The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1897-02-19

| I'll the ARRIVAL or the troops, who wer
| known to be hot on the trail of the In
dians. The greatest danger to be feare,
was fire. Already the Apaches ha,
made several attempts to fire the hous
by hurting burning brands against il
but the boys at the water casks hat
been too quick for them, while the ain
of those at the loopholes was so deadl,
| that none of the Indians had succeed
ed in getting near enough to really star
blaze which would be dangerous.
"Still, it was an anxious time. Th,
days went by, the strain was beginning
to tell on them all; several Of then
wer> wounded, and suffering had made
them lost heart; they had given vi
hopes of the troops or of firing out ths
Apaches. The Indian loss, indeed, hat
been so heavy that everyone knew the
price which would be exacted by saw
age revenge. Still,s 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 sup
ply began to run alarmingly low; ther.
was barely enough for the Lorses ant
men, none to spare for the lavish ust
demanded in putting out even small
blaze. The suspense was horrible. Ten
saw that something would have to be
done. That something was very sud
denly precipitated by the Indians them
selves.
sarroonirp 11n 70 I,o c
possible, they made series of rushes
at the side least defended, and each
tim despite the lass of one or two lore
of their number, succeeded in throwing
lot of brush up against the house
This was as dry as tinder and last
well-directed brand set fire to the heap.
Water was at once thrown on the
flames, but they were almost immedi-
ately beyond control.
Boys said Tom, as the heat grew
momentarily more intense, we can't die
like rats in q hole. There's only ore
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,
''The men answered with ringing
cheer. 1t was what they wanted-to
die, if need be, with their boots on: die
lighting.
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 downed
US at last. We'll show them what we're
made of, though. Steady, now, boys,
until say gor
mo one faltered, even in that oven
of cracking flame, although the exult-
ant yells outside indicated only 100
plainly the welcome which awaited
them. The wounded had been fastened
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 well-known wild cowboy yell they
dashed out.
straight as bullet, in solid bunch,
all yelling like demons, they rode for
the Apaches. Taken by surprise, but
only for second, by the signt Of the
horses, the Indians rushed to their own
ponies. Whoops and shots rang out,
but close together the little band rode,
Tome and Jack gallantly leading.
ITO right and left they emp-ied their
revolvers, while many a red devil hit
the dust, and also, alas, many a saddle
was emptied, until at last they We're
that9was left,-that is.
"'Hurray! yelled Tom. Now for O
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'll never
latch us, and then it's clear thirty miles
20 Dolores
His gaze swept the ranks. Only five
If them left, and that bloodthirsty pack
n the rear! Even his splendid, buoyant
spirit qualied for the moment
Then as he looked at Jack-Jack
game, but weakened by the siege, pale
rom excitement, blood-stained, hardly |
luman in appearance-his nerve came |
)ack. With set teeth he dashed on.
,ther man gone. AS they reached the
the last man tumbled-only
Tom and Jack had survived the deadly |
lailstorm of lead. But, as Toms un-
poken prayer of gratitude for escape |
ormed itself. Jack fell forward on the
leck of his horse.
my God! You're hitv
Never mind; don't STOP and Jack
lung to the pommel of his saddle for
upport. They were in the canyon
low. threading its rocky labyrinth with
autious haste.
tom, with thankfulness, heard the
listant shouts grow fainter. How hor-
IDLY livid Jacks face was in the dim
ight!
' There's no use; we've got to stop"
le said. springing from his horse.
Here, let me fix you up And as lie
poke he bandaged the wound, nasty
ne in the side.
Hold on. Jack: you must hold on un-
il we get through the canyon There
vas a savage light in Toms eyes.
Can't you manage it?'
"'I'll try murmured Jack, family, and
s the sounds of pursuit again came
learer both men grimly urged their
lorses to faster pace. Loss of blood
vas telling on Jack. Tom saw with
nguish that he could barely keep his
eat on the horse. On, for chance to
xert his strength for tbs weaker COM
% nion bic horbood,c mo Dlood,o +,,,e4,. |