Arizona republican., 1901-04-01

 ter. Here they prepared for the bat tie.
 It was the plan to have the first par ty of young men to retreat upon the approach of the enemy and draw them into the ambush. Back of the rendez- vous rose the Enchanted Mountain It was here the First Man lighted when he fell from the Spirit Land and slid to earth on the arched back of the rainbow, and here the spirits of all brave Indians went when first liber- ated from the body.
 Stretching out for miles and miles lay the beautiful valley, clothed in fine gramma and dotted with beautiful pines. On the north the Grand Can yon yawned, on the south were mystic mesas of variegated sandstone rising precipltately some three or four hund- red feet. and relieved by minarets, pnnacles and domes of natures match less architecture. Farther south the noble San Francisco mountain reared its bald head, covered forever with patches of snow.
 But none of these are so wonderful and awe-inspiring as the majestic. isolated Enchanted Mountain which rises sheer five hundred feet from the western plain, as though too proud to herd with it's fellows. The closest ex- animation would fail to disclose the faintest sign of a trail to it's top, yet tradition assured the tribe of the eXis- tence of one.
 Towards noon of the following day a n CT mounted on their fleet ponies and in full flight. About a half mile distant came a strong band of Apaches. also mounted and in glorious battle array. The pursued divided as they approach ed the ambush, a part going on either side of the basin which concealed Asa keeta and his men. The Apaches. un- suspicious of deceit, divided and rode steadily in pursuit. When they were within easy range Asakeeta gave the signal to fire, which was responded to with vigor. As the smoke lifted six riderless ponies cantered off the field and several warriors were seen to hug their ponies necks as though badly wounded
 The Apaches wheeled quickly to right
 
 range. where they stopped. They were crazy with rage. At the sound of the firing, the first party, new reunited, wheeled and started in pursuit of the fleeing enemy. Failing to surround, or even to get within gun range. they wheeled again and came to a standstill In front of Asakeeta's fort. They had drawn first blood and were jubilant. Presently the Apachss broke into q gallop and dashed toward them as swiftly as their ponies could go They outnumbered Asakeeta's small cavalry two to one. Seeing this. the Apache leader. in a spirit of bravado, ordered half his men to return. This redoubt- able leader was none other than the notorious Geronimo. The two parties were now equal in numbers. | Asakegta's men started out to meet the charge, but when the two divisions were within one hundred yards and should have spurred to the charge. they both wheeled. brandishing their weapons fiercely, and giving their re- spective war-whoops. Twice was this maneuver carried out, then each troop withdrew to it's station and waited These tactics were to satisfy the In- dian's love of display.
 ! Many of Asakeeta's men were young and this was their first taste of actual warfare. Moreover, the enemy's repu- ttion for fierce fighting had entered their hearts and many were trembling with fear, although striving bravely to | conceal their distress. Perceiving this I t, hfc fiery old chief pulled one of them off his pony leaped upon his bare back with the agility of twenty and galloped out upor the prairie midway between the two forces Here he plunged his lance into the ground up to the hilt ;then gallop- ing swiftly around it he tore from hi: breast his red glrdle and tossed 1t or the top of the lance as a flag. Making another circle he pulled up 90 sudden ly as to throw his horse back upon his haunches, and facing the enemy called out so as to be plainly heard by botf sides: Come on. you bowling coyotes You who have been used to fighting women. come out and give battle tC men. I challenge the boldest."
 The chief of the Apache war party SutH StIliHl NoiiuuS', 5oiopcN his horse forward within easy hailins distance and called out to know wht the warrior was who so glibly chal lenged the pick of his men to single combat.
 "I am Asakeeta, chief of my brav' and valiant band,' shouted the olc chief, with spirit
 Good" responded Geronimo. '" ii have often heard of the bold Asakee ta he is a great warrior-but sensi ble horse looks before he leaps. Doe the great warrior wish 10 fight this bat tie with me alone, while our warrior look on?"
 "Is he a chief who speaks?" asked Asakeeta.
 "I am called such by my men," re piled Geronimo, showing his white strong teeth. My scalps are many enough to cover my wigwam. Do yo' see my shield and eagle feathers?"
 "It is enough" replied the old chief.
 The Apache made a circle or two a full gallop and stuck his lance into tn ground beside Asakeeta's: he then tor of his girdle and soon there were tw flags flying side by side, tokens 0 blood and defiance.
 The two parties then drew nearer while the two chiefs drew off about hundred yards and then dashed ful