The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-11-29

grew momentarily more intense, we
can't die like rats in a hole. There's
only one chance. We must cut our
way through The horses are here;
We'll go out in a bunch. Some of us
are sure to be dropped, but some of US
may get through. It's our only hope;
if we have to die it'll be with our boots
on and our guns in our hands.
1.-THE men answered with ringing
cheer. 1t was what they wanted-to
die, If need be, with their boots on;
die fighting.
Jack, said Tom, as he frightened
his saddlegirths, and looked carefully at
every strap, Jack, dear old boy, you
and go out together. We've done our
best to save the ranch but they've
what were made of though. Steady,
now, boys, until / say gov
mo one faltered, even in that oven
Of cracking flame, although the exult-
ant yells outside indicated only too
plainly the welcome which awaited
them The wounded had been fast
ened to the saddles, the horses were
ready-none too soon, for the animals
were quivering with fear. The door
was thrown open, the signal given and
with the wefl-known wild cowboy yell
the dashed out
straight as bullet, in solid
bunch, all yelling like demons, they
rode for the Apaches. Taken by sur
prise, but only for second, by the
sight of the horses, the Indians rushed
to their own ponies. Whoops and
shouts rang out, but close together the
little band rode. Tom and Jack gal
lantly leading.
ITO right and left they emptied their
revolvers, while many a red devil bit
| the dust, and also, alas, many a saddle
was emptied, until at last they were
through-all that was left that is.
:" 'Hurrah!' yelled Tom. Now for
race! They are after us, Jack. But
never mind; we'll make straight for
Seven Mile canyon. If we can only
| get through safe and sound they'il
never catch US, and then it's clear
thirty miles to Dolores
His gaze swept the ranks Only
| five of them left, and that bloodthirsty
pack in the rear! Even his splendid,
| buoyant spirit Quailed for the mo-
! ment.
Then as he looked at Jack-Jack
| game, but weakened by the siege, pale
from excitement, blood-stained, hardly
| human in appearance-his nerve came
/ back. With set teeth he dashed on
Crack! One more empty saddIe-an-
other man gone. AS they reached the
canyon the last man tumbled-oniy
/ Tom and Jack had survived the deadly
hailstorm of lead. But. as Toms un-
spoken prayer of gratitude for escape
/
neck Of his horse.
My God! You're hitv
| Never mind don't STOP and Jack
chung to the pomnel Of his saddle for
support. They We're in the canyon
now, threading it's rocky labyrinth
with cautious haste.
TON, with thankfulness heard the
distant shouts grow fainter. How hor-
ribly livid Jacks face was in the dim
light!
he said, springing from his horse
Here, let me fix you up And as he
one in the side.
Hold on, Jack; you must hold on
until we get through the canyon
There was a savage light in Tom 8
eyes. Can't you manage it?
TIL try murmured Jack family
and as the sounds Of pursuit again
1 came nearer both men grimly urged
! their horses to a faster pace Loss of
blood was telling on Jack. Tom saw
with anguish that he could barely keep
! his seat on the horse. Oh, for a chance
| to exert his strength for this weaker
! companion, his boyhood's, manhood's
| battle was nothing, but to die cornered,
| trapped, perhaps tol-tured-God, it was
! too much!
1.-The canyon was nothing more than
the bed OF an old, dried-up stream, full
/ of powders and loose stones. 1t was
| dangerous work dashing through at
| full speed, but there was no time to
| pick their way; they could only trust
/ to luck
Suddenly Toms horse came down
with a crash. He had stepped into a