The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-09-28

Out save Tor the natural hardships
of such a journey we encountered
no dangers until we were almost
at the very gates of the fort.
We had but a remaining ten
miles to cover and had halted for
our MONDAY meal, when horrible
yells and shrieks smote our ears.
Barbeau, long familiar with In
dian war, lost no time in investi-
eating. A nearby hill gave view
OF an Indian village with which
he was familiar, and he lost no
time In ascending this eminence
for news.
Barbeau was gone but a short
time. What he saw from his hill
top he never told, but from his
look 1t must have been horrible
We lost no time in departing from
the place, the old soldier in the
lead. for he was even more famil.
lar with the trails than De Ar
tigny.
| was greatly fatigued as we
neared the fort, We had had nc
food since morning and it was
now well after dark. But at last
we came within sight of the Rock
and began the ascent to the stock
ade itself.
The way grew sleeper and
sleeper, and more difficult to
traverse, although, as we rose
above the tree limit, the shadows
became less dense. strained my
eyes over Barbeau's shoulder, but
could gain no glimpse of De Ar.
tigny who was leading. Then we
rounded sharp edge of rock, and
met him blocking the narrow way
The red devils are there" he
said, his voice barely audible
Beyond the curve in the bank
And the fort?"
Short rifle shot away. Once
past this party, and the way is
easy. Here is my thought, Bar.
beau. There is no firing, and this
party of wolves are evidently hid.
den in ambush. They have found
the trail, and expect some party
from the fort to pass this way"
Or else," said the other
thoughtfully, they lie in wait fol-
an assault by daylight-that
would be Indian war"
True. such might be their pur.
pose, but in either case they an.
ticipate no attack from below. A
swift attack will drive them into
panic. IT'S grave risk, | know
but there is no other passage to
the fort"
The soldier stood silent, finger
ing his gun.
II know not the passage; is
there no way around?"
No; this trail alone leads to
the fort gate. The savages have
no guard in this direction, and we
can creep almost upon them be-
fore attempting a rush. The two
in advance should be safely past
before they recover sufficiently to
make any fight. 1t will all be
done in the dark, you know"
''If this be the best way posi-
ble," l said quietly, for both men
glanced questioningly at me,
then do not think of me as help
less, or burden. l will do all
can to aid YOU"
Never have / doubted that"
exclaimed De Artigny heartily.
"Barbeau, creep forward about
the bank. You next, Madame, and
keep close enough to touch your
leader. The instant I yell, and
Barbeau fires, the two of you
leap up. and rush forward Pay
no heed to me-"
You would have us desert you,
Monsieur"
1T will be every one for him.
SELF" he answered shortly. 81
take my chance, but shall not be
far behind"
We clasped hands, and then, as
Barbeau advanced TO the corner
| followed. | did not glance back
ward, yet was aware that De Ar
tigny was close behind.
We advanced by inches, paus-
ing now and then to listen breath
lessly to the low murmur of the
Indian voices. We were within q
very few yards of them, so close,
indeed, | could distinguish the in