El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-12-10

be the first to meet you" she whis-
pered as he was leaving.
COIonists' Hearts Heavy.
The five chosen men mounted their
steeds and the whole colony watched
them ride away. There was no mer-
riment though some did smile through
their tears, as they waved their hand
! kerchiefs in a last farewell. The
preparations for the evening meal. the
crying of babies. and the constant
tread of the sentinels were almost the
only sounds to be heard, for heavy
hearts were there and anxious coun-
tenances watched for the return OF
the heroes. For once neither Jennie
Mead nor Mary Hardy was numbered
with the workers; they were too anx-
ious to work eat or sleep.
The sun set in a halo Of glory and
the moon which had already risen
shone forth in a splendor of light that
made one think of the time when
Joshua held up his hands that the sun
might be stayed in his path till his
people could conquer their enemies.
A half hours ride in a southwest
erly direction brought the boys to
deep gulch, and brother Bowen reign
ing his horse under large cedar tree
cried Halt
81 fancy" said he. that the indians
are over in Wonder hollow. If we
follow the trail we will be sighted by
them before We can locate their camp,
and we will be in imminent danger. II
we lease the trail DON'T know wheth-
er we will be able to cross the gulch or
not it is so INSTRUCTED with rocks.
fallen trees. shrubbery and holes.
will leave it to a vote which road we
will choose"
Let us avoid the beaten trail" said
Mead
Does any one know the country"
asked Bowen, could any one act as
guide?'
None had crossed the gulch. but all
thought 1t wisdom to try.
Keep a sharp lookout, everyone of
you. and carry your gun free from its
scabbard so you could use 1t immeGi-
ately. I will lead. follow in my trail.
one directly behind the other" So say
ing brother Bowen started down the
canyon leading his horse. but his COM
panions found it impossible to follow
either him or his instructions; after
few moments of struggling he added:
Each pick your road as best you can.
and make for yonder big cedar tree
OF those stumbling men and stumb
ling horses. James Smith was the first
TO regain the desired spot and lie
dropped so suddenly behind a large
rock that brother Bowen called to him
and asked: What is the matter.
James,
Enemy in Full View.
The enemy are in full view just
across the gufch," he said excitedly.
rubbing the hot Precipitation from his
face with his sleeve.
consultation was held. and to
avoid the greater of two evils. they
al, except Smith. voted to go tor
ward.
Look" said Bowen pointing in the
direction of the trail. as they stood
sheltered in a miniature grove, I've
will have to make a dash for our ives
over stretch of IS or 100 yards in
full view of the enemy and in easy
range of their guns
Smith said: Il think it would be
safer to return the way we came.
THAT would be impossible. quickly
responded impulsive Jesse Romney. IF
we were to get entangled amongst
those rocks as we did coming, they
cloud Overspread his countenance.
their leisure. much prefer the dash"
Brother Smith said no more, but d
cloud overspread his countenace.
Make ready said Bowen, follow
in marching order. do not allow the
grass TO grow under your horses hOofs.
keep the trail, and do not rein your
horses too tight. lest they should
fall. Above all do not put your trust
in the speed of your horses. D n your
own dexterity,'' and away he flew VITA
his followers in close pursuit.
The indians stood in readiaess, and
their bullets flew around the gauntlet
runners like hail upon the sands AS
soon as Orson reached place of safety
he dismounted and watched his gallant
companions making the home stretch
Look he shouted. James Smith
has fallen Up my bay. up. and run
for your life, He shu5jercd as he
saw the indians all direct their aim
at the fallen man and brute The man
Immediately behind James passed his
fallen companion in his mad race for
safety. AS quick as a flash. .Ja.<es
regained his footing. once more swing
ing himself in the saddle and giving
rein to his horse, the noble animal, as
if ashamed Of himself. seemed to re-
double his speed, and ne carried his
rider in triumph to the tree.
"Hurrah" cried the boys in unison.
they threw up their hats to welcome
their brother in arms to their midst.
Hugs and congratulations went round.
dS Iney secretly thanked the g1Ver or
all good gifts for their miraculous es-
cape.
Running Fight Follows.
Every man to his horse" cried
Bowen as he saw the indians max
ing preparations to follow them A
running fight followed but fortunately
none of the boys were killed and If any
of the indians were mOrtally wounded
they carried their companions with
them in their flight for there were no
traces left.
AS soon as the boys came in sight
of their guarded homes. they saw two
well known figures running to meet
them. OrSOn Brown and Benjamin
Mead were soon by the sides of the
two girls and with locked arms. they
walked to the meeting house and the
girls learned of all that had trans
pired.
Brother Smith, said the old patri-
arch Johnson, after listening to the
account. your life was spared because
of your obedience to orders. may it be
a lessen to you to be willing to take