The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-04-14
CHAPTER XVI.

mine what should be done. some suS
xested that party of picked men should
advance with axes, burst in the door
and meet the savages face to face. But
q young man by the name OF Reynolds
proposed plan which appeared most
practicable. 1t was this: One party was
to remain in the building where they
were, another advance to make an as
sault upon the door Of the structure held
In possession by the Indians, while a
third would attempt to gain an entrance
by running along the roofs Of the inter
venng cabins and effect their object
through the same aperture by which the
enemy had found access.
This scheme appeared very feasible,
for the party remaining could protect
the party upon the roof from the fire OF
the enemy outside the works; and the
third party, making a simultaneous at
tack upon the door, would divert the
enemy, giving them two points to defend
anstead Of one.
This measure was so well planned and
conducted that it was crowned by COM
splete success, and every Indian within
fthe block house was slain.
ne dIleT Tue pdIllCS ChIOi oo
tthe building was brief, but sanguinary,
and the shouts of victory in one block
house were answered by shouts Of joy
from the other. The pioneers now had
possession of their works; but the victory
was by no means complete, for the
frightful yells of hundreds Of savages
filled the wide forests with dreadful
echoes, and banched the cheeks of wom-
en- and children. Wives and mothers
thought of the husbands they had lost
by the Ratchet, by the well-sped ball, by
the knife, or the more lingering death of
torture. Fair young maidens thought of
their lovers, and little children clasped
their mothers knees in terror, their tiny
hands trembling with indescribable fear.
The red sun came and shOne upon
many pale faces at Boonesborough. The
firing ceased on both sides.
"You observe, men," said Boone, "that
: the Indians fire indiscriminately at our
fort and waste much powder and lead;
but we must not follow their example,
for ammunition is worth much more to
US than gold or silver; it is more pre-
cious than diamond dust. Fire only
when you see mark, and the noisy,
Dragging rascals will soon keep at a
distance. l know well the worth of am
munition, for l passed weary months
alone in this wilderness, while my broth
aer performed long and dangerous jour-
ney to North Carolina for a fresh sup
ply. The time, during his absence, often
hung heavily on my hands. l was sur
rounded by those who continually sought
my life, and Ior purposes Of safety
changed my camping ground every night
You may depend upon it, I wasted no
powder during that period That expe-
'rlence taught me lesson of prudence
j shall never forget"
Il want to speak a word to you pri-
vately." said Logston, making signs to
the captain to follow. II think I've seen
that French Teller"
What makes you think SOP" asked
the other.
Because l saw face that looked like
his, Notwithstanding the paint that had
been laid on it. 1 was loading my rifle
at the time, and afore l got ready to
fire he had disappeared. So you can rely
s. on it. he's among the critters, helpin'
them on in their mischief"
1T does not seem possible at first,
that man who has received so much
kindness at our hands can be so villain
'ously ungrateful and treacherous. Watch
Tor him. Logston, and if you can see him
or any one that looks like him. be sure
to cover him with your rifle" said
Boone
'f'll do it! May 1 be trodden to death
by wild buffaloes if don'tw exclaimed
Joel, with energy
The latter and the captain were soon
joined ny others, and very important
subject was discussed. As it was evident
that the station would be besiefied. it was
necessary that they should be supplied
with water. The spring was situated in
the rear OF the Notifications. There was
well-beaten path leading to If and
the same for long distance was snr.
rounded by rank grass and weeds in
which they had good reason to supnosa a
large body of Indians had secreted tbem.
selves To do without water was ont
of the question.
nave studied the habits of the ssv
ages Tor many years." observed Mr..
Fleming. and l believe that l know
something of their cunning. If our men
go Tor water they will surely be fred
upon. and many of them must inevitably
be slain"
think that female wit can free You
from this dilemma" said Matilda Flem-
Ing. with blushing cheeks. st shall be
our duty. then. to go to the spring and
procure water. If we 60 calmly, thew
VIII naturally conclude that their am
ouscsde is not discovered, and will not
hre, but wait. thinking that the next time
sonle OF the men will take our places.
seeing that we were not molested."
Yes. We will gor' exclaimed Eliza.
beth Boone and Eliza Ballard.
You are brave gals" said Joel Log
ston.
The plan is good and judicious
one, observed Mrs. Boone, and Mrs.
Fleming. and all the females said the
same
After the objections made by the men
mad been successfully overruled by the
women. the plan was put into operation.
In short time the latter appeared with
pals. resolved to sacrifice themselves. II
the occasion demanded, for those they
loved. The gates were opened by unwil-
ing hahds, the devoted and brave women
passed out, and the gallant defenders
or Booaesborough gazed. after them with
intense anxiety.
1t was a moment fraught with deem
and painful interest. 1t was observed