can at least try, SIR"
The rufian tried so we'll, taking ad-
vantage of certain shelters and angles
afforded him, that it was not long before
he had kindled two fires at the side Of
the dwelling and one on its roof.
"That will do the business, Cap" he
as he returned to the shelter
of the wood-pile, despite the bullets that
were sent after him. ave can shoot
them If they come out to extinguish the
fire, and if they don't come out they'll
be roasted"
The situation had, indeed, become
bad one for the gallant defenders
"The house Is sure to CO." remarked
the Colonel, after listening moment to
the roar of the flames.
"What pity that have got you into
this troubled" was Bakers answer.
"Never mind that" said the Colonel.
sAnother house can be readily built II
we make our escape, and these chaps
can all be sent to prison for good long
term when we once get hold OF them. /
think now IS good moment to give
them the slip and go the stable. With a
start of few moments we may be able
to secure our horses, which are saddled
and bridled, and so make our escape
across the river"
The attempt was duly made, the
couple slipping out by side door, and
they had the good fortune to reach the
stable before the assailants caught sight
Of them.
"They see u.s." exclaimed Baker, as
the cries Of the enemy announced tho
fact. ave must be lively!"
Fortunately there was side door to
the stable, and no time was lost by the
couple in availing themselves Of this
door to make bee-line for the river at
full gallop, needless of the instant pur.
suit and the shower Of bullets by which
their fight was accompanied
"Of course there is chance against
Us while we are crossing the stream"
exclaimed the Colonel, as he led the way
into the water. keep close 70 me,
Baker. There Is q sort of ford here, ii
we don't miss it. These horses have
often practiced this swim, and will make
Us no trouble"
He lodged involuntari!y as number
Of balls whistled past the couple, some
Of them dangerously near, but the start
had been we'll taken, and the fugitives
were out of the river before their assail.
ants had reached the opposite bank.
"We might dispute their passage
said the Colonel, "and could certainly
reduce their number before they reach
this bank, but the odds and risks are too
great for US to make a stand here. II
will be better for US to resort to guer.
riIla tactics, making a stand only when
everything Is in our favor"
"Set fire to that shanty," Sam Gaddlei
was heard shouting, with gesture to-
ward the stable, Sand be quick about it.
I want to run the pair down during the
next twenty minutes" he added, in q
lower tone, addressing one OF his favor.
ties, sin order that I may go to Custer tc
intercept couple who are coming to the
Be lively now, all Of you,
and l shall soon be able to start upon
my proposed Journey"
A hearty response was given him, and
In another minute his ruffians had cross
ed the stream and were galloping furi.
ously after Colonel Whipsaw and Baker,
who had dashed away with tho cir Of
men who know that they are menaced
by terrible peril.
CHAPTER XII
INTO EVIL HANDS