The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1904-11-19


Smiths rife rang out, and he ex-
claimed:
"They are on the roof: be ready for
them as they come He was inter
rupted by scratching. and scramb-
ling in the chimney, followed by the
appearance Of huge savage, who fell,
shot through the heart by a shot from
Woodleigh's rife. Almost before his
feet reached the floor, Mrs. Woodleigh
Immediately piled up some light wood
in the spacious fireplace, making a
quick blaze to prevent further intru-
sion from that direction
A loud whoop was followed by n
sharp fusillade, the bullets from the
Indian rifles making sharp, tipping
sounds as they buried themselves in
the logs. or the stout timber Of the
barrlcaded door.
The two men fred in return as often
as they faEcied they detected dark
form s1irting the clearing, or crawling
through the grass
Il am getting short of bullets said
cultl. HHAt Dut dbOdt tNO "a t'-i~ -
charges left"
II have but four OF five myself
said Woodleigh. III they should make
another sudden rush / am afraid we
could not keep them off, but we will
do our best. and our dubbed rifles and
knives will do same execution" he
bravely added.
II win make some bullets at once"
said Mrs Woodleigh
What will you make them OF?
There isn't a scrap Of lead about the
house, said Mr.. Woodeigh, sadly.
Yes, there is quickly replied his
wife. :" You have forgotten my pewter
platters and plates. | think they will
make good bullets. I'll melt them and
run some while you .wo keep watch;
this hot fire is just the thing
Suiting her actions to her words,
first the big and then the little platters
were melted and run in the nolds,
which were part Of the equipment Of
every settler in those times. These
were followed in the sarie order by the
plates, until but two remained on the
hearth, the two men. meanwhile firing
as often as a redskin showed himself.
As day began to breaf Mr.. Woodleigh
babe his wife cease her work, as for
some little time no sign OF their foes
nad been discernible.
Mrs Woodleigh was well nigh worn
out with anxiety, and the frightened
children were huddled together, having
scarcely Cared to breathe since that
iirst wild yell aroused them.
I-ope now revived as the Daylight ad-
vanced. When the sun .had risen. no
sign of lurking savage being in sight.
Mr. Woodleigh determined to 20 out
and reconnoiter a little. Smith kept
watch through the loophoIe which COM
manded the door, rife in hand, while
Mr. Woodleigh took down the barri-
cade and opened the door. all being
careful TO keep wen out of range, lest
s)lei come from some unseen source
among the trees. Mr.. WOOdleigh then
carefully pushed forward a stick ar
ranged with a coat and hat TO look
like a half-hidden man peeping out
this was for the purpose of drawing
the fire OF the Indians, should any still
remain in ambush. This dummy pro
duclng no effect. he went forth. II
was a moment Of intense anxiety for
all, but no sound of shot or whOop OF
savage greeted his appearance He soon
found a trail. leading northward, indi-
eating that the band had become fright
ened or discouraged and We're return
ing toward Canada, whence they had
come. He returned to the house, and
after all had partaken of a hurried
breakfast, they started for the block
house, Mr.. Woodleigh leading. rife in
hand and one child upon his back
Mrs Woodleigh followed, with the
baby in her arms; next TO her came the
two eldest children. one behind the
other. while Smith guarded the rear
rifle in hand. and sturdy little chap
four years old, on his back.
Upon their arrival at the block house
the news OF the attack and massacre
Of Mr.. Means and child and the cap
ture of Miss Molly Finney, few miles
distant, during the preceding night, by
another band of savages, probably 9
part of the same band which had at
tackled them. was told.
In few days it was found thai
the Indians had surely departed from
that region, for a time, at least, and
the settlers. who had taken refuge al
the garrison. returned to their homes
Mrs Woodleigh had but two plates left
Of her pewter dishes. which had beer
the pride of her heart. among her cher
ished household goods: one of these
was melted at the side by the heat
from the h9t fire. when on the hearth
that memorable night. But she never
regretted their loss. And that Is tho
story. a true one. OF your Aunt Emma''
pewter plate.-C. ". Reed, in Portland
Transcript.