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

caiieus tney c0uld be held IN check
and perhaps finally driven off from
the house itself
For some years William Woodleigh
had titled his little farm unmolested
by the Indians. but as news of their
bloody deeds became more and more
frequent, and each day brought rumors
Of their nearer approach, he became
troubled, and each night barricaded
door and window with the thick blocks
each settler kept for the purpose, leav-
ing only the loopholes through which
10 fire upon them should they make
a sudden descent upon his home. In
the meantime he made preparations
for the speedy removal OF his family
to the block house should definite news
OF their approach be heard
His household consisted Of his wife,
Ave children. the eldest, my grand
mother, then twelve years old. James
Smith, q young man who worked for
him. and himself
wen, Mary" said Alr. Woodleigh
10 his wife. one twilight in June, are
you ready to start for the garrison to-
morrow James and | have finished
planting and think perhaps It might
be best to be on the safe side. Not
that | apprehend any immediate dan
ger" he added quickly. as he noted his
wife's anxious face as she glanced
quickly toward the children, who were
playing about the floor "but in these
times II IS better to be too soon than
too late in seeking safety, and red
skins are such pesky ely varn.nts'
as old Joe Wicr says"
Before his wife could reply they
saw James Smith running rapidly to-
ward the house. evidently much ex-
cited.
What's the matter. James, said
Mr. Woodleigh, as the man drew near.
"Indiansr' said Smith, breathlessly.
Mrs. Woodleigh hurried her children
into the house. tho door and window
were quickly barricaded, ard while
Mr.. Woodlelgh was filling his powder
horn. smith examined the flnts and at
the same time related his somewhat
startling experience.
He had gone some distance from the
house in search Of COW which had
strayed. and ID crossing a wet piece Of
ground. his quick eye had detected a
trail where Indians had passed. how
many he could not tell, as they went
single Gle. each stepping in the track
of the one ahead. But" said Smith,
earnestly. 'they nus. be very near, for
the water had not settled in their
tracks
There could be no question Ct at
tempting to reach the garrison that
night with the willy foe so near, and
perhaps. at that very moment, watch
Ing the house from the cover Of the
surrounding forest
II was a lovely night. the moon was
near her full and the landscape was
flooded with light; every object was
distinctly visible in the little clearing,
each tree and shrub cast a deep shadow
on the ground. and often some member
Of the little garrison would imagine he
detected crouchng foe; a profound
silence relgned. which was almost op-
pressive 10 our anxious watchers.
II was past midnight. and they were
congratulating themselves on their es-
cape. when the melancholy hoot Of an
owl attracted the attention Of Mr..
woodlelgh. Keep watch he whis-
nerpd TO his wife and Smith. Il am
afraid that is a signal. The Indians
often use the notes of birds and the
cries Of beasts to call each other
In short time the boot was repeat
ed. but this time from the opposite
side Of the clearing.
Il think l can see a dog OF some ami
NAL near the edge Of the woods, whis
pered Mrs. WoOdleigh.
Her husband Immediately came tc
her side. and. after few seconds
scrutiny. he whispered Indians"
They are coming on this side" whis
pered Smith. who was watching
through n chink on the opposite side
OF the house.
Don't fire until they make some
demonstration. said Woodleigh, "they
may think there is no one here and
pass on. If we don't molest them
Just then n siealthy step was heard
ut the door and a creaking noise as
though heavy weight pressed against
il: but the heavily barricaded door wa:
made for just such emergencies, and
would not yield.
Soon line of dark forms were seer
approaching the door, bearing some
thing IA their midst
"We shall have to fire now" said
Smith. ~they have got a log which
they are going to use to batter in the
door"
yes" said Woodleigh quickly. 'yor
ire at those on the right and I vii
take those on the left. Mary will re
load the extra guns while we fire the
others. and so deceive them in regard
10 our numbers: they are cowardly
ours and will not attack except they
think a house is weakly guarded" b,
added bitterly.
The reports OF the two pieces were
almost simultaneous: this was followed
bv furious yell. which swelled upoI
the night air. arousing the sleeping
children. and drilling through tn.