Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1899-09-22
RAID.


formed the dining table, and one after
another the Indians sat down, each
placing his rifle 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.
McGinnis was provident cook.
Wood and water were beside the stove,
kindling was already laid, and a 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 very few minutes their coffee
was ready and they were helping
themselves to bread and butter and
beans.
Then they repeated their demand for
meat, and Turner was at loss what
to do. He knew there was part of
boiled ham left, for the fact had been
gravely commented upon that morning
at breakfast; but he could not find 1t,
though he searched in every place that
he could think Of.
The Indians grew all the while more
threatening and Turner more nervous
and apprehensive. He had almost
given up the search in despair, when,
CHANGING to look up in the tent, he saw
against the ridge-pole a 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
die was hooked to a nail in one of the
uprights. Turner took down the bun
die and united the lash. Inside was
the precious ham.
The pride Of the cook was so great
In McGinnis, who always felt deeply
humiliated when provisions were
scarce-though no scarcity had ever oc-
CURED through fault of his-that he
had taken this unnecessary precaution
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 at their mercy, also. While
he was vainly 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
4 raised up and started across the tent.
Then he discovered the three rifles
pointed at him and came to a sudden
stop. His blackened face was drawn
into an expression of startled surprise
as he stared at 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 thisY' asked McGinnis
when he saw the steaming coffee cups
and the bread beside them. He looked
calmly at the Indians and then inuuir.
ingly at Turner.
Put down that knifev he said, sud
denly.
"Shoot" exclaimed the tallest In
dian, and he came a step forward.
McGinnis paid no attention to him
Have they ct ony a that hamT he
asked, tiercely; at the same time he
pushed Turner away from the table.
NO." answered the latter, feebly.
"It's good thing for yous you ain'tv
he said to the Indians.
"Uh! We want meat" said the
leader.
The old cooks face flushed with an
ger; but he said nothing.
| Limplng quickly forward a step he
bent down, and, picking up the black
, snake whip, he struck the nearest In
dian heavy blow over the head.
The rifles were still pointed at him
and Turner expected every moment tc
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 wher
he came within reach Of them.
: In moment all four were outsid,
the tent, and, as far as Turner coult
see from where he stood, the unwel
come visitors. instead Of using theil
rifles. concerned themselves only witt
keeping out of the way Of the whip.
| Turnpr lISfanad IN tha cnuDds ou+, q a.