The National tribune., 1898-07-14

hastily fitted out a squadron of Rangers
under command of Capt. John Henry
Brown, an energetic and courageous man,
who had had a wide experience in previ-
Gus contests with the Indians, and was
perfectly familiar with the frontier This
command was mustered at Bolton. in
Bell County, and left for the Indian
country about the middle of June. | en-
listed for six months, unless sooner dis
charged, and presume the others entered
for the same term.
About the 9Th of July we reached the
Caddoe village, and encamped at a fa-
nous chalybeate spring, the waters of
which are slightly tinctured with salt
Alter scouting the country consider
able time, we discovered signs of Indians.
OF nature to lead us to believe that we
were in the vicinity of a considerable force
OF Comanche or Kiowa warriors We
struck the trail Just before night and con-
seGuentiy had but little daylight by which
to follow 1t, and we consequently left it
and went down near the river bank to
encamp.
We tied our horses in well-concealed
place and established ourselves in
strongly defensive position by the side of
bluft on the second bank of the river,
and kindled but Il single small fire, to
favor the guard, who had to watch both
camps and horses, after which we Law
down 10 sleep. | came on guard as the
ana was also to stand the last relief in
place OF young man who was sick, so
that the guard duty for that night fell ex-
ciusively on Old Sharp and myself.
Sharp was an experienced hunter and
woodsman, and had had many an en-
counter with the Indians. He was social
and lively, and about 40 years of age;
well built, with dark, keen eyes. black
hair, and OF swarthy complexion. with
wiry frame; he was active and brave, and
he received the name OF "OId Sharp" not
on account OF age, but because of his ex-
preston and quaint manner Never was
the camp safer. from surprise than when
he stood sentinel
Not an unwonted sound had broken in
upon the solemn stiffness of the night. and
at length, when my time had expired
went TO arouse Old Sharp, but had scarcely
touched MN, when a loud Iattling of
rocks at the water edge brought him to
his feet inStantaneously.
what's thaty" said he, in a wl1isper.
Horse loose, reckon" was my reply.
IN an undertone, and leaving Sharp on
guard | slipped down to the river bank.
which was here about eight feet high and
perpendicular. | was advancing rapidly
with my left hand raised before me to pro,
tect my lace from Ovcrhanging boughs
and my right on the stock N my NAVY
DIX, when the sound of rafting rocks
was repeated, but failed To detect the
helAo 'ihS VI iIU DC > f1DDIS, ana 1 therefore
at once concluded an Indian was sccreted
in the vicinity
! was going rapidly toward the sound
which, in turn, seemed 10 approach me
when suddenly stepped over the bank
down on the hard rocks and found myself
confronted by full grown black bear In
deed, had almost fallen on his head
sprang to my feet without DELAY and
drew my pistol as quickly as possible. but
100 late. Just as ! regained my feet the
bear reared upon his hind legs, beloved
plteousiy with fright almost turned n
back summersault, and then fled prccipi
lately across the shOai and into The
thlckefs ON the opposite bank of the river
returning to Sharp he wanted TO know
what the row was, and | informed hin,
that 1T was bear that had made the
NOISE; Yes, yes, he replied: but al
Iowed you hid khiied the 'cuss, from the
way hc bellcred.'' This was the FIRST
time thought of my knife, though I then
carried splendid Bowie knife in NV
belt.
=. was too sleepy TO continue the confab
SO picked out good place by the side OF
an oid log, wicrc there were plenty of dry
leaves Tor Il bed, and lay down to sIecn
although ] was some distance from the
| remainder OF the party | had been asIeen
some time when felt a sense of close
ness or warmness and woke up. and fell
oharps hand upon me at the same
Come. my boy" said he; there is
danger here.
In an instant l was on my feet. rife in
hand, ready ior any emergency. IN
luns?' asked.
Look thar, said he, pointing TO a dark
object slowly retreating into the shadows
OF the timber.
Instantly brought my rifle to bear upon
it, when Sharp laid his hand on INV
shoulder, saying In a whisper
Stop, boy; thar's Injuns about, and We
mustn't shoot"
At this moment the animal turned
around and came back a few PAGES to-
ward us, stopped with one forefoot par
tally raised, and glared upon us i'm an
apparently mingled rage and astonish-
ment. Sharp only frightened his grip on
my shoulder and whispered:
Look him right straight in the eyes
boy"