Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1913-05-22
CHAPTER v.
rhe pefense Of che STAGE.

There were times when Hamlin'S
mental processes seemed slow, almost
sluggish, but this was never true IL
moments of emergency and peril
Then he became swift, impetuous
seemingly borne forward by some in
spring instinct. II was for such ex
periences as this that he remained ir
the service-his whole nature respond
Ing almost joyously to the bugle-cal
of action, of imminent danger, his
nerves steadying into rock. These
were the characteristics which hat
won him his chevrons In the unre
warded service OF the frontier, and
when scarcely more than 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. a single glance gave him dis
tinct impression Of their desperate sit
uation. 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 brandishine
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 a fight. but massa-
cre--shriekiug prisoners. and a glut Of
revenge.
With one swing of his body, Hamlin
was upon the ground, and had jerked
open the inside door 81 the coach,
: forcineg4e back against Ing dirt OF the
bluff which lowered in protection
above. His eyes were quick to per-
ceive the peculiar advantage OF posi-
ton; that their assailants would be
compelled to advance from only one
direction. The three within we're bare
ly struggling to their feet. dazed, be-
wildered, failing as yet to comprehend
fully those distant yells. 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 matter OF seconds, / tell
you! They're coming-a horde OF
them. Here. Moylan, take this rife
barrel and knock a hole through the
back there big enough to sight out Of
Hit It hard, damn you. it's case of
life or DEATH What have you got, Con
zales? A revolverf Into that win
dow there, and blaze away; you've got
the reputation Of gun-man; now let's
see you prove 1t. Get back In the cor
ner. miss. SO ! can slip past--no. lie
down below the fire Incl"
"But-but will not!" and she faced
him, her face white, but her eyes shin
ing. Il can shoot! See!" and she
flashed pearl-handled revolver def
antly. The Sergeant thrust her I'M
ceremoniousiy aside and plunged
across to the opposite window, grip
ping his Henry rife.
DO as say" he growled. This
il our fight. Get down! Now, you
terriers. let them have I'll"
There was a wild skurrying Of
mounted figures almost at the coach
wheels, hair streaming. feathers wav.
ing. lean. red arms thrown up, the air
vocal with shrill outcries-then the