Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-04-05
CHAPTER XVI.

A hurried consultation was now helC
among the veteran woodsmen, to deter
mine what should be done. Some sug
gested that party of picked men shoulC
advance with axes, burst in the door
and meet the savages face to face. Bu
young man by the name Of Reynolds
proposed plan which appeared mos
practicable. 1t was this: One party was
to remain in the building where they
We're, another advance to make an as
sault upon the door Of the structure het
in possession by the Indians, while 9
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 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 ana
conducted that it was crowned by com
Hlele Success, anu every
the block house was slain.
The struggle after the parties entered
the building was brief, but sangunary,
and the shouts of victory in one block
house We're 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-
Ell and children. Wives and mothers
thought of the husbands they had lost
by the hatchet, 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 Boonesboroush. 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:
hut 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 a mark, and the noisy,
Dragging rascals will soon keep at
distance. | know we'll the worth of am
muniton, for | passed weary months
alone in this wilderness, while my broth
er 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 lor purposes of safety
changed my camping ground every night.
You may depend upon it, l wasted no
powder during that period. That expe-
rience taught me lesson of prudence
l shall never forget"
Il want to speak word to you pri
vately," said Logston, making signs to
the captain to follow. 81 think I've seen
that French feller"
What makes you think so?' asked
the other
Because l saw face that looked like
his. notwithstanding the paint that had
been laid on it. l was loading my rifle
at the time. and afore l got ready to
fire he had disappeared SO you can rely
on it, he's among the critters, hepin'
them on in their mischief"
at 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
for 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.
"I'll do it! May be trodden to dea tn
by wild buffaoes if l don't!' exclaimed
Joel. with energy.
The latter and the captain were soon
Joined by others, and very important
subject was discussed. AS it was evident
that the station would be besiefed, it was
necessary that they should be supplied
with water. The spring was situated in
the rear of the fortifcations. There was
O well-beaten path leading to it, and
the same for long distance was sur
rounded by rank grass and weeds, in
which they had good reason to suppose a
large body of Indians had secreted them
selves. To do without water was out
of the question.
Il have studied the habits Of the saw
ages for many years" observed Mr..
Fleming, "and l believe that l know
something of their cunning. If our men
go for water they will surely be fred
upon. and many of them must inevitably
be slain"
Il think that female wit can free you
from this dilemma" said Matilda Flem-
Ing. with blushing cheeks. 1T shall be
our duty, then, to go TO the spring and
procure water. If we go calmly, they
will naturally conclude that their am
buscade is not discovered, and will not
FIRE, but wait. thinking that the next time
some of the men will take our places,
seeing that we were not molested."
Yes. we will go"' 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
had been successfully overruled by the
women. the plan was put into operation
In a short time the latter appeared with
pals. resolved to sacrifice themselves, il
the occasion demanded, for those they
loved. The gates were opened by unwill
ing hands. the devoted and brave women
passed out, and the gallant defenders
of Boonesborough gazed after them with
Intense anxiety.
IL was a moment fraught with deer
and painful interest. 1t was observed
g