Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-12-12
CHAPTER V.
rhs, Defense Of tho stage.

The Defense Of tho Stage.
There were times when Hamlin's
mental processes seemed slow, almost
sluggish. but this was never true In
moments Of emergency and peril.
Then he became swift, impetuous,
seemingly borne forward by some In
spring instinct. It was for such ex-
periences as this that he remained in
the service-his whole nature respond
Ing almost joyously to the bugle-call
OF action, of imminent danger, his
nerves steadying into rock. These
were the characteristics which had
won him his chevrons in the unre-
warded service of the frontier, and.
when scarcely more than a boy, had
put captains bars on the gray col
lar of his Confederate uniform.
Now, as he struggled to his knees,
gripping the iron foot-rail with one
hand, single glance gave him a dis
tlnct impression of their desperate sit
uatlon. With that knowledge, there
likewise flashed over his mind the
only possible means of defense. The
Indians, numbering at least thirty, had
ridden recklessly out from under the
protection of the river bank, spread
Ing to right and left, as their ponies
hoofs struck the turf, and were now
charging down upon the disabled
coach, yelling madly and brandishing
their guns. The very reckless aban-
don of their advance expressed the
conception they had of the situation
they had witnessed the flight of the
Two fugitives, the runaway of the
wheelers, and believed the remaining
passengers would be helpless victims.
They came on. savage and confident,
not anticipating fight, but massa.
cre-shrieking prisoners, and a glut OF
revenge.
With ono swing Of his body, Hamlin
was upon the ground, and had jerked
open the inside door of the coach,
forcing it back against the dirt of the
blum which lowered in protection
above. His eyes were quick to Der.
ceive the peculiar advantage of posi-.
ton; that their assailants would be
compelled to advance from only one
direction. The three within were bare.
ly struggling to their feet, dazed. be.
wildered. failing as yet.to comprehend
fully those distant yells,z when he
sprang into their midst, uttering his
swift orders, and unceremoniously
jerking the men into position for de.
tense.
Here. quick now! Don't waste
time! It's a matter Of seconds, tell
you! They're coming-a horde OF
them. Here, Moylan, take this rifle
barrel and knock hole through the
back there big enough to sight out of
Hit 1t hard. damn you, it's case OF
life or death! What have you got, Con
zales? A revolver? Into that win
dow there, and blaze away; you've got
the reputation Of a gun-man; now let's
see you prove it. Get back in the cor
ner, miss, so l can slip past-no, liz
down below the fire Incl,
"But-but will mott" and she faced
him, her face white, but her eyes shin
ing. Il can shoot! Sect and she
flashed pearl-handled revolver def
antly. The Sergeant thrust her un
tremendously aside and plunged
across to the opposite window, grip
ping his Henry rife.
| DO, as say" he growled. "Thi.
is our fight. Get down! Now, 70,
terriers. let them have It'll"
There was wild skurrying O
mounted figures almost at the coacl
wheels, hair streaming, feathers swav
Ing. lean, red srms thrown up, the ali
vocal with shrill outcries-then tn,
dull bark Of a Henry, the boom Of
Winchester, the sharp splitting of
Colt. The smoke rolled, out In
cloud, pungent, concealing, nervou,
fingers pressing the triggers agai1
and again. They could see reelin,
horses. men gripping their ponies
names to keep erect. staring, fright
ened eyes, animals flung back on .thei
naqnches, rearing madly in the ali
The fierce yell Of exultation change,
Into a savage scream. bullets crashe,
Into the thin sides of the coach. /
rocked with the contact, Of hal,
naked body fluns forward by a pluns
Ing horse; the Mexican swore Wild.
IN Spanish. and then-the smoke. bley
aside and they saw the field; the dea,
and dying ponies. three motionles
bodies huddled on the grass. a fey
dismounted stragglers racing on, foo
Tor the river bank. and squad Of rid
ers circling beyond the trail. Hamli,
sIeR1 the mingled .aReat and bloc,