Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-05-10
CHAPTER XXVI


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 we'll willingly In
cur the risk Of being hit And, mark
me. remember Girty and Du Quesne"'
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"
"It Is we'll thought Of" replied Boone.
"Our hunting knives will answer thu
purpose"
Enjoining 1t upon the men to observe
we'll their instructions. the 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
tance 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 loop
hole, was observing all that was trans
piring. "There are too many there
they mean no good; keep 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
amicahle manner. But REYNOLDS did not
relax his vigilance; he declared that on
this occasion he would not be deceived
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 a single mo-
ment from the sights.
The wisdom of this advice was soon
apparent The good humor of the
Frenchmen and the principal warriors
near to Reynolds and looked eagerly
forth.
"They will shake hands soon" she
said. "and that will be the signal for
seizing them"
Innis stood pale and anxious at a
loophole for she had at that instant
caught 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.
81 thank you very much" exclaimed
Innis; "for l know he does not deserve
mercy at your hands"
THE service you have rendered us,
fair Innis, justly entities you to consid-
eration," replied Reynolds.
Alas, he is so different from what
I wish him to be, that his death could
scarcely shock me more than his life:
Of your rifles without feeling Of hor-
ror. Look! look! they stretch forth their
hands" cried the maiden.
Instantly the women screamed with
alarm, for they beheld the captain and
his men seized by the savages; for the
moment they had extended their hands
they were grasped by the powerful war
riors, who attempted to drag them
away.
A desperate struggle had already CON-
menced when the sharp crack Of more
than a dozen well-aimed rifles scattered
their enemies like autumn leaves. The
athletic pioneers dashed down those
nearest them and ran toward the fort
under heavy shower of balls.
Andrew and Ebony, who had been
stationed at the gate for that purpose
opened 1t in haste, and the brave men
threw themselves in, bleeding from few
slight wounds, and painting with exer-
ton.
"Well done, my gallant boysw cried
the captain, as he precipitately entered
the block-house. That fire was a lev
eler."
They fell down strangely" said Mr.
Fleming.
"Little-Turtle has gone under. I rather
reckon" added Joel, casting from him
a knife stained with deep crimson spots.
you've made a fine treaty, I sup
poser said Aston, with a smile.
"We will leave you to draw your own
differences from what has just hap.
pened." replied Fleming.
"Did you see Captain Du Quesne r.
asked Mr.. Aston
Captain Boone colored, and seemed
pained and embarrassed.
Yea we've seen him. we've seen