The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1906-03-07

| The danger had appeared in an unex-
pected quarter and in more dreaded
form than they had anticipated.
Captain Boone was the first to speak
| and to act. 1--WE must stop thisr, he
| exclaimed, "or we are little better than
dead men," and Instantly discharged his
rifle at one of the dark forms Three
or four of the settlers followed his ex-
ample. The fire was Immediately re-
turned from the block house with effect.
| for one of the men fell.
we are to be shot down from our
own block houses and through the loop
| holes pierced by our OWL hands, cried
the captain. Mr.. Logstou." he added,
take half dozen men aud take pos
session OF the other block house and
prevent any more from entering the
works, while | try to drive the enemy
| from this"
Brandishing a Ratchet, the old pioneer
rushed toward the stronghold occupied
by the Indians. The little party was met
by severe fire: Mr.. Aston. who was
among the foremost. received wound
which prevented him from taking any
further part in the struggle.
The savages had the advantage, the
guns leveled from the several loophoies
completely covering Boone and his men.
A few OF them reached the door of the
block house; but it could nor be forced
open, and even had they succeeded in
doing so it would have been rushing TO
destruction. The consequence was. the
stormirg party was obliged to retreat.
Perceiving that nothing could be eff
fected without more elaboration, order,
and concert of action, they proceeded to
Superlntend and protect the passage of
the women and the children from the
cabins to the block house in the other
angle of the works. This important
measure was effected without loss, al
though they We're frequently fired upon.
While these movements were taking
place within the station, there was much
shouting and tumult without Several
attempts Were made to mount the top of
the block house, which met with
prompt repulse from the settlers, whose
position commanded the entire front of
the fort. As has been observed the
block houses, projecting twenty inches
beyond the cabins, prevented effectually
the possibility of the enemy's making a
Judgment before them.
This" said Logston, addressing Mr..
Aston. who was having his wounds
dressed, this is the work of your
Frenchman.'
II am still incredulous," replied Al
ston.
Where is Andrew inquired Boone.
Here, massa," said Andrew.
WAS lie Bland in the block house
when you went away from it?''
Yes, massa."
did he make any attempt to escape %
continued Boone, sternly.
He spoke about dat ar subject"
did he offer you money, or hold out
any inducement for you to assist him to
escape? added the forester, still more
sternly.
Eyes, massa," said Andrew, quailing
before the penetrating glances of Boone.
Unfortunately for him, in his perturba-
ton he thrust his hands into his pockets
so desperately that the jingle of silver
coin was distinctly heard.
What have you got in your jockets?"
asked Boone.
Muffin but nails, massa-not q single
ting returned the negro, his manner
plainly giving the lie to his words.
Search his pockets said the captain.
turning to Logston, who stood near.
Joel, ever ready to do the bidding Of
his superior, laid his hands upon the
trembling Andrew, which Vesuvius OBJ
serving, concluded that it was the signal
for some extraordinary demonstration on
his part, and instantly displayed all his
sharp teeth, and approached him with
intentions most sinister and alarming.
Andrew, overcome by the sense of so
| many dangers, fell upon his knees, and
declared he would confess all, about the
matter, which he did, with but a few
trif1ing presentations; protesting most
strenuously that he had no intention
whatever of assisting the Frenchman to
escape
Ebony was next questioned; but en-
| boldened by the presence of Mr.. Aston,
| fearlessly asserted that he was wholly
| ignorant Of the transaction, and that
| the first intimation which he had receiv-
ed that anything was going wrong was
the report Of Captain Boone's rife when
he shot at the Indians.
Although perfectly assured in his own
| mind that Ebony knew more than he
chose to divulge, the forester ceased to
press his questions farther, for the i'm
minence of the danger required prompt
| action.