The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1906-05-05
CHAPTER XVI.

among the veteran woodsmen, to deter
mine what should be done. Some sug-
gested that party of picked men should
advance with axes, burst In the door
and meet the savages face to face. But
| young man by the name of Reynolds
proposed a 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
third would attempt to gain an entrance
by running along the roofs of the inter-
vening 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
Instead of one.
This measure was so well planned and
conducted that 1t was crowned by COM
plete success, and every Indian within
the block house was slain.
| The struggle after the parties entered
the 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 blanched 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 Unfortunately 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; 1t is more pre-
cious than diamond dust. Fire only
when you see mark, and the noisy,
Dragging rascals will soon keep at a
distance. / know we'll the worth of am
intuition, for l passed weary months
alone in this wilderness, while my broth
, er performed a 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 Tor purposes of safety
Lob ~
i You may depend upon it, wasted no
, powder during that period. That expe-
rlence taught me a lesson of prudence
l shall never forget"
II want to speak a word to you pri.
vately," said Logston, making signs to
the captain to follow. 81 think I've seen
3 that French Teller"
what makes you think soT asked
the other.
Because 1 saw face that looked like
, his, Notwithstanding the paint that had
, been laid on 1t. was loading my rife
at. the time, and afore l got ready to
fire he had disappeared. So you can rely
on It, he's among the critters, helpin
them on In their mischief"
ut does not seem possible, at first
that a man who has received SO much
kindness at our hands can be so villain
ously ungrateful and treacherous. Watch
for him, Logston, and If you can see him
or any one that looks like him, be sure
to cover him with your rifle" sale
| Boone.
"I'll do It! May I be trodden to dealt
by wild buffaloes If l don'tw exclaimed
| Joel, with energy.
The latter and the captain were soor
Joined by others, and very importan
subject was discussed. As 1t was eviden
that the station would be besiefied, it wa,
! necessary that they should be supplied
with water. The spring was situated Ii
| the rear of the Notifications. There wa
a well-beaten path leading to it, ant
the same for long distance was sur
rounded by rank grass and weeds, II
which they had good reason to suppose
| large body of Indians had secreted them
selves. To do without water was on
of the question.
81 have studied the habits of the say
ages for many years." observed MI
| Fleming, "and l believe that l know
| something of their cunning. If our me-
| go for water they will surely be fire.
| upon, and many of them must inevitab
be slain"
81 think that female wit can free yo
from this dilemma" said Matilda Elem
Ing, with blushing cheeks. ut shall b
our duty, then, to go to the spring an
8 procure water. If we 60 calmly, the
It will naturally conclude that their an
# buscade is not discovered, and will nc
II ire, but wait, thinking that the next tim
10 some of the men will take our place:
- seeing that we were not moested."
- Yes, we will go.' exclaimed Eliza
= beth Boone and Eliza Ballard.
You are brave gals" said Joel Los
!! ston.
" THE plan is a good and judiciou
3, one," observed Mrs. Boone, and Mr.,
AZ Fleming, and all the females said tn
. same.
:, After the objections made by the me
u had been successfully overruled by tn
d women, the plan was put into operation
Of In a short time the latter appeared wit
L. pals, resolved to sacrifice themselves,
IN the occasion demanded, for those the
n. loved. The gates were opened by unwil
=, ing hands, the devoted and brave wome
~ lUF1