The National tribune., 1900-06-21

her, and as we cautiously moved TO the
other side of the group he whispered IN my
ear: :,
"Karl, she is the loveliest thing on earth. |"
I thought so, too.
We got very close to Inez: she was on the
outside border of the camp, but two or three
Buuaws were close beside her and young
warrior was stepping back and forth In
lront Of her. To get Inez and escape was
q problem indeed.
We had left our horses on the other side
of the camp, a grave mistake. While the
Indians were busily engaged eating their
morning meal, Mat thought it wise to get
the horses to a more convenient position.
He glided noiselessly from our cover, and
after being absent short time. he came
back, and in a low whisper Informed me
that the time for action had come.
sTUNG TO ACTION.
Just at this instant the young warrior
approached Inez with q burning brand,
and after muttering several words, which
l did not understand, but Mat said it was
an offer on his part to marry her, and a
threat 10 burn her If she did not accept he
stood silent few moments and then thrust
the brand toward her breast. She uttered
shrek, and dropped her head as II IN
conscious.
1t was too much: let the warrior have
the contents of my gun before kneY what
j had done. Mats gun reported about the
same time
Then our pistols rang lively clatter;
the whole camp was excited. / leaped TO
the side Of IneZ. and with my bowie instant
ly severed the bonds. Clasping her lin my
arms, / would have dashed 10 safety, but a
strong warrior grasped my arm, and gave
me vicious lerk II was his last act, for
al this point in the drama Mat came for
ward and thrust his knife into the breast OF
the Indian, and cried 10 me TO go.
Maty4 R.Sta .,-g n ia 4 M, mt and
we We're riding towards our camp at a
lively gailop. Nat carried my gun, and |
carried the prize of our eXDloit-IneZ.
The ride in the cool air Of that May morn
ing soon brought her to consciousness.
and placing a kiss upon her lips. ] asked
her II she knew nc, and she replied
You are Scnor de Prest, but | don I
know your comCalion."
/ told ner who he was. and that was all
the CONVERSATION that took place that morn
ing during our lively ride.
When within about three miles Of camp.
we heard the clat'-r e hocfs, and turning,
beheld a squad cf McN'can soldiers coming
after Us, and almost within gun-shot.
We sped on over hilI and through dale, a
terrible run.
Three AeXicans now were gaining on US
the others were strung out in a long line
behind. No telling now soon we would
have been downed, for our horses were
visibly distressed, had not Degiff turned
up about this time leading half-a-dozen oi
the boys, and lei the enemy have a voley
from their guns. Neither Mexican wal
killed, although one was hit, but aftel
returning the fire, they wheeled and with
drew 10 the main body. We rode steadily
however, for a considerable distance
Then Degiff said:
Karl, the duel is something that vii
never come TO pass. Allow me to shou
'Hurrahn for you. and let me take the lady
on my horse, for know you are tired"
NO" / answered; Il will take her int
camp, then liberate her"
Well, then, get on 10 my horse; he i,
fresh and more Sjle 10 carry you, and
Will walk. and lead yours. Those Greasers
won't trouble us any more, | think"
Seeing that he WAS determined to ac
commOdate me, and that we could now afforC
10 stop 10 make the exchange, | accented
this last offer, and as We We're nearing
camp j leaned over near him, and gav
him my hand Ard when we reache,
camp we got genuine ovation.
MEETING THE MEXIcANs.
Degiff informed the Lieutenant tina
about 200 Mexican soldiers We're preparing
10 make an attack on our camp. W
quickly made arrangements to NEE
them, and when they wished 10 attac
we were ready for them. We did not bay
long to wait We saw them coming, hear,
the clanking Of sabers and shouts of tn
men. They got warm reception fror
our musketry, and with 4 shout Of triumph
we charged 10 meet them, and they wheele
about and retreated.
On We charged. Degiff led the process
s,on; We turned them toward the river, an
closely pursued them, our guns cheering
us on with their loud reports. On, or
they went, and we closely followed. TIL
rlVer's mad current was before them, read
to sweep TO death and destruction anythini
that would try TO battle with its strength
In the river they plunged Every Texa
sat silently on his horse and watched tn
result. Down went horses and riders
Yhey rose again, but one by one they wer
swept down the stream, until they eithe