The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-12-03

9 FOR . LITTLE : FOLKS =



ley decided that the frightful. accounts of
indian attacks which the cowboy had told
him about, was only a clever ruse to Sc
cure the $50 Bradley was on the point of
dismissfng his companion, thinking he had
no use for him, when the cowboy said to
him:
do you see that pile of bones yonder?'
pointing with his finger That Is the re-
mains of a gold seeker who was foolish
enough to undertake the journey alone,
and should serve as a silent warning DO
you that you need a companion. While
thus engaged in conversation, the cowboy
turning in his saddle and looking to the
right. saw sight which drove terror to
his heart. He told his companion to look,
but Bradley could not realize what it
meant. The dim outline of moving objects
could be seen. The experienced eye of the
cowboy knew that 1t an army of mer-
CHESS reds coming towards them in hot
haste. The cowboy put spurs to his horse,
and simply said to his companion "come."
For several mile 1t was even race, but
the horses of the two travellers, being tired,
1t was evident that they could not keep
their distance long. On the yelling sovages
came. Deathly terror was pictured upon
the countenance Of Bradley He though
of the happy home he had left, and would
have given all the gold of India to have
oeen back there. The cowboy perceived
house in the distance, which had been
SI6Cleu out Oh the prairie lOE tOWDOJS ~
take shelter under during bad weather.
The two men made for this house. 1t had
a large entrance-large enough to admit
their horses, they dashed into the build
ing.
s When the Indians got within one hundred
yards of the building, they stopped and dis
mounted, and began to yell and give other
evidences of delight. The cowboy knew
that they intended to wait until darkness
threw her mantle over the earth before
taking their scalps, and Burning them at
the stakes. "Is there no escape?" asked
Bradley, too much frightened to speak
above a whisper The cowboy made no re-
ply. burt a novel thought was then agitating
his mind Tt was plain that they must make
desperate chances for escape. Throwing off
his coat and pulling off his pants, he order
ed Bradley to do the same. They fastened
pieces of boards together and put their
clothing on them somewhat to resemble
man.
They then securely tied the dummies to
their saddles. After placing their hats on
the artificial men they could not have been
told from real men at distance, as it
was now growing dark They led their
horses to the entrance, hit them with ter
rifle force, which caused their horses to
dash out into the prairies. The Indians
looked and saw their victims as they sup
posed, escaping. In an instant every saw
age was on his horse to give persuit.
When they were out of sight both men left
the building and swiftly made their way to
a ranchmans house few miles off, where
they obtained clothing and couple of
ponies. They continued their Journey and
reached California safely. Bradley was
luckeyy Tn couple of years he was rich.
Then his heart began to pine for wife and
children. He came back ladened with
wealth, and received sthe warm welcome
of family and friends He induced the cow
boy to return with him. AS no story Is
worth much unless Cupid gives 1T befit-
ing finale. so Cupid comes In for his share
of the honors in this story. Bradley was
the father of bright girl Of fifteen when
he left home, and who now had developed
into, beautiful young woman. The cow
boy loved the girl, and the girl loved the
cowboy Bradley was delighted at this,
and in short time they were married.
You may talk about your Caesar, and your
Napoleon. but John Bradley thinks his
son-in-law surpasses them both when 1t
comes to battling an enemy.