Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1896-11-29

to a still greater pitch OF frenzy.
Three DAYS went by, days Of con-
slant vigilance and steady lighting.
The Apaches tried every dodge known
to their mode OF warfare without any
success. Toms really mastery line Oh
/ defense and the plucl5y cooperation OF
the boys seemed to make il probable
that they would be able to hold out un-
til the arrival of the troops. who were
known TO be hot on the trail OF the IN
dams. The greatest danger to be fear
ed was fire. Already the Apaches had
made several attempts TO fire the house
by hurting burning brands against IT,,
but the boys at the water casks bad
been too quick for them, while the aim
Of those at the loopholes was so deadly
that none of the Indians had succeeded
in getting near enough to really start
blaze which would be dan serCus.
Still, it was an anxious time. The
days went by, the strain was beginning
( to tell on them all; several OF them
were wounded, and suffering had made
/ them lose heart: they had given mp
hopes of the troops or of firing out the
Apaches. The Indian loss, indeed, had
been so heavy that everyone knew tho
price which would be eXacted by savage
+ revenge. Still, there was nothing to
do but to hold on. The Apaches lay
hidden. but if by chance anyone showed
himself at the ranch there was an In
slant rain of scattering bullets.
! ITO complicate matters, the water
/ supply began to run alarmingly low;
/ there was barely enough for the horses
I and men. none to spare for the lavish
| use demanded in putting out even a
/ small blaze. The suspense was horrl-
BILE. Tom saw that something would
have to be done. That something was
very suddenly precipitated by the In
dams themselves.
Creeping up as close to the house as
/ possible they made a series OF rushes
at the side least defended, and each
/ time. despite the loss of one or two
more Of their number, succeeded in
throwing a lot of brush up against the
/ house. This was as dry as tinder and
/ a last well-directed brand set fire to the
/ heap.
water was at once thrown on the
flames, but they were almost lmmedl-
ately beyond control.
Boys said Tom, as the heat grew
momentarily more intense, we can
die like rats in a hole. There's only
one chance. We must cut our way
through. The horses are here; we IL
20 out in a bunch. Some of us are sure
to be dropped, but some OF us may get
through. It's our only hope; II we
/ have to die it'll be with our boots on
| and our guns in our hands.
"The men answered with q ringing
cheer. II was what they wanted-to
/ die. if need be, with their boots on; de
4 fighting.
Jack said Tom, as he frightened
/ his saddlegirths. and looked carefully
/ at every strap, Jack, dear old boy you
+ and 20 out together. We've done our
/ best to save the ranch, but they We
/ downed us at last. Well SHOW them
/ what we're made OF. though. Steadily
now. boys, until / say co.
mo one faltered even in that oven
| of cracking flame, although the eXul-
tant yells outside indicated only 100
MAINLY the welcome which awaited
/ them. The wounded had been ias-
tened to the saddles. the horses We're
ready-none too soon, for the animals
were quivering with fear. The door
was thrown open, the signal given and
with the well-known wild cowboy yell
| they dashed out.
straight as a bullet, in a 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
10 their own ponies. Whoops and
/ shots rang out, but close together the
little band rode, Tom and Jack gallant
| ~ leading
"To right and left they emptied their
revolvers, while many red devil bit
the dust, and also, alas, many saddle
was emptied, until at last they were
throueh-all that was left, that is
/ Hurrayt yelled Tom. Now for a
race! They are after us, Jack. But
never mind: Well make straight for
I Seven Mile canyon. If we can only get
/ through safe and sound they'll 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 moment.
Then as he looked at Jack-Jack
I 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 saddle-an-
other man gone. As they reached the
canyon the last man tumbled-only
/ Tom and Jack had survived the deadly
/ hailstorm Of lead. But, as Toms UNI
/ spoken prayer Of gratitude for escape
/ formed itself. Jack fell forward on the
neck Of his horse.
! NY Cod You're hit.'
q" Never mind; don't stop and Jack
chung to the pommel of his saddle for
/ support. They were in the canyon
now. threading its rocky labyrinth with
cautious haste.
tom, with thankfulness, heard the
distant shouts grow fainter. How
horribly livid Jacks face was in the
/ dim light,
There's no use; we've got to stop," ~
he said. springing from his horse.
Here. let me fix you up. And as he
spoke he bandaged the wound, a nasty
one I'm the side.
"Hold on, Jack; you must hold on
until we get through the canyon
There was a savage light in Toms
eyes. Can't you manage it,
In try murmured Jack family,
and as the sounds of pursuit again
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 chance
10 exert his strength for this weaker