The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1899-09-21


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 nx 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.
McGInns was providcnt cook.
Wood and water were beside the stove,
kIndlng was already laid, and 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-
mandcd rs quickly rs 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 ut loss what
to do. He knew there was part of
boiled ham left, for the fact had been
grnvely commented upon that morning
Mt breakfast; but he could not find II,
though he searched In every place that
he could think OF.
The Indians grew all the while more
threatening and Turner more nervous
and apprehcnsivc. file had almost
given up the search In despair, when,
CHANGING to look up in the tent, he saw
against the ridge pole bundle
wrapped In clean cloth. with the lash
of n 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 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 McGlnnis. who always felt deeply
Inundated when provisions were
scarce though no scarcity had ever oc.
CURED through fault Of his-that he
had taken this unnecessary prccaution
10 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 ana 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 nj their mercy. also. While
he was valnly considering what to do
the canvas opposite the opening was
raised and the old cook crawlcd under
lie did not see the Indians till he had
raised w and started across the tent
Then he discovered the three rifles
pointed AT him and came To n sudden
stop. His hlackturd face was drawn
into m expression Of startled surprise
rs he stared NJ each of the Indians,
aud finally M Turner. who stood be
side the table with the carving knife
still raised in his right hand.
What's thisE" asked McGinnls
when he saw the steamng coffee cups
and the bread beside them. He looked
calmly NJ the Indians and then inQuir.
ingly nj Turner,
Put down that knife" he said. sud.
denly.
shoot. exclaimed the tallest In
dian, and he came step forward.
McGiuuis paid NO attention 10 him.
Have they e't ony a thar ham?" he
asked, tierCely; NJ the same time he
pushed Turner away from the table.
NO" answered the latter. feebly.
It's Il good thing for yous you amt"
he said 10 the Indians.
"Uh, We want meat" said the
leader.
The old cooks face flushed with an.
ger; but he said nothing.
IImplng 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 >ttll pointed az him.
aud Turner expected every moment 70
see him she, down; but the Indians
seemed taken entirely by surprise.
The old mSn followed up his blows.
and struck the other two Indians when
he came within reach ~ them.
In moment sill four were outside
the tent. and. Is far As Turner could
sse tro,a where he stood. the uuwel-
cpms visitors. instead 81 using their
rides, concvvuei themselves only with
keeping o0I % The Way ~ the why.
Turner listened II the sounds outside