Farmers' champion. (Elgin, Okla.) 1912-1922, 1913-05-08
CHAPTER v.
The Defense Of the etaOe.

Tne Oovenoo OF tno 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
periences AZ 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 tho frontier. and.
when scarcely more than a boy. had
put a captains bars on the gray col
lar Of his Confederate uniform.
Now. AZ no struggled to his knees.
gripping the iron footrail 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 brandishins
their guns. The very reckless aban-
don of their advance expressed the
conception they had Of tho 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-shrieking prisoners. and glut Of
revenge.
With one swing OF his body, Hamlin
was upon the ground. and had jerked
opsn the inside door Of the coach.
forcing II back against the dirt OF the
blum 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 were bare
ly struggling to their feet. dazed, be-
wildered. falling 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-
fense.
Here. quick now! Don't waste
time! It's matter OF seconds. l tell
you! They're coming-a horde Of
them. Here. Moylan. take this rife
barrel and knock hole through the
back there big enough to sight out Of.
Hit It hard. damn you. It's u case Of
life or death! What have you got. Con
Iales? 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, 80 can slip past-no. lie
down below the fire line!"
"But-but will not!" and she faced
him. her face white. but her eyes shin.
ing. Il can shoot! See!" and she
flashed a pearl. handled revolver def.
antly. The Sergeant thrust her un.
ceremoniousiy aside and plunged
across to tho opposite window. grip.
ping his Henry rife.
DO as ! say" he growled. This
IL our fight. Get downl Now. you
terriers. let them have III"
There WAS wild skurrying oi
mounted figures almost at the coach
wheels. hair streaming. feathers wav
ing. lean. red arms thrown up. the ali
vocal with shrill outcries-then the
dull bark of Henry. the boom Of q
Winchester. the sharp splitting Of q
Colt. The smoke rolled out In q
cloud. pungent. concealing. nervous
dngerS pressing the triggers again
and again. They could see reelins
horses. men gripping their ponies
names TO keep erect. staring. fright
ened eyes. animals nung back on theiI
haunches. reerins madly In the air
The fierce yell OF exuitation changed
Into Q savage scream. bullets crashed
0ntA the thin alAan eha 4.