Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1902-12-05
satisfied that they were masters of the


western horizon, and night would soon
be upon us. Whatever we did must
be done soon. Ii would not do to wait
for an attack. l knew that Manuel
was working on some plan for our es-
cape, but what 1t was | had not the
remotest Idea.
That we would never leave the cabin
without a fight, with the odds ten TO
one against US, was fully satisfied.
yet there was something in the guides
tone and movements that inspired me
with confidence.
The sun was just throwing Its last
golden blaze across the sandy plain,
when Manuel came forward, leading
the two horses In front of the window.
What do you think of thatr" he
asked, pointing to the animals.
For moment l was too surprised to
speak. CHANGING at the horses I saw
what at first appeared to be two men
sitting In the saddles, fastened secure
ly In their seats by ropes and straps;
but second glance told me that these
figures were only dummies, made to
closely resemble men.
what does this mean. Manuel"
questioned, wondering II the guide had
taken leave Of his senses.
Twill the Apaches takes these for
menY he asked, pointing to the figures
and not appearing to notice my sur
prise.
"Why-do you mean to" stop
ped short. for light had suddenly
dawned upon me. "You mean to turn
the horses loose on the plain. so as to
deceive the Apaches into thinking that
It Is we who are their rlders?" l asked.
you are right. senior"
held out my hand.
II see," I replied. you are wiser
than | In these matters, and | believe
your plan will work"
ut is our only chance" he said, In a
calm tone; land If 1t fails. we are lost"
IT don't think 1t will fail!' exclaim-
ed, confidently, filed with admiration
for the Mexican's ingenuity.
AS l examined the two dummies, l
found that Manuel had cleverly stuffed
some of the cast-off clothing with wool
which he had found in the corner. and
had succeeded in making what bore a
strong resemblance to two men.
The heads of the figures were made
of rags wound into balls. and covered
with two old hats which he had fished
from the pile of rubbish.
Menuels next move was to fasten a
spur to a stlrrup on each saddle, first
having taken up the strap so that 1t
would strike the horse squarely on the
side as soon as he began to gallop.
This would keep the horses running at
their best, and SO draw the savages
away to a great distance before the de-
ception could be discovered, and, Ii
properly managed, would give us a
chance to escape before the Indians
could return to the cabin.
Having completed every arrangement
for carrying out Manuers plan, we
took our stations to watch the move
ments of the savages till night should
give us an opportunity for action.
1t was not our purpose to wait until
darkness had fully set In, but to carry
our plan into action just at dusk, when
the light would be sufficient to show
the Indians that the horses had riders,
but not enough to reveal the deception.
As the twilight settled over the plain,
l,ak khn o6f dv-nx
closer together. as If holding final
council.
'Its time now. senor." said Manuel.
In low tone.
brought the horses up to the door.
began to remove the bolt, when Man
uel laid his hand upon my arm.
II will lose my horses. senor," he
said, "and they cost me two hundred
dollars"
l started at his cool, business-like
tone, and tried to catch the expression
of his face through the deepening
gloom.
Was 1t possible that one so young
could stop to discuss such question
even In the face of death?
was astonished at his words, yet I
admired the calm courage and indlf-
ference to danger that characterized
his speech
You shall be paid for your horses,
Manuel" | said; never fear"
Thanks. senor." he replied.
And then he unfastened the door and
| threw it open.
Keeping In the shadow of the house.
we led the two horses to the outside;
then, turning their heads to the north.
we struck them several sharp blows.
They reared violently, and plunged
away in the darkness.
At the same moment we threw our
selves in at the door and lay fat upon
the ground.
We held our breaths as the sound of
rapidly retreating hoofs broke the still
ness. Then rose fierce tumult to the
| ond west with snocaaaion 0f far