Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-02-20

"The beasts was scairt by redskins, "
asserted Old Derrick.
fright you arel' shouted Calkins.
"The Apaches amt fur behind Up
with you, meni"
Even as he spoke faint, ominous
sound rose on the quiet air. without
doubt the hoof falls Of the Indian band
riding forth to murder and destruction.
In a trice the men were mounted, the
two who were horseless getting up be
hind comrades. The wagon and its sup
plies were abandoned, and the little
party swept away to the north.
"Will they overtake us," Quin asked
Of Calkins.
"It's hard to tell. " was the reply.
Twenty minutes passed; then the
mufiied poundings Of the savages grew
more distinct, and it was possible to
make out dusky blot far TO the rear.
The Apaches knew that the cowboys
were in front Of them, riding to give
the alarm, and they were straining ev'
cry resource to catch them up.
On and on through the feet night air
TO the music Of galloping hoofs and the
clank Of arms Mile after mile slipped
behind. and the Indians were gaining
steadily. Then q silver gleam flashed
close ahead. and the fugitives drew
rein on the brink Of the Rio Gila. But
now the river was full and flowing
swiftly. There must have been heavy
rains near its head. In the middle OF
the 300 yard current rose little island.
covered with stones and bushes.
"It's all right" said Calkins. "This
ford is passable in high water, and it's
the only one that is for 90 miles in both
directions.
The horses plunged into the surgine
tide. and without once getting of their
feet they carried their riders safely to
the island It was shaped somewhat
like q bowl, the rim Of which was
formed of Loose rocks and bushes. Quin
examined the spot with critical eye,
with a plan taking form in his mind.
"You say this lie the only ford for 90
miles in either direction," he asked a
the party were about to push on.
eyes, declared Calkins.
"And unless the Indians cross here
they won't get over at alls"
"Not without goin round.
"Then we'll check them here and bold
the ford" Quin said coolly. 81 think
we can do II. This island is almost i'm
pregnable-more 80 than the other
bank. BY and by, il we can spare q
man or two. we'll send word to the fort
for help. What do you sayi"
The response exceeded Quin's expec-
tations. In the eyes Of the rude cow
boys he at once became hero, and they
applauded him boisterously. They ca
gerly assented, realizing all that was to
be gained by the success Of his PROPOSE
tion. The chances Of failure, Of being
annihilated in the fight, they did moi
give q thought to.
In trice the men had dismounted.
There was plenty Of room, and they
made their wei! trained horses roll ovel
and lie down fiat. Then they ensconced
themselves in the shelter Of the rocks
and bushes, ready TO take aim through
the crevices.
They did not wait long. Soon, with
q clatter Of boofs and burst Of fren
lied yells, the band Of Apaches, a good
hundred and more strong, swept to the
south brink of the Rio Gila. Quin gave
the word to fire. and a steady volley
blased from the island. Some OF the In
dams were seen to drop from the sad
die, and riderless steeds pranced about.
The whole troop fell back. apparently
dismayed. They described a half circle
on the plain and then came on. whoop
ing like fiends, their rifles and wal
paint glittering in the bright moon
light.
They're going to rush usl' exclaim
ed Old Derrick. STEADY. boysP'
MAKE every shot tell" cried Quin.
The savage horde rode straight intt
the water. firing rapidly at the island
- they came. But the well deliverei
storm Of lead was too hot for them, and
. second time they withdrew, will
heavy losL A part Of the band rode NJ
stream. and. entering the river there