The star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1908-1909, 1908-11-20

liilQ 4 lGAl les All III 49,
When the ball struck him he felt only
a sharp pinch. His f~ainting was caused
by a shock to his weakened body, but
not from fear or pain. With the return
TO his senses came a horrible, burning
thirst, and a horrible sinking sensation
in the pit of his stomach. He lay
breathing heavily until he got a grip
on himself. Then he tore the bandana
handkerchief from his neck n bound
up the wound, winding the bandage as
tightly as his strength permitted to
check the blood flow.
what Is it?" asked Jack, over his
shoulder.
'~Indians-the PEACHES are out. I'm
hit" gasped Dick. He crawled pain
fully and slowly to Jacks side, drag
ging his leg after him. He pulled with
him his rifle, which he picked up as
he passed from the spot where 1t had
fallen in his first wild rush for water.
1.-THE soldiers told me at Fort Grant
about the PEACHES being out" jack
whispered hoarsely. 81 thought they'd
crossed the border into Mexico"
Seeing a spasm of pain sweep over
Dicks face, he asked: Are you hurt
bad?"
At don't know. My left leg is numb"
Both men spoke scarcely above a
whisper, fearing to betray their posi-
tons by the sound of their voices. Dick
lay on his back gathering strength to
ward off with rifle and revolver the
rush which would come sooner or later.
Jack caught the sound of a falling
stone. Peering cautiously over the
rock, he saw an indian creeping up a
draw toward them. Throwing his rifle
to his shoulder. he took quick aim and
fired. The Apache jumped to his feet,
ran a few steps forward, and fell
sprawling. A ~convulsive shudder shook
and he lay still.
81 got himi" cried Jack exultantly,
as he saw the result of the shot.
But the exposure of his head and
shoulders above their barricade had
drawn forth more shots from other
members of the band.
The bullets struck near the two men.
showing that the Apaches had the
range.
Dicks wound was bleeding freely,
but the shock of the blow had passed
away, and his strength returned
Drawing his revolver, he crept closer
to Jack. crying: ct can shoot some"
st reckon you haven't more than a
flesh wound" encouraged Jack. Can
you crawl to the horse2"
st think I can" answered Dick.
'Then GO. Take the trail home. I'll
keep these fellows busy while you get
away"
The Apaches were showing them
selves more as they darted from rock
to rock, drawing closer to the en-
trapped men down the boulder-strewn
| draws or ravines leading into the
canon.
An Apache had crawled to the head
of a draw, and crossed the butte into a
second ~ravine, which led to the trail
down the cliffside. On his belly he had
wormed his way up the pathway until
he overlooked the rear of the defensive
position the two men occupied.
Screened by a hedge he awaited O
favorable shot.
Jack again cautiously raised his head
and peered over the barricade. Still
not an enemy was In sight. As the
Apaches had ceased to fire, he knew
they were gathering for another stimuli
~taneous rush. The purpose Of these
dashes was twofold: While one or two
men might be killed In the advance,
the whole party was nearer the object
of attack at the finish, and the de-
tenders were demoralized by the hope
l~essness of all resistance. For the
silent rising of naked, p~aint-daubed In
dams from out of the ground, the
quick closing in of the Gordon, similar
to the turn of lariat around a snubbing-
post when a pony weakens for a mo-
ment, is calculated to shake the nerves
tof the strongest of Indlan-fighters.
In the breathing space which h
Apaches had given them Jack, who
had resigned himself to die, took a
new grip on life. His dream of atone
ment had worked out better THAI he
had planned. Selling his life by brave
ly fighting In a good cause was far,
far better than ending 1t by his own
hand. 1t was a mans death. Fate
had befriended him in the end.
Reaching his hand out to Dick, he
touched his shoulder, rousing him from
a stupor into which ne was sinking.
"Quick, Dick, they're coming closer.
Co." he ordered. Don't be a fool. only
one of us can escape. One of us alone.
Let it be you. Dick, go back to her.
back to home and happiness"
Dick struggled to a sitting posture.
Offering a fair target for the Indian
lIubGn DSlliilQ ~ tb6O VII ShO
trail. The Apache took full advantage
and fired, but missed. Dick returned
the shot with his revolver before the
warrior could sink back behind no
rock. The Apache lurched forward In
his death-blindness, with the last con-
vulsive obedience of the muscles ere
the will fees. Then his legs crumpled
up beneath him and he toppled for
ward off the ledge. His breech-clout
caught In a rocky projection, causing
the body to hang headlong against the
side of the cliff. His rifle fell from MS
nerveless hands. Gathering and break
ing on the rocks below.
The sight served as a tonic to DICK.
His success braced his strength and
will. The old battle-spirlt surged over
him. Only with an effort did he sup
press the desire to laugh and shout.
He would have left Jack to fight il out
alone but a minute before. but the one
shot drove all such ideas from his mind.
mo, I'll be damned II I'll goi" he
shouted. "Tn stay and fight with you"
and, SELLING his rife, he Joined Jack IN
stopping a rush of the Apaches.
1--WE stopped them that time" Jack
cried, with satisfaction. In the hull he
again urged his comrade to escape to
the horse and return to Echo. Take