The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1914-08-20

te' perceive the features-surely this
WIS not the man for whom had been
mistaken! He was big enough. but
| marked by dissipation, and wore
back mustache. AS l live there was
not resemblance. Who was he
tlen? | got to my feet and searched
OFT my rifle in the tangled brush.
Some noise reached me-the splash Of
water. the echo of far-off voice. They
we're coming, the Indians; they had
heard his last cry; they were already
crossing the ford. l hesitated an in
slant, staring down at him, listening
lntently that l might be sure. then
turned and ran swiftly toward the
clearing. 1t was already gray dawn,
and even in the dense woods | could
see to avoid the trees. Behind me
rang out wild whoop OF savagery;
they had discovered the body! /
glanced back across my shoulder. as
ran; burst forth into the clearing, and,
reckless of all else, raced for the
house. fell once, my foot slipping on
a nummock, but was up instantly.
plunged at the door, and leaped with
in. Brady caught me, thrust the wood
en- bars down into their sockets. and
half dragged me over to the bench.
What is it?" are they coming?" he
asked
1t was darker in there than outside.
and could barely perceive his face.
Yes painted. They are Just be-
hind me. II had to run for it. Get
get to the stations; Ill-IIl tell you
later what happened out there"
He left me, and my eyes, accustom-
ing themselves to the gloom, began to
discern objects in the room. l got to
my feet, still breathing heavily from
exhaustion, yet with brain active
Brady was close beside me, kneeline
on the floor, his eye at an opening be-
tween the logs.
See anything?"
There are figures moving at the
edge of the wood" he answered. with
out glancing around, but they don't
come out so l can tell what they look
IKE. The way your clothes are torn
you must have had fight?"
Il did-with the big fellow in a red
jacket. He's lying out there with
cracked skull. That is why those fell
lows don't know what to do-they're
short a leader"
got to my feet, and stared about,
seeking mademoiselle She was be-
yond the table, and our eyes met,
"You-you killed him, monsieur"
Il do not know; l threw him. his
head struck against a tree, and he Law
still. | had to run; only he was not
your man, mademoiselle; he looked
no more like me than you do"
"You-yOu are sure?"
yes; l saw his face. 1t was lighter
out there, and he lay fiat on his back.
He was big enough, if anything larger
even than am, and gave me a fight
for it until his foot slipped. He had
black hair and mustache, and his face
was full of purple veins. He looked
French to me-"
Yet wore a red coat?"
"Ay! and swore in English, the one
oath | heard. You know anyone like
that?"
There was shot without, and the
chug of a ball as it struck against the
logs; then another, and Brady's voice
tense with strain:
They're goin' to try it, an TIERS
sure some Injuns out Their; the Who'll
edge O. the woods is alive with 'em,
Get ready now! This amt goin' ter
be no SLOUGH O. a fight"
sprang across to the nearest open
ing, yet stopped to be sure OF the ar
rangement within. The gray light
stealing in through the small firing
holes failed to give distinct view
across the room.
where are you Schultz?"
Here NIT der 'front.'
"Oh, all right; what has become Of
your friend?"
HE vas to load; he do dot, but not
fight. Maybe dot help some, don't it,"
l saw the man then, his white face
showing dimly, and before him three
rifles lying across the table.
You found more guns?"
Brady glanced aside to answer
THE girl did; she knew where they
were-ah! now the rumpus has be-
gun!"
Reports, blending almost into vol
ley, sounded without, the thud of lead
striking the logs in dull echo One
stray ball found entrance, splintered
an edge of the bench, and f1attened
out against the stone chimney.
dropped to one knee, my eyes at the
opening.