Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1899-10-04


formed the dining table. and one after
another the Indians sat down. each
placing his ride before him within easy
/ reach.
Coffee. bread, meat" said the
leader. His order was imperative.
Turner lost no time in getting down
| the coffee pot.
The struggle for the ak had left him
nervous. but alert; and he watched
eagerly for an excuse TO go outside OF
the tent Everything, however, was
ready to hand
McGlnnis was proyident cook.
Wood and water We're beside the stove,
kindling WAS already laid, and n box
OF matches had been left ON the hearth
His every movement was watched
SO closely that Turner soon gave up
hope of getting away and devoted him
self to serving what the Indians de
manded as quickly as possible.
In a very few minutes their coffee
was ready and they We're helping
themselves to bread and butter and
beans.
| Then they repeated their demand fol
meat, and Turner was at a loss what
to do. He knew there was part of a
boile, ham left. for the fact had been
gravely commented upon that morning
at breakfast; but lie could not lind It,
though he searched In every place that
he could think Of
The Indians grew all the while more
threatening and Turner more nervous
and apprehenslye. He had almost
| given up the search In despair, when,
CHANGING to look up in the tent, he saw
against the ridgepole II bundle
wrapped In clean cloth, with the lash
of blacksnake whip tied around 1t.
The whip had been drawn through be-
tween the canvas and the pole until
the bundle touched both, and the han
uprlghts. Turner took down the bun
die aud united the lash. Inside was
the precious ham.
The pride OF the cook was 80 great
!
humiiated when provisions were
though no scarcity had ever oc
Cured through fault of hls-that he
had taken this unnecessary precautlon
to keep our diminished meat supply
safe.
Turner got out long knife and be-
gan TO slice the ham.
Suddenly the Indians took up their
rifles. and one Of them went stealthily
to the tent opening. Turner had heard
no sound; but he feared that McGinnis
might be coming, and that before he
could warn him the Indians would
have him ut their mercy, also. While
he was yainly considering what to do
the canvas opposite the opening was
raised and the old cook crawled under
He did not see the Indians till he had
raised up and started across the tent.
Then he discovered the three rifles
pointed at him and came to Il sudden
stop. His blackened face was drawn
as he stared ut each of the Indians,
and finally at Turner, who stood be-
side the table with the carving knife
still raised In his right hand
"Whats this?' asked McGinnis,
when he saw the steaming coffee cups
and the bread beside them. He looked
calmly at the Indians and then inqulr-
ingly at Turner.
put down that knife" he said, sud
denly.
shoot" exclaimed the tallest In
dian, and he came step forward.
McGinnis paid no attention 10 him.
Have they e't ony a that ham," he
asked. hercely: ut the same time he
pushed Turner away from the table.
no" answered the latter, feebly.
ITS a good thing for yous you amt"
he said to the Indians.
.'Uh! We want meat" said the
leader.
The old cooks face flushed with an
ger; but he said nothing.
Llmping quickly forward step he
bent down. and, picking up the black
snake whip. he struck the nearest In
dian heavy blow over the head.
The rifles We're still pointed at him.
and Turner expected every moment TO
see him shot down; but the Indians
seemed taken entirely by surprise.
The old man followed up his blows
and struck the other two Indians when
he came within reach Of them.
In moment all four We're outside
the tent. and. AS far us Turner could
see from where he stood, the unwel-
come visitors. instead OF using their
riries, concerned themselves only with
keeping out OF the way of the whip.
Turner listened to the sounds outside
for awhile. and was just starting to-
ward the tent-fiaps when McGinnis
came back with the whip under his
arm.
He was breathing hard and mop
ping his black face with a great red
handkerchief. Going at once to the
table, he examined the ham, after
which he wrapped the cloth about II
4 a.. p..ll tn Ia