The Snyder signal. (Snyder, Tex.) 1887-????, 1913-04-11


the main camp on the Canadian, closely followed
by the Rangers While dashing across the
stream he revealed to his pursuers safe ford
to the mry and almost impossible river lie
rushed into the village beyond, sounded the note
of alarm and soon the Comanchc warriors pre-
sented a bold front OF battle between their
squaws and papooscs and the rangers. After
few minutes forming line of battle, both sidS~
were arraved i'm full force The friendly TonN
Qwas were placed on the right, and a little Tor
ward. Colonel Ford's object was to deceive the
Comanches as to the character OF the attacking
force and as to the quality OF the arms possessed.
Pohebits Quasho arrayed in all of his gaudN
trappngs, coat OF mail, shield, bow and arrow
and lance completed by a headdress with war
paint. gayly cantered about on his war horse,
midway between the opposing lines, delivering
taunts and challenges As the old chief dashed
to and fro a number Of rifles were discharged li
him al point blank range without any effects
whatever. which seeming immunity from death
encouraged his warriors greatly and induced some
of the best shots among the rangers TO inquire
within themselves II it were possible that old
Iron Jacket really bore a charmed life Fol
lowed bv few Of his braves. he now bore down
upon the rangers. described a circle, gave a few
necromantic puffs with his breath and let fly
several arrows at Colonel Ford Chief Placdo
receiving his fire without harm. But as he APP
preached the line Of Tonkawas, rifle ball d..
rcctcd by the steady aim of Jim Pockmark.
Tonkawa brave, brought the big medicine man to
the ground The shot was a mortal one, The
fallen chief was instantly surrounded by his
braves.
These incident, had occupied but % short time
when the order to charge was gwen, and then
cnsucd one OF the grandcst assaults ever made
against the Comanches The enthusiastic 'hou'>
of the rangers and the triumphant wells of the
r hs I'D
wa, responded 90 by the defiant war whoop oI
the Comauchcs The battle was now ON.
The shout of onragcd comhatants, the wall OBJ
-orayy, the piteous cries of the terrified par
pooscs the bowling oi frightened dogs. the rush
to and fro of riderlcss ponies. the deadly reports
of rifle and revolver constituted d~cord M
formal and understandable. The conflict was short
and sharp a charge. a momen'ary G>'n"uL.,,
20 -;flc and arrow shots the hcartrending wall
~ discontinue and defeat and the Oomanchc~
abandoned their lodge and camp 90 the Nctor~.
falling into a diSordcrv retreat But SulueieO'
method was observed 90 take advantage oi ca'N
,,rovc of timber each Hill and ravinc Co. make @
Stand against their pursuerS. and mus ena'''
The women and children Co make their escape.
The tumut of battle now diNergcd from com
,,,,, center I'm every direction and continued Dor
.cycra hours. gradually growing fainter. as the
nursred disappeared IN the distance.
A,otber band of Comauchc braves. number
ING 900. under command Of the noted chief. tci"
Vocona distant ten miles from the scene of the
first engagement. heard the report of ilrin- an'
zero soon on the way to the rcliet of their come
raGss.
Ab,ut o'clock in the afternoon as the last
IT the rangers returned from the pursuit OF the
hand Of Pohebit QuashoS. they found force un.
Ter Colonel Ford arraycd IN line of battle ana
80, inouiry as To the cause. Colonel Ford. point
inc 10 the hills. replied:
Took there and YOU viii sec.
4 Glance in that direction disclosed a force o'
-, C,r,ancbes. drawn mp in battle array Colo.
81 Ford. with 22r men had fought 900 Conan
he and now he was confronted by stronee'
80 fresh from their village higher mp the
,CI.e5;., They had come 90 drive the pale
80 and their hated allies. the Tonkawas. IRON
,bc cantured camp. TO rescue prisoners. AMI re-
II. over 400 horses and large amount of booty
az AL not fancy the defiant note of prepare
49,, sv-aitine them in the valley. and were watch
- A. wall themselves of some incautious move
meut on the part Of the rangers. But the ranges