The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1897-04-24


1T was not long walt. In a very
short time the ranch was surrounded
by a large band of whooping devils
who evidently expected to find the
house as unprotected as the one they
had just destroyed, for. without mo-
ment's pause, they made wild rush TO
ward IT,
"They were met by a whitening vol
ley from the various loopholes and fell
back with considerable loss, which, os
a wholesome lesson. had its effect, but
yet undoubtedly reused the Indians to
a still greater pitch of frenzy.
Three days went by, days OF con-
slant vigilance and steady fighting.
The Apaches tried every dodge known
to their mode of warfare without any
success. Toms really mastery line or
defense and the plucky cooperation OF
the boys seemed to make 1t probable
that they would be able to hold out I'M
til the arrival OF the troops. who We're
known to be hot on the trail Of the In
dams. The greatest danger to be feared
was fire. Already the Apaches had
made several attempts to FIRE the house
by hurting burning brands against 1t,
but the boys at the water casks had
been too quick for them, while the aim
of those at the loopholes was so deadly
that none of the Indians had succeed
ed In getting near enough to really start
blaze which would be dangerous.
"Stll, 1t was an anxious time. The
days went by, the strain was beginning
to tell on them all; several Of them
wer, wounded. and suffering had made
them lost heart; they had given up
hopes of the troops or of firing out the
Apaches. The Indian loss, indeed, had
been so heavy that everyone knew the
price which would be exacted by saw
age 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 sup
ply began to run alarmingly low; there
was barely enough for the Lorses and
men, none to spare for the lavish use
demanded in putting out even a small
blaze. The suspense was horrible Tom
saw that something would have to be
done. That something was very sud
denly precipitated by the Indians them
selves.
Creeping up as close to the house as
possible, they made a series OF PUSHES
at the side least defended, and each
time. despite the lass of one or two more
of their number, succeeded in throwing
lot of brush up against the house
This was as dry as finder and a 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 a hole. There's only on,
chance. We must cut our way through
The horses are here; Wen go out in Z
bunch. Some of us are sure to b.
dropped, but some of us may ge
through. It's our only hope; if we hav'
to die it'll be with our boots on and gu
guns in our hands,
"The men answered with ringia.
cheer. 1t was what they wanted-t'
die, If need be, with their boots on: di
lighting.
Jack said Tom. as he frightened hi
saddlegirths, and looked carefully a
every strap, Jack, dear old boy. you an,
go out together. We've done our bes
to save the ranch, but they've downe
us at last Wen show them what we'r
made of, though. Steady, now, boy:
until say gov
mo one faltered, even in that owe
Of cracking flame, although the exult
ant yells outside indicated only TO
plainly the welcome which awaite
them. The wounded had been fastene
to the saddles, the horses were ready
none too soon, for the animals wer
D quivering with fear. The door wa
, thrown open, the signal given and wit
! the well-known wild cowboy yell the
, dashed out.
( straight as a bullet, In a solid buucl
S all yelling like demons, they rode fc
$ the Apaches. Taken by surprise, br
: only for a second, by the sight Of III
/ horses, the Indians rushed to their ow
HOhA1os w hOoRo anu SINUS ldnS Ou
+ but close together the little band rod
G Tome and Jack CALAMITY leading.
l. ITO right and left they empried the
n revolvers, while many red devil b
z the dust, and also, alas, many a sadd
4 was empued, until at last they wei
6 through-all that was left, that is.
e Hurrayv yelled Tom. Now FOR
e racel They are after us, Jack. Bl
never mind; Wen make straight Z,
: Seven Mile canyon. II we can only e
e through safe and sound they'll nev,
= catch us, and then it's clear thirty mil,
II to Dolores
: His gaze swept the ranks. Only hl
e Of them left, and that bloodthirsty pa,
n in the rearl Even his splendid, buoyai
c spirit qualied for the moment.
st Then as he looked at Jack-Ja,
game, but weakened by the siege, pa
n from excitement, blood-stained, hard
/ human In appearance-his nerve can
It back. With set teeth he dashed O
u Crack One more empty saddle-a
v other man gone. AS they reached d
-e canyon the last man tumbled-on
r Tom and Jack had survived the dead
-. ~