The National tribune., 1900-06-07

one trying to put the other into the stream.
Drops CT perspiration we're standing on
our faces. We locked each other in the
face with cleaning eyes. and again and
again each tried to throw the other into the
stream. Finally ] succeeded III putting
him in, but | had Caught Tartar" and
| found myself in the swollen creek also.
With few vicious jerks | had freed myself
rom my antagonist, and clutching d
floating log. | went down stream with the
fieetness Of the wind. Looking back / saw
my enemy reaching the bank. / was free
from him but where | was drifting | did not
know.
However. ! had not gone far when l
reached the ford. and Just in tiIne too. for
the Rangers were crossing. Swinging
on TO q horses tail | was pulled ashore.
and much TO nay surprise | found that
my horse had fed from the scene Of the
encounter with the enemy. and had galloped
of II the band. | washed my face, re-
mounted my horse, and was soon the same
scout that was an hour before.
After relating my adventure. it was
agreed TO scout the surroundings ard see
what We could find Of a Mexican army
After about an hours halt. the call for my
return was made; upon reaching the band
WIS told that ahnnt 100 Nexicans were
directly in our path. not more than two
miles ahead.
Everything was put IN readiness for q
natii'. as Il Hgri WIS what we expected.
aud really what many Of rs wanted. Bat
when We reached the much -hoped-for battle
ground $40 sign uf an army was visible.
but almost instantly NY now companion
and scout. DegifT. returned With the news
that yi!ef' We're fleeing noriIward
cnunct uf var wa5 called and il was
decided - let them fee. and keep on our
course To The bGr,'er
ANOTHER ADVENTURE.
About sunset We reached beautiful
valley near the Colorado. and as our horses
were very tired. decided 10 pass the night at
this place
Twas Immediately dispatched to see if
the coast was clear. After leaving camp |
wandered down towards tie river. until |
got ABOUT half mil" from camp and a
quarter mile from the river. when "bangw
went the report # 4 gun Il short distance
aTaF. and "siz wei,t the bullet near my
head. SharpShDUteEs around | thought.
but no quicker than the Thought entered my
BRAN. aMctEer bang and SIP" and my
horse fell from under me- pitching me
heIdipnS into the grass. As in the twink
ing 81 an eye. was on my feet and starting
ou u back run towards camp. However
lad not gone very far when another
sharpshooter doomed mp. directly in nv
path this time. ! made a quick turn and
AT = headl0ng speed made for the river.
Now Vas between tine irving pan and
The fire. Behind me came the Mexicans;
bef3r" me was the river. On on, | sped- :.
over logs. tirD;.g,i bushes and grass,
around trees. acrOfS mudh0leS; but the
two M"NicaHs never Eaused: TREY came on,
bul cOHi1 HUt gain on me. as | could travel
easier than tine horses, and the power Of
fear was strong force 10 urge me on.
Rang, slz: bang. siz." went the re,orts !
oi their mGskets and the songs Of the leaden |
missiles; but they all were in vain. as
kept my pace and escaped so far unharmed |
But thls would soon ccase-this on |
ward iiight. Matters would soon take "A
turn. Tho river WAS in sight, a swollen
stream with madhened current, ready
10 sweep 10 death and destruction any
thing that should fan into its grasp was
cool but ] was desperate. One moment
more, only one, and would be no more
but. an 4 change. y horse with saddle.
nut I9derleSS, came mp the river bank. An
instant and was III the saddle. riding with
the iiaetnesS Of the wind. so 10 speak. Ii
seemed 10 me that hc WAS doing the slowest
travelling for n running horse that | had
ever seen. but he was about the fastest
Talking about fellows riding faster than
! tried i;
Ny horse soon outstripped the Mexicans'
and as Tie sun sank on that eyentfu even
ing was emerging into very densely
wooded swamp. which ] soon found would
not admit Of hofSc and rider pepetratiu., its
as knew it woald not do 10 undertake 10
Keep nm with me. as lie would probably
neigh aud be RESTLESS, thereby diyulginp
our presence. and ;ls the swamp was so
IIliGkiN covered with undcrgrowth it would
bedlilcu!t TO lead Il wiry horse through il.
l had not gone far when | was plunged
into Egyptian darkness, SO dense was the
Wood. j Travelled on several hours | do |
not know how long. as minutes then seemed
Ike hours. In that dark and lonely swamp.
After travelling sometime, | came 10 a
creek. aud as ! was afraid TO undertake TO
cross II. decided would spend the rest of
the night in the swamp. | succeeded in
iindlng log 10 seat myself on so rs 10 be
out OF the mud, and tried to collect myself
and decide on some future plan of action |
Bni nv brain Was never in such "a wild |
state in uyaife; my wits would not admit of
collection. and while | was meditating, | |
suddenly dropped off to sleep
How long slept | do not know, but |