The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-05-19
CHAPTER XVI.


Captain Boone stationed his men in
the block-house to command a view Of
the parties, and where they could cover
them with their rifles.
"If they lay hands on us and attempt
to detain us, fire, and wen willingly in
cur the risk Of being hit. And, mark
me. remember Girty and Du Quesnev'
said the pioneer, when. with his two
companions. Fleming and Logston. he
was ready to leave the fort.
II think It would be WELL" said Joel
"for each Of us to conceal some kind OF
a weapon under our hunting frocks. I've
an idea that we shall feel the need on
'em afore we get back"
"Our hunting knives will answer tho
purpose"
Enjoining 1t upon the men to observe
well their instructions, tho gates were
opened and the three men passed out
and their friends who remained watched
their footsteps with intense interest
They were met within the specified dis.
lance by numerous party. among
whom were three Frenchmen. Girty, Nc.
Kee and several chiefs.
THAT does not agree with my notions
of friendly and honorable treaty" said
Reynolds, who, with his rifle at a loop.
hole, was observing all that was trans.
! piring. 'There are too many there
they mean no good; keep a sharp look.
out"
A discussion Of considerable length
now ensued; and so far as those at the
station could judge by appearance, ev.
erything was going on in the most
| amicable manner. But Reynolds did not
| relax his vigilance: he declared that on
this occasion he would not he deceive
by Indian cunning and French duplicity
and the settlers being left under his
| command. he ordered every man to cover
| with their rifles the bodies Of those near,
est the captain and his associates and
not to take their eyes for single mo.
ment from the sights.
The wisdom of this advice was soon
apparent. The good humor of the
Frenchmen and the principal warriors
| seemed to increase. Innis Mckee drew
near to Reynolds and looked eagerly
| forth.
''They will shake hands SOON" she
said, "and that will be the signal TO,
selling them"
Innis stood pale and anxious at a
| loophole: for she had at that instan,
caught a view of the form of her father
and he was very near Captain Boone
! Reynolds quickly perceived her agita,
ton and guessed the cause.
| "Don't fire at McKee," he said. In a
low voice to his comrades.
| II thank you very muchm exclaimed
lnnis; "for I know he does not deserv,
mercy at your hands,
| 1.-The service you have rendered US
fair 1nnis, justly entities you to consid
Grafton" replied Reynolds
| Alas! he is so different from wha,
l wish him to be. that his death eoult
scarcely shock me more than his life
and yet | cannot see him within rang,
OF your rifles without feeling Of hor
ror. Look! look! they stretch forth theil
hands!" cried the maiden
Instantly the women screamed witt
alarm, for they beheld the captain ant
his men seized by the savages: for tn,
moment they had extended their hands
they were grasped by the powerful war
riors, who attempted to drag then
away.
A desperate struggle had already com
menced when the sharp crack Of NOR
than q dozen well-aimed rifles, scattered
their enemies like autumn leaves. TIL
athletic pioneers dashed down thos
nearest them and ran toward the for
under a heavy shower of balls.
| Andrew and Ebony, who had beel
stationed at the gate for that purpose
opened 1t In haste, and the brave me-
threw themselves In, bleeding from fev
slight wounds, and painting with exeE
ton.
swell done, my gallant boysr erie
the captain. a. he precipitately sntere
the block-house. THAT fire was lev
eler."
..They fen down strangely" said MI
Fleming.
Little-Turtle has gone under, rathe
reckon" added Joel. casting from hin
q knife stained with deep crimson spots
you've made hns treaty, I sur
possf' said Aston, with 1 smile.
"Ws viii leave you to draw your ow
differences from what has Just har
pened, replied Fleming.
ibid you see Captain Du Quesne !?
asked Mr.. Aston.
Captain Boone colored, and seeme
pained and embarrassed.
| ~YsA we've seen him! we've zee