The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1906-06-06

Va
1t so happened that the detail
that took the track across the sand
dunes was the one that discovered
the prey we were after. They had
travelled about three hours when they
arrived at the top of a high sand
dune, the last one on the TRAIL and
just beyond it they discovered the
dug-outs in which the boys were sup
posed to have taken refuge.
There was no display of arms, but
a careful reconnoiter. A few scouts
were sent out, but there was sus-
picion that the bandits were wise
to the fact that the officers were af-
ter them. That was the reason
given for their silence. 1t was not
until four of the police had ap-
preached very close to the rende-
vous that any evidence of their pres
ence was discovered. Then a shot
from Niedemeier's gun opened the
battle.
No harm was done by the shot, but
1t served to warn the attackers that
there would be something doing be-
fore they succeeded in making the
arrest they were so anxiously look
ing for.
The police Immediately dropped
to the ground. They made no at
tempt to answer the one shot that
was fired. Gradually, however, they
and made their report. Inasmuch as
1t was nearly dinner time, the
thought that first came to the be-
siegers was that the better plan
would be to starve them out. This
plan was agreed upon without any
one suggesting the idea that they
might have enough provisions in
their possession to last them for sew
eral days. and perhaps even longer
Than that.
A wait Of almost the remainder of
the day followed. The men became
impatient and in the evening, after
a watch had been set for the night,
the police officers held a consulta-
ton, and it was decided that an at
tack would be made the following
morning, after word had been re-
ceived from the other two details
1t was learned that the other men
had accomplished nothing and that
the entire responsibility of the at
tack was upon the detail in charge
of Chief Schuettler, with which
was fortunate enough to be attached
Bright and early in the morning
five of the police made feint in the
direction of the dug-outs. They hid
behind trees and commenced firing.
That aroused the bandits, and while
they were on the lookout for the
party that was doing the shooting,
another detachment was rapidly ap-
preaching from the other direction.
1t was not long before they were dis
covered. Immediately Niedemeier,
who was the best shot of the gang,
opened fire with his Colts auto
matte. Pat Fogerty, one of the best
policemen on the force, dropped dead
IN his tracks Another shot and
Dillon dropped. He was shot in the
abdomen, but bravely rolled over on
his side and kept on pumping his
gun Until it was empty. None of
the boys knew that he was injured,
and paid no attention to him. 1t
was not until several hours after
ward. when the three had been cap
tured. that he was missed and then,
when a search was instituted, he was
found lying in the same position,
with his gun still in his nerveless
fingers, dead.
In a few minutes another detach-
ment OF officers, under the direct
command of Schuettler marched
through small piece of woods on
the way to the dug-out. They crept
along cautiously. Not shot was
fired by them, although they had a
good sight Of the bandits as they
continued to fire at the approaching
police from two other directions.
Presently, through the police sa-
gacity Of Chief Schuettler, it was ar
ranged to give the bandits a chance
to escape, believing that it would be
far better to take a chance with them
in the open field of sand than to give
them all the opportunity. Therefore
an opening was made, very notice
able from the dug out. and true
enough they soon commenced to
make preparations to get away. Not
a shot was fired. not word spoken.
Every opportunity in the world was
given them and. fortunately for the
police. they took advantage of it.