Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1906-05-21
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 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 1t 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"
ut IL we'll thought Of" replied Boone.
"Our hunting knives will answer thu
purpose"
Enjoining II upon the men to observe
we'll their instructions. the gates were
opened and the three men passed ont
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, Grty, Nc.
Kee and several chiefs.
THAT does not agree with my notions
of friendly and honorable treaty" said
Reynolds, who. with his rife 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 az those at the
station could judge by appearance. ev-
erytfing was going on in the most
amirable manner. But Reynolds did not
relax his vigilance: he declared that on
this occasion he would not be deceive
hy Indian cunning and French Implicitly ::
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. land that will be the signal for
| Selling 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 mt McKee," he said, In q
low voice to his comrades.
| II thank you very much." exclaimed
lnnis: "for know he does not deserve
mercy at your hands"
"The service Won have rendered us.
| fair lnnis. justly entities you to consd.
Grafton" replied Reynolds.
| Alas. he is so different from what
| wish him TO he. that his death could
scarcely shock me more than his life.
and yet cannot see him within range
of your rifles without n 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
rors. who attempted to drag them
away.
A desperate struggle had already com.
menced when the sharp crack Of more
than dozen well-aimed rifles scattered
| their enemies like autumn leaves. The
athletic pioneers dashed down those
nearest them. and ran toward the fort
under a heavy shower of balls.
| Andrew and Ebony. who had been
stationed Mt the gate for that purpose,
opened It In haste. and the brave men
threw themselves in. bleeding from a few
slight wounds, and painting with exer.
| ton.
well done. my gallant boys" cried
| the captain. as he preciptately entered
the block house. That fire was n lev
| eler"
They fell down strangely" said Mr..
Fleming.
"LittleTurtle has gone under, rather
| reckon" added Joel, casting from him
knife sta ined with deep crimson spots
you've made fine treaty. sup
pose?" said Aston. with n smile.
I'VE will leave you to draw your own
| differences from what has just hap.
pened." replied Fleming.
did you see Captain Du Quesne o.
asked Mr.. Aston.
Captain Boone colored, and seemed
panied and embarrassed.
"Yes. we've seen him. we've seen